Although Hollywood, California is actually a district in the larger city of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is an incorporated city on its own, though relatively new as it only came into existence in the mid-1980s. When combined with the exclusive area of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood forms an enclave that is completely encircled by the city of Los Angeles.
Since it is so near to the film and television capital of the United States, many of West Hollywood's landmark attractions are based on entertainment and celebrity. Tourists from around the world come to stay in holiday rentals in West Hollywood so that they can be close to such famous sites as the Sunset Marquis Hotel, which recording studio has produced many hits.
Shopping in West Hollywood
Shopping is a popular attraction here for locals and visitors alike because the city has an exclusive commercial zone known the world over. Just as Beverly Hills is famous for Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood draws shoppers to Melrose Avenue. The stretch between Doheny Drive and Fairfax Avenue is particularly notable and contains many boutiques selling the latest trends in clothes and shoes, but antique stores and interior decorations shops also dominate the street. The far west end is especially noted for the lovely furniture on offer there.
Architecture
West Hollywood is the place to go to see Art Deco buildings from the 1920s as well as Spanish Revival style structures from the same period. The Sunset Tower, located in the historic district, once provided a home for celebrities such as Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and multimillionaire Howard Hughes.