21 Best Things to do in West Hollywood

I ❤️ WeHo! This creative city is one of the top Los Angeles hot spots for nightlife and live entertainment — there are so many fun things to do in West Hollywood. 

As a Los Angeles local, I’ve enjoyed many nights out in clubs between the rainbow crosswalks of Santa Monica Boulevard and up on the Sunset Strip. We’ll check out all those spots in this article, as well as the best daytime offerings in the city.

WeHo encompasses some of the top things to do in LA, so get ready to add some great ideas to your LA itinerary. Many of these spots are 21+ though, so keep that in mind as you read on. 

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21 Best Things to Do in West Hollywood

The Comedy Store

Lift your spirits with laughter at a legendary Sunset Blvd comedy club.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 656-6225 | Website | Hours: 6:30 pm – 2 am daily* | Tickets (general admission): $5 – $30 

The Comedy Store, affectionately known as ‘The Store,’ is a Sunset Strip staple beloved by comics and audiences alike.

Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, and Jim Carrey are just a few of the famous names scrawled on the walls, proclaiming status as ‘paid regulars’ handpicked by comedy matriarch Mitzi Shore.  

Some of the biggest names in comedy perform here regularly, refining material for tours and specials. You can pick up tickets to upcoming events on the club’s website. Hang at the outdoor bar after the show for some of the most fun late-night people-watching in Los Angeles.

The Comedy Store is usually closed one night each week, most often Monday or Tuesday. Try the Original Room if Main Room tickets are sold out. Marquee headliners often pop in there for a warm-up set. 

👉 Read Next: After you’re done exploring all these picks for what to do in West Hollywood, check out my guide to things to do in Hollywood.

Pacific Design Center

Browse showrooms in a 1.6 million-square-foot mecca of interior design.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 657-0800 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday, Closed Saturday & Sunday 

The Pacific Design Center anchors the West Hollywood Design District. Its showrooms and art galleries display the wares of the interior design industry’s leading manufacturers.

You’ll find all sorts of things for any room you’re trying to furnish here. Even if you’re not in the market, Pacific Design Center provides ample food for thought on how to make the most of your living space.

As for getting there, Pacific Design Center is hard to miss! The brightly colored glass buildings are just south of Santa Monica Boulevard, at the intersection of San Vicente Blvd and Melrose Ave. 

RH West Hollywood 

Peruse the offerings of one the best-known names in luxury furnishings.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 652-0323 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Monday- Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm Sundays 

Recently rebranded as RH, Restoration Hardware has long been a go-to for upscale home decor.

Its West Hollywood gallery features exquisite full-room installations. An interactive design atelier helps you envision pieces in your own space, from fixtures to furniture. 

Don’t miss the rooftop! The garden and conservatory are lovely and peaceful, with great views of the Hollywood Hills and Pacific Design Center. 

Whisky a Go Go

Rock out at an iconic music venue on the Sunset Strip.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 652-4202 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 2 am/Varies by event | Tickets: $20 & up 

Looking to turn the party up to 11? Whiskey a Go Go is a Sunset Boulevard club that’s ready and able to provide the perfect soundtrack. 

It was the first live music venue ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so Whisky a Go Go holds more than one place in music history. It’s also the birthplace of the ‘go-go’ dancer.

During the summer of 1966, The Doors was the house band. Here, Jim Morrison performed some of his most experimental material, two shows per night. 

The Whisky is easy to find, but difficult to park at. Save yourself the hassle by grabbing a rideshare. It’s a lot easier and usually less expensive. 

Rainbow Bar & Grill

Eat, drink, and mingle with musicians at this low-key legend. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 278-4232 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2 am Monday-Friday, 3 pm – 2 am Saturday & Sunday 

I love a good dive bar, and the Rainbow Bar & Grill is one of my favorites. The food is good, the drinks are strong, and the crowd is rowdy. 

LA restaurants tend to come and go, but this Sunset Strip mainstay has been holding steady for 40 years. Once upon a time, regulars included John Lennon and Ringo Starr. Living legends still pop in pretty frequently, including Ozzy Osburne and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

The Rainbow is a great place to start a wild night out, but it’s an even better place to finish one. It serves dinner until 2 am, seven nights a week.

