People come from far and wide to explore the city of Los Angeles. Sunset Strip is one of the most popular tourist spots in LA and we’ve got the complete visitor’s guide for you to delve into while you’re planning your trip to La-La Land.

History

If a place could tell a story, Sunset Strip would have a myriad of colorful ones to tell. Once home to celebrity-only nightclubs, casinos, and gangsters is now a tourist attraction with some of the most unique boutiques, eateries, and entertainment that Los Angeles has to offer.

The ‘20s

During the 1920s when gambling was illegal in the city of L.A., Sunset Strip (lying within Los Angeles County) was a hot spot for gangsters and those looking for a good time. The strip consisted of nightclubs and casinos with speakeasies where patrons could secretly knock back a few in secret.

The ‘30s & ‘40s

While restaurants and clubs were still owned by shady characters, they began to attract a new clientele –celebrities. Movie stars like Frank Sinatra, Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (among other hot names) frequented the likes of Ciro’s and Mocambo for drinks and late-night dancing.

The ‘60s & ‘70s

During the 1960s became less star-struck and started to attract rock musicians and fans. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, The Doors, and Blondie started performing regularly at new clubs like Pandora’s Box and Whisky a Go Go. In the 1970s, a shift in the music scene takes place as punk rock and new wave become popular.

The ‘80s & ‘90s

Sunset Strip clubs adopt a “pay to play” policy and became more of a showcase scene, thus ending the era of up-and-coming rock bands playing to get signed.

The ‘00s

Today, Sunset Strip is still home to many nightclubs, rock clubs, eateries, boutique shops, and colorful billboards –a now-iconic place to visit while staying in L.A.

Night Life

Night owls from all over the world flock to the Sunset Strip whether it’s to jam with a new band, lounge with a drink, or grab a late-night bite at a trendy restaurant.

Clubs

Sunset strip has a variety of clubs, from lounge-style with a 40s vibe to dancing the night away with the hottest DJ.

1 Oak

9030 Sunset Blvd | (310) 274-2326

1 Oak is one of the hottest clubs in L.A. with up-and-coming DJs performing nightly and bottle service available for you and your squad.

Bootsy Bellows

9229 Sunset Blvd | (310) 859-1011

With its swanky decor and live entertainment, you’ll feel like a ‘40s starlette when you arrive at Bootsy Bellows.

MMHMMM

8300 Sunset Blvd | (323) 650-9090

Things may get wild at MMHMMM, but you’ll certainly be entertained! This modern bar features live performances, custom cocktails, and an outdoor smoking lounge.

Live Music

The Roxy

9009 Sunset Blvd

Probably the most iconic nightclub in L.A., The Roxy features shows by new artists and performers that will blow you away.

The Viper Room

8852 Sunset Blvd | (310) 358-1881

The Viper Room is the hot spot if you want to check out up-and-coming rock artists, though headliners have been known to pass through for an occasional performance.

Whiskey a Go Go

8901 Sunset Blvd | (310) 652-4202

A Sunset Boulevard historic gem, Whiskey a Go Go offers a 24-hour rock & hang environment for its guests.

Cocktail Bars & Lounges

Bar 20 on Sunset

8462 Sunset Blvd | (323) 491-9006

A great place to start any night, or begin any morning, Bar 20 offers cool vibes, great music, and savory cocktails for all its visitors.

The Tower Bar

8358 Sunset Blvd | (323) 848-6677

If you’re looking for an intimate yet sophisticated place to grab a nightcap, try one of the hand-crafted cocktails at the Tower Bar.

Blind Dragon

9201 Sunset Blvd | (310) 595-1091

East meets west at the Blind Dragon on Sunset Strip. Check it out for late-night karaoke and a mixology-inspired and driven menu.

Skybar

8440 Sunset Blvd | (323) 848-6025

For incredible views, seductive ambiance, and world-class DJs head to Skybar rooftop bar and lounge.

The Den On Sunset

8226 Sunset Blvd | (323) 656-0336

Get lost in the laid back atmosphere of The Den On Sunset, offering draft beer, hand-made cocktails, and the perfect setting for great conversation.

Food Scene

Foodies know when they come to Los Angeles they are about to embark on an epic food journey, check out what the strip has to offer.

Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails

8117 Sunset Blvd | (323) 940-1650

At Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails, you can expect fresh Californian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, delicious drinks, and nightlife vibes.

Rainbow Bar & Grill

9015 Sunset Blvd | (310) 278-4232

Can’t quite put a finger on your craving? Head over to Rainbow Bar & Grill for a variety of Italian and Mexican appetizers and entrees.

Sunset Trocadero

8280 Sunset Blvd | (323) 701-2062

Old-school Hollywood vibes with a hipster twist is what you’ll find when you dine at Sunset Trocadero. Their menu consists of classic American staples and a few items with some cultural flair.

Sushi Park

8539 Sunset Blvd #20 | (310) 652-0523

This secret little sushi bar is tucked away on Sunset Boulevard. Sushi Park is a chef’s choice dining spot that even GOOP raves about.

Night + Market Weho

9043 Sunset Blvd | (310) 275-9724

Night + Market Weho serves up authentic Thai dishes family-style and is a James Beard Foundation Award of Excellence winner, that alone should be enough to want to dine here!

