Nightlife in California

There may be no greater concentration anywhere of the young, hip and beautiful than in the bars and clubs of this infamous stretch of road. The 1.6-mile strip of Sunset Boulevard is situated in the lively city of West Hollywood and upholds that lively city's reputation as a nightlife hotspot.

From the heights of swanky hotel rooftops like the Mondrian’s SkyBar and the Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel, to the glam-grunge of rock clubs like The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go, there’s a setting to suit your style and mood. In addition to venues that showcase artists ranging from indie singer/songwriters to major-label headliners, there are iconic comedy clubs such as The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store. Or head to The Roxy—where Rocky Horror Picture Show premiered in 1974—for live music in an intimate, 500-capacity venue.

Grab a fireside cocktail at The Den on Sunset or pair a hand-selected Irish whiskey with sliders at Rock and Reilly’s Irish Pub before or after a show. Hotels aren’t just for sleeping—popular venues like Bar Marmont (at Chateau Marmont) and the super-secret Mmhmm cocktail bar at The Standard are sleek spots to see and be seen.

Sunset Strip isn’t just rock and roll. Spend the afternoon shopping at Sunset Plaza, which contains more than 20 stores, including Armani Exchange and H&M. Book lovers, don’t miss the iconic Book Soup, LA’s largest independent bookshop, with floor-to-ceiling shelves that contain more than 60,000 titles, many of which are limited edition. The shop hosts frequent author readings, so check its calendar for a chance to meet your favourite novelist or hear from up-and-coming authors.

Four of L.A.’s hippest neighbourhoods—Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Downtown, and Hollywood—are clustered together in central Los Angeles. Hang out in any of these areas to experience the hippest nightclubs and bars. Start off in Downtown L.A. area with a show or a film at the Downtown Independent, or catch a classical performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Frank Gehry’s stunning post-modern Walt Disney Concert Hall. Post-show, head to Villains Tavern for some classy craft cocktails made by the resident mixologist, or sample fine whiskies at Seven Grand. The Silver Lake area is hipster central: play pinball at Pins and Needles, sway to indie rock at The Echo or The Satellite, or just relax with the locals at popular Bigfoot Lodge or Red Lion Tavern. 

Just up the road from Silver Lake lies Los Feliz, a laid-back, e neighbourhood that's perfect for a stroll, featuring some of L.A.’s greatest nightlife options. It is also home for many celebrities, including Mad Men’s John Hamm and sultry Eva Mendes. Catch the classic lounge act of Marty & Elayne at The Dresden, sip mai tais at Tiki Ti bar, or enjoy cocktails and burlesque at Harvard and Stone. Finish up in Hollywood with comedy by the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, catch a live in-store performance by a national act at Amoeba Records, or enjoy an intimate singer songwriter set at the "tucked away in a back alley feel" of Hotel Cafe.

In San Francisco, there are few quiet nights, and though bars and clubs may call it quits at 2 am, the city makes sure you stay busy until closing time. For those seeking more refined forms of entertainment, San Francisco boasts an outstanding symphony orchestra, classic and contemporary ballet, and numerous opera companies. There’s also a thriving theatre community, most notably the American Conservatory Theater, which presents classic and new works at The Geary Theater, near Union Square. Broadway tours always stop in San Francisco; check the schedule for SHN, which presents most of the works at the impressive Orpheum Theatre, on Market Street. City Arts & Lectures offers intriguing conversations with celebrities, stars, and global movers and shakers. Attend an open-to-the-public gallery show, or a special museum night.

For rowdier fun, there are rock concerts at the Great American Music Hall and the legendary Fillmore; indie bands, R&B and hip-hop at smaller venues like Bottom of the Hill Amnesia Beer & Music Hall,and Slim’s; and open mic nights at Hotel Utah Saloon. The dance club scene thrives at favourites such as DNA Lounge, the Cat Club and Raven Bar. And nightlife wouldn’t be complete without a bit of hopping around the city’s bevy of bars, from upmarket establishments with craft cocktails (like Bourbon & Branch and The Alembic) to longstanding local watering holes (The 500 Club, Zam Zam and Vesuvio) where you'll be elbow to elbow with the locals. San Francisco is also home to some of the most renowned tiki bars in the state; get the full rum-soaked south-seas experience at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, Smuggler’s Cove and Pagan Idol.

Insider tip: the Bay Area is one of the state’s hot spots for craft beer; definitely keep an eye out for local brews on tap.

The warehouse-filled back streets of the East Bay are attracting urban wine warriors who like blending and bottling in the middle of city buzz. More than 20 wineries dot Oakland and the nearby cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, and Alameda; visit them on your own, or consider taking an entertaining guided tour by bike with East Bay Winery Bike Tours.

Oakland and surrounding cities are also enjoying a culinary renaissance as celebrated chefs open new establishments in up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Uptown, Jack London Square, Grand Avenue, and Glenview. Try sophisticated tapas at always-packed Bocanova, contemporary Japanese at Ozumo, or charcuterie and craft cocktails at Adesso. Chicken and waffle fans flock to West Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen, where chef Tanya Holland puts her creative twist on classic soul food dishes.

Oakland is becoming a hotbed of artisanal food makers too, with getting-to-be-household names like Numi Teas, Blue Bottle Coffee and Linden Street Brewers making the region home base for operations. Learn more about this new wave on a guided walking tour with Savor Oakland, focusing on food, culture, and history. Wind down the evening and recline in Kasbah-like splendor at Layover.

Open-air cafés, street musicians, sparkling shops and soaring temples to everything Disney—this tempting pedestrian zone in Anaheim is as must-see as the resort's two theme parks. If you’re hungry when you get here, you won’t be for long: find creative and delicious dishes at born-in-California favourites such as La Brea Bakery Café (the outdoor seating under leafy trees is particularly nice). Feel like you’re relaxing on an Italian piazza at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. Or take it up a notch with contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Catal, created by Los Angeles-area chef-restaurateur Joachim Splichal.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a branch of upmarket cupcake purveyors Sprinkles—the creative cupcake bakery credited with launching the cupcake craze—that’s not to be missed. And save room for a few scoops of artisanal goodness from Salt & Straw, an innovative family-run ice cream shop that offers hand-made, small-batch seasonal flavours such as Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiked Potion and Sightglass Coffee Cashew Praline.

There’s also plenty of live entertainment, activities and shopping: New Orleans–inspired music is the main course at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen®. Take the family bowling at the rock 'n roll-themed Splitsville Luxury Lanes after dining indoors or al fresco at the on-site restaurant Splitsville Dining Room. And stock up on gifts at the World of Disney® shop, or browse big-name stores such as The LEGO® Store or Sephora. Girly Disney fans will appreciate the vintage-inspired clothes and accessories at The Disney Dress Shop, and if your home is lacking some magic, call in at the Disney Home store to find the perfect themed kitchenware and decor. 

Star Wars fans will love Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The Void, a total-immersion virtual reality experience with state-of-the-art 3-D imagery and sound. Teams of four, in VR disguise, can engage with their favourite Star Wars characters, as well as with one another.  

Insider tip: you don’t have to have a ticket to Disneyland to visit Downtown Disney (admission is free). Plus there's no need to worry about parking—it’s free for up to five hours with validation from participating locations.