Where do you start a leisurely adventure in California? How about a city that typifies California cool: West Hollywood. Bordering Beverly Hills, West Hollywood is famous for celebrity sightings, dining, culture and wellness offerings.
There three main districts to explore. The Sunset Strip is a go-to spot for nightlife, music, live entertainment and dining. Santa Monica Boulevard is the centre of L.A.’s LGBTQ community and also a vibrant, welcoming neighbourhood. Finally, the Design District is a celebrated destination for design, art, food, drink, beauty and fitness.
Be sure to put a hike to the Hollywood sign with Bikes and Hikes LA Tours, bikesandhikesla.com, on your Must Do list. The Original Hollywood Sign Hike takes you directly below and behind the iconic sign. Not only will you get a bird’s eye view of Hollywood’s Universal Studios and Warner Brothers, you’ll also get the inside scoop about Hollywood and its history, courtesy of an expert guide.
If you’re a film buff, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, academymuseum.org, is another sure-to-please attraction. Devoted to the world of cinema, its exhibitions and offerings tell stories about movie-making in the past, present and future.
Dining spots in West Hollywood are worth a nod too. The Butcher’s Daughter, thebutchersdaughter.com, is a vegetarian restaurant that dishes everything from Surfer’s Burrito to stone oven pizzas. Cecconi’s, cecconiswesthollywood.com on Melrose, serves delectable handmade pasta, seafood and fare from Italy.
There are plenty of captivating places to stay, too. The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, thelondonwesthollywood.com, is a modern hotel at the centre of West Hollywood. Complimentary breakfast, a rooftop pool and a fitness centre add to the appeal.
