48 HOURS IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Here is our local guide to getting the best out of the LA lifestyle...
Head to Jim Morrison’s former apartment for brunch
WEST Hollywood is located at the base of the Hollywood Hills and adjacent to Beverly Hills, and embodies the quintessential LA lifestyle, enjoying a year-round moderate climate of warm days and cool nights. The city hosts many events, including A-list Oscar and Emmy parties, the world’s largest Halloween street festival, and one of the largest Gay Pride events in the US.
DAY ONE
Morning: Make like the Beckhams and kick off your day with a power-hour session at the iconic SoulCycle. With inspirational instructors, candlelight, epic spaces and rocking music, riders can clear their heads and embark on their first day in West Hollywood feeling energised and healthy.
>> SoulCycle Experience, 8570 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
From there, head to Gracias Madre for a delicious brunch in one of West Hollywood’s favourite eateries. The Mexican restaurant is an all-vegan eatery and offers a trendy take on the household dishes known and loved by the locals, sourced from locally grown organic ingredients.
>> Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Afternoon: Explore the city’s thriving Design District on foot. Known as ‘the cultural destination for design’, the neighbourhood is anchored to the Pacific Design Centre and is always abuzz with new gallery and store openings. The area is also great for shopping for both designer garms and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and antique furniture. Melrose Place, setting for the eponymous soap opera, is also a short walking distance from La Cinega Boulevard.
If architecture is more your thing, at the intersection of Robertson Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard, you’ll see the Herman Miller showroom, designed by the iconic duo, Charles and Ray Eames, in 1949.
Evening: Unwind from a day of sightseeing and enjoy a pre-dinner wine at V Wine Room. Housed in Charlie Chaplin’s former acting studio, V was a new addition to the West Hollywood landscape last year. The bar also has a tasting room for wine and beer, specialising in California produce, with local microbrews; they offer more than 70 wines (local and international) by the glass and have over 200 bottles to choose from.
>> V Wine Room, 903 Westbourne Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069
DAY TWO
Morning: Just outside the city limits of West Hollywood, nestled in the famous Hollywood Hills, lies Runyon Canyon, a 160-acre popular hiking park. Hike towards the south end for spectacular views of LA and West Hollywood.
Afternoon: Head to Jim Morrison’s former apartment for brunch at Pearl’s Rooftop. The restaurant spans three floors and offers a decadent menu of cinnamon French toast, steak and eggs, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant also features sweeping views of the city and boulevard below.
>> Pearl’s Rooftop, 8909 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Evening: Head to CATCH LA in the Design District for Asian-influenced cuisine served in a unique, open-air dining room with views of the Hollywood Hills. It’s never short of celebrity guests, so you’ll probably spot a few while you’re there.
>> CATCH LA, 8715 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, 90069 Go out with a bang and head on to the iconic Viper Room, located on the Sunset Strip. Formerly partly owned by Johnny Depp, the live-music venue was favoured (and still is) by some of the hottest names in Tinseltown, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, to name a few. Johnny Cash also performed there.
>> The Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Boulevard, 90069