Gay West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Travelers to West Hollywood, or WeHo, remark not only on the nightlife, dining, and shopping opportunities available there, but also on the friendly attitudes of the residents and the laid-back, festive atmosphere of the town. 

West Hollywood, with a local population that is over 40% gay and lesbian, benefits from the progressive social agenda of its residents.  Incorporated in 1984, West Hollywood was one to the first cities in the United States to offer its residents a comprehensive Domestic Partnership Ordinance, allowing unmarried couples to register their union with the city and receive access to city-level family benefits and services. 

Though West Hollywood has its own unique feel, it is bordered on the east by Hollywood and surrounded by Los Angeles County and therefore shares in the Hollywood and LA culture.  WeHo, alternatively know as “The Creative City,” is home to many art, interior design, and architecture aficionados.  The Avenues of Art and Design, from La Cienega to Doheny Boulevards, feature art galleries, design showrooms, antique stores, and museums.  Notable among these is the Pacific Design Center.  Comprised of more than 130 show rooms and galleries, the western branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art, two restaurants, a theatre, and a conference center, the Pacific Design Center is a hub for local and international art and design communities. 

Whether you are planning a romantic get-away, looking for hot club nightlife, or just hoping to soak up some of the glitz and glamour of the town, West Hollywood will keep you busy.  Explore the pedestrian-friendly town on foot—check out the international dining, high-fashion shopping, and, of course, picturesque sunsets on Sunset Strip; return after dark for some fast paced dancing and club-hopping.  The area between La Cienega and Robertson Boulevards, affectionately known as “Boys’ Town,” includes notable night clubs such as Micky’s and Rage, which offer patrons exciting club experiences every night of the week. 

If you’re looking for more than the nightly club bash, coordinate your visit to coincide with either Halloween or the Christopher Street West Pride Parade and Festival.  Halloween in West Hollywood holds the enviable position of being the largest Halloween street party in the United States.  The CSW Pride Parade and Festival, held the second weekend in June, also attracts large crowds annually. 

If you want to read a gay travel guide to Los Angeles, just click the link: Los Angeles Gay Travel Guide

See you in West Hollywood!