The Abbey

Drink, dine, and dance at one of the most popular gay bars on the West Coast. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 289-8410 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2 am Monday-Friday, 10 am – 2 am  Saturday & Sunday

Good times and gorgeous go-go dancers are hallmarks of this West Hollywood staple. The Abbey is just one block west of the city’s famous rainbow crosswalks, and its four bars and three dance floors are a perfect place to party. 

An outdoor patio crisscrossed by string lights offers a more mellow atmosphere when you’re not looking to get turned up. Well, on weeknights. This is one of the most popular bars in LA, so expect a crowd if you’re coming on a weekend.

The MAK Center for Art and Architecture

Tour an innovative example of early modern architecture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 651-1510 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday | Tickets: $10, General Admission; $7 Students & Seniors 

In contrast to the massive art institutions in Downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood museums tend to be smaller and dedicated to a single theme. At Schindler House, the headquarters of the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, the museum itself is the main exhibit.  

Schindler House was originally intended as an experiment in communal living. It was designed to blend multiple lifestyles as fluidly as it integrates indoor and outdoor spaces.

It’s nestled among apartment buildings on a quiet residential street, so it blends right in with the surroundings. It’s easy to miss the signs for this tiny landmark. Trust your GPS and walk to the address listed, it’s there. 

MAK Center also welcomes small rotating exhibits of fine art and unique antiquities.  

👉 Love Architecture? Plan a visit to the Stahl House, set in the Hollywood Hills overlooking the Sunset Strip. A quintessential example of mid-century modern design, the home – and its fabulous view – has been featured in many Hollywood productions.   

Troubadour

Soak up good vibes and amazing performances at a cherished venue for live music.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 656-6225 | Website | Hours: Varies by event | Tickets: $20 & up 

Everyone from rising stars to superstars grace the stage of Troubadour, even though the max capacity is just 500.

For dedicated fans, shows at Troubadour are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see superstars up close.  For performers, Troubadour is a rite of passage.

In 1970, it was here James Taylor and Carole King debuted “You’ve Got A Friend.” That same year, Elton John made his US debut here, and Randy Newman his first solo performance. During the second of two sold-out shows in July 2022, Finneas featured guest star Billie Eilish.  

Sunset Plaza

Indulge in luxury brands and fine dining at a premier shopping area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 652-7137 | Website

Sunset Plaza brings a taste of Beverly Hills luxury to the Sunset Strip. This outdoor mall mixes upscale boutiques with popular restaurants that feature sizeable outdoor seating areas. It’s an attraction that offers visitors a chance to sample the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  

One of the most notable Sunset Plaza spots is Revolver Gallery, a contemporary art gallery dedicated exclusively to the life and work of Andy Warhol.  

🛍️ Love Shopping? For a full-on spree, check out the Beverly Center, two miles southwest of Sunset Plaza. 

Micky’s West Hollywood

Dive into drag brunch and disco at this lively West Hollywood gay club.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 657-1176 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Monday & Wednesday-Thursday, 5 pm – 4 am Fridays, 1 pm – 4 am Saturdays, 3 pm – 2 am Sundays, Closed Tuesdays

Micky’s is a long-running favorite of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s one of the best places to experience West Hollywood’s vibrant nightlife. 

Saturday drag brunches are fun-filled events with fabulous entertainment and bottomless mimosas. Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race can catch shows hosted by Morgan McMichaels, which often feature performances from fellow Drag Racers. Don’t forget to tip the queens!!  

Micky’s floor-to-ceiling windows are open to the street, with a large outdoor patio that adds to the open, welcoming ambiance.

👉 Pro Tip: Micky’s takes full advantage of recently extended late-night hours, staying open until 4 am on Fridays & Saturdays. West Hollywood is one of few cities in Southern California where bars are legally allowed to operate past 2 am, and the only one in Los Angeles County.

The Roxy Theatre

Capture a ‘before they were stars’ moment in a nightclub known for the hottest acts still on the rise.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 278-9457 | Website | Hours: Varies by event | Tickets: $20 & up 

You know that friend whose Spotify you stalk for the best new music? This is the club they’re buying tickets to. Established by industry insiders, The Roxy Theatre attracts the cutting-edge trendsetters of our fair city and performers to match.  

Upstairs you’ll find On the Rox, the club’s inner sanctum. Once a private club reserved for the owner’s friends and Hollywood insiders, the space now showcases buzzy acts from the LA scene. 

