People come from all over the world to experience Los Angeles and all the famous sites therein. After all, it’s a sprawling metropolis that is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also offers much natural splendor in the form of beautiful beaches and rustic canyons. And while Hollywood is certainly the prime destination for many tourists making their way to California’s Southland, one Los Angeles enclave is home to its own famous sites: West Hollywood.
West Hollywood is an area proud to have formed its own identity. In fact, it could even be considered Hollywood’s upscale and more polished brother. Those who want to find some of the things Los Angeles is most famous for can do so right in West Hollywood.
Chateau Marmont – 8221 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood celebrities have been calling this world-famous boutique hotel their home away from home since the 1950s. The lush grounds contain quaint bungalows as well as a pool area nearly as famous as the hotel itself. It won’t take long after check-in for visitors to begin to understand why the Chateau has appealed to everyone from Lindsey Lohan all the way back to Marilyn Monroe.
The Whiskey A Go-Go – 8901 Sunset Blvd.
Stroll a little ways up Sunset from the Chateau Marmont and visitors will inevitably run into Los Angeles’ most famous rock club. Those with even a passing interest in rock history would do well to stroll through this landmark’s doors, which have been open since 1964. In that span of time, the Whiskey has hosted some of music’s biggest bands, from The Doors to Led Zeppelin to Guns N’ Roses. The venue itself is even enshrined in the Rock N’ Roll hall of fame.
Pacific Design Center – 8687 Melrose Ave.
This is one of the true architectural gems of the city of Los Angeles. The building itself was designed by famous architect Cesar Pelli and it is ground zero for the city’s design trade. This is evidenced by the 130 showrooms 2,200 product lines.
Coast Playhouse – 8325 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood is known for movies, but there is a thriving theater scene there as well. The Coast Theater is one of West Hollywood’s best and most cozy (the Coast only has 99 seats) theater venues. It’s true that many of the productions cater to the LGBT community, but there are a number of performances every calendar year that are geared towards wider audiences.
The Troubador – 9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
The Troubador may be a lesser-known venue than the Whiskey, but in many ways it is just as important to the rock scene in Los Angeles. Opened in 1957, artists such as Tom Waits and Elton John played at the Troubador early in their careers, and it is still a popular stop for touring acts passing through the city. An intimate space, the Troubador puts the audience right in front of their favorite groups.
These are just a few of the many sites – both famous and relatively undiscovered – that are on offer in “WeHo.” And whether walking or driving, tourists should spend at least a day getting to know the area.
Ivy Harriss writes for Visit West Hollywood, the official guide to West Hollywood travel, news, events and visitor tips.
