Amazing diversity is what makes Los Angeles one of the best destinations in the United States. For locals it means the ability to hop in the car in your own familiar neighborhood, drive a few miles, and then step out into a completely different world from the one you call home. For travelers, it means the ability to customize your travel experience in Los Angeles based on your interests, or maybe even your bucket list. One very unique destination within the city of Los Angeles is West Hollywood.
West Hollywood is located an easy 17 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via rental car, LAX shuttle or public transportation. Given that everything is within walking distance and that alcohol may be playing a prominent role in your visit to “WeHo,” as it has been nicknamed by locals, it is probably wise to utilize a hotel shuttle to shuttle from LAX to your hotel. From there walking and an occassional taxi will serve your needs quite well.
In the city of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is a center for art and design. As the home of the Pacific Design Center, one of the annual highlights in West Hollywood, or “WeHo” as it is called by locals, is West Week, an internationally recognized design trade event held every Spring that features programs hosts by Elle Decor, House & Garden and Metropolitan Home.
Also in Spring, WeHo is home to the Art and Design Walk. Held in the world famous The Avenues district, this event highlights the latest in interior design, fine art, fashion and haute cuisine on the streets of Melrose Avenue, Robertson Boulevarde and Beverly Boulevard. Visitors find an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, unique displays and live entertainment. Over 300 local businesses participate including art galleries, interior design showrooms, fashion boutiques and eateries. The Art and Design Walk is your best chance to explore the many offerings of the The Avenues district while enjoying exquisite food.
Lest you think that West Hollywood is all and only about sophistication, WeHo juxtaposes its super serious, artsy fartsy reputation with a night of reckless abandon on Halloween night. The annual West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval started as a primarily gay and lesbian event, but now has exploded to include over 500,000 people from all walks of life. A week long celebration of everything that is certainly not serious, the Carnaval includes a pet costume contest, pumpkin carving contests, a parade and the hugely popular “Drag Races,” featuring competitive obstacle course races for people dressed in drag and stiletto heels! While the focus is certainly adult in nature, this may be the one place on earth where you can celebrate Halloween for an entire week!
While you will find an astounding number of delectable eateries in WeHo, no visit would be complete without a visit to Lemonade. The Taco Bell of gourmet food, simply can’t miss it. With a menu featuring ingredients such as champagne vinaigrette, black kale, lemongrass and saffron creme fraiche, you will be wishing there were four meals a day just so that you can have the opportunity to try it all. The $4.25 price tag on most menu items only makes it that much harder to resist. Pineapple Coriander Lemonade. Seriously? Yup.
When the time comes to board your airport shuttle bound for a flight home, as your LAX shuttle drives away from WeHo, I have no doubt that your visit to West Hollywood will leave you feeling as if you have experienced something absolutely unique. Welcome to Los Angeles.
