- Location: Sunset Boulevard between Crescent Heights and Doheny
- How Long: Depends on what you do. An hour is enough to walk around and gawk, but plan for longer if you shop, eat or stay for entertainment.
- Best Time to Visit: Almost deserted on Sunday afternoon, a good time to go if you want to stop and take pictures. It's busier mid-day during the week and busiest on weekend nights.
An unincorporated part of Los Angeles County until 1985, Sunset Strip got its name from county workers who called it "that strip," or "the strip up Sunset." The first buildings went up at the corner of Sunset Strip and Sunset Plaza Drive in 1924. Under less strict laws than the adjoining city, Sunset Strip soon became a center for nightlife and gained the reputation it still enjoys today.
We hate staring at an office building that was once a swinging apartment complex or sumptuous mansion, and we bet you won't like it, either, so this Sunset Strip guide focuses only on places still standing. If you like stories of Sunset Strip and Hollywood of yesteryear, read The Ultimate Hollywood Tour Book by William Gordon.
Sights on Sunset Strip
The numbers in parentheses are addresses. All are on W. Sunset Boulevard.Rocky and Bullwinkle Statue (8200): Look for writer's autographs in the courtyard.
Chateau Marmont (8221): Site of comedian John Belushi's death from a heroin overdose. Some celebs consider it one of Hollywood's best-kept secrets.
Sunset Tower Hotel (8358): A fine example of art deco design. The swimming pool was featured in films The Player, in The Italian Joband Get Shorty. On the facade, look for zeppelins and airplanes alongside Adam and Eve.
Hyatt West Hollywood (8401): Once called "Riot House" because of the wild behavior of rock-and-rollers staying here while performing at nearby clubs. Films This is Spinal Tap, and Almost Famouswere made here.
The Comedy Store (8433): This place has featured many stand-up comedians, whose names are scrawled on its walls like autographs in a high school yearbook. Many Comedy Store alumni still use the venue to try out new material, so you never know who will show up unannounced.
Mondrian Hotel (8440): Their Sky Bar has terrific views and frequent celebrity visitors. Michael J. Fox's character Doc Hollywood stayed in room 1110 here in the film of the same name.
77 Sunset Strip: (8524) In the television show 77 Sunset Strip(1958-1964) Edd "Kookie" Burns parked cars at Dino's Lodge (owned by Dean Martin) next door. Today, a plaque marks the spot.
Sunset Plaza (8600-8700): This area has lots of sidewalk cafes, a great place to sit and watch for celebrities.
Tower Records (8801): This music store features autograph sessions and concerts. Jane Fonda and George Segal held it up in Fun With Dick and Jane
The Viper Room (8852): River Phoenix met his death here in 1993, from a drug overdose. Actor Johnny Depp was once part owner, but sold his interest in 2004, citing distress over people gawking at the spot where his friend died.
The Whisky A GoGo (8901): Popular since the 1960s, when The Doors got their start here, as did the Who, the Kinks, the Byrds, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix.
The Roxy(9009): This popular rock club has a great sound system and dance area.
Rainbow Bar & Grill (9015): It may not look like much, but back when it was called Villa Nova, actress Marilyn Monroe went on her first (blind) date with Joe DiMaggio here, and director Vincent Minnelli chose it as the spot to propose to Judy Garland.
Sunset Strip Review
We rate Sunset Strip 3 stars out of 5 for tourists. Other than the music and comedy clubs and a couple of blocks of nice sidewalk cafes, there's little reason to visit, unless you just want to say you've seen it.Others may disagree. You can see what other people just like you think about the Sunset Strip, then bookmark this page and after you've been there, come back and tell us what you think.
What do you think of the Sunset Strip as a tourist destination?
- 0 = Yuck! Just say no to this flea-bitten hole of a tourist trap
- 1 = So-So More fun than a night in jail, but you might enjoy a good nap more
- 2 = OK Some people find it interesting, but I didn't
- 3 = Good Go if you have time, but it's not a big deal if you miss it
- 4 = Great I really liked it, and I think you will, too
- 5 = Awesome! It's a must-see sight that I recommend to everyone
