The Top Things To Do In West Hollywood

From famed rock’n’roll bars to architectural exhibitions and Pop Art galleries, West Hollywood is full of things to do. LA’s Westside is a hub for design, fashion and LGBTQ celebrations – and there’s always something new to discover. These are the best things to do to make the most of your WeHo experience.

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Revel in celebrity history at Chateau Marmont

This discreet West Hollywood hotel and bar has been a hangout for celebrities and their admirers since it opened in 1929. Steeped in rock history, it’s amassed a long list of stories: Led Zeppelin drove motorcycles in the hallways and Jim Morrison jumped from a third-story balcony and lived to tell the tale. Visit the hotel’s cocktail bar for a Marmont Mule (ginger-infused vodka, soda and lime), and be sure to keep a lookout – the dark, moody room is still a hotspot for celebrities.

Not only is this one of the best burger joints around, it’s also a throwback to retro diners with a twist – every dinner comes with a show performed entirely by waiters in drag. The drag brunch takes place every weekend from noon to 2pm, with quirky entertainment and singing by ‘The Brunchettes.’

Drink and dance to live music at Whisky A Go Go

Whisky A Go Go opened in 1964 and has since hosted some of rock’n’roll’s most influential names, including Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Janis Joplin. This storied venue still showcases up-and-coming local bands alongside bigger names and touring groups.

Curl up with a book at Book Soup

A cultural and literary fixture on the Sunset Strip, this independently owned bookstore was founded in 1975. Book Soup has built a reputation for its collection of over 60,000 titles focused on art, film, photography and music. A deep commitment to free press and love for autographed books keeps this store’s catalog dynamic. You can even pick up star maps and collectibles. With a calendar of high-profile events, the bookstore hosts author readings and celebrity meet-and-greets, which in the past have included screenwriter Josh Singer (The First Man) and Rush frontman Geddy Lee.

Appreciate art and lectures at the Pacific Design Center

This massive complex in West Hollywood’s design district was created from a former rail yard. Designed by architect Cesar Pelli, the buildings are made of three angular red, green and blue glass blocks. Inside, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a variety of programming, from talks and workshops to screenings and exhibitions. It features an installation by New York artist Jeremy Holmes (through June 2019) and showrooms by brands Armani/Casa and Coraggio. Admission is free, allowing guests to explore the architecture and design exhibitions, including a permanent collection, at their leisure.

Take in a view of LA from the top of Runyon Canyon

The most popular hiking trail in the city, Runyon Canyon has four hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Curving through the Hollywood Hills, the trails provide an escape from city life, some bracing exercise and views of the sprawling city. Most of the trails are wide and made of dirt or paved fire roads, but there are also single-track trails, for steeper and more challenging hikes. Make sure to bring water and a few snacks.

Hop in a time machine to the ‘20s at the MAK Center For Art and Architecture

Originally a cooperative live-work space, this residential house was built in WeHo by Vienna-born architect Rudolph Schindler in 1922. Schindler was ahead of his time, and his designs for the house were extremely unconventional: the building was inspired by trips to Yosemite and feels like a post-modern campsite. Having housed the Schindler family along with a handful of other creatives, it is now on the U.S. National Register as a historic building. The building continues to celebrate its creative legacy, hosting innovative performance art, experimental fashion shows and concerts of new musical compositions. Pro tip: Wednesdays through Sundays is free entry.

Check out books and art at the West Hollywood Library

It may not seem like a traditional tourist attraction, but this marvel is as much an art space as it is a book depository. The Mid-Century Revivalist design of this three-story masterpiece is adorned with murals by street artists Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf. Indoors, splashes of color enliven the interior and ornately carved wood covers the ceilings of the entire second floor. The library is a relaxed place to read, feel inspired or simply take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. The public spaces host art exhibitions that have included work by rock photographer Henry Diltz and street artist Mr. Brainwash.

Behold new and old art at Hamilton Selway Fine Art

The Hamilton Selway Fine Art gallery is one of the largest dealers of Pop and contemporary art on the West Coast, specializing in prodigious artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Longo. See legendary works including Warhol’s tomato soup cans and Keith Haring’s Best Buddies. Along with such iconic names, the gallery also showcases new talent, including LA-born Louis Carreon and New York-based Kehinde Wiley.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.