California is one of Americaâs most popular tourist destinations. Travelers come from all across the world for the beaches, the weather, the culture, and Hollywood. However, many tourists donât know that Hollywood is actually split into several sections.
West Hollywood is quite different from North or even East Hollywood. Today, weâll show you how to make the most of a weekend trip to West Hollywood. California is very big, but tons of people live here. Lugging heavy bags and backpacks? Use a luggage storage service to stow your gear while you look around.
Ooh and Aah AT AMC Sunset 5
Many consider Hollywood as the beating heart of the American film industry. Thousands of films have been shot on location in Hollywood over the years and thousands of films were screened at the Sundance Cinema. The theatre has a new name these days; AMC Sunset 5.
AMC Sunset 5 has been a go-to location for film lovers since 1992. Reclining seats, IMAX auditoriums, and a connection to Robert Redford are all big draws. However, AMC 5âs perfect location – located in the north of West Hollywood – is one of the biggest reasons why itâs so popular.
Buy Something Nice At The Beverly Center
There are malls and then thereâs the Beverly Center. This supersized shopping center is one of LA Countyâs largest and most prestigious malls. Itâs not uncommon to find celebrities shopping here, surrounded by their entourage and bodyguards. Par for the course in LA.
Over 100 stores are located at the Beverly Center; youâll find everything from big names like Macyâs and Bloomingdales to local boutiques that canât be found anywhere.
The Beverly Center also features an amazing food court and is constantly being renovated.
Stay At ChĂąteau Marmont
France has subtly influenced Californiaâs culture in a myriad of ways. Countless streets are named after French figures and crepes are immensely popular Brunch dishes. ChĂąteau Marmont is yet another pleasant reminder of France and Californiaâs unique bond.
This hotel is retro to the nth degree; it was built in 1929 by Arnold A. Weitzman and William Douglas Lee. Weitzman and Lee deliberately styled Chateau Marmont after ChĂąteau dâAmboise. Over the years, countless celebrities have stayed and dined here.
Crack Yourself Up At The Comedy Store
They say laughter is the best medicine. If thatâs true, the Comedy Store has the remedy for all your troubles. The Comedy Store is a well-known name in West Hollywood; countless comedians have cut their teeth performing stand-up routines over the years.
The Comedy Store hosts a myriad of events almost every night. These events unfold in one of three rooms; the Main Room, the Original Room, and the Belly Room. Even though this venue opened in 1972, the Comedy Store has never gone out of style.
Make Some Great Memories At Melrose Avenue
A weekend trip to West Hollywood isn’t complete without a trip to Melrose Avenue. This famous street encapsulates West Hollywood very well. Itâs full of shopping stores, restaurants, and exotic clubs. And donât get us started on Melrose Avenueâs street art.
This area has appeared in everything from feature-length films to music videos. Independent filmmakers and local photographers flock to Melrose Ave for its scenic views.
Moreover, this street lies on the border between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Patronize The Arts At The Pacific Design Center
LA Countyâs skyline is the stuff of legend. Itâs one thing to see it online, but admiring the skyline in person is an experience thatâs almost beyond words. That skyline isn’t an accident, it was designed to be amazing. Hence, the Pacific Design Center.
The Pacific Design Center is frequented by many of LAâs most brilliant designers. Architects, artists, 3D modelers, and everyone in between adore this facility. You can visit one of the Pacific Design Centerâs showrooms to see tons of breathtaking work.
Rock Out At Roxy Theatre
Every building in West Hollywood has a fascinating story. The Roxy Theatre, for instance, used to be a strip club before Lou Adler and Elmer Valentine reinvented it. The Roxy Theatre reopened in 1973 and quickly became one of LA countyâs most popular clubs.
If Roxy Theatre makes you think of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, thatâs no coincidence. Lou Adler is credited as the man who brought the RHPS to the United States. Thanks to Mr. Adler, as well as legendary musicians like Neil Young, Roxy Theatre flourished.
Go For A Run At Runyon Canyon
California is often characterized as a state thatâs obsessed with health and fitness. Honestly, thatâs a fairly accurate description; between Muscle Beach, Runyon Canyon, and the myriad of organic restaurants in Cali, itâs hard to shake that label.
So we say embrace it! Runyon Canyon is a fantastic place to go for walks, runs, and hikes.
Tons of celebrities frequent this area; itâs not uncommon to cross paths with actors and musicians while youâre going for a stroll. The view at Runyon Canyon is worth the trip.
Score Some Souvenirs At Screenbid
Hollywood props arenât exactly easy to come by. No doubt, youâve heard stories of glasses or shoes from famous movies being sold for millions of dollars. Many of these items either end up in private collections or museums. Screenbid gives you a chance to score some loot.
This one-of-a-kind museum has a healthy collection of Hollywood props. These items arenât just on display, however. Screenbid lets guests purchase certain items via auctions. Props from projects like Sons of Anarchy to Dr. Ken are available.
Go Sightseeing At Sunset Boulevard
When we talked about AMC 5, we briefly described its âperfect locationâ. That was a reference to Sunset Boulevard, one of the most illustrious highways in California. Sunset Boulevard actually stretches on for many, many miles.
The West Hollywood portion of Sunset Boulevard is known around the globe. After all,
Billy Wilderâs legendary film Sunset Boulevard (1950) pokes fun at and pays tribute to this area. When you visit Sunset Boulevard, be ready for your close up.