Los Angeles/West

West Los Angeles is made up of a set of very distinct neighborhoods, ranging from wealthy suburbs to prominent business centers to communities where you'll find a mix of ethnicities that would make the United Nations proud.
Perhaps the most prominent West L.A. community is Westwood, an area somewhere between a neighborhood and a city that surrounds the main campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Most of the area's businesses cater to the college population, with a number of used and new bookstores, art movie theaters, inexpensive restaurants and coffee houses. While the main village of Westwood had its heyday from the 1960s throughout most of the 1980s, it is picking up in popularity again as a trendy hangout for local teens and students of UCLA. Despite an increasing number of homeless people, Westwood is still known as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, albeit with some of the worst traffic. South of Westwood are the densely populated and highly diverse neighborhoods of Sawtelle, Mar Vista, and Palms, where you'll find many established ethnic and minority communities with plenty of local shops and restaurants catering to these local populations.
The other prominent economic center in West L.A. is Century City, a small but dense collection of highrises adjacent to Beverly Hills that was built around the headquarters of 20th Century Fox. To the south of Century City is the affluent neighborhood of Cheviot Hills, with lots of parks and large suburban homes. On the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains to the north of Westwood are the fashionable and famous neighborhoods of Bel-Air and Brentwood, both of which are full of mansions overlooking the city, some of which have been the home of celebrities.

Climate

Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, West L.A. enjoys a cooler climate than the rest of Los Angeles. During the summer, temperatures can be as much as 10-15 degrees cooler in West L.A. than locations further inland, in large part due to the constant sea breezes in the area. Fog is a common occurrence, especially in the months of May and June.

By car

Interstate 405 passes through West Los Angeles just south of the Sepulveda Pass. The area is noted for high levels of congestion, especially during rush hour.

By plane

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 20-30 minutes away, and has a very large number of flights to and from the airport. The LAX FlyAway provides a shuttle service from Westwood to LAX for $10 each way; the FlyAway stops at 11075 Kinross Ave, adjacent to UCLA Lot 32, where parking is available for a fee.

By public transit

On the west side, local transit is provided by three main carriers.

• Metro is the major operator of bus and rail services in Los Angeles County. The Metro Rail Expo Line roughly parallels I-10 through West L.A. and tends to be the fastest transit service to the area from Downtown L.A., stopping in the Palms and Sawtelle neighborhoods on its way between Culver City and Santa Monica, with bus connections to other Westside neighborhoods available at each station. Frequent Metro bus routes that pass through the area include the 2 (Sunset Blvd), 4/Rapid 704 (Santa Monica Blvd), 20/Rapid 720 (Wilshire Blvd), and the 33/Rapid 733 (Venice Blvd), with the Rapid lines stopping only at major intersections. Additionally, the 28/Rapid 728 connect Century City to Downtown L.A. via Olympic Blvd, while the Rapid 734 (weekdays only)/234 (weekends only) link the Expo Line Sepulveda station, Westwood, UCLA, the Getty Center entrance, and the San Fernando Valley via Sepulveda and Westwood Blvds. Metro fare is $1.75.
• Big Blue Bus primarily serves Santa Monica and UCLA/Westwood (and the major streets between), but also has a network of routes that serves just about every neighborhood in the area, as well as routes that head out to Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Venice, and an express route (#10) along I-10 to Downtown L.A. Additionally, the #3 bus reaches the LAX Airport Transit Center, making it a handy way for air travelers to reach the Westside cheaply. The standard fare on all buses (except #10) is $1.25.
• Culver City Bus primarily serves Culver City, but also runs buses to UCLA/Westwood (#6), Century City (#3), and LAX (#6), thus also serving as a primary carrier of tourists from LAX to the UCLA area. The base fare is $1.

• Annenberg Space for Photography

  address: 2000 Avenue of the Stars
  A small public art gallery dedicated to photography. Often, but not exclusively features exhibits with entertainment and music industry themes.

• Fox PlazaIn the middle of Century City is this otherwise nondescript postmodern skyscraper that's notable for being the headquarters of 20th Century Fox and will be instantly recognizable to Die Hard fans as the fictional Nakatomi Plaza.

• Hammer Museum

  phone: +1-310-443-7000
  address: 10899 Wilshire Blvd
  A UCLA-affiliated institution which houses changing exhibitions of contemporary, modern, and classical art, with a particular focus on Los Angeles-based work. The basis of the museum's collection is a set of significant European works collected by the institution's founder, Armand Hammer. The museum also holds many free public programs, including lunchtime "Art Talks" every Wednesday at 12:30PM.

