These two determining factors allowed the Sunset Strip to be transformed into the hedonistic playground that is very much alive and kicking today. Nightclubs and casinos congregated to this area attracting actors and actresses, movie bigwigs, locals and tourists alike. The backrooms of these establishments were even the go to places for liquor in LA during Prohibition.

The Sunset Strip continued to be a prominent party center for future decades, and gradually evolved into a place for emerging musicians to be discovered from the 1960’s onwards. Artists such as The Doors, The Byrds, Alice Cooper and Motley Crue all performed on the Strip as they made their way to the top.

Although you won’t find casinos there today, The Sunset Strip still remains a fashionable and extremely popular area with Young Hollywood. It is not unusual to encounter a host of celebrities as well as unknown hustling actors and actresses on a night out on the Sunset Strip. Many of the original establishments are still open and intact and trendy new venues regularly premiere.

Here are 5 of the most legendary Sunset Strip Bars and Nightclubs to be found on the Sunset Strip:

Whisky A Go Go, 8901 West Sunset Boulevard

A Hollywood landmark since it first opened its doors in 1964; it has hosted some of the greatest musical icons of all time. From The Doors to Led Zeppelin, just about every major classic rock band has graced its stage. Still open and as popular as ever, Whisky A Go Go remains a vibrant venue to catch some live rock music. Due its popularity and big name acts it is advisable to buy tickets for events beforehand.

Bar Marmont, 8171 West Sunset Boulevard

The bar at the infamous Chateau Marmont hotel is a regular hang out spot for A List celebrities and the major movers and shakers in Hollywood. Drinks at this establishment definitely don’t come cheap, but the chance to hang out in this iconic bar may just make the pricey tab worth it. Bar Marmont also features a small restaurant area which serves fine Californian cuisine. A must stop for those looking for a truly Hollywood experience; Bar Marmont is always an upscale affair where you might even spot a celebrity.

The Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Blvd

A trendy nightclub since its opening in 1993, The Viper Room was partly owned by actor Johnny Depp until 2004. Like Whisky A Go Go, this nightclub is mainly used as a live music venue. The club gained infamy in 1993 when River Phoenix died outside the club of a drug overdose but has remained popular to this day with music fans and celebrities alike. Mainly hosting punk and metal music bands, many of the events at The Viper Room require you to buy tickets.

The Comedy Store, 8433 West Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps the most well known of all of the clubs on the Sunset Strip, The Comedy Store has hosted just about every major US comedian at one point or other. Continually hosting the most popular comedians in the country, tourists as well as locals continue to flock to this club. Due to its high profile acts, tickets often sell out extremely quickly, so you will definitely want to buy your tickets well in advance.

The Sky Bar, 8440 Sunset Blvd

Although not as old or as established as the other clubs and bars mentioned on this list, the Sky Bar has quickly become one of the hottest bars in Hollywood. Located within the posh Mondrian Hotel, the Sky Bar is a glamorous bar situated in the hotel’s pool deck. Well known DJ’s frequent the bar and major Hollywood events are regularly held here. It can be hard to get past the doorman, but arriving early or getting on the guest list can help improve your chances of getting to experience this fashionable bar.

Naturally there are many other trendy bars and clubs on Sunset Strip but our list represents some of the very best in terms of legends and notoriety. Whether you are looking to experience some old school Hollywood glamour, rock out to some live indie music or mingle with the up and coming stars of tomorrow, you will likely find what you are looking for at one of these top Sunset Strip venues.

Our team at SunsetStrip.com has selected our top 5 picks of the very best hotels available on the Sunset Strip. Here is our selection:

Chateau Marmont Hotel, 8221 Sunset Blvd

Synonymous with celebrity shenanigans and Hollywood folklore, this historic hotel is one of the Sunset Strip’s oldest and most famous hotels. Built in 1927 and modeled after a French castle, it has long been used as a live-in hotel for A-list actors and musicians as well as having rooms available for short stays. The hotel has stayed true to its heritage in terms of décor with traditional and 1920’s styled furnishings that help recreate the atmosphere of classic Hollywood. Guests can enjoy an on-site dining room open for breakfast and dinner as well as the trendy Bar Marmont located next door.

The Standard, 8300 Sunset Boulevard

The Standard hotel on Sunset Strip prides itself in being one of the hippest hotels in Hollywood. With its ironic upside down sign and minimalist furnishings, this is one very hip hotel. And located directly opposite the Chateau Marmont, it is situated in the very heart of Sunset with quick access to plenty of restaurants and bars. The Standard also boasts its own restaurant 24/7 which as the name suggests is constantly open. Their outside “Pooldeck” is another popular feature, offering fantastic views and plenty of opportunities for people watching.

