Sunset Strip

The Basics

As one of the most popular stretches of road in all of Los Angeles—if not the country—the Sunset Strip features on just about every sightseeing tour of Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Board an open-top bus for a drive along the strip en route to celebrity homes, or join a film industry insider for a tour of nearby famous film locations. The Los Angeles hop-on hop-off bus also stops along the strip, as do guided day trips from Las Vegas and Long Beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sunset Strip is a must-see for movie buffs, night owls, and pop culture enthusiasts.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore Sunset Strip on foot.

• It’s a good idea to buy concert tickets or make dinner reservations ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Sunset Strip is to drive, but it’s also possible to reach the area by public transportation. Metro Line 2 stops in the area, as do several local bus routes. Public parking meters along the stretch of road accept credit cards.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Sunset Strip depends largely on the experience you’re looking to have. By day, the street’s boutiques and shops cater to those in need of some retail therapy. By night, the street transforms into a nightlife hub—home to some of the city’s best comedy clubs and posh cocktail bars.

Music Venues of the Sunset Strip

Live music lovers will find some of the nation’s best venues along Sunset Strip. Highlights include the Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, and the House of Blues; concerts are staged just about every night of the week.

Is it worth going to the Sunset Strip?

Yes, it is worth going to the Sunset Strip. There are iconic bars and comedy clubs, and all sorts of boutiques, hotels, and restaurants. You’ll no doubt recognize some places from the movies, and if you’re lucky, you might run into a celebrity or two, too.

What is famous on the Sunset Strip?

Several clubs and bars are famous on the Sunset Strip, especially the Roxy, Whiskey a Go Go, the Rainbow, and more. There are layers of history on Sunset Strip, dating back to the 1920s when it was famous for speakeasies. You might also see famous celebrities on the strip.

Is the Sunset Strip walkable?

Yes, you can walk along Sunset Strip, but it might not be as much fun at night. Some sections have several restaurants and bars close to each other, so those are good to walk along, but everyone loves their cars in LA, so if you’re bar hopping at night, choose a rideshare.

Why is the Sunset Strip so popular?

The movies have made Sunset Strip so popular, plus the number of bars, clubs, fancy boutiques, and hotels. Celebrities like to hang out on the strip, so it’s a popular attraction for starstruck tourists. Plus, there’s plenty of things to do on Sunset Strip during the day or night.

What do you see on a tour of the Sunset Strip?

Tours of Sunset Strip take you along the boulevard, pointing out popular bars, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, with accompanying stories of celebrities who frequent them (or have in the past). Usually, Sunset Strip tours also check out other parts of LA, such as Hollywood or Beverly Hills.

Are there restrooms on the Sunset Strip?

Cafes, bars, and restaurants along the Sunset Strip will have bathrooms, but you’ll have to sit down and order something to use them. There’s a large homeless population in Los Angeles, and many proprietors only open their restrooms to paying customers for health and safety concerns.

Ways to explore

As one of the most well-known stretches of road in Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip features on most sightseeing tours of Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Board an open-top bus for a drive along the strip en route to celebrity homes, or join a Hollywood insider on a tour of the area’s famous film locations. LA hop-on hop-off buses also stop along the strip, as do guided day trips from Long Beach and Orange County. If you explore the strip on your own, catch a show at long-standing venues such as Whisky a Go Go or the Comedy Store.

Accessibility

While many of the Sunset Strip’s attractions and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible, it may be most convenient for visitors with limited mobility to visit the attraction as part of an accessible guided tour.

Age limits

Some of the strip’s music and comedy venues are for guests 21 and older only, so check ahead before planning your visit.

What to pack

Camera, cash to tip tour guides, tickets and ID for shows

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the walkable strip, and bring a light jacket since LA temperatures can drop considerably in the evening.

Not allowed

Rules vary by tour, but most don’t allow smoking or non-service animals.

Address 

West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip runs along Sunset Boulevard, with the rough borders of Doheny Drive to the east and Crescent Heights Boulevard to the west. Like most attractions in LA, the easiest way to get there is to drive or join a guided tour with included transportation. You can also take the bus.

Driving

The Sunset Strip is about a 15-minute drive from most attractions in Hollywood and Beverly Hills, depending on traffic. Find free parking at Sunset Plaza, or opt for metered street parking.

Public transportation

The convenient Metro 2 bus serves Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Hollywood before stopping at several points along the Sunset Strip.

Best times to visit

Head to the strip’s many shops midday for retail therapy, or go at night to experience its rock venues, comedy clubs, and cocktail bars.

Best days to visit

Concerts, comedy shows, and other events happen nightly on the Sunset Strip, so there’s no bad day to visit. Just note that weekend traffic is heavy.

Best months to visit

The Sunset Strip is a year-round attraction, though March–May and September–November are the best months in general for a trip to LA, thanks to pleasant temperatures and minimal crowds.

Special events

Check online for frequent events on the Sunset Strip. Around Halloween, for example, its music venues come to life with themed concerts and costume parties.