THE HOOD

WEHO

Wandering West Hollywood

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, SoCal explorers can find themselves immersed in one of the Southland’s most eclectic cities.

BY CAITLIN ELIZABETH PIEH

Pacific Design Center

VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD

Tucked between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, West Hollywood is filled with a diverse range of entertainment. Whether you desire a pop culture history lesson, delicious eats, sophisticated shopping, art, architecture, fitness classes, celeb packed events or a vibrant nightlife, West Hollywood — WeHo — offers several of the LA regions greatest hot spots.

At the base of the Hollywood Hills, WeHo is well loved and celebrated as home to the Sunset Strip, the Design District and Santa Monica Boulevard.

The world-famous landmark, the Sunset Strip, draws melophiles with legendary music venues like The Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room. If you haven’t visited the Sunset Strip, you have probably seen it portrayed in many movies and shows. On the strip visitors can enjoy live music, unique hotels, fabulous dining, high-end shopping, nightclubs and spas. Fun fact: The Las Vegas Strip was named after the Sunset Strip.

The Design District offers fashion, architecture, dining, designer flagships, local boutiques, art galleries, chic eateries and luxury hotels.

Located in the Design District between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, Kimpton La Peer Hotel, places guests (and their Fido-friends) in the perfect position to explore WeHo. The boutique hotel offers visitors a chic lobby lounge to enjoy daily coffee, Kombucha and nitro coffee on tap, nightly social hour, an outdoor pool to experience perfect SoCal weather, complimentary bikes, a fitness center and rooftop garden with 360 degree views. Inside the rooms, travelers can appreciate the large soaking tubs within the shower — especially after walking around WeHo.

Sunset Strip with Hollywood Hills Background at Sunset La Peer Hotel Living Room

VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD

La Peer Hotel Hotel Entrance

There are a few different options on property for dining. The Design Lounge, expanding through the hotel courtyard and lobby, invites guests to health-focused breakfast and lunch items. Sunbathers can experience the Design Lounge menu while lounging by the pool. In the evening, a range of dishes, appetizers and cocktails can be enjoyed in the Design Lounge. Located inside La Peer, Issima transports visitors to the coastline with Mediterranean-inspired fare while they dine in the private rooftop lounge or poolside tables.

Two of WeHo’s best restaurants are located on Melrose, a quick walk from Kimpton La Peer Hotel. Tantalize your taste buds at Gracias Madre with some of the best vegan eats LA has to offer. The plant-based Mexican eatery uses fresh local and organic ingredients to create tasty plates that even avid meat eaters can appreciate. The beautiful bar makes creative cocktails showcasing the finest tequila. Catch LA is a rooftop bar with an open-air dining room. The restaurant boasts picture-worthy views, a bustling atmosphere, beautiful décor and eats. The menu consists of seafood, sushi and steak options — all aesthetically pleasing and mouthwatering. Though Catch LA is open during the day, the evening hours showcase glimmering lights, stunning city

COURTESY OF LA PEER HOTEL (3)

La Peer Hotel Poetry Wall

“The Design Lounge, expanding through the hotel courtyard and lobby, invites guests to health-focused breakfast and lunch items.”

VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD La Peer Hotel Poetry Wall La Peer Hotel Guestroom Bath

views and a lively crowd. Reservations are suggested for both beloved spots. Other notable restaurants include E.P. & L.P. and SUR — both great for cocktails and catching up.

West Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’ smallest neighborhoods and has a vivacious personality of its own attracting crowds year-round. Celebrated for being one of the most inclusive cities and filled with LGBTQIA+ activists, WeHo boasts one of the largest Pride celebrations in June and Halloween Carnaval in October.

Other notable nearby attractions include the Pacific Design Center, Rainbow Crosswalk, LACMA, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood Bowl, Runyon Canyon, The Last Bookstore, Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Magic Castle.

A short drive from West Hollywood, explorers can enjoy the iconic Hollywood Sign hike. The hike is about four miles (depending on direction taken) of California sunshine and city views that takes two to three hours to complete. SoCal is known and loved for its warm weather, but consider the temperature when choosing when to hike. October through April’s cooler weather is most ideal, but heat can sneak up, so be sure to stay hydrated.

While LA gets a bad rap for traffic, the city of West Hollywood is best sightseen on foot. Named California’s most walkable city, WeHo is 1.9 square miles of wide-ranging entertainment. Ditch the LA traffic, pricey ride shares and parking tickets, and opt to explore on foot. For vacationers, the closest airports are LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport, both taking about 25 minutes.

Southern California is bursting with unique cities to experience.West Hollywood’s welcoming atmosphere invites both locals and out-of-towners to indulge in delicious eats while exploring the bold city that blends art, architecture and trailblazing fashion. From day to night, there is never a dull moment in WeHo. Pack your comfy shoes and get ready to explore! g

La Peer Hotel Poetry Wall