The Sunset Strip has always been a
carnival of sorts, attracting the loud and proud of every generation since the
Swinging ’20’s. It overflows with legends, as many of the world’s biggest stars
shone first along the Strip. And today, it remains the heartbeat of West
Hollywood – a haven for foodies and fitness junkies, ravers and ragers, LGBTQ
and creatives of all kinds. The free-flowing celebration hits a high note in the
summertime, when the Strip turns up the volume on its already amped
counterculture.
You’ll want to be part of this party. The entire 1.5-mile stretch of iconic hot spots is the place to be – and eat, and dance, and sing, and do whatever it is people do on inflatable pool swans – as Summer on Sunset turns into the quintessential summer bash. Here is where those California dreams of endless sunshine and celebration are everyday reality, except better, because you don’t need to be an A-lister to be on this list. Come as you are, party as you please.
Rock Out
Here, you’re the center of the spotlight,
and by spotlight we mean that shining ball of fire in the sky. Spend your days
poolside sipping cocktails to DJ-mixed beats and filling your Insta feed with
FOMO-inducing pics. When the sun sets, grab the mic and channel you inner Jim
Morrison or Janis Joplin at one of several cocktail-and-karaoke lounges on the
Strip. Or, leave it to the actual rock stars playing iconic places like the
Whisky a Go Go, Roxy Theatre, Viper Room and Sunset Marquis on the nightly.
Live
@ Sunset Marquis Acoustic Concert Series | Long a home stage for some of the world’s top
musicians and bands, the Sunset Marquis Hotel is continuing the tradition by
showcasing the best upcoming acoustic acts on the scene. RSVP for one of the
three dates this summer.
Blind
Dragon “Sing or Die” Karaoke | Guests can imbibe in some liquid courage from a menu of exotic cocktails, then
grab the mic and the songbook of more than 25,000 hits, rocking out in one of
four private luxury karaoke suites.
Mondrian
LA Skybar | There is
no bad time to party here, with late-night DJs playing until 2 a.m. almost
nightly, Friday “Just Ditch” poolside bashes beginning at 1 p.m. and Saturday
Skybar Day Clubs going all summer. Guests should check the details and dress
codes, as there’s truly something for everyone.
The Den on
Sunset | No
hump-day blues here, with “Wine Wednesdays” serving up $15 pinot grigio,
cabernet or rosé, setting the perfect stage for weekly Rockstar Karaoke
beginning at 10 p.m. On September 1 at 1 p.m., summer goes out with a bang at
the infamous Backyard
Bash, featuring Guns ‘N Roses’ Steven Adler,
Hurricane, Pretty Boy Floyd, Motley Inc., Electric Hound, Angeles and Metal
Knights.
Whisky
a Go Go’s “Ultimate Jam Night” | Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., the stage is set for an array of musicians that will
rock the house all night. There is no cover for age 21 and up, and only $10 for
under 21.
Tributes to
musical legends of the Strip | Some of the
biggest bands to ever rock the Strip are still celebrated here, including Jim
Morrison and The Doors (Peace
Frog), Led Zeppelin (Zepparella)
and Guns
‘N Roses.
Decades of
delightful debauchery | Reliving the greatest moments, hits
and artists of the ‘80’s, the Whisky
a Go Go features “Fast Times” tribute shows with
Rubix Kube L.A. every Monday, while The Roxy Theatre hosts a one-night “Saved by
the ‘90’s” bash July 12.
Eat Your Heart Out
And
since the rock-and-roll lifestyle can take a toll, we recommend you take a
break for some seriously creative cuisine. You’ll find virtually every kind of
menu along Sunset Boulevard, from brunch mimosa kits (yes, full kits) at Pearl’s Rooftop to Thai spice and Asian vibes at Night + Market, and comfort food into the wee hours at The Naughty Pig. Newly boasting Michelin clout in the
guide’s 2019 California publication are al fresco farm-to-table Eveleigh;
farmer’s market-inspired French restaurant Tesse;
celebrity favorite Katana;
and cozy Old Hollywood Tower
Bar & Restaurant. Also on the must-try list for tastes
of all kinds are Rock & Reilly’s, BOA, and ROKU.
Stay Beautifully
Whether or not your plans involve
sleeping, feel free to make yourself at home in the heart of the action at one
of a dozen or so hotels
poised along the Strip. Some are posh and
modern, some ooze Old Hollywood glam, others are stylishly quirky destinations
unto themselves. Find what fancies you and make it your home base for
delightful summer debauchery. Sun, swim, stay and save in the
laid-back California vibes of Mondrian
LA; the oh-so-dramatic good life of the 1
Hotel; the art deco flair of the Sunset Tower;
and uber-chic luxury of Andaz
West Hollywood. Other hotels along the Sunset Strip
include the Grafton, Sunset Marquis, The London West Hollywood, and The
Standard.
Consider this your invite to the best bash of your summer. And while the party has already begun, you’re only fashionably late. Come join the celebration any time through September 3.
Featured image of Dave Navarro and Courtney Love performing at the 2019 Summer On Sunset kickoff concert courtesy Vivien Killilea.