Although L.A. has beautiful scenic routes, magnificent beaches, and to-die-for weather, it's mostly known for having the busiest highways and painstaking traffic jams on the west coast. Aside from strolling down Rodeo Drive, few rarely take an off-the-beaten trail when exploring the city. But as Walk Score just named West Hollywood "California's Most Walkable City," it's time to pound some pavement,
To help you out the chic Andaz West Hollywood created the "Walk ‘n’ Roll" package, referencing not only its history as a home away from home for rock royalty such as Led Zepplin and Little Richard, but also it's location on the famed Sunset Strip, a short walk from some of Hollywood’s hottest and most infamous landmarks such as Whiskey a Go Go and the Viper Room, not to mention WeHo's thumping gay scene. As a bonus, every step earns actual $$$ for gay rights causes.
The package includes:
• a limited edition tote bag adorned with signature artwork from the Andaz art collection
• a stainless steel eco-friendly water bottle with original artwork
• local walking routes
• gourmet sack lunch
• and one pedometer
The package is an easy way to get some exercise, see the sites, and also donate to a good cause. Guests are encouraged to track their routes with the pedometer and, in return, the Andaz will donate one dollar per mile walked -- with no maximum -- to GAY FOR GOOD, a LGBT non-profit community service organization. All for around $189 dollars this package is a West Hollywood picnic waiting to happen.
And just where should your feet take you?
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue, (310) 657-0800
This 1.2-million square foot building is hard to miss, not just because it's massive but also because its striking blue façade, giving it the nickname The Blue Whale. Upcoming exhibits include Masters of California Design which explores the works of distinguished architects Paul Williams, Wallace Neff, and Richard Neutra, Rudolf Schindler, and John Lautner.
The Belmont
747 North La Cienega Boulevard, (310) 659-8871
Who dosen’t like happy hour on a Sunday? The Belmont offers mean steaks and stiff martinis, and is open very late to very early. They even have a great breakfast menu and a relaxing outdoor patio to dine or have drinks day or night.
Public Service
755 N Fairfax, (323) 951-1191
Primp your image at this boutique and salon which caters to celebrity clientele such as Adam Lambert and offers hard-to-find menswear items from the likes of Shades of Griege and Comune.
The New West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd., (310) 652-5340
Usually libraries don't top our must-do lists while on vacation, but you may change your mind like we did after seeing the newly renovated West Hollywood Library. Formerly known as Fickett library, the building underwent a major demolition last year under much controversy. $64 million dollars later the library is back, with breathtaking modern architecture, located within eyeshot of The Pacific Design Center.
The Abbey
692 N Robertson Blvd
From its humble beginnings as a coffee shop in the early '90s to one of the best places of unwind after a long day exploring the town, the Abbey is WeHo's quintessential gay experience.
-- ALEXANDER WILLIAMS
