Home to a vibrant collection of tourist attractions, West Hollywood is one of the most visited areas of Los Angeles. Connecting the famous Hollywood Hills to the glitzy studios of Sunset Boulevard, this area is home to movie and TV icons, LA arts culture and of course, gorgeous hotels like the Beverly Terrace in Beverly Hill Hotel in California’s most famous locale.

A stay in Hollywood means you’re in the heart of the media capital of the USA, so there are of course plenty of tourist attractions you can explore. Whether on foot or with a tour, your map to the stars will always begin with the progressive spirit and glittering sunshine of West Hollywood. Here are just a few of the landmarks, attractions and activities you can enjoy when visiting this glamorous neighbourhood of Los Angeles. 

What To Know About West Hollywood

Once part of the European colonies of California, West Hollywood evolved into a prominent part of the state due to what is now known as the Sunset Strip’s use as a main connecting road between the many ranches of the Los Angeles area. In the 20th century, West Hollywood increased its popularity due to the prolific Moses Sherman, one of the chairmen of the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad’s decision not to incorporate the area into the city of Los Angeles. Untethered by the laws of Los Angeles city, West Hollywood became a hub for alcohol licensees and casinos, all retaining their legality. This, in turn, led to West Hollywood becoming a major tourist attraction for locals and travellers. 

Mulholland Drive

Made famous by its celebrity residents and David Lynch of the same name, Mulholland Drive stretches 21 kilometres across the back end of LA and into Ventura County. Easily reached by guests at accommodation in Beverly Hills CA, Mulholland Drive is perched atop the hills of West Hollywood, a road trip along Mulholland Drive will gift you with beautiful views of the city, as well as the Los Angeles Basin, Hollywood sign and San Fernando Valley.

Greystone Mansion And Park

From a troubled beginning as the setting for former owner Edward Doheny, the son of an influential oil tycoon, to it’s present as harbouring one of the msot famous staircases in Hollywood filmmaking, the 1928 built mock Tudor Greystone Mansion is available for tours and visits. The land surrounding the 55 room mansion is also open to visitors, comprising 16 acres of public parkland.

Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation

Frederick R. Weisman began collecting art in the 1940s’, and using his wealth decided to create an art foundation for it. Famous for its focus on “living with art” rather than the formal gallery setting, the house is open to the public, not only presenting modernist European works from Picasso and Cezanne but also displaying beautiful interior design. 

Franklin Canyon Park

Built of hiking trails, lakes and stunning canyons, the Franklin Canyon Park is a public park in what is generally considered to be the geographical heart of Los Angeles. Here you’ll find 605 acres of land, duck ponds and birdwatching hubs.

Santa Monica Boulevard

Spanning 23 km, Santa Monica Boulevard is best known by tourists for its nightlife and shopping centres. Easily reachable from many hotels in West Hollywood, Santa Monica intersects with the famous Sunset Boulevard and ends with the famous Santa Monica Pier.

A 4-hour flight off of the US mainland, Puerto Rico might be closer to Venezuela but is actually unincorporated territory of the United States. This has made the Caribbean island a popular tourist destination for American travellers, who can visit with fewer VISA checks than other islands in the region. 

It’s not only the history-laden links to the US that make Puerto Rico such a tourist hotspot though. With luxurious yet affordable hotels, stunning coastlines and Puerto Rico wedding venues to die for, the whole island boasts a robust tourist industry and an eclectic menu of vibrant culture, history and natural landscapes to lose yourself in. It’s no wonder then that in 2019, Puerto Rico attracted almost 4 million tourists, and whilst the COVID 19 pandemic, for the time being, might have stopped travellers visiting, these are just some of the reasons why your next international vacation should be this beautiful Caribbean commonwealth.

Feast Your Eyes And Ears On Weekend Festivals

Puerto Rico’s history stretches way back before it was colonised by the USA, and the culture of the territory is proudly displayed through the many festivals and street fiestas that can be found on the weekends. With dancing, singing and live music, many towns and barrios come alive on the weekend, and visitors are always welcome!

Sample Puerto Rican Cuisine

With both African and European influences, the local cuisine found at eateries such as the Montana Restaurant boasts plantain rich seafood and meat dishes, as well as vegetarian cuisine inspired by the rich agricultural output of the area. It might be part of the USA, but Puerto Rico’s culinary flare is quite a world apart from the mainland. 

