The complete walking tour of Sunset Blvd in LA

Spending time in a car is a way of life in Los Angeles. As you sit in traffic, you get to know street names intimately and refer to them as if you’re close, personal friends. But the best way to get to know any city street is to take it on by foot. Iconic Sunset Boulevard stretches more than 20 miles from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean, and it’s packed with places to shop, eat and gawk—before turning woodsy in Beverly Hills. Put on your most comfortable pair of shoes, slather on sunscreen—lots of it—and visit these unmissable hot spots while walking one of the most famous streets on earth. The boulevard originates just outside downtown (in Angeleno Heights), but we’ll kick things off in artsy Echo Park.

Sunset Junction | Flickr photo courtesy of Eric Norris

Echo Park and Silver Lake

Mohawk Bend
Quench your craft beer thirst with one of the 72 on-tap options this hip and lively eatery.

Memento Mori
Browse the macabre, the bizarre and the wonderful within this gift shop’s damask walls.

Ali Mama Cafe
Sip a cup of memorable anise tea at ambiance rich Ali Mama.

Bar Keeper
For those of you grooming a well-stocked home bar, stumble into the Bar Keeper for high quality spirits and bitters and vintage glassware.

Sunset Junction
Informal name given to this collection of boho shops and eateries (Cafe Stella, the Cheese Store, Sunset Junction Coffee Shop, etc.) at the intersection of Sunset and Sanborn.

Tiki-Ti
Don’t let Tiki-Ti’s modest exterior fool you; it’s a trove of tropical decor and home to 94 fruity—and strong—drinks.

Vintage Vortex
Travel through fashions of the past with Vintage Vortex’s ever-changing racks of clothes and shoes.

Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles | Flickr photo by Sam Howzit

Hollywood

UCB Theatre
Improv, sketch, panels—you’re practically guaranteed to find comedy (and famous comics) at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

Dearly Departed Gallery
This small museum (on nearby Santa Monica Blvd) is dedicated to memorabilia associated with dead celebrities. Only in LA, folks.

Twin Sliders, Milkshakes and Fries
The name of this hole-in-the-wall establishment says it all.

Amoeba Music
As the world’s largest independent record store, Amoeba Music is a must-visit bastion of tunes.

Crossroads of the World
Pause in front of America’s first outdoor shopping mall to take a selfie in front of the quite noticeable Crossroads of the World sign.

Mr Musichead Gallery
Music stores surround Mr Musichead Gallery, a place devoted to images and art highlighting music.

Meltdown Comics and Collectibles
Your inner geek will be sated inside this comic book haven. Some of the best comedy in town happens in the Nerdist Showroom in back.

Vintage Enoteca
Refresh your palate with boutique varietals at the wine bar inside Vintage Enoteca.

Bonhams
Go inside this auction house to get an eye full of out-of-this-world luxury goods, from jewelry to art.

Enigma Coffee
Give yourself a mid-walk caffeine jolt at this Hollywood java stop.

The Griddle Cafe
You don’t understand the notion of ridiculous pancakes until you’ve been to the Griddle; order them to share.

Greenblatt’s Deli & Fine Wines
Nothing seems to be quite as filling as a pastrami sandwich, and Greenblatt’s serves one for the books.

Carney’s Restaurant | Flickr photo courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim

West Hollywood

Chateau Marmont restaurant
Depart the street, head into the hills and share small plates with friends at the restaurant’s garden terrace.

Carney’s Restaurant
Eat in a vintage Pacific Railroad passenger train car, have a chili dog and appreciate how great life is at this quirky diner.

The Comedy Store
Life needs laughter, and this spot has more comedians than you can throw a tomato at (don’t throw tomatoes at anyone, ever).

Boot Star
Even if you have no desire to own a pair of cowboy boots, stop into Boot Star to peruse their seemingly endless selection of kicks. Trying on a pair makes for excellent social media fodder.

Le Petit Four
Sit on the patio, sip a glass of wine and commit to people and fashion watching.

Wildfox
Sunset is home to the flagship Wildfox store; stop in to see the latest trendy collections of jumpers, dresses and more.

Book Soup
Browse the wide variety of offerings in the stacks at Book Soup, a general interest independent bookstore full of possibility.

Amarone Kitchen & Wine
Take some time to sit in an elegant atmosphere and dine on a delectable Italian meal from a Tuscan born chef.

Whisky a Go Go
Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, the Doors—they’ve all stopped by Whisky a Go Go, and you should, too.

The Roxy
Check the schedule for the Roxy Theatre and see if you can catch a show at the iconic music venue that’s hosted everyone from Paul Reubens to Neil Young.

Rainbow Bar and Grill
Steep yourself in Hollywood and heavy metal by stopping at one of the oldest bars on the Strip.

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills

Will Rogers Memorial Park
Embrace a leisurely pace in the Instagram worthy and tranquil Will Rogers Memorial Park, the first municipal park in Beverly Hills.

Cap your Sunset stroll with a quintessential alfresco dining experience at the pool-adjacent Cabana Cafe at this iconic LA property.