Few places boast as much rock ‘n’ roll history as this iconic stretch of roadway in Los Angeles County. The 1.6-mile strip of Sunset Boulevard is home to clubs and bars where generations of music legends—from Johnny Cash and The Doors to Led Zeppelin and The Strokes—have taken the stage. Today, the neon-lit road in West Hollywood continues to thrive with a buzzing nightlife, great eats, and fantastic spots to cut loose and catch new acts.
Where Is the Sunset Strip?
Starting at Havenhurst Avenue in the east, under the watchful gaze of Chateau Marmont’s gothic arches and turret, the Sunset Strip runs westward to Phyllis Street, halting right at the border of Beverly Hills. Tucked beneath the Hollywood Hills and the Bird Streets, it’s not to be confused with Hollywood Boulevard, which is home to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame. While Hollywood Boulevard is for the starlets and movie stars, the Strip is where countless musical acts cut their teeth.
What Is the Sunset Strip Famous For?
Known for hosting some of the earliest performances of The Doors, Neil Young, and Mötley Crüe (to name just a few) and for popularizing go-go dancing, the Sunset Strip is an essential piece of pop culture lore, stealing the spotlight in countless films, TV shows, and songs. It even inspired the titles of hit series like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. While that address is pure Hollywood fiction, visitors can check out the filming location of the title sequence for the 1958 detective series 77 Sunset Strip. Then head to 8532 W. Sunset Blvd. and look for the official Warner Bros. plaque on the sidewalk that marks where Dean Martin’s supper club, Dino’s Lodge, once stood.
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What Bars and Live Venues Have Historic Significance on the Sunset Strip?
- Whisky a Go Go: Home to world-famous performances by Mötley Crüe, Guns N Roses, Van Halen, and more, this nightlife staple has been open since 1964. During the 1960s, the club helped popularize go-go dancing by suspending dancing booths from the ceiling and filling them with dancers. The Doors were hired as the house band and performed seven nights a week. In 2006, the location was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- The Roxy Theater: The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s American premiere kicked off here in 1974—and for live music in an intimate, 500-capacity venue, The Roxy still hits. Bob Marley’s Live at the Roxy album from 1976 was recorded on this stage, and Donovan Leitch's musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch ran for seven years.
- Rainbow Bar & Grill: Next door to The Roxy, this was the rockstar post-show hangout. Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond, and Ringo Starr all frequented the bar until the wee hours. This was also the last spot where Motörhead bassist and singer Lemmy Kilmister was seen before his passing, an honor that has been commemorated with a bronze statue inside the bar’s “Lemmy’s Lounge.” Before the restaurant was transformed into the grill, it was called Villa Nova and was the site of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s first date.
- The Viper Room: A music venue on top with a smaller bar in the basement, this nightclub was owned by Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco, the costars of the 1980s series 21 Jump Street; it has welcomed performers such as Cher, Johnny Cash, and Stone Temple Pilots, among countless others. The club became one of Hollywood’s hottest spots in the 1990s and hosted the famous celebrity poker nights organized by “Poker Princess” Molly Bloom, the inspiration for Molly’s Game.
More Nightlife Spots on the Sunset Strip
Grab a cocktail at Bar Jubilee or pair hand-selected Irish whiskey with sliders at Rock and Reilly’s Irish Pub before or after a show. Saddle Ranch Chop House is renowned for its mechanical bull, which Miranda rode on a Sex and the City episode set in L.A. The Western-themed saloon has steaks, burgers, tacos, and bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where to Eat on the Sunset Strip
Get spicy at Night Market Weho, helmed by Chef Kris Yenbamroong, who took over the family business and expanded this seriously delicious location into a local chain filled with authentic Thai cuisine. Order the signature “party wings” with curry and know that the house specialty—khao soi jai, a coconut curry noodle soup—is not too spicy.
The Saltie Girl has an array of seafood-centric items, including towers of shrimp and oysters and a whole section of the menu dedicated to tinned fish (the “Tin List”) served with salt, butter, pickled peppers, pepper jam and bread. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner head over to The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, which specializes in just about everything. Offering gluten-free and vegan options, this classic brunch spot also concocts cold-pressed juices made with coconut water, enough green veggies to fill a salad bar, E3Live (a nutrient-dense algae), and spirulina.