• Museum of Tolerance

  phone: +1-310-553-8403
  address: 9786 W Pico Blvd
  Focusing on the history of the Holocaust, this museum contains many interactive exhibits designed to challenge visitors to assess their own levels of tolerance. Many of the exhibits are meant to engage kids (about 10 and older), and you may find your kids asking you about things such as racial and economic tensions. A highlight of the museum is live testimonies by Holocaust survivors who serve as museum volunteers.

• Skirball Cultural Center

  phone: +1-310-440-4500
  address: 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
  In the hills above Sepulveda Pass is this expansive contemporary facility devoted to Jewish heritage. Among its libraries, classrooms, conference rooms and gardens is a museum with a permanent collection of historical artifacts, artwork, and interactive exhibits on Jewish history and culture, with an emphasis on the Jewish-American experience. A highlight of the museum is a large children's area modeled after Noah's Ark, with animal puppets and figurines that kids can play with.

• Westwood Village Memorial Park

  phone: +1-310-474-1579
  address: 1218 Glendon Ave
  See the final resting places of some of Hollywood's most famous celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon, and Don Knotts, in a compact 2 acre cemetery.

Getty Center

Getty Center

One of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Center is unquestionably one of the finest museums in the nation, with a collection of European art from the Middle Ages to the modern era set against a backdrop of dramatic architecture and tranquil gardens. Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains and accessible only via tram from the bottom of the hill, the museum offers spectacular views of the L.A. basin and the Pacific Ocean.
The focal point of the expansive museum campus is a central courtyard ringed by several buildings which display most of the museum's holdings, linked by bridges and terraces which offer superb views of the museum campus and the surrounding landscape. The courtyard level hosts the Getty's permanent collection of European sculpture and decorative arts, as well as some changing exhibits, while the upper level displays the museum's European paintings. Outside is a large garden centered around a reflecting pool with a flowering maze set within the pool, surrounded by specialty gardens and expansive lawns that make an excellent place for a picnic.
The other museum location, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, is about 11 miles to the west via Sunset Blvd and covers the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria; you can visit both in the same day (Wednesday through Sunday) and pay the parking fee only once (save your ticket stub), but don't expect to have any time left over for other activities.

University of California Los Angeles

Spread out over 400 acres on the northern end of Westwood, UCLA is the largest branch of the University of California system by student population and is a major center of activity. The campus is a massive complex of academic facilities, residence halls, museums, gardens and pathways which make for a pleasant stroll. The original center of campus is , a grassy quad framed by the beautiful red brick Italianate structures of Royce Hall and Powell Library, with a fountain on the west side overlooking the rest of campus. From here a long stairway, the Janss Steps, leads west to the focal point of campus life: , where you'll find the student union, the bookstore, and the student rec center, as well as a statue of Bruin Bear, the university's mascot.

• Fowler Museum

  phone: +1-310-825-4361
  address: 308 Charles E Young Dr N
  A cultural museum that hosts changing and permanent exhibitions featuring art and archaeological artifacts, with a particular focus on non-Western cultures. A number of striking artifacts from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas are on regular view, including tribal masks, religious figurines, headdresses, and a Chinese hand puppet.

• Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture GardenIn the middle of the arts and social sciences section of campus, this noted sculpture garden showcases dozens of modern and contemporary sculptures from masters such as Calder, Matisse, and Rodin.

• Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

  phone: +1-310-825-1260
  address: 100 Stein Plaza Driveway
  Created as an experimental garden of rare and exotic plants for the university's botany program, this garden makes for a tranquil retreat from the urban landscape, with many tropical and subtropical plants as well as a stream running through the middle of the garden.

• Geffen Playhouse

  phone: +1-310-208-5454
  address: 10886 Le Conte Ave
  A UCLA-owned theater company that is noted for their original productions hosted in an intimate space in a historic Westwood building.

• Regency Bruin Theater

  phone: +1-310-208-8998
  address: 948 Broxton Ave
  Like it's big brother, the Fox Theater across the street, this is a fully modern cinema that still has the ambiance and style of an earlier era. The art-deco marquee, canopy, and box office are little changed from when it opened in 1937.

• Regency Village Theater

  phone: +1-310-208-5576
  address: 961 Broxton Ave
  The art-deco Fox Village Theater (now operated by Regency) is a throwback to "Old Hollywood" that has survived into the multi-plex era, and is often the site of red-carpet premiers. Though the decor reflects it's historic roots, the seating, projection, and sound are excellent and have kept upgraded to meet and exceed modern quality standards.

