The Sunset Strip: A Must-Visit Road in West Hollywood

The Sunset Strip is an iconic stretch of Sunset Boulevard located in the vibrant city of West Hollywood, California. This 1.7-mile strip (about 2.7 km) runs from the eastern border of West Hollywood with Los Angeles to the western border with Beverly Hills.

Renowned for its luxury boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs, and nightclubs, the Sunset Strip is also famous for its massive, colorful billboards, which light up the area in a dazzling display of creativity. This place is not just a road, but a representation of American glamour and pop culture, where Hollywood’s history meets the present in a unique blend of entertainment and allure.

History of the Sunset Strip

Let’s take a brief journey through the history of this legendary place, to discover the key events and understand what it has represented and continues to represent in the imagination of West Hollywood.

The 1920s: The Birth of a Legend

The fame of the Sunset Strip was born in the 1920s when the road began to build its reputation as the epicenter of nightlife and entertainment. At this time, the city of Los Angeles prohibited gambling within its borders, but it was legal in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, such as West Hollywood.

This unique legal situation created fertile ground for the development of a more daring and wild nightlife than what could be found within the city limits. Several nightclubs and casinos established themselves along the Sunset Strip, attracting Hollywood’s elite and numerous workers from the film industry seeking relaxation and fun. During Prohibition, these venues often became clandestine meeting spots where alcohol flowed in the back rooms, creating an atmosphere of secrecy and forbidden luxury.

The 1930s and 1940s: Hollywood Glamour

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Sunset Strip further solidified its reputation as a gathering place for movie stars and those working in the film industry. High-end restaurants and nightclubs like Sherry's, Ciro's, the Mocambo, and the Trocadero became coveted destinations for actors, directors, and writers. This period was also marked by the presence of dark figures linked to organized crime, such as the notorious gangsters Mickey Cohen and Bugsy Siegel, who were rumored to be involved in the management of some of these venues. The Sunset Strip, with its aura of glamour and danger, became part of the collective imagination, even being mentioned in Raymond Chandler’s 1949 novel "The Little Sister"!

During these years, the Sunset Strip was not only a place for nighttime entertainment but also a kind of creative refuge for writers like Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who found inspiration and companionship in the legendary Garden of Allah apartments.

The 1960s: The Era of Rock and Counterculture

In the 1960s, the Sunset Strip underwent a transformation that made it an epicenter of youth culture and rock music. While movie stars began to frequent the area less, the Sunset Strip's venues became a focal point for the emerging counterculture. This period culminated in the infamous 1966 clashes known as the "Sunset Strip curfew riots," when police confronted thousands of young people who had gathered to protest the curfew imposed by the authorities.

These events inspired the famous song "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield, which became a generational protest anthem. During this time, venues like the Whisky a Go Go, the Roxy Theatre, and the London Fog became the cradle of legendary bands like The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Zappa. The Sunset Strip thus established itself as the beating heart of Los Angeles' rock music scene, a place where new musical and cultural trends took shape and spread worldwide.

The 1970s: Glam Rock and Punk

In the 1970s, the Sunset Strip continued to evolve, becoming the center of the glam rock and punk movements. Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco, a club influenced by British glam rock, opened in 1972 and quickly became a hotspot for musicians and rock music fans. This venue, along with other clubs on the Sunset Strip, became famous for its permissive and rebellious atmosphere, where young fans, many of whom were underage, could enter with little scrutiny and experience the thrill of nightlife.

The Sunset Strip also became the stage for the birth of the punk rock and new wave movements, with venues like the Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy Theatre hosting emerging bands and becoming the heart of Los Angeles' alternative music culture.

The 1980s: The Explosion of Heavy Metal

In the 1980s, the Sunset Strip transformed into the beating heart of Los Angeles' heavy metal scene, a movement known as the "West Coast Metal Explosion." Clubs like the Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy became temples of hard rock, hosting iconic bands such as Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N' Roses. This era was marked by the glam metal aesthetic, with fans emulating the flashy style of the bands, sporting teased hair and flamboyant clothing.

