Today, many say The Sunset Strip represents the glamorous, modern life of today, but beyond the sunset, lifestyle has a history like no other.
The stories of musicians and movie stars are woven into The Strip. The nightclubs and restaurants serve as history books for the area, which has become one of the most iconic streets in the country.
It all began in the 1920’s when the Strip served as a place for “illegal” activities. Californians were able to gamble and drink on the Strip during Prohibition. As word spread, anybody who was a somebody sought out the area for a good time.
As the 1930’s and 1940’s approached, The Strip was taken over by the most beloved movie stars of the time. It was no longer a place for the average Los Angeles resident. Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, just to name a few, were drawn to the glitzy lifestyle on The Strip. Clubs like, Ciro’s, Mocambo, and The Trocadero, began to pop up and shape the area, and on any night were filled to the brim with the rich and famous. If you had any desire to be at the top, you were sure to be found gracing the streets with your presence in hopes of getting your photograph in The Hollywood Reporter.
The 1950’s brought more growth and fame. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their first blind date at Villa Nova, now Rainbow Bar and Grill. Judy Garland got engaged on the strip, and Charlie Chaplin owned prime real estate. Life couldn’t get much flashier on The Strip.
The 1960’s and 1970’s introduced music and musicians to the area. Van Halen got their start at the famous Gazzarri’s and The Doors became regular performers at London Fog, giving the club its popular reputation. Go-Go girls were seen for the first time at the Whisky a Go-Go. Everyone from The Who, The Kinks, Blondie, The Go-Gos, and The Ramones all left their mark on The Sunset Strip. And it wasn’t just all about the music. Hugh Hefner opened his Playboy Club and a new era of entertainment began.
The 1980’s and 1990’s brought present-day stars and musicians to the area. Johnny Depp opened The Viper Room, where popular rock bands showed off their talents. Book Soup became one of the most famous bookshops on The Strip, attracting stars like Drew Barrymore and David Bowie for book signings. The Sunset Strip became the go-to spot for Los Angeles movie scenes.
Today, one can walk down The Sunset Strip and feel the beat of the rock n’ roll era and experience the glamorous aura that once was and still is. Its restaurants and clubs are full of those who yearn for The Sunset Strip’s enchanting and edgy lifestyle.