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Sunset Strip favorites West Hollywood EDITION and The London West Hollywood are amazing when you wanna get a lil’ bougie. Best Western Plus Sunset Strip is a great, budget-friendly option within walking distance of area hotspots. Read my guide on where to stay in LA for even more choices!

The Pink Wall

Strike a pose in one of the most Instagrammed spots anywhere in LA.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 | 👉 Instagram Experience Tour 

To the casual observer, this Melrose Avenue attraction is just what it sounds like — a pink wall. But this bubblegum backdrop is social media gold to those in the clout game. 

Don’t forget to visit Paul Smith! It has equally photo-friendly interiors, and the shop specializes in well-made, modern silhouettes. Plus its signature prints photograph particularly well against the famous pink background.   

📸 Pro Tip: This may be among pro-level influencers’ favorite things to do here, but plan on shooting pics with your phone. Folks with professional setups will likely be asked to leave.   

Morrison Hotel Gallery

See first-class photo collections in a posh gallery dedicated to famed musicians.  

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 881-6025 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Mon-Tues, 11 am – 6 pm Wed & Sun, 11 am – 9 pm Thurs-Sat

The Morrison Hotel Gallery is located in the comfortably elegant lobby of the Sunset Marquis Hotel. The small gallery packs a big punch for photographers and music lovers. Few of the art galleries in West Hollywood capture the neighborhood vibe as flawlessly as this gem. 

The collection features photographic art by and of music icons including Joni Mitchell and Jim Morrison, and extends to portraits of Hollywood royalty like Marilyn Monroe. 

Sunset Marquis, by the way, is exceptional. 10/10. It’s one of my top hotel recommendations if you can afford it.  

🚗 How to Get There: GPS driving directions go to the hotel entrance on Alta Loma road, but the only parking there is a guest-only valet. The easiest way to visit the gallery is to park at a meter near the intersection of Sunset Blvd and Alta Loma Rd, then walk down the hill. 

Book Soup

Relish good reads in a bookseller catering to the “great and infamous”.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 659-3110 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm, Monday-Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday

It takes an impressive bookstore to hold its own among the pricey real estate on Sunset Strip. Guarded by golden dogs, the shop’s floor-to-ceiling shelves are stocked with titles devoted to fine arts, music, film, photography, and literary fiction. 

Celebs rarely do their own shopping, but it’s not uncommon to spot a famous face perusing the pages in this Sunset Boulevard shop. Much to their assistants’ chagrin, one imagines, because shopping at Book Soup isn’t an errand — it’s an experience. 

Check out the shop’s selection of autographed books for the perfect gift for your favorite bookworm, or to add a cherished treasure to your collection.

Hollywood Improv

Load up on laughs at this world-famous comedy club on Melrose Avenue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 651-2583 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Sunday through Thursday, 5 pm – 2 am Friday & Saturday | Tickets: $15 & up

Hollywood Improv is another acclaimed institution in the comedy world. It’s a delightfully unpredictable stand-up comedy venue where you’ll see plenty of headliners listed on the calendar.

But true to its name, the club is no stranger to change-ups. Nothing levels up an evening quite like seeing a favorite comic by surprise.

Drop-ins are often polishing material for a bigger project, meaning they’re extra-tuned into audience insights. I love watching the specials these sets become and catching adjustments made to the work I saw in progress.

To nab good seats, arrive an hour or so before the show and have dinner in the club’s restaurant. The food is pretty good, and the ambiance is great. Dave Chappelle and Tim Allen are among the stars featured in moody, framed candids hung on the high brick walls. 

🤣 Love Comedy? The Store and Hollywood Improv are my favorites, but you can also see great comics at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard. 

Hamburger Mary’s 

Eat, drink, and see Marys at a boisterous drag bar. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323)654-3800 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Mon-Tues, 1 pm – 10 pm Wed-Fri, 11 am – 10 pm Sat, 9:30 am – 10 pm Sun | Show Fee: $6 

You’ll find Hamburger Mary’s on Santa Monica Blvd, a longtime favorite for bachelorette and birthday parties. Equal parts fun, friendly, and fierce, it’s a heck of a good time.

The West Hollywood branch of this well-known restaurant chain features performances by some of the best-loved queens in the city’s drag scene. Drag brunch is a fan favorite, or try drag bingo for a more interactive event. And remember to tip the queens. Always.

