Places to Experience West Hollywood’s LGBTQ Scene

With its rainbow-colored crosswalks and blocks of out-and-proud offerings, West Hollywood stands tall as the visible symbol of gay Los Angeles. Learn about how it’s pride history shapes the city today.  

West Hollywood is a vibrant, inclusive city that welcomes all. Located in the heart of L.A., nearly 40% of West Hollywood’s population identifies as LGBTQ.

For LGBTQ visitors, there’s a lot to love about West Hollywood, including one of the world’s most thriving LGBTQ nightlife scenes, sleek designer hotels, and easy access to LA’s countless cultural and sightseeing landmarks.

While there’s something exciting happening here year-round, the LA Pride Festival in June and Halloween street party in October both draw hundreds of thousands of revelers, making them great times to visit.

Nightlife

If nightlife is your thing, Santa Monica Boulevard is where it’s all happening, with hot spots ranging from pulsing dance clubs to friendly neighbuorhood bars. The Abbey, Revolver, Fiesta Cantina, Flaming Saddles, Gym Sports Bar, Micky’s and Rage are just a few of the bars and clubs that make the west side popular, while Gold Coast, Fubar and Hamburger Mary’s beckon visitors east.

Places to stay

All of West Hollywood’s hotels are LGBTQ-friendly. Spend your afternoons beside a glamorous rooftop pool at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, Andaz West Hollywood or Mondrian Los Angeles. Ramada Plaza Hotels & Suites is located right in the heart of the action on Santa Monica Boulevard, buzzing with pedestrians, outdoor cafes, shops and bars. Spacious all-suite properties like the Petit Ermitage, Montrose West Hollywood, Le Parc Suite Hotel and Chamberlain West Hollywood are within easy walking distance of Santa Monica Boulevard, as are the chic pied-a-terre Palihouse West Hollywood and the design-forward La Peer Hotel.