• Rancho Park Golf Course

  phone: +1-310-838-7373
  address: 10460 W Pico Blvd
  Rancho Park Golf Course is a municipal course with discounts for LA residents, but is open to the public. Tee times are in high demand and are subject to availability, so make reservations well in advance if planning a round.

• Brentwood Country Mart

  address: 225 26th St
  A small shopping on the border of Brentwood and Santa Monica. The motif may be rural, but the shopping is less 'shabby', more 'chic'. Features boutique shops and the Farmshop market/restaurant.

• Giant Robot

  phone: +1-310-478-1819
  address: 2015 Sawtelle Blvd
  Featuring Japanese pop-culture toys and merchandise.

• Mitsuwa Marketplace

  address: 3760 S Centinela Ave
  A Japanese supermarket with several locations in the US, boasting a collection of Japanese food shops in its food court such as Santouka Ramen, Tendon Hannosuke tempura, Sanuki Sandou Udon, Misasa, and Daikichi Sushi.

• Nijiya Market

  phone: +1-310-575-3300
  address: 2130 Sawtelle Blvd
  A Japanese market located in the 'Little Osaka' neighborhood. Can be a slightly pricier option, but the selection and variety are good. Their produce department is a good place to start when looking for harder-to-find fruits and ingredients.

• Westfield Century City

  phone: +1-310-277-3898
  address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd
  An upscale shopping center in the Century City neighborhood, featuring an AMC 14 Cineplex, Bloomingdales, Gelson's Market, and Macy's. Underground parking garage.

• Westside Pavilion

  phone: +1-310-470-8752
  address: 10800 W Pico Blvd
  One of the few closed-roof malls remaining on the West Side. Anchored by Macy's and Nordstrom department stores. The 12-screen Landmark Cinema often features Limited-release films and special screenings, to complement the more expected mall appurtenances.

• Westwood VillageA pedestrian friendly shopping district adjacent to UCLA. Features American Apparel, Bel Air Camera, Buffalo Exchange thrift store, Target, Trader Joe's market, Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods, and a selection of smaller shops and services.

• The Time Travel Store

  phone: +1-310-915-0200
  address: 12515 Venice Blvd
  Apparel, supplies, and sundries for the discriminating time traveler. You got your canned Mammoth Chunks, your robot repair parts, and the ever-popular Viking Odorant. (All proceeds from sales go towards the shop's real reason for being: the 826LA writing workshop program for school-age students.) There's another location in Echo Park.

West LA has a wide variety of food types and pricing. Westwood Boulevard features numerous restaurants of Iranian, Indian, and Pakistani cuisine, while Sawtelle Boulevard features many Japanese restaurants. There are a number of Indian and Pakistani restaurants along Venice Boulevard in Palms, mostly offering North Indian cuisine. Westwood Boulevard between Pico and Wilshire is filled with Persian restaurants, serving the largest Iranian population outside of Iran (which is concentrated in Westwood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica). There is a large cluster of Jewish delicatessens and restaurants on Pico Boulevard south of Beverly Hills, with both Ashkenazic and Middle Eastern Jewish cuisines represented. There is a small cluster of (mostly) Japanese restaurants colloquially known as Little Osaka on Sawtelle Blvd (just west of 405) bounded by Santa Monica Blvd to the north and Olympic Blvd to the south.

Budget

• Apple Pan

  address: 10801 W Pico Blvd
  Fabulous burgers and pies since 1947.

• India's Oven

  phone: +1-310-207-5522
  address: 11645 Wilshire Blvd

• Marty's Hamburger Stand

  phone: +1-310-836-6944
  address: 10558 W Pico Blvd
  Known for its chili and the Combo, which is a hot dog and hamburger all in the form of a hamburger.

• Saffron and Rose Ice Cream

  phone: +1-310-477-5533
  address: 1387 Westwood Blvd
  Persian-style ice cream (similar in consistency and flavour to Italian gelato) in unusual flavours, such as date, rosewater, redcurrant, pistachio and cucumber(!). They have half-pints, pints and quarts to take home, but ask the owner for help because the labels are in Farsi only.

• Tacos A La Flama

  address: 2404 S Barrington Ave
  Mexican taco stand offering tacos, burritos, sopes and the like. Adventurous eaters can try tacos de lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (beef cheek), tripa (tripe) and buche (beef esophagus).

