Sunset Boulevard is a well-known 22-mile street that starts in Downtown Los Angeles and extends to the Pacific Coast Highway. It is characterised by vibrant nightlife and strong Hollywood roots. The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood is approximately 1.5 miles and is crowded with clubs, restaurants and music spots. The neighbourhood is a mix of ancient Hollywood and new entertainment. Night lights, star bars and historical locations make the Los Angeles environment very lively to music lovers, foodies and travellers.
What Can You See and Do on Sunset Boulevard & Sunset Strip?
The following are the best attractions and activities on Sunset Boulevard and the Sunset Strip:
- Historic Music Venues: Live shows are performed every night at historic places, such as The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room. Some of the most legendary performers, such as The Doors and Guns N’ Roses, started their careers here.
- Comedy Clubs & Nightlife: The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory are where the best comedians are and present small shows. The Skybar and Harriet Lounge are rooftop bars with excellent views, cocktails, and an atmosphere of a warm evening.
- Sunset Plaza: An elegant place full of luxurious stores and cafes. It is a favourite place to have lunch, coffee and celebrity watching. The casual restaurants in the open air render it the perfect place to relax in the afternoon.
- Chateau Marmont: This is a renowned hotel with classic Hollywood-style and luxurious design. Tourists come to see the courtyard, which is so beautiful and the historic structure of the building.
- Street Murals & Landmarks: Sunset Boulevard displays colourful murals, old billboards and creative public art. It is photo-easy because of the Gibson GuitarTown sculptures and neon signs.
- Sunset Tower Hotel: A historic Art Deco hotel with a reputation for being luxurious and overlooking a beautiful skyline. The tower bar is a popular dining place among locals and celebrities as well.
What Are the Entry Fees and Visiting Hours?
Entry Fees: There is no cost to exploring Sunset Boulevard and the Sunset Strip. The only expenditure tourists make is on food, amusements, parking, and access to attractions such as clubs or theatres. There is usually a $3 to $20 fee for parking each hour, depending on where you park and the time of day.
Operating Hours: Sunset Boulevard is open 24 hours a day, though restaurants, clubs, and shops are better at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. to enjoy the colours and the energetic nightlife.
How to Get to Sunset Boulevard & the Sunset Strip?
The following are the primary access points to Sunset Boulevard and the Sunset Strip:
- By Car: The best way to explore the 22-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard is by driving. There are public parking areas and metered spaces near the key landmarks, and the cost ranges from $3 to $10 an hour. The traffic at night can be congested, particularly around West Hollywood.
- Limo & Car Service: The luxury services like limousine service Los Angeles, EmpireCLS and LA Private Car Service provide personalised transportation to enjoy the ride. These services are the best when visiting nightlife or travelling with a group on the strip.
- By Metro: The closest Metro station is Hollywood/ Highland (Red Line) and is approximately a 10-minute walk to the eastern end of the Strip. Visitors can access different attractions or board local buses to the West at that point.
- By Bus: Metro Bus Routes 2 and 302 specifically pass along Sunset Boulevard, and serve large regions between Downtown LA and Pacific Palisades. The bus fare averages about $1.75 per way, and that is a cheap alternative for the traveller.
- By Foot: The 1.5-mile Sunset Strip between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Doheny Drive can be enjoyed by walking. There are many restaurants, shops, and music bars on the streets, which make it ideal for walking around.
What Are the Best Places to Eat on Sunset Boulevard?
Below are the best restaurants to visit on the popular spot, Sunset Boulevard:
BOA Steakhouse: A fine-dining restaurant with a range of fine steaks and seafood, and an upscale environment. The terrace is an outdoor area with wonderful Strip views. The 40-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye and Lobster Mac and Cheese are a few of the most ordered meals.
Average cost: $60–$100 per person
Address: 9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker: An upscale cafe that is famous for brunch, speciality pastries, and latte macchiato. It combines European and Californian tastes. The best options are Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, and their colourful Rose Petal Latte.
Average cost: $25–$40 per person
Address: 8653 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Pink Taco: An energetic Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, burritos and margaritas in a vibrant environment. Its strong flavours and festive decor are enjoyed by guests. The most popular food items are the Pink Tacos, Chicken Quesadilla, and Street Corn.
Average cost: $20–$35 per person
Address: 8225 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Saddle Ranch Chop House: A relaxed, western-style restaurant that offers smacking American cuisine and mechanical bull rides. BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Cowboy Burger, and Homemade Cotton Candy are the best choices.
Average cost: $25–$45 per person
Address: 8371 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Rainbow Bar & Grill: A traditional rock and roll restaurant with Italian-American cuisine and its old-time image. Some of their signature items are Rainbow Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, and Mozzarella Sticks.
Average cost: $20–$40 per person
Address: 9015 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
What Are the Best Photo Spots on Sunset Boulevard?
Here are the five most famous photo spots all along Sunset Boulevard:
- Sunset Plaza Viewpoint: This high area provides panoramic views of Los Angeles, especially during sunset or at night when the lights of the city are on. It is ideal for skyline shots and ordinary street photographs.
- “Made in LA” Mural: This large white mural on a grey wall is one of the most photographed street art locations in LA, and it is located at 8025 Melrose Avenue. It works perfectly on portrait shots and Instagram photos.
- Chateau Marmont Entrance: The entrance to the hotel is ivy-covered to provide a classical old-Hollywood scene. Its beauty and structure make it an excellent location for retro-style or informal photos.
- Sunset Tower Hotel Rooftop: This rooftop gives an amazing combination of city skyline and hillside. Tourists take beautiful pictures at the golden hour or evening meal.
- Billboard Row: This is a long stretch that runs along West Hollywood, where huge, colourful billboards are placed. It captures the entertainment culture of LA and provides good urban pictures, particularly at night.
