Planning a drive along Sunset Boulevard? Here’s the ultimate guide to the best stops

Picture a quintessential Hollywood moment – sunny skies and cruising in a convertible. And there’s no better place to experience this than Sunset Boulevard, an iconic stretch of road.

This 22-mile stretch runs from the sparkling streets of Hollywood to the coastal charm of Malibu, passing through Beverly Hills, Bel Air, UCLA, and Brentwood. It offers a perfect snapshot of Southern California’s vibrant lifestyle.

Sunset Boulevard has evolved since 1877, when real estate mogul Horace H. Wilcox subdivided his land along the old cattle trail that became the road we know today. Over the years, it expanded and contracted as property owners bought and sold plots, and in 1994, the eastern end was renamed Cesar Chavez Avenue near Union Station.

While the entire boulevard is iconic, some sections have become especially legendary. The Sunset Strip, which runs between Havenhurst Drive and Doheny Drive, is famous for its history of protests in the 1960s and the rock ‘n’ roll mayhem of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Chateau Marmont, one of the most iconic hotels on Sunset Boulevard, has hosted unforgettable moments: it’s where John Belushi spent his final night, James Dean famously leapt through a window, and where modern stars like Scarlett Johansson can still be spotted enjoying a drink.

Here are the top experiences to check out along Sunset Boulevard:

Getting ready for your visit

There’s no set schedule for exploring this iconic road, but like most Angelenos, you’ll want to get behind the wheel. While certain parts of Sunset Boulevard are walkable, to truly experience the entire route or travel between Hollywood and Malibu, a car is essential. If you’d prefer to skip the driving, you can take the city’s No. 2/302 bus that runs along much of the boulevard.

Once you’ve got your car, you’ll need to find the boulevard. To start your journey from the Sunset Strip, enter 8200 W. Sunset Boulevard into your GPS. The 1.7-mile section between North Crescent Heights Boulevard and Doheny Drive offers plenty to do, from shopping at Sunset Plaza to grabbing a drink at Skybar and visiting famous spots like The Viper Room and The Comedy Store.

There’s no shortage of hotels on the Strip, including Andaz West Hollywood, Sunset Tower Hotel, and The Standard Hollywood. You can easily make this lively area your home base for exploring everything the boulevard has to offer.

From there, you can either head a few miles east to grab a burger at In-N-Out and pass by Hollywood High School, where both Cher and Sarah Jessica Parker studied, or you can drive west toward the breathtaking California coastline.

While many of the stores and casual restaurants along the boulevard are open during regular hours, some attractions require reservations or tickets. For example, if you’re planning to see a show at The Whisky A Go Go, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. The same goes for comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory. And for a dining experience at popular spots like BOA Steakhouse, be sure to book your table ahead of time.

While driving along Sunset Boulevard at sunset is straight out of a Hollywood dream, be aware that the road can become heavily congested during rush hour, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Skybar, 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 323 848 6025

BOA Steakhouse, 9200 Sunset Blvd #650, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 271 6000

In-N-Out Burger, 7009 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, +1 800 786 1000

Andaz West Hollywood, 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 323 656 1234

Sunset Tower Hotel, 8358 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069, +1 323 654 7100

The Standard Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 323 650 9090

Whisky A Go Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 652 4202

The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, +1 323 656 1336

Fun fact:

Before Sunset Boulevard became synonymous with high-end hotels and trendy juice bars, it was the heart of the music scene. Billboards that now promote tech and fashion brands once featured iconic musicians like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Bruce Springsteen.

This lively atmosphere often attracted wild crowds, and since the Sunset Strip was outside LAPD's jurisdiction, the area became notorious for its lawlessness, fostering a culture of excess. Though things have been cleaned up over time, it remains a draw for aspiring musicians and entertainers seeking their big break.

Hidden off the main boulevard is the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, a quiet sanctuary for meditation, reflection, and spiritual practice. Famous visitors like Elvis Presley were known to stroll through its tranquil grounds, and George Harrison's funeral was held here.

By the way, if you're searching for the iconic '77 Sunset Strip' from the '60s TV show, it doesn't actually exist. The scenes were filmed in front of Dino's Lodge, located at 8524 Sunset Boulevard, and there used to be a plaque marking the spot on the sidewalk.

Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, +1 310 454 4114

Where to make your stop along the way

If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity, head to the legendary Chateau Marmont. This castle-like hotel has been a hotspot for stars for decades, from Howard Hughes and F. Scott Fitzgerald to Johnny Depp and Lindsay Lohan. Even if you're not staying overnight, you can still enjoy a meal at its glamorous restaurant, which exudes classic Hollywood charm.

Craving some live music? The Roxy Theater is a must-visit for an unforgettable experience. This iconic venue has hosted legends like Frank Zappa and Bob Marley, and it’s where the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' premiered in 1974.

Today, the Roxy still attracts top indie rock bands, offering an intimate atmosphere where you can feel like part of the action thanks to its cozy size.

For a change of pace, swap a concert for comedy at The Comedy Store. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Rodney Dangerfield have performed here, and the venue continues to host some of the biggest names in comedy. It’s often where comedians test out new material, so you could be the one to decide if a joke makes the cut.

Don’t forget about the coastal stretch of Sunset Boulevard. On your way to the beach, stop by the UCLA campus in Westwood for a treat at Diddy Riese, a spot famous for its customizable ice cream sandwiches. You can also tour the historic Will Rogers’ ranch house in Will Rogers State Historic Park, or hit the waves at Sunset Beach.

Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046, +1 323 656 1010

The Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 358 1881

The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069, +1 877 4FLY TIX

The Roxy Theater, 9009 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 278-9457

Diddy Riese, 926 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024, +1 310 208 0448

Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, +1 310 454 8212

Where to grab a bite

On the Sunset Strip, you’ll find enough dining options to last you weeks. But with only a short time to spare, make sure to check out Pearl’s Rooftop. It offers a menu full of innovative cocktails and delicious dishes like truffle mushroom flatbread and fried chicken, all while you take in stunning views of L.A.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find hidden gems like Sushi Park, a second-floor gem specializing in omakase, and Mel’s Drive-In, a classic 1950s diner that's open around the clock.

For a more refined experience, book a table at the art-deco Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel, where you can enjoy a celebrity sighting alongside dishes like steak tartare and the iconic McCarthy Salad.

Pearl’s Rooftop, 8909 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 360 6800

Sushi Park, 8539 Sunset Blvd., #20, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 652-0523

Mel’s Drive-In, 8585 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, +1 310 854 7201

The Polo Lounge, 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 887-2777