Circus of Books

Explore your wildest fantasies at a decidedly NSFW boutique. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 337-9555 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Monday through Wednesday, 11 am – 11 pm Thursday-Sundays

For open-minded folks, Circus of Books is good fun. Like the 18 and over kind, if you catch my drift. It’s an interesting browse if you’re not in the market for their main product line. Plus it has some super cute t-shirts and sometimes a contemporary art exhibit.   

Circus of Books has two locations on Santa Monica Boulevard. One is on the corner of La Jolla Ave. The second is just east of San Vicente Boulevard, next to Micky’s West Hollywood. 

E.P. & L.P.

Ditch the touristy vibe in favor of dinner and drinks on LA’s favorite rooftop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 855-9955 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 2 am Monday through Friday, 12 pm – 2 am Saturday-Sunday

There’s nowhere better to start than EP. & L.P. when you’re ready to explore a side of the West Hollywood neighborhood less frequented by out-of-towners.

This chic space is one of the largest rooftop patios in Los Angeles and features oversized lamps, lots of greenery, and a luscious cocktail menu. Seating is first come, first served and it does get busy, so get there early to snag a table. 

L.P.’s international snacks and sandwiches are yummy, but foodies with a full appetite will prefer the menu downstairs at E.P. restaurant.   

Melrose Rooftop Theatre also hosts screenings of much-loved Hollywood hits at the same location. Dinner + Movie tickets are great for date night. You’ll get a three-course dinner followed by sunset and a film – an evening well spent! 

👉 Pro Tip: Want another fun date night idea? Follow-up visits to E.P. & L.P. with a live show at Largo at the Coronet. The club counts Sarah Silverman and Marc Maron among its regulars for stand-up comedy and showcases a variety of local & national music acts.

Chateau Marmont

Splash out like a star in a hotel nearly as famous as its A-list clientele.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 656-1010 | Website

Ultra-exclusive Chateau Marmont is another storied treasure dating back to Hollywood’s Golden Age — a fabled hideaway for the rich and famous. Can you get a room without being famous? Sure. But the rich part is pretty much non-negotiable. 

A bougie bar and restaurant remain open to the public, but reservations are very strongly recommended.

A-listers are around at Chateau Marmont, in part because the Chateau is very protective of their privacy. Photos are a no-no. Visitors unable to keep their cool are much more likely to chat with security than any celebrity guest. 

West Hollywood Library

Pause for a quiet moment in a stylishly designed library adjacent to a charming park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 652-5340 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm Friday & Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday

Across from the Pacific Design Center, the West Hollywood City Library is a great visit for anyone interested in artistic endeavors or, somewhat obviously, books. There are plenty of reading nooks and several artworks on display. 

To get some fresh air visit West Hollywood Park next to the library. Park amenities include a playground, pool, and dog park. 

🌳 Love low-key local spots? Check out Plummer Park, a pleasant green space with tennis courts and a weekly farmers’ market (Mondays, 9 am – 2 pm.)  

Mulholland Drive

Explore urban California wilderness along a curvy scenic route.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Mulholland Drive Tours on Viator

Ok, this last one isn’t technically in West Hollywood, but it offers stunning views of West Hollywood.

Mulholland Drive traces the crest of the Hollywood Hills from Bel Air to the 101 freeway. It overlooks large swaths of LA County, with Los Angeles to the south and San Fernando Valley to the north. East of Mulholland you’ll find popular attractions: Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory.

Anyone looking to work an outdoor adventure into their trip will find lovely parks with loads of great California hikes alongside the views. Runyon Canyon is the most popular, and Franklin Canyon is a beauty.

It’s a nice cruise if you’re confident behind the wheel. Check out Discover Cars for great deals on California rentals. Or try one of these Mulholland Drive tours if you’d rather kick back and relax on the drive. 

🚗 How to Get There: To get to Mulholland Drive, head north on Crescent Heights Blvd. Turn right on Mulholland for Runyon, left for Franklin Canyon. There are lookout points in both directions.

FAQs About What to Do in West Hollywood

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Thanks for reading! I hope you have a wonderful time visiting this incredible area. Up next, check out our guide to the best things to do in Malibu!

Have fun exploring West Hollywood!