• Tuk Tuk

  phone: +1-310-860-1872
  address: 8875 W Pico Blvd
  Thai food.

• Versailles

  phone: +1-310-558-3168
  address: 10319 Venice Blvd
  Cuban food.

• Pizza Station

  phone: +1-310-276-8708
  address: 8965 W Pico Blvd

• Juquila

  address: 11619 Santa Monica Blvd
  Little hole in the wall Mexican joint specializing in Oaxacan food like mole, tlayudas, nopal, etc. Great pozole and menudo on weekends.

Mid-range

• Bollywood Bites

  phone: +1-310-824-1046
  address: 1051 Gayley Ave

• The Glendon Bar & Kitchen

  phone: +1-310-208-2023
  address: 1071 Glendon Ave

• Habayit

  phone: +1-310-479-7173
  address: 11921 W Pico Blvd
  The only kosher restaurant on the Westside. Serving delicious, homemade American-Israeli cuisine for to-go or delivery.

• Hara Sushi

  phone: +1-310-820-1021
  address: 12222 Wilshire Blvd #101
  Semi-hidden sushi gem not far from the Santa Monica border. Despite its unobtrusive street presence, the small dining area often has a line during peak hours, but the wait is well worth it.

• Louie's of Mar Vista

  phone: +1-310-915-5300
  address: 3817 Grand View Blvd
  Located in a nondescript spot off of Venice Boulevard, this tiny establishment packs a lot of character into its four walls. The food is all New Orleans-inspired, with the famous Kalua pig Monte Cristo egg rolls as a favorite and specialty. Several drinks on the menu are made with honey harvested from beehives on the restaurant roof, and the ice cream is made fresh with flavors that change daily. The vibe is a cross between sports bar and casual restaurant, the staff is friendly, and there is generally street parking available, albeit with overzealous meter maids on patrol. Happy hour is Mon-Fri from 5-7PM, and Saturday noon-5PM.

• Native Foods

  address: 1114 Gayley Ave
  Innovative variety of vegan foods, featuring salads, veggie burgers, rice and noodle bowls, pizzas, and desserts. Uses an original recipes for tempeh and seitan. Indoor & outdoor seating. Accept credit cards. Open daily.

• Nick's Coffee Shop

  phone: +1-310-652-3567
  address: 8536 W Pico Blvd
  Located in the same location since 1946, this classic diner has a six-page menu with several hundred items for all tastes. American diner fare is combined with Mexican specialties for a mind-numbing variety of meal options, and portions are generous. Prices are reasonable, service is amazingly fast and friendly, and the decor is guaranteed to have you waxing nostalgic.

• Ramayani Westwood

  address: 1777 Westwood Blvd
  A good choice for Indonesian, a cuisine that is strangely and unfortunately rare in the States, given that Indonesia is the world's 4th largest country by population. Tasting menus available for the novice.

• Sunnin

  address: 1776 Westwood Blvd
  Sunnin moved into a much bigger facility across the street from its previous location and prices increased as well as the floor space. It's not the dirt cheap bargain it once was, but the food is still moderately priced and excellent. Try the Kefta Kebab wrap and the Kebbeh Bil Saynieh. Sit at the counter and watch Toni, the owner, run her kitchen like a drill sergeant!

• Shamshiri

  phone: +1-310 474-1410
  address: 1712 Westwood Blvd
  Excellent food at giant portions - you'll be buying dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow. Try the Tachin (chicken, basmati rice and redcurrant casserole), Bademjan (lamb shank and aubergine (eggplant) stew) or Shirin Polo (roast chicken on top of rice pilaf with almonds and orange zest).

• Sushi House Unico

  phone: +1-310-474-2740
  address: 2932 1/2 Beverly Glen Circle
  Right off Beverly Glen Blvd, tucked away in a small, though fashionable strip mall in the canyons of Bel Air, is Sushi House Unico (shu), a restaurant that boasts an eclectic menu best described as a fusion of Japanese, Latin and Italian flavors and cuisines. The space is contemporary and refined, but not too overbearing. Shu's owner, Giacomino Drago, is also the familiar restaurateur and chef of several restaurants including Il Pastaio and Piccolo Paradiso in Beverly Hills. Signature dishes included halibut carpaccio with sun-dried tomato, Kobe Beef sashimi and albacore sashimi with shaved truffles.

• Taiko

  phone: +1-310-207-7782
  address: 11677 San Vicente Blvd
  Taiko is a casual little Japanese restaurant located in the Brentwood Gardens. The service is very friendly, and the unique variety of dishes will satisfy anyone's tastes. The Nabeyaki udon is not to be missed.