Eclectic Natural Beauty

Spanning over 9000 square kilometres, the island of Puerto Rico is rather on the small side compared to neighbouring Haiti. That being said, the tropical climates make for diverse terrain, the island incorporating cave systems, rainforests, tropical beaches and even mountain ranges across its beautiful land. 

Diverse Coastlines

As exemplified by Isabela Beach, Puerto Rico coastlines are one of the main reasons for its booming tourism. Whether you’re visiting for a day of surfing at Tres Palmas beach or for some seaside golf at the Royal Isabela Golf Course, there’s a beach for everyone in Puerto Rico.

Colonial Era Architecture

From 400 years of Spanish rule and a more recent century of US governance, the architecture of Puerto Rico tells its own historic story. For those interested in the history of the area, make sure to visit landmarks such as the forts dotted around San Juan and for wider-reaching travellers, see if you can spot the regional distinctions in Puerto Rican architecture. 

A Longer History To Reflect On

Whilst Puerto Rico was first colonised by the Spanish in the late 15th century, the indigenous Taino culture developed over thousands of years before. Whilst little is known about the Taino culture compared to other Caribbean cultures, you can still find Taino village reconstructions across the island.

Hotels Of Puerto Rico

Of course, a holiday isn’t as rejuvenating as it is with luxury hotels. Accommodation like the Villa Montana Beach Resort provides a taste of glamour and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of the cities. With all the resources needed on-site to enjoy the many facets of the island, hotels like the Villa Montana are a welcome consequence of the island’s diversity and personality. 

Starting your day with a delicious and nourishing breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day. While we don’t always have the time to enjoy a sit down home-cooked meal, there are several alternatives to grabbing breakfast on the go. Some of us reserve a laid-back brunch or breakfast for weekends; however, if you are visiting a town like Torrance, where everything is a lot laidback, it might be more tempting to make a stop at the local cafe for a croissant and latte while enjoying views of the ocean. Here are some of the best Breakfast Places In Torrance.

Eat at Rudy

Eat at Rudy located on Post Avenue is a cafeteria-style restaurant that specializes in bringing the best of easy to eat American cuisine. The setting features indoor picnic tables that give flashbacks of the 4th of July, and the menu you can expect to find a variety of American breakfast favourites.

Sacks on the Beach

Come enjoy a delicious mouth-watering breakfast on the beach at this charming restaurant serving an array of colourful dishes. They are open seven days a week from 6 am – 5 pm and some of the menu items include Breakfast wraps, omelettes with fresh fruit, oatmeal and acai bowls.

Torrance Black bear diner

In search of the Best Restaurants In California, then we recommend to look out for some hidden gems. These underrated places tend to have some of the best well-priced foods without compromising on taste. Torrance Black bear diner is no exception when it comes to this, as this all American eatery specializes in bringing you some a variety of breakfast favourites. On the menu, you will find some hearty options of Grizz, sausages and steaks. Also, there are a couple of healthy meals, including avo toast, fruit, and eggs benedict.

Miyako Hotel

The restaurant at Miyako Hotel is the perfect option for guests staying at the property. They offer a full breakfast that is usually included in your room rate. Breakfast here is served buffet-style, giving you the option to sample as much of the food as possible. After fueling your body with all the nourishing goodness. head for a stroll on the beach before booking a relaxing afternoon treatment at a nearby Torrance Spa

Wildflower Cafe

Located on Redondo Beach this Torrance cafe opens daily for breakfast and visitors get to come and enjoy freshly prepared meals and pastries made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The space is welcoming with a laidback picturesque setting, great for enjoying a weekend coffee with friends.

PinWheel and Bakery

Craving something sweet for your early morning pick me up, then head over to the Pinwheel and Bakery to enjoy all the freshly baked goods. There is a wide selection of french pastries and dishes to choose from, so make sure to bring a healthy appetite and be open to trying something different. Some of the menu meals include baguette packed with melted brie, apple jelly, walnuts, and topped with honey and rosemary.

Hollywood: home to the rich and famous. When you picture this Los Angeles neighbourhood, it’s likely you think of glitz, glamour and not much else – it is the best known entertainment district in the world, after all.

In fact, on the other side of the coin, Hollywood is a place of serenity; its beautiful hiking trails make it the perfect place to get out in the open and be at one with yourself. Quite the opposite of how the world thinks of it, wouldn’t you say?

Grab your water bottles, get your walking boots on and enjoy one of these hiking trails in West Hollywood.