Despite the growing commercialization and the introduction of "pay to play" policies in clubs, which required bands to pay for the opportunity to perform, the Sunset Strip remained a rock music mecca, continuing to attract thousands of young people in search of fame and fun.

The 1990s and Beyond: Evolution and Revival

As the 1990s arrived, the center of Los Angeles' alternative music scene shifted eastward to neighborhoods like Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Los Feliz. Despite this change, the Sunset Strip continued to maintain its allure and relevance, evolving and adapting to the times. The area saw an increase in office buildings and luxury hotels, attracting a more sophisticated clientele, while still retaining its character as a hub of entertainment and culture.

Today, the Sunset Strip is an international tourist destination, with its historic clubs, luxury hotels, and restaurants drawing visitors from around the world. Its iconic billboards continue to light up the street, offering visitors a unique visual experience that reflects Hollywood's creativity and energy.

Iconic Places on the Sunset Strip

• Chateau Marmont
One of the most iconic spots on the Sunset Strip is the Chateau Marmont, a hotel built in the 1920s that has hosted some of Hollywood's biggest stars. With its historic charm and exclusive atmosphere, the Chateau Marmont has been the refuge of celebrities like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. Its bar remains a popular spot for encountering famous personalities and immersing oneself in Hollywood history.


• The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is another landmark on the Sunset Strip. Founded in 1972, this club has become an institution in the comedy scene, launching the careers of some of America's most celebrated comedians, such as Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, and David Letterman. The Comedy Store continues to be a place where new talent emerges and where audiences can enjoy nights full of laughter and entertainment.


• Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre
The Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre are two of the most legendary clubs on the Sunset Strip. Founded in 1964, Whisky a Go Go has hosted some of the most important bands in rock history, including The Doors, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. The Roxy Theatre, opened in 1973, saw the debut of shows like the Rocky Horror Picture Show and continues to be a key venue for live music in Los Angeles.


• Sunset Tower Hotel
The Sunset Tower Hotel, with its Art Deco design, is another symbol of Hollywood glamour. Built in 1931, the hotel was the residence of celebrities like John Wayne and Howard Hughes. Today, the Sunset Tower Hotel is a luxury destination, with a rooftop bar offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles and a pool that has become an iconic spot for events and parties.

The Sunset Strip in Popular Culture

The Sunset Strip has been immortalized in numerous films, TV series, and songs, cementing its status as a cultural icon. The TV series "77 Sunset Strip," which aired from 1958 to 1964, is set on this very stretch of road, while the 2012 film "Rock of Ages" brought back the golden era of 1980s glam metal, with the Sunset Strip as its backdrop.

The Sunset Strip also appeared in the opening titles of the HBO series "Entourage," representing the Hollywood dream for millions of viewers. Artists like Edward Ruscha have captured the beauty and complexity of the Sunset Strip in their works, helping to transform this road into a symbol of Los Angeles' creativity and free spirit.

How to Get to The Sunset Strip

Those who wish to reach The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) by car can follow these steps:

1. Take the I-405 North: Exit the airport and follow signs for I-405 North.
2. Continue to US-101 North; after about 10 miles, take the exit for US-101 North.
3. Then take the exit for Sunset Blvd; about 6 miles later, take the exit for Sunset Blvd.
4. Drive along Sunset Boulevard for about 2 miles: there you’ll find The Sunset Strip.

For those who prefer public transportation, here’s what you need to do:

• Take the bus: Metro line 2 stops in the area, as do several local bus lines (2, 4, 105, 16, CITYLINE COMMUTER).
• Take the subway: The B line brings you right near the Sunset Strip.

The Sunset Strip is not just a road but a journey through decades of history, culture, and entertainment. From a hangout for gangsters and movie stars in the 1920s to the epicenter of rock culture in the 1960s and '70s, to becoming today a luxury destination and a global icon, the Sunset Strip continues to evolve and inspire new generations. Anyone visiting Los Angeles cannot miss the chance to walk along this historic street, immerse themselves in its unique atmosphere, and experience the true spirit of Hollywood!