In our 10K steps series, writers share the best places to get in your steps while enjoying city sights, favorite routes, and some secret detours. Here, James March leads us down and around LA’s Sunset Strip – an infamous party zone that’s surprisingly lovely.
“Drive west on Sunset, to the sea,” sings Donald Fagan on Steely Dan’s 1980 track “Babylon Sisters.” Over a slinky, organ-led beat, Fagan’s drawl evokes LA excess. Nowhere epitomizes the city’s kitschy allure more than the Sunset Strip.
Though it spans a full 23 miles from downtown Los Angeles to the Californian coast, the iconic Sunset Blvd is largely associated with a small, 1.7-mile section known as the Sunset Strip, which runs through West Hollywood. Times are more genteel now since the days when bands like Guns ’n’ Roses threw TVs from hotel windows. Look out for the cute delivery robots rolling around Sunset and Holloway. The glamor remains abundant, with WeHo hosting LA’s hottest restaurants and coolest hotels.
In some ways, WeHo’s streets seem more “LA” than anywhere else in town. Picture cartoonishly skinny coconut palms, sweating joggers, pocket-sized dogs, silent Teslas, and droning helicopters above. For a famously car-centric city, West Hollywood is surprisingly walkable, with its curving avenues and gentle backstreets feeling vaguely European. In other words, it’s perfect for a stroll.
Where to Start: Chateau Marmont
If it’s good enough for Anthony Bourdain, it’s good enough for anyone. Tony’s favorite LA hotel, the Chateau Marmont, with its turreted white perch high above Sunset and Marmont Lane, is a striking starting point for our walk. Completed in 1929, it has been an exclusive and at times notorious address for LA’s glitterati. Staying here might require a hefty bank account.
Need some fuel for the walk? The laid-back Mexican restaurant Pinches Taco sits on the south side of Sunset Blvd, in the shadow of the Chateau Marmont. The indulgent breakfast burrito here ($11.25) might become your new favorite dish.
Explore Both Classic and Cool New Stays
Speaking of hotels, West Hollywood is home to some of its most iconic properties flanking Sunset as it gently curves downhill. The 1931 Sunset Tower, rising like an art deco wedding cake, is particularly picturesque to explore, especially its sleek mahogany bar.
The walk: Cross back onto the south side of Sunset and continue west, passing sparkling new additions like The Pendry and 1 Hollywood West. A great budget-friendly option is Hotel Ziggy, where live gigs and DJs entertain in the evenings, and its quirky B-side Pizza offers indulgent slices and full-size pies. Turn left on La Cienega and head down the steep street until you reach Santa Monica Blvd.
Stop for a Hot Dog at a Food Truck Like No Other
An LA institution since 1946, Tail o’ the Pup is a colorful hot dog stand shaped like an actual hot dog. It may sound silly, but in a city that sometimes takes itself too seriously, it may be just what you need. There’s also a new speakeasy tiki bar upstairs behind a certain doorway.
The walk: If you’re interested in exploring LA on two wheels, you can pop in next door to Bikes and Hikes for a guided e-bike tour.
The serene backstreets of WeHo offer a tranquil pleasure. Cross Santa Monica Blvd onto W Knoll Dr: the charming Chamberlain Hotel is not only a hidden gem but also a great place to enjoy a tree-framed view of the colorful Pacific Design Center. Stroll past sweet pink geraniums on Westmount Dr, cross over Holloway Dr, and then give your thighs a workout on the steep Alta Loma Rd up to the Sunset Marquis.
Drop by the Ultimate Music Gallery
The Sunset Marquis boasts the Morrison Hotel Gallery, where a stunning collection of rock and pop culture photography adorns the walls. Images include Mötley Crüe in a soapy jacuzzi, the Rolling Stones dressed in drag, and the Doors gazing through the window of the Morrison Hotel. You’ll find even more enthralling visuals in the underpass between the pool and Cavatina restaurant, so keep it cool if a celebrity walks by.
The walk: From there, head back up to Sunset and turn left. Mel’s Drive-In is one of LA’s last old-school diners, staying open 24/7. Stroll down to the quirky Rocky and Bullwinkle statue at the intersection of Sunset and Holloway, where you might smell the essence of cigar smoke drifting from nearby social spots.
Catch a Live Gig at a Legendary Venue
Opened in 1964, the Whisky a Go Go was the first live music venue inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With bands like The Doors in its lineup, this intimate venue still hosts gigs almost every night. While some booths are reserved, the best experience is grabbing a cold beer from the back bar and getting up close to the action.
The walk: If you decide to spend the night at one of Sunset’s engaging music venues, enjoy every moment. However, if you prefer a lighter note to end your evening, head back east on Sunset to The Comedy Store.
Bonus Stop: Kick Back with Some Late-Night Laughs
The laughter continues late into the night at the legendary Comedy Store, where everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to Richard Pryor has taken the mic. With three rooms to choose from, last-minute bookings are often possible. The Original Room’s “After 11pm Headliners” spot is especially recommended for late-night humor. Checking the venue’s social media page may reveal secret headliners too.
Wrap Up Your Adventure
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the Sunset Strip promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, food, and laughs. Enjoy your stroll down this iconic stretch of Los Angeles with iBestTravel!
