Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip has been an iconic destination for the rising/falling stars and/or edgy and/or in/famous for as long as LA has been around. Today, its fortunes are on the rise again. Paris parties here and velvet ropes are back in style (but don't think that every watering hole here is a velvet-rope affair).

Some long-term survivors, such as the Laugh Factory (8001 Sunset Blvd.) and Whisky a Go Go (8901 Sunset Blvd.) are still cranking out the laughs and rock-and-roll, respectively.

Other clubs are a bit new to the game, such as the Viper Room (8852 Sunset Blvd.), which has been hosting big names, such as Johnny Cash and Pearl Jam, since 1993.

Another longtime Strip institution, The Roxy Theater (9009 W. Sunset Blvd.), is still going strong, feeding the hard-drinking loudness fans as well as bringing in national acts. Its hipper-than-thou intimate bar upstairs, On the Roxy, is a great place to watch celebrities after hours, or take a turn on the DIY stripper poles.

Other Sunset Strip Attractions:

• The Standard Hotel Lounge (8300 Sunset Blvd.)
• Cat Club (8911 Sunset Blvd.)