Los Angeles / West Hollywood

West Hollywood, or WeHo for short, is an independent city in the greater Los Angeles area and is considered the queer heart of the region. Less than five square kilometers are home to a community that makes its history visible. Early on, WeHo was one of the municipalities in the USA with openly queer urban politics, and this self-image still shapes everyday life today. If you come from Germany, you usually end up at LAX and need a little patience for the 20 kilometers or so to the center. You will be rewarded with one of the most relaxed LGBT neighborhoods in California.

Trendy district

Santa Monica Boulevard is the main artery of the scene. Between La Cienega and Robertson, bars, restaurants, cafés and shops are lined up on a few blocks, many with rainbow flags and terraces facing the street. Because of California's climate, much of life takes place outside, from breakfast in the sun to a late afternoon drink. To the north is the Sunset Strip, which is better known for music clubs and hotel bars. In between, there are bookstores, boutiques and galleries, so the district also has something to offer during the day.

Nightlife

In the evening, the boulevard fills up with guests from all over the world. The Abbey is one of the most famous addresses and ranges from the cozy lounge to the dance floor. Next to it, the street offers a mix of cocktail bars, clubs and drag shows. Because the restaurants are so close to each other, an evening can be easily spent on foot. If you like it a little quieter, you will also find smaller bars with a local crowd between the large shops.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are considered the most pleasant seasons because the temperatures remain mild and the air is clearer than in midsummer. In June, LA Pride is on the calendar with parade and festival, a highlight that gets the whole city moving. At the end of October, the Halloween Carnaval transforms Santa Monica Boulevard into a huge street party with hundreds of thousands of guests. On the other hand, it can be hot and smoggy in July and August, but the evenings are long and warm.

Arrival

Direct flights from Germany reach Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, it's 30 to 60 minutes to West Hollywood, depending on traffic. A rental car is practical because the metropolis is extensive and many destinations are apart. Within the compact trendy district, on the other hand, you can get along well on foot. For individual routes, driving services such as Uber or Lyft also work reliably. If you don't have your own vehicle, you should choose accommodation directly around Santa Monica Boulevard, then bars, restaurants and cafés are within walking distance.

Safety & LGBT Rights

California is one of the most progressive states in the USA, same-sex marriages are recognized and discrimination is prohibited by law. In West Hollywood itself, queer people are part of public life, holding hands and appearing visibly are normal in everyday life. At night, as in any big city, it is worth paying some attention in more remote neighborhoods, but in the trendy district, the climate is open and relaxed. Travelers should also keep an eye on the current entry requirements of the USA.