Page 654 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

652  C ALIFORNIA

7 Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard has been associated with the movies since
the 1920s, when it was a dirt track linking the burgeoning
Hollywood studios with the hillside homes of the screen
stars. Its liveliest and most historically rich stretch, Sunset
Strip, is filled with restaurants, luxury hotels, and nightclubs.
Once a magnet for gamblers and bootleggers, this 1.5-mile
(2.4-km) stretch held famous nightclubs such as Ciro’s and
Mocambo – where legend says Margarita Cansino met studio
boss Harry Cohen, who renamed her Rita Hayworth. While
the Strip continues to be the center of L.A.’s nightlife, old
“Hollywood” has become a hip, happening place with lots
of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops, especially at the A panoramic view of Sunset Strip from
Crescent Heights
Hollywood & Highland Center.
The Comedy Store,
a world-famous spot
for stand-up comedy,
occupies the site of the
The Roxy Theatre 1940s nightclub Ciro’s.
This trendy club stands on the
site of the old Club Largo. Many
famous acts have played here,
from Springsteen to Nirvana.

The Viper Room is a popular live music
club, once part-owned by Johnny Depp. OLIVE DRIVE
In 1993 actor River Phoenix, having taken
a lethal cocktail of drugs, collapsed and N L A CIENEGA BL VD
died on the sidewalk outside.

CL ARK ST L ARR ABEE ST HORN A VE

HAMMOND ST HILLD ALE ST SAN VICENTE BL VD HOLL OW AY DRIVE Sunset Plaza

The Rainbow Bar & Grill, formerly the Villa Nova,
has walls lined with wine casks and gold records.
Vincente Minnelli proposed to Judy Garland here
and, eight years later in 1953, Marilyn Monroe
met Joe DiMaggio here on a blind date.

Andaz West Hollywood
Sunset Plaza Visiting rock stars regularly
Lined with chic frequent this hotel. Jim
stores and cafés, Morrison stayed here when
this area is best he played with The Doors at
explored on foot. the nearby Whisky A Go Go.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp710–12 and pp713–15

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