1. Runyon Canyon

Tucked away at the eastern end of the Santa Monica mountains is Runyon Canyon. Technically a local park, a climb up the Canyon will reward you with spectacular views over the City of Angels and its towering skyscrapers. Dog lovers will be in paradise here, as the park’s relaxed rules mean the place is often overrun with excited pups.

There are several hiking trails you can take in the park; depending on how energetic you’re feeling, you could reach the top after less than a mile, or just over three. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, the Canyon is incredibly popular with locals and tourists, so this may not be the one for you.

2. The Wisdom Tree

A rugged path across the Cahuenga and Burbank Peaks, this is a fantastic hike in the famous Griffith Park. Although popular, this one feels a little bit more ‘off the beaten path’ and will take you past a lone tree: the Wisdom Tree.

With distant glimpses of the city skyline behind the rolling hills, this is a great trial for looking down on the two different worlds of LA. Plus, you can opt to carry on to Mount Lee and get up close and personal with the Hollywood sign itself.

3. Fryman Canyon

This urban trail offers you the chance to take a three-mile leg-stretch around the Hollywood Hills. Seemingly a little less crowded than other trails, the route is scenic and you won’t feel as though you’re in the city at all.

There are several benches along the walk for you to sit, catch your breath and have a moment of contemplation – the perfect thing when you’re trying to escape bustling city life.

4. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

At a mile and a quarter for a round trip, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a short but strenuous climb up a set of very steep stairs – so not quite your traditional style hike. With clear views across the skyline and the dramatic landscape that lies behind it, it’s well worth braving the mighty-high steps on a sunny day.

If you haven’t quite decided on accommodation in Hollywood, the San Vicente Bungalows West Hollywood CA are located just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking trails LA has to offer all you explorers.

There are such a plethora of things to do in Los Angeles that even if you visit the city on multiple trips, you always will have something new and exciting to experience. With plenty of outdoor activities, magnificent beaches, loads of tourist spots and oodles of cultural locations, Los Angeles is a dream holiday spot to explore.

For those visiting LA  and wanting to avoid the pricey hotels in the downtown area, Torrance is a better choice of location. There are a good number of decently priced hotels near Torrance, CA to choose from. One such property is the three-star Miyako Hotel, Torrance.

With excellent amenities, great customer service and one of the top Japanese restaurants in California, the Ise-Shima, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. Furthermore, guests looking for the best spas in Southern California need not step out of the hotel, with the Relaken Spa offering a range of health and wellness treatments.

Some of the ways to remain occupied in Los Angeles include

Go biking: Stretching for 22 miles The Strand Bike Trail runs parallel along the scenic south bay coastline. It is the most popular biking trail in the city. The route encompasses a variety of charming beach towns with plenty of landmarks and attractions along the way. The panoramic views of the coastline feature plenty of stops en-route and is a great way to stay physically active when in the city. Some of the chief attractions found on the trail include Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach. Each of them is a world-famous attraction on their own. When in Southern California, biking along The Strand Trail is an absolute must!

Test your hiking skills:  For those that would prefer something more laidback but nonetheless exciting, there is the option of hiking in one of the most popular locations in Los Angeles – Runyon Canyon. The incredible views that overlook the city, including seeing the famous Hollywood Sign is breathtaking. Visit on a weekday and it is remarkably peaceful with a few hikers and bikers to be seen. The weekends are when it is crawling with locals and even a number of celebrities that come along with their pooches. If you want to give the beaches a break, then head on a quiet afternoon to Runyon Canyon, while enjoying the gorgeous views and also getting you daily share of physical activity. Just beware that the trails can get really steep, so pace yourself and wear comfortable hiking shoes. 

Hop onboard the Santa Monica Pier’s roller coaster: The Santa Monica Pier is over a century old and is one of the most iconic piers in the world. It is home to restaurants, amusement rides, an aquarium and one of the best rollercoaster rides in the US. A ride on the monster offers 360-degree views all around and is a terrific adrenaline rush. It is near the famous Strand Bike Trail and also is the endpoint for the legendary highway named Route 66.

LA is known for its long-standing history of showbusiness. With countless movie studios, cinemas and art spaces, the creativity, excitement and glamour of LA know no bounds. It might be one of the reasons why you chose accommodation like the Hotel 850 SBV West Hollywood CA, and getting a taste of Tinseltown may be the reason you’re here in the first place. With over 48 million tourists in LA every year, it’s no surprise to find such alluring accommodation deep in the heart of the city.