Tesse

8500 Sunset Blvd Suite B | (310) 360-3866

If you’re looking for a great lunch spot where you can nibble on charcuterie board and sip French wine, check out Tesse.

Mels Drive-In

8585 Sunset Blvd | (310) 854-7201

Open 24 hours, Mels Drive-In has a throwback diner feel with elevated eats like Creole Fried Chicken sandwich, Sunset Burger, and house-made smoothies.

The Pikey

7617 Sunset Blvd | (323) 850-5400

A cool European gastropub, The Pikey offers a variety of bites made from only organic and locally sourced ingredients and with a British flair.

Le Petit Four

8654 Sunset Blvd | (310) 652-3863

Cute and casual, Le Petit Four is a French Bistro that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for the Sunset Boulevard passerby.

Eveleigh

8752 Sunset Blvd | (424) 239-1630

Simplistic yet elevated European-inspired cuisine is what you’ll get at this rustic farm-to-table restaurant. Eveleigh offers a dining experience with ambience and laid back vibes.

Comedy Scene

The comedy scene in L.A. is huge and the Strip features a couple of comedy clubs to get your kicks in while in town. Among all the fun things to do in L.A. at night, checking out a comedy club is a favorite for visitors!

Laugh Factory

8001 Sunset Blvd | (323) 656-1336

Sunday-Thursday 9:30 AM - 11:30 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:30 - 1:30 AM

The comedians that have taken the stage at the Laugh Factory have had patrons doubling over since 1979. Some of the biggest names in comedy have performed here including Louie Anderson, Roseanne Barr, Dave Chappelle, Rodney Dangerfield. Today featured comedians like Chris D’elia, Daniel Tosh, and Tiffany Haddish can be found slinging their jokes from time to time. The Laugh Factory frequently hosts All-Star Comedy nights as well as other special events! Be sure to reserve tickets in advance during your stay in Los Angeles.

The Comedy Store

8433 Sunset Blvd | (323) 650-6268

Open Daily, 7 PM - 2 AM

Laugh your face off in one of the 3 rooms at one of the oldest comedy clubs in L.A., the Comedy Store. The who’s who of comedians have performed here including Tim Allen, Eddie Murphy, Sarah Silverman, Robin Willians – the list goes on! For those looking to have a night of laughs, there is a 2-drink minimum and a pub-grub style menu to order from. Check out which comedians are set to perform during your stay and book your tickets in advance!

Book & Comic Shops

Love a good book, graphic novel, or comic? Sunset strip has some of the best little book and comic shops in LA!

Book Soup

8818 Sunset Blvd | (310) 659-3110

Book Soup is a hip and rock-style book store on the busy Sunset Boulevard. Be sure to check out their calendar for events and in-store book signings.

Mystery Pier

8826 Sunset Blvd | (310) 657-5557

Mystery Pier Books is a quaint little shop specializing in first editions, uniquities, and a celebrity clientele that deserves bragging rights.

Secret Headquarters

3817 Sunset Blvd | (323) 666-2228

Comic book nerds and graphic novel enthusiasts alike will find their groove (and some the books they love) at Secret Headquarters on Sunset.

Alternate Universe

1498 Sunset Blvd | (213) 537-0992

Escape your reality at Alternate Universe, a shop opened for adorning Comic fans.

Shopping

Another favorite pass-time Los Angeles tourists look forward to, the shopping! Shop til’ you drop at these boutiques and malls on the strip.

Boutiques

The Odells

3906 Sunset Blvd | (323) 741-0039 | 11 AM - 7 PM (6 PM on Sunday)

Chic & casual, The Odells boutique has women’s & men’s clothing, as well as goods and decor for the home.

Mohawk General Store

4011 Sunset Blvd | (323) 669-1601 | 11 AM - 7 PM

Trendy, yet unique, Mohawk General Store offers apparel and accessories for men & women.

Passenger

2145 Sunset Blvd | (213) 908-6403 | 12-7 PM, Mon-Fri, 11 AM - 7 PM, Sat, and 11 AM - 6 PM, Sun

Passenger offers elegant and simple clothing, accessories, bags and more for women.

Yolk

3910 Sunset Blvd | (323) 426-9391 | 12-6 PM, Mon, 11 AM - 7 PM, Tues-Thurs (10 AM Sat), 10 AM - 6 PM, Sun

You’ll get lost in a whirl of color at this little Scandinavian shop, Yolk. Yolk has apparel for adults and children, as well as toys and home goods.

Boot Star Los Angeles

8493 Sunset Blvd | (323) 650-0475 | 11 AM - 7 PM

Boot Star Los Angeles specializes in boots, belts, and accessories with a modern appeal.

NICO & BULLITT

2205 Sunset Blvd | (213) 674-7755 | 11 AM - 7 PM, Tuesday-Sunday

70s inspired apparel, accessories, decor, and more is what you’ll find at NICO & BULLITT boutique.

Malls

8000 Sunset

8000 Sunset Blvd | (323) 848-8510 | 8 AM - 10 PM, Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM, Sat, 10 AM - 6 PM, Sun

8000 Sunset claims, “It’s all here!” at this small shopping avenue. Here you can find three levels of stores and eateries including Trader Joe’s, CVS, Rock N Roll Sushi, AMC Theater, Starbucks, and more!