10 Top Things to Do in West Hollywood

Rock and Roll All Night

Whether you’re into classic rock or alternative, there’s something for everyone in West Hollywood when it comes to its legendary music scene. On Sunset Boulevard, pay tribute to past performers like The Doors or catch a classic-rock tribute band at Whisky A Go-Go—similar shows can also be seen at The Viper Room—and check out The Roxy Theatre, a standard go-to on The Sunset Strip since 1973. On Santa Monica Boulevard, stop by Troubadour, the rock club where legendary performers like Elton John, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Randy Newman debuted in the 1960s and 70s.

Go to a World-Famous Comedy Club

Located on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood, The Comedy Store—which helped launch the careers of Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor, Arsenio Hall, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey, among other long-time stand-up comics and late-night TV show hosts—regularly hosts performances by popular comedians like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Harland Williams.

Just outside the official boundaries of West Hollywood, you’ll find the legendary Laugh Factory (where stars like Tim Allen, Kevin Nealon, and Alonzo Bodden have been known to perform) and the Hollywood Improv (where comic Nick Swardson is a regular). All are great places to visit if you’re in need of a good belly laugh.

Visit the Pacific Design Center

The massive blue, green, and red structures at the corner of Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard house the Pacific Design Center. In addition to the more than 130 showrooms that are available to the interior design trade community, there are a number of public galleries you can visit at this iconic West Hollywood landmark. Even if you're not a designer yourself, you can shop with the assistance of one of the facility’s on-site designer.

Listen to Music Along the Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is a rock n' roll Mecca where pilgrims still come from all over the country and the world to pay homage to the famous names who got their start at one of the area’s live music clubs many years ago. Even today, the not-quite-famous are still breaking out along this famous stretch of Sunset Blvd. While you’re in town, take in live musical performances, have a drink or two, and enjoy a meal at any of a number of this neighborhood’s landmark establishments.

Shop at the West Hollywood Design District

The West Hollywood Design District is home to some of the most prestigious interior design shops in the world as well as big-name and local fashion designers and a number of fine and contemporary art galleries. It's a great place to shop for unique accent pieces or to outfit your summer palace. 

The boundaries of the WeHo Design District stretch along Melrose Avenue from La Cienega Boulevard to Doheny Drive and the parallel Beverly Boulevard from San Vicente Boulevard to Doheny Drive, as well as the north-south connector, Robertson Boulevard between Melrose Avenue and Beverly Boulevard, continuing south into Beverly Hills.

Party on Santa Monica Boulevard

The stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard through West Hollywood has the second-greatest density of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and shops on the West Coast after San Francisco's Castro District. Any night of the week is party night on Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Doheny Drive, with the greatest concentration between La Cienega and Robertson Boulevards.

Visit the MAK Center for Art and Architecture

Behind a wall of hedges and trees, the Schindler House, created by famed Vienna-born modern architect Rudolph M. Schindler, sits between two apartment buildings on residential North King Road. The architect's 1922 home and studio now houses the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, a progressive center for art and thought which hosts exhibits, lectures, concerts, and other events that challenge conceptions of architectural use.

Relax at the West Hollywood Library

You don't necessarily think of a library as a tourist attraction, but the LEED-certified West Hollywood Library, which opened in 2011, is as much an inspiring art space as a book repository. From the murals by famous artists that adorn the sides of the parking structure and entrance to the formed wood ceiling that adorns the entire second floor, there is eye candy wherever you look. It's also a great place to chill and take advantage of the free WiFi, all while taking in an excellent second-floor view of the Pacific Design Center.

Spot Celebrities at Sunset Plaza

Sunset Plaza is an exclusive shopping complex along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood with a knack for drawing an A-list clientele to its designer boutiques and chic sidewalk cafes and restaurants. You’ll find it on both sides of Sunset Boulevard between La Cienega and San Vicente Boulevards at Sunset Plaza Drive. The numerous sidewalk restaurants, including Cravings, Le Petit Four, Sushiya, Chin Chin, and Le Clafoutis, are great for people-watching in general, while your chances for celeb-spotting are greatly increased in this part of town.

Nearby, Book Soup, located about five minutes away on Sunset Boulevard, is one of the most popular independent bookshops in Los Angeles, and one that's likely to be hosting the latest celebrity author book signings. The store, which is more than 30 years old, stocks nearly 60,000 different titles.

See a Play in West Hollywood

West Hollywood is home to plenty of unique theatres and playhouses showcasing contemporary and original works. Whether you're interested in LGBTQ+ productions, multi-cultural performances, or watching as actors hone their skills and learn their craft, you'll be delighted by the sheer number of options in West Hollywood. Favorite neighborhood spots include The Actors Studio and the intimate Coast Playhouse.