California

West Hollywood

West Hollywood (a.k.a. WeHo) is a hip, premium destination in Los Angeles, and right in the middle of everything you could want to do on your trip to Los Angeles. Home to the Sunset Strip, this is where you’ll find pioneers of the motion picture industry and major activists of LGBTQ+ rights. With a unique and welcoming atmosphere, it’s all about trailblazing fashion, design, and dining here. Check out all of my tips in the ultimate West Hollywood travel guide before planning your next trip to LA!

What to Expect in West Hollywood

West Hollywood invites style, creativity, expression, and 24/7 entertainment. Besides the bold identity that WeHo has made for itself, it is warm and welcoming!

You’ll find local businesses blended with world-class urban architecture, and of course, top-of-the-line shopping and restaurants. From WeHo, you can access any part of Los Angeles—walk the Sunset Strip, wander Melrose District, or explore the arts at LACMA!

Cards + Cash: Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Climate: Temperatures in West Hollywood are generally mild year-round. Spring, summer, and fall are warm, dry, clear and bright, with the exception of some “May Gray” and “June Gloom” overcast days. Read more about The Best Time to Travel to Southern California here!

And if you’re looking to explore the area for a few days, don’t miss my Ultimate 4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary!

Getting Around in West Hollywood

Located in Los Angeles, West Hollywood has TRAFFIC! The city traffic tends to be congested so it’s best to stay off wheels but if necessary, get dropped off so you don’t have to find parking.

WeHo is named the “Most Walkable City in California,” and its surrounding infrastructure makes it easy to get around (though I can’t say the same about the rest of LA)! Made up of only 1.9 square miles, you’ll find endless energy, style and fun around every corner in WeHo.

Car: With most places in California, the public transportation isn’t great, so if you’re spending a bit of time in L.A. I would recommend renting a car. If you’re staying central, and are only in town for a few days, don’t waste the time and money trying to park in the city!

Uber + Lyft: If you plan to stay in WeHo, you don’t need to rent a car, but be sure to download the Uber App as you’ll need to use a cab. Bus service exists, but Uber is more efficient.

Metro: You can ride the Metro from WeHo to downtown, but avoid late-night rides.

The Andaz West Hollywood is a very stylish hotel, and the rooms are modern, with a fantastic view to top. They offer complimentary drinks, snacks and coffee in the room, and did I mention the beds?!

Check Prices

WeHo

4-Star

$$-$$$

Where to Eat in West Hollywood

Los Angeles has every kind of cuisine you could imagine! Depending on what you’re looking for, you might want to make dinner reservations ahead of time if the spot is popular and typically busy.

I’ve rounded up my favorite cafes, restaurants, and markets below—here are the best places to eat around West Hollywood!

Farm Cup Coffee

Coffee

With three spots in Los Angeles, this is a great spot for your morning brew—just look for their adorable yellow coffee truck! Great coffee, tea, and breakfast options.

Gracias Madre

Mexican, Vegan

Gracias Madre is a local favorite—a stylish Mexican hot spot that serves 100% vegan cuisine.

Café Gratitude

Healthy, Vegan

With a spot in Hancock Park, Café Gratitude serves up delicious and healthy sandwiches, wraps, and more. It is perfect for lunch!

Laurel Hardware

New American

Sitting right on Santa Monica Blvd, this farm-to-table restaurant is located in a former hardware store serving hip New American dishes and over-the-top cocktails.

In-N-Out Burger

Fast Food

If you know me, you’re obsessed. Nothing is so quintessentially Californian as the fast-food joint In-N-Out Burger. Grab a burger, hand-cut fries, and a thick shake. My Order: A grilled cheese animal style with chopped chilies, yum!

Joan’s on Third

Cafe, Market

This gourmet marketplace will have your mouth watering with items like apricot-glazed ham, fried chicken with jalapeño, coleslaw, and chicken milanese.

Cecconi’s

Italian

This modern restaurant serves classic handmade Italian fare like orecchiette with clams, calamari fritti, and chicken paillard.

The Griddle Cafe

Cafe, Breakfast

Huge portions, delicious food and fluffy pancakes! This is the perfect breakfast spot in West Hollywood—just be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait for a table!

The Tower Bar

Hollywood, Fine Dining

Located inside the Sunset Tower Hotel, this bar will give you all the feels of Old Hollywood! Enjoy the view of Hollywood and downtown L.A. all while sipping on some tasty drinks.

Urth Caffé

Cafe

Stop at Urth Caffé for your organic blends. There’s one on Melrose Avenue with a cozy outdoor patio. You’ll find a great selection of teas including matcha and tisane.

What to Do in West Hollywood

West Hollywood is full of life and there are always so many things going on! Be sure to check for festivals, concerts, and shows during your trip. I’ve listed out the top things to do around West Hollywood below, and for more hidden gems check out 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles (That Aren’t the Hollywood Sign) and my The Ultimate 4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary.

Here are the top activities to do around West Hollywood!

The Griffith Observatory

The observatory is a cool place to check out the cosmos, see space-related displays, and get a stellar view of the Hollywood sign. You can look through telescopes and enjoy live shows in the planetarium.

Pool Parties

During summer months, you’re on the lookout for an amazing party with vivacious energy and nighttime music, check out West Hollywood’s WET pool deck at the W Hotel. Enjoy its crazy vibe and dive into wild and wet parties Friday through Sunday.

Hike Behind the Hollywood Sign

Just a light hike will take you up and behind the Hollywood sign for some fantastic panoramic views. Choose from three routes: Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Canyon Boulevard Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail.

Runyon Canyon Park

Outdoor enthusiasts should stretch their legs at the 160 acres of Runyon Canyon Park. The park is located below the Santa Monica Mountains and has routes for varying degrees of difficulty. It is particularly popular with dog walkers as off-leash walking is permitted.

The Grove at Farmers Market

Foodies should try the Farmers Market on the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. Featuring more than 100 restaurants, food trucks, produce stalls, and souvenir shops, it’s the place to go for delicious bites!

Concert at Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is a 1920s amphitheater, which holds a variety of concerts; be sure to buy tickets as soon as you can shows sell out quickly!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Movie Night

Cinespia plays host to outdoor movie nights and is complete with pre-show DJs and themed photo booths. Bring your blankets, picnic basket, and drinks for the full experience.

Urban Lights at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a perfect place to stroke your inner artisan. The beautiful Urban Light is a large sculpture at the entrance and is an installation of 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s.

Know Before You Go

Getting There

When coming to Los Angeles, most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 12 miles from West Hollywood, but some smaller flights could fly into Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), which is also about 11 miles from West Hollywood. LAX is a bit of a circus with their current renovations, so if you can avoid it, I'd recommend flying into Burbank.