Don’t miss Sushi Park, one of the more famous strip-mall sushi spots in Los Angeles. This unassuming, second-floor location offers an omakase menu that has tempted many Hollywood elites, including Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Angelina Jolie.
More: Where to Eat on Los Angeles' Sushi Row
Comedy Clubs on the Sunset Strip
Los Angeles is filled with prime stand-up spots, and the two historic clubs on the Sunset Strip draw in daily crowds looking for laughs. Originally owned and operated by Mitzi Shore, the late mother of Encino Man star Pauly Shore, The Comedy Store helped countless comedians break into the business and hone their craft on stage. (Fun fact: Before former Late Night host David Letterman was interviewing stars on TV, he was the nightly emcee at the Store.) Check out headliners, amateurs, and even live podcast recordings with a packed calendar of shows.
Tiffany Haddish, Adam Sandler, Rodney Dangerfield, and Sebastian Maniscalco have all spent time on the mic in the Laugh Factory. Now a national chain, this local comedy club is known for being the first spot in America to actually pay comedians for their work.
More: Comedy Clubs in California
Where to Stay on the Sunset Strip
The Strip is brimming with vibrant boutique hotels and classic Hollywood haunts. Public West Hollywood—formerly The Standard—will soon be the newest lodging addition to the Strip and the latest showcase for hotelier Ian Schrager’s hot-spot vibes. Slated to open on July 15, guests will be able to lounge at the pool bar, check out the nightclub, or enjoy impressive views from the rooftop’s three-quarter-acre park that will feature picnic tables, firepits, an outdoor gym, a track, a putt-putt course, and bocce ball. In a fun twist, Public skips the traditional TV set and instead opts for an 11-by-6-foot projection screen and laser display projector in every room.
Ian Schrager Company
The Sun Rose Hotel, which was recently ranked the best West Hollywood hotel by U.S. News & World Report, stuns with jaw-dropping panoramas from its sky-high pool and rooftop restaurant. The Edition, Marriott’s chic luxury offering, features a sparkling rooftop pool, an intimate spa, and the acclaimed restaurant Ardor. Insider tip: Don’t miss the rotating “golden hour” which often includes a burger served with hand-cut sour cream and onion fries, paired with a cocktail.
For a taste of Hollywood history, check into the Chateau Marmont or Sunset Tower Hotel, both steeped in decades of celebrity lore. The French Gothic castle at Chateau has inspired many rock legends: Judy Garland played the baby grand piano in the lobby, Miley Cyrus recorded acoustic tracks here, and Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham (allegedly) rode a motorcycle down the halls. Spotting a famous face like Billy Idol on the patio isn’t uncommon—just remember, photos in public places are strictly forbidden.
The Sunset Tower also draws A-listers, especially during Hollywood's illustrious awards season. Can’t score a suite? Make reservations at the historic Tower Bar, order the famous pigs in a blanket alongside a perfectly chilled martini, and settle in for an evening of premiere people-watching.
Where to Shop on the Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip isn’t just rock ‘n’ roll. Spend the afternoon shopping at Sunset Plaza, which has more than 20 stores, including specs store Oliver Peoples and Boot Star, which has a prolific collection of new and vintage cowboy boots. Or get pampered at the Queen B nail salon, grab a facial at the Ole Henriksen Spa, and refresh your kisser at Cupid Lips med spa.
Book lovers, don’t miss the locally loved Book Soup, L.A.’s largest independent bookstore, with floor-to-ceiling shelves that contain more than 60,000 titles, many of which are limited editions. The store hosts frequent author readings, so check its calendar to meet your favorite novelist or hear from up-and-comers.
Guided Tours on the Sunset Strip
Visitors looking to dive even deeper into the history of the Sunset Strip can take advantage of the many walking tours that explore the area. Jon D'Amico's Rock 'n Walk Sunset Strip tour covers all the hits and plenty more, all laced with personal stories and insight. For something a bit spookier, check out the True Crime and Haunted Tales tour that is centered around Sunset.