It’s not just the tourist attractions of LA that attract holidaymakers. The personalities, celebrities and locals of the city also have a unique draw for many guests. The wide range of A-listers living in LA is not surprising seeing as most of their work is generated in the city’s many movie studios and agencies.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a month, you’ll undoubtedly come across many local tours giving you an insight into the celebrities living in LA, but with such a huge city of over 1300 square kilometres to cover, you won’t be able to catch all of them. West Hollywood is as good a place as any to start for celeb spotting. Below is a list of just a few of them.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis is one of the most famous Hollywood actresses working today. With an eclectic background of voiceover work, comedy and young adult blockbusters, Mila Kunis truly deserve a place in the West Hollywood hall of fame. Mila is known to have lived in a condo with her partner, fellow actor Ashton Kutcher.

Johnny Depp

The Pirates of the Carribean and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory star is well known for his eccentric roles and turbulent lifestyle. It’s no surprise then that he owns a large house in West Hollywood, the size of which will really give you a taste of well-documented exuberance.

Katy Perry

Once married to British comedian Russell Brand, the couple owned a house together in Beverly Hills. After their divorce, the famous singer famed for hit singles like Firework and California Girls found her own accommodation in Hollywood, at the famous Colonial House.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio may have four known properties around the world, but the famous actor’s first home, bought soon after his role in Titanic, is his 2 million dollar West Hollywood house. With his own 21700 square foot basketball court and huge swathes of private land, Leo’s Hollywood home is as extravagant as you’d expect from the well-known star.

Robert Pattinson

Famous actor Robert Pattinson is best known for his work on the Twilight saga as well as many other well-known movies. The actors  2 million dollar home is located in a part of Beverly Hills known for housing many celebrities, whilst also out of the way of the star tours in the area.

Keanu Reeves

The action movie superstar has a huge house and pool in West Hollywood. With its beautiful balcony view, the one-floor condo has plenty of space for the star to practice his kung fu moves!

A dose of fresh air and the vast myriad of colours make Guanajuato in Mexico an unbeatable location to visit. What makes it a particularly beautiful place to visit is that it’s unlike any other tourist attraction – it’s very much a vibrant working location. Nothing is there to serve the tourists, and it’s there to help those who live there. It’s unavoidable to feel the hustle and bustle of those who study, work and play in the city. Visiting the town is truly a unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. UNESCO declared Guanajuto a World Heritage site, and if that’s not enough to convince you of the gem, do continue this little read. 

1. Leading in silver 

Little known fact by many is that it was a leading source of silver when Guanajuto was under the rule of the Spaniards and has produced about one-third of global silver for more than 250 years! You might be wearing Mexican silver as you read this! A sign to visit? Perhaps! If you’re a jewellery aficionado checking out the Valenciana Mine is an absolute must, it is one of the deepest mines in the city. Currently, it’s in shape it was during the height of the silver rush to provide an insight into what life was like for mines, and the difficulties endured. 

2. The childhood home of Diego Rivera 

The very spot where artist Diego Rivera took his first steps and uttered his first words and most likely started creating art has turned into a museum. His family home has recreated to mimic the actual house at ground floor level. Hike up the stairs, and there’s a gallery of a permanent exhibition of his work. 

3. Alley of the Kiss 

Are you planning on going away with your partner? Break free from your hotel room at the Hotel Castillo De Santa Cecilia Guanajuato and walk to the alley of the kiss. There’s an urban myth about star crossed lovers who would meet up at the lane, and it is said that the couples ghosts haunt the area. This might sound a little scary, but worry not little grasshopper, it also said that the spirits bless young couples who kiss in the same spot. 

4. Check out the Don Quixote Museum 

If you’re into everything literary chances are that you’ve read Don Quixote. On Tuesdays the iconographic museum is free. You will be able to enjoy paintings, murals and sculptures depicting the various characters. Do keep in mind that this museum is closed on Mondays as well as on Sunday mornings, but that means that you get to sleep in at Castillo De Santa Cecilia hotel, and that doesn’t sound so bad! 

5. Vast tunnel system 

The city has a series of tunnels that initially served to divert the water of Rio Guanajuato to prevent flooding. This was necessary for the mining era but has since turned into a way to manage with ever-growing traffic in the city. It’s a cool way to get around on foot or car! It’s not the most exciting tourist attraction – because it’s not a tourist attraction – but it is a great way to integrate into local life and walk the steps of history and culture. 

For more information and travel tips about Guanajuato, why don’t you go there to see yourself – you’ll be glad you did!