Mondrian Hotel, 8440 Sunset Boulevard

The Mondrian Hotel takes artistic inspiration from the typical Southern Californian lifestyle by having an indoors/outdoors theme throughout the property. Guests will be greeted by surreal yet chic decorations such as a large swing in the concierge center and other unexpected décor choices. As well as being a trendy and ideally located hotel, the Mondrian Hotel also features the famous Sky Bar; a pool deck bar that is a regular hang out spot with celebrities and the movers and shakers in Hollywood.

Sunset Tower Hotel, 8730 West Sunset Boulevard

This immensely historic hotel displays some of the finest art deco architecture to be found in Los Angeles. Built in 1929 and first opened as a hotel in 1931, the Sunset Tower Hotel is the stuff of Hollywood legends. Guests can enjoy traditionally decorated accommodations and other favorable amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a pool with poolside dining available and pet friendly facilities. In addition, the hotel’s The Tower Bar offers a cozy yet refined dining experience and there is also a salon and spa on-site.

Grafton on Sunset, 8462 W Sunset Blvd

The Grafton on Sunset is a chic boutique hotel offering supreme service and lavish accommodation. Rooms are a mix of opulence and urban in design that definitely play up to the theme of Hollywood extravagance. Hotel features include a restaurant, lounge and pool and the hotel is also less than a minute’s walk away from the ever popular The Comedy Store. Grafton on Sunset is a wise choice for those looking for a smaller and more boutique hotel experience while staying on the Sunset Strip.

Of course there are many other fantastic hotels available on the Sunset Strip, but these are some of the best we selected based on location, amenities and luxury. Make sure you do some research before you select your hotel so that you can get the most out of your stay at the world famous Sunset Strip.

In an effort to help you make the perfect dining choice we have rounded up our top 10 selection of restaurants and cafes located on the Sunset Strip. Whatever your budget or occasion, you should be able to find the perfect dining destination within our list below:

BOA, 9200 W Sunset Blvd

An upscale steakhouse, BOA offers a wide selection in steak and seafood. This is definitely a pricey option, but as a regular celebrity haunt the chance of getting to do some star spotting combined with top notch steak may make it worth the hefty price.

Il Sole, 8741 Sunset Boulevard

Another posh option, Il Sole offers a traditional Italian menu in a very classy setting. Ideal for romantic dates and occasions, this formal restaurant is also known for frequent celebrity guests and is best enjoyed if reservations are made well ahead of time. 

The Cactus Lounge, 8300 Sunset Boulevard

The Cactus Lounge can be found within the trendy The Standard Hotel and plays up to its name by featuring a quirky wraparound cactus mural. Adjoined to the hotels swimming pool, this casual eatery is a great place to eat before a dip in the pool or after a long day of sightseeing.

Cabo Cantina, 8301 Sunset Boulevard

Home to one of the Strip’s most popular happy hours, Cabo Cantina is a fun and lively option. Serving Mexican food and hosting a happy hour seven days a week, this restaurant is a good choice if you are looking for somewhere extremely casual and that’s easy on the wallet.

 BLT Steak, 8720 Sunset Boulevard

BLT Steak is a swanky steakhouse featuring an exclusive menu created by acclaimed chef Laurent Tourondel. A wide selection of steak and seafood is available as well as an impressive cocktail list. Due its popularity, you will probably want to make a reservation before dining here.

Mel’s Drive-In, 8585 Sunset Boulevard

What’s not to love about Mel’s Drive-In? This traditional American diner is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. Enjoy classic diner food such as pancakes and burgers and with additional outside seating available you can make the most of the Californian sunshine while you chow down.

Sushiya, 8650 Sunset Boulevard

A trendy sushi restaurant with outdoor seating available, Sushiya is not only great for high quality sushi but also for people watching. Prices are fairly high, but its excellent reputation may make the expense worthwhile.

Carney’s, 8351 Sunset Boulevard

A totally unique dining experience, Carney’s is a restaurant housed in a vintage yellow train car. Serving classic American diner food, local favorites include their chili hamburgers and hot dogs. For an offbeat dining option on Sunset, Carney’s is definitely worth a look in.

Tower Bar, 8358 Sunset Boulevard

Located on the ground floor of the historic Sunset Tower Hotel, this restaurant also boasts being situated in the original apartment space of legendary gangster Bugsy Siegel. Featuring an inviting fireplace and traditional furnishings, the Tower Bar offers a menu of French and Italian fusion using mainly local ingredients.

Saddle Ranch Chop House, 8371 Sunset Boulevard

If you are looking for something a little different, Saddle Ranch Chop House may be a good bet. Billed as the only rock western chop house on the Sunset Strip, this lively Western themed restaurant features a mechanical bull and was even the subject of its very own VH1 show. Great for casual diners, it features a traditional American fare menu.

