How to Enjoy the Westside of Los Angeles

An unofficial region that includes West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Marina del Rey, L.A.’s Westside is an ideal venue for a Southern California escape. Beaches, nightlife and elegant shopping options are just a sampling of the vibrant diversions you’ll encounter in the western realms of Los Angeles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or sandals

1. The Beverly Hilton is a classic lodging in the heart of Beverly Hills with a central locale, nice views and enticing pool area. A great choice closer to the beach is the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica, just a few blocks from the Pacific, with an atmosphere that is both regal, yet relaxed.
2. Spend an afternoon shopping in Beverly Hills, with particular attention paid to the elegant upscale retailers on Rodeo Drive. Even if you can only afford to "window-shop," this iconic shopping strip is worth the visit.
3. Devote the better part of a day to Santa Monica’s beach scene, with the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym and renowned pier just part of the fun. There are some superb restaurants nearby to choose from when the sun comes down, including Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main and the Border Grill (on Fourth Street)—serving unforgettable Mexican gourmet dishes.
4. Wander away from the ocean to enjoy Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only plaza that has become a gathering spot for folks from all over L.A. Shopping, dining and entertainment options are aplenty—with cafés, movie theaters and much more, and it’s a great place for people-watching as well.
5. Take an oceangoing excursion at Marina del Rey, home to several thousand boat slips in a sprawling marina. Choices range from "party boat" jaunts to yacht charters, to more casual fun like rentable kayaks and paddleboats. For landlubbers, the Waterfront Walk provides a pleasant stroll with no need for lifejackets!
6. Elsewhere in Marina del Rey, the Fisherman’s Village is touristy temptation built in the style of a New England seaside town. Kitschy gift shops, affordable eateries and some decent dance clubs compose the majority of the diversions.
7. Savor a wild night out in West Hollywood, with Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards as the perfect strips for some hip bar-hopping. If live music is your goal, the famous Whiskey a Go-Go, Viper Room, Troubadour and House of Blues are all reliable venues for quality tunes.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to avoid having to do too much driving on your L.A. visit, particularly during rush hour times.
• Be careful walking alone at night, particularly in West Hollywood.