• Westside Tavern

  phone: +1-310-470-1539
  address: 10850 W Pico Blvd
  American cuisine with a luxury taste at a moderate price. Atmosphere is relaxed and clean, with good ambient lighting. Go upstairs and are some theaters. Catch an arts film or the newest blockbuster.

• Darya

  address: 12130 Santa Monica Blvd
  Quality Persian food.

Splurge

• Enzo and Angela

  phone: +1-310-477-3880
  address: 11701 Wilshire Blvd
  An authentic Italian experience in an unexpected location (upstairs in a mini-mall), but the great food and personal attention of the staff erase any lingering doubts about the venue.

• Napa Valley Grille

  address: 1100 Glendon Ave

• The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air

  phone: +1-310-472-1211
  address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd
  Ideal for celebrations, special occasions or anything even remotely romantic, The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air is the archetype of elegant dining, replete with innovative, 'French-California' style cuisine care of chef Douglas Dodd. There are two beautiful dining areas; a more formal dining room or outside in the relaxed bougainvillea-draped Terrace. The roast rack of lamb is considered a favored entrée. Teatime at the Bel Air Hotel is a nice relaxing time and a great way to break up a day.

• Vibrato

  phone: +1-310-474-9400
  address: 2930 Beverly Glen Circle
  Dynamic fusion of steakhouse and jazz club from music legend Herb Alpert makes for a night of great cuisine and musical entertainment. The expansive supper club-like dining room is intimate and bold in design and color with beautiful paintings adorning the walls. The menu is impressive, with an array of modern American fare. The bar draws an eclectic gathering of jazz lovers, socialites and trendy nighthawks. This is Bel-Air after all. Situated almost out of sight in a classy strip mall at the top of Beverly Glen, Vibratto retains a certain, "in-the-know" status. But it's well worth the discovery.

Desserts

• Amandine Cafe

  phone: +1-310-979-3211
  address: 12225 Wilshire Blvd
  European style bakery and cafe specializing in French pastries and tartes.

• Brian's Shave Ice

  phone: +1-310-231-3450
  address: 11301 W Olympic Blvd
  Hawaiian shave-ice with an embarrassment of different flavors, fillings, and combinations.

• Diddy Riese

  phone: +1-310-208-0448
  address: 926 Broxton Ave
  Legendary among denizens of Los Angeles as one of, if not the best deserts you will find anywhere. Just $0.30 per cookie, or $1.50 for an ice cream sandwich. Expect to wait in long lines during peak hours, but their cookies are not to be missed. Be warned that you should eat quickly, as the cookies will not taste as good overnight, or even a few hours after purchase.

• Barney's Beanery

  address: 1037 Broxton Ave
  A sports bar with 40 beers on draft and 160 bottled beers that has had locations in Los Angeles since 1920.

• Mom's

  phone: +1-310-820-6667
  address: 12238 Santa Monica Blvd
  Trendy bar that maintains a dive bar atmosphere. Happy hour is lively-to-loud with prices that are budget-friendly. They may be a line on peak nights, so visitors are advised to plan accordingly

• Palomino's

  address: 10877 Wilshire Blvd

• The Carlyle Inn

  phone: +1-310-275-4445
  address: 1119 S Robertson Blvd
  Suite accommodations.

• Hotel Palomar

  phone: +1-310-475-8711
  address: 10740 Wilshire Blvd
  4 star luxury boutique hotel.

• Sky Hotel

  phone: +1-310-475-4551
  address: 2352 Westwood Blvd

• Holiday Inn Express West LA

  address: 11250 Santa Monica Blvd

• Hotel Bel-Air

  phone: +1-310-472-1211
  address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd
  This picturesque, five-star hotel is a popular destination for weddings, as well as a playground to the affluent.

• The W Hotel

  address: 930 Hilgard Ave

• Santa Monica. Best known for its famous pier, Santa Monica is a must-see destination for most tourists, and home to many restaurants and bars frequented by locals.
• Culver City. A neighboring city and the home of Sony Studios that has been undergoing a rebirth and now has an increasing number of food, shopping and entertainment options.
• Beverly Hills. Home of 90210, fabled shopping, and the upper crust of Hollywood's elite.
• Wilshire. Home to Koreatown, LA's museum district, and the famous La Brea Tar Pits.
• Sherman Oaks. Located among the hills between the coast and the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks is a mainly-residential neighborhood that offers numerous food, shopping, nightlife, and lodging options.