West Hollywood
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Westwood is a lively neighborhood that offers a mix of culture, shopping, and dining. A visit to The Getty is a must for art lovers, with its stunning architecture and world-class collections. Enjoy the historic Fox Theatre or see a performance at The Geffen Playhouse. You can also shop at Westwood Village or explore the Hammer Museum for contemporary art. For a relaxing outdoor experience, take a stroll through The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden or head to Rancho Park for hiking. For casual dining, check out Diddy Riese Cookies, or enjoy a meal at The Ivy. UCLA is also in the area, offering historic landmarks and a beautiful campus to explore.
Westwood offers an array of luxurious hotels perfect for travelers looking to combine convenience with style. W Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills is a trendy 4-star hotel offering chic accommodations and a vibrant atmosphere. Hilton Los Angeles - Westwood Village provides spacious rooms and a central location close to the UCLA campus. Palomar Los Angeles Westwood offers modern comfort with stylish rooms and amenities that cater to both business and leisure travelers. For those seeking seclusion and top-tier luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles offers stunning city views, fine dining, and elegant accommodations near Westwood.
Wolfsglen Restaurant
Westwood boasts both casual and high-end options for discerning diners. Frida Mexican Cuisine offers delicious Mexican fare, while Spago Beverly Hills remains one of the most renowned upscale dining destinations in the area. The local dining scene also includes places like Denny’s, but Sweetfin offers sustainable, high-quality poke bowls. Nearby Napa Valley Grille brings an upscale, Californian wine country experience with contemporary American dishes.
Step into cinema history and experience the legendary Westwood Historic Cinemas, where classic Hollywood glamour meets modern movie magic. Nestled in the heart of Westwood Village, these iconic theaters have hosted red-carpet premieres and delighted film lovers for generations. The Regency Village Theatre, with its soaring Art Deco tower, has been a premier venue for Hollywood’s biggest events since the 1930s. Just steps away, the Regency Bruin Theatre, a stunning example of Streamline Moderne architecture, continues to screen major films while preserving its vintage charm. Film buffs can explore the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum, home to rare screenings from the UCLA Film & Television Archive, or enjoy a state-of-the-art viewing experience at The Landmark Westwood. For those eager to immerse themselves in Hollywood’s legacy, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures offers two world-class theaters dedicated to cinematic history. Whether you're catching a blockbuster, a classic film, or an indie masterpiece, Westwood's historic cinemas provide a timeless movie-going experience like no other.
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Westwood in Los Angeles, you'll discover a trio of exceptional museums that showcase the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the city. These museums—Hammer Museum, Fowler Museum, and Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden—combine to create a vibrant cultural scene that celebrates art, diversity, and the transformative power of creativity. Explore these unique institutions to discover the wealth of artistic treasures and engage with the dynamic programs they offer. The Hammer Museum, founded in 1990, is a renowned contemporary art museum and cultural center located at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The Fowler Museum at UCLA is a prestigious museum located in the heart of the UCLA campus, internationally recognized for its extensive collection of art and material culture from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, situated on the campus of UCLA, is a remarkable outdoor sculpture installation that spans over five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring over 70 sculptures by renowned artists. Together, these museums contribute to the cultural landscape of Westwood, inviting visitors to explore art in its various forms and engage with the global artistic community.
The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens, located on UCLA's South Campus in Los Angeles, is a captivating 7.5-acre public garden, outdoor classroom, and research facility. Established in 1929, the garden has grown to showcase an impressive collection of over 3,500 plant species and varieties, thanks to contributions from various botanical resources. Visitors can explore the garden at their own pace and enjoy a self-guided audio tour. The garden's mission is to promote botanical knowledge by curating collections that emphasize biogeography, conservation, and natural history. Through education, research, and public outreach, the garden aims to inspire environmental and cultural appreciation of plants and their significance in society. With its beautiful setting, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens provides a serene environment that fosters well-being and tranquility for the community. The garden's collections are thoughtfully organized, highlighting different geographic regions, taxonomic groups, climates, and themes, offering a diverse and immersive experience for visitors to learn and explore.
Geffen Playhouse has been a dynamic and influential presence in the Los Angeles theater scene since its establishment in 1995. With its reputation for offering a captivating blend of classic and contemporary plays, as well as thought-provoking world premieres, this not-for-profit organization consistently delivers a remarkable body of work that garners national recognition. Named in tribute to the esteemed entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, whose initial donation played a pivotal role, the theater was founded by Gilbert Cates and is currently led by Executive Director Gil Cates, Jr. and Board Chair Adi Greenberg. As a proud associate of UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse attracts an annual audience of over 130,000 people, while actively engaging with the community through comprehensive education and outreach programs that aim to involve underserved youth and promote widespread artistic appreciation. Housed in one of Westwood Village's original structures, the theater's rich history dates back to its construction in 1929 as the Masonic Affiliates Club. The Geffen Playhouse, owned by the University of California Los Angeles, features two stages and offers three to five plays each season, showcasing the talents of acclaimed film and television actors. With its commitment to artistic excellence and community enrichment, the Geffen Playhouse stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural engagement in the heart of Los Angeles.
Conveniently located just one block south/east of the bustling intersection of Wilshire and Sepulveda, Westwood Recreation Center is a haven for community members seeking an active and engaging lifestyle. Boasting an impressive array of amenities, the center offers something for everyone to enjoy. From Aidan's Place Playground, a specially designed inclusive play area, to outdoor turf soccer fields, indoor racquetball courts, and both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, the options for sports and recreation are limitless. With two gymnasiums, an indoor aquatics facility, tennis court concessions, and the famed Bad News Bears Ball Diamonds, Westwood Recreation Center provides the perfect setting for individuals of all ages to come together and have fun. In addition to its excellent facilities, the center offers a diverse range of programs, including the Parent & Me Program, ballet and piano classes, adult fitness, ceramic classes, seasonal camp programs, and various sports classes and programs. With its commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and fostering a strong sense of community, Westwood Recreation Center is the go-to destination for those seeking fun, fitness, and camaraderie.
Step into the captivating world of astronomy at the UCLA Planetarium. Located on the rooftop of the Mathematical Sciences Building, this unique planetarium offers free lectures, mesmerizing shows, and telescope viewing. Discover the beauty of the night sky, learn about the universe from UCLA's Astronomy graduate students, and immerse yourself in a remarkable celestial experience. Join astronomers of all ages and unlock the secrets of the cosmos at the UCLA Planetarium.
IPIC Westwood sets the standard for a premium dine-in cinema experience. From the moment you enter the theater, you'll be transported to a world of luxury and relaxation. Whether you're reclining in a Premium Plus seat, enjoying the delectable menu offerings, or exploring The Tuck Room's culinary delights, every visit to IPIC Westwood promises a new and unforgettable experience. So sit back, relax, and let IPIC Westwood take your movie night to the next level.