• 2008: The first-ever Sunset Strip Music Festival takes place.

• 2009: The first Sunset Strip Street Festival is held, featuring two stages, more than forty bands, an artist signing tent and food vendors.

• 2010: The city of West Hollywood and Gibson Guitars team up to revitalize and beautify the Strip. Roads are re-paved for the first time in 75 years, repairs and expansions are planned for sidewalks and funding is allocated for planting trees on the Strip.

• 1984: Voters in the West Hollywood area pass a proposal on the ballot to become an independent city.

• 1993: Actor Johnny Depp buys the night club Central and turns it into the infamous Viper room. It will become a regular hangout for Jennifer Aniston, Sean Penn, and other popular young Hollywood actors.

• October 30^th, 1993: Actor River Phoenix dies of a drug overdose outside the Viper Room.

• 1966: The Sunset Strip curfew riots (aka the hippie riots) take place, inspiring the film Riot on Sunset Strip. The riots are incited by a      protest of the newly imposed 10 p.m. curfew for those under 18.

• 1969: Jim Morrison of The Doors, balances on a railing on top of the tallest building on the Strip, 9000 Sunset, while filming a scene for the movie HWY.

• 1972: Bob Gibson opens The Rainbow Bar & Grill. The Who, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Alice Cooper, Guns n Roses,      and Roman Polanski all frequent the joint. John Belushi will eventually eat his last meal here before returning to his Chateau Marmont bungalow where he overdoses.

• 1972: The Comedy Store is founded by Mitzi Shore, who still owns the club today. Comedians such as Jim Carrey, Michael Keaton, Ed Begley Jr., Howie Mandel, and David Letterman will each get their start
  here on amateur nights.

• 1973: The Roxy Theatre is born. Bruce Springsteen, David  Bowie, Neil Young, and Prince will all give performances here.

•  1974: The Roxy becomes home to the Rocky Horror Picture Show and owner Lou Adler turns the successful play into the movie.

• 1979: Donna Summer releases her song “Sunset People” from the album Bad Girls, which is about the nightlife on Sunset Boulevard.

1940’s: The Melody Room, an intimate jazz bar, is rumored to be serving as an illicit gambling den for notorious gangsters Mickey Cohen and Bugsy Siegel. Many years later, the same space will eventually become the infamous Viper Room.

• 1940: Billy Wilkerson of the Hollywood Reporter opens Ciros, where The Comedy Store currently stands. This hot night club is a      frequent favorite of high profile guests like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, George Burns, and Jack Benny.

• 1945: Vincente Minelli, Liza’s father, proposes to Judy Garland at the famous Villa Nova restaurant.

• 1948: Mickey Cohen, known once as mobster Bugsy Siegel’s right-hand man, is shot in the shoulder at Sherry’s Restaurant, where the Key Club stands today.

• 1950: Billy Wilder’s film Sunset Boulevard spreads interest in the Strip and brings in visitors from all over the world. This classic comedy/drama is a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, as well as a reflection on the price of fame, greed, narcissism, and ambition. It will be honored with eleven Academy Award nominations and then receive three Oscars.

• 1950: Hamburger Hamlet is opened by fashion designer Marilyn Lewis and her husband Harry Lewis. The restaurant is a revolution in Los Angeles dining, combining elegant meals with casual attire and cheap prices, becoming a frequent favorite of Ronald Reagan, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Short and Dorothy Malone.

• 1953: Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe have their first blind date at the Rainbow Bar and Grill, back when it was still called the Villa Nova.

• 1959: The television series 77 Sunset Strip debuts, featuring      Stu Bailey and Jeff Spencer as funny, womanizing private detectives. Their      office is located at the fictitious address, 77 Sunset Strip, next to a      flashy restaurant where the immensely popular Kookie works as a valet.

• 1929: The historic Sunset Tower Hotel (a.k.a Argyle Hotel), at 8358 Sunset Blvd, is designed by architect Leland A. Bryant. Some still consider it one of the most important art deco structures in Los Angeles. Howard Hughes and John Wayne will each eventually take up      residence in the hotel.

• 1934: The original Café Trocadero is opened by Billy Wilkerson, owner of the Hollywood Reporter. “The Troc,” as it will eventually be known is a French-themed late night club drawing the likes of stars such as Lana Turner, Sonja Henie, Robert Taylor, Tyrone Power,      Fred Astaire, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and William Powell. Stardom hopefuls like Judy Garland, Phil Silvers and Jackie Gleason will compete in the Troc’s Amateur hour on Sunday nights. The Troc will also attract notorious mobsters like Willie Bioff, Tony Comero, Mickey Cohen, Bugsy Siegel and Johnny Roselli.