Hollywood Hills West

Schools

Buyers with school-age children will be pleased to know that the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Although Wonderland Avenue is the only school within the bounds of the neighborhood, a host of other educational institutions are well within convenient driving distance, such as:

Preschool to elementary

• Walther School
• Wonderland Avenue
• West Hollywood Elementary

Up to high school

• Hollywood High School
• Larchmont Charter School
• TREE Academy

Tertiary level

• Emerson College
• Touro College

Historical highlights

The Tongva and Chumash indigenous groups are some of the earliest settlers of the Los Angeles Basin. Even after the incorporation of California as the 31st state, it took several decades before major development efforts would change the area’s landscape.

In 1923, a neighborhood project called Hollywoodland would begin to take shape. Spearheaded by Harry Chandler, Sidney H. Woodruff, and Moses H. Sherman, the development would become prominent for its wood and sheet metal “HOLLYWOODLAND” sign. The word “LAND” would be eventually dropped in 1949.

The Hills come into being at a very opportune time, when Hollywood’s earliest stars were just beginning to capture the audience’s attention. Thanks to its secluded location and breathtaking views, the neighborhood naturally attracted Old Hollywood celebrities and titans of industry seeking a respite from the public eye. From the 1960s to the 1970s, many musicians like Jim Morrison, The Byrds, The Eagles, and Carole King sought out the area for inspiration as they composed their timeless hit songs.

Delineating Hollywood Hills West as a neighborhood separate from Hollywood Hills evolved over time, as geography, density, usage, funding, and a host of other factors dictated a degree of autonomy when it comes to community decisions.

Outdoor recreation

Nature is right at your doorstep in Hollywood Hills West. Even if you’re not the most eager outdoor enthusiast, it’s hard not to admire the distinct landscape and captivating views surrounding you.

• Runyon Canyon Park encompasses about 160 acres and is smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood. Comprising the eastern flank of the Santa Monica Mountains, this large preserve features miles of scenic hiking trails ideal for a leisurely or meditative stroll. It is also a challenging training ground for runners.
• Wattles Garden Park contains impeccably landscaped community gardens and a historic mansion built in the early 1900s. Nearby residents love to go on picnics here with family and it’s also dog-friendly.
• Briar Summit Open Space Preserve is frequented for trail paths providing spectacular views of the surrounding communities and vast swathes of the San Fernando Valley. If you’re in the area, make it a point to drop by the picturesque Universal City Overlook, which is just on the northern side of Mulholland Drive.
• The prestigious Los Angeles Country Club is not only known for its top-tier facilities, but also for its extensive list of A-list members and guests over the years. Driving from Hollywood Hills West usually takes less than 30 minutes. Located between Holmby Hills and The Flats (a Beverly Hills neighborhood), this golf course encompasses over 290 acres and features two 18-hole courses. Apart from golf, you’ll also find tennis and pickleball courts. Important note: the club limits the use of smartphones and other electronic devices throughout the premises.

Recreational, cultural, and historic attractions

• A must-visit for cinephiles, the Hollywood Heritage Museum was once the office and motion picture studio of Cecil B. Demille, one of the founding fathers of American cinema and director of epic productions. During his heyday, he made 70 feature silent and talking films. One of the very first film studios in Hollywood, this landmark is a repository of an array of photos, set pieces, and artifacts from Old Hollywood.
• Completed in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl is an iconic concert venue that has been graced by history’s most beloved artists and performers (The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z Adele, and so much more). You can check out this historic amphitheater’s event calendar here to book tickets ahead of time. Additionally, you can also delve deeper into the Hollywood Bowl’s storied history in the eponymous museum, which opened to the public in 1984.
• Universal Studios Hollywood is a favorite family-friendly destination. The sprawling theme park features a plethora of attractions tied to movies, TV shows, and video games. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Springfield (from “The Simpsons”), Super Nintendo World, Transformers Metrobase, and WaterWorld are some of the major sections that make up the park.
• The World of Illusions features mind-boggling exhibits – from interactive 3D dinosaurs and cliffside landscapes to 50-foot tall objects that may or may not be owned by a real-life giant. The museum can be privately booked for school group tours and private events (birthday parties, team building activities, etc.)
• If you want to know how it feels like to stand next to your favorite celebrity, pay a visit to Madame Tussauds Hollywood. This renowned museum has life-size wax figures of the most iconic names in pop history, including Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, King Kong climbing the Empire State Building, and Michael Jackson in a signature dance move.
• Arguably the most famous sidewalk in the world, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has emblazoned the names of more than 2,700 stars in brass on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. Check out the star directory here to see who has been honored.
• The world-famous Sunset Strip is where people from all corners of the world converge to unwind in style. This 1.6-mile stretch is home to some of the most vibrant bars, restaurants, and live performances in LA. There’s also an excellent selection of upscale hotels and accommodations in the area, if you’re planning to visit and want to be where the action is.

The dining scene

An exceptional gastronomic experience is never far if you live in Hollywood Hills West. It’s hard to create a definitive list because there’s always something new and outstanding happening in the area.

• Some may say LA has more than its fair share of sushi joints, but Yamashiro Hollywood is a welcome addition to the locale’s roster of high quality restaurants. Merging the best of California and Japanese cuisine, Yamashiro elevates the sushi experience with pleasant surprises awaiting repeat guests.  The restaurant is just as buzzy for its specialty cocktails.
• Micelli’s likes to do things the traditional way. Whether it’s serenading customers or serving authentic Italian pizza, this local favorite has delighted diners since 1949. The basement area is often reserved for parties and social events.
• When it comes to fine dining, Musso & Frank has been the place to be for over 100 years. Musso’s is the go-to for the classics like marinated herring for appetizers and Musso’s famous steak tartare.
  • 25 Degrees injects a dose of glam to the modern American hamburger. Get the upscale burger and milkshake experience, or make your own. The outlet opens at 6:30 a.m. to serve you breakfast and closes at 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday to satisfy your late night cravings,
  • For a more intimate dining experience that pays tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Era, book a table at the hotel’s Shirley Brasserie.
• La Poubelle Bistro & Bar is a longstanding French bistro that’s known for its warm atmosphere and top notch music. Apart from the excellent appetizers and filling entrées, La Poubelle is also a great late night haunt to get a good feel of the Hollywood nightlife scene.

Premium shopping and retail

Hollywood Hills is also well within striking distance from LA’s high-end shopping destinations. Here’s a preview of the malls and luxury retail you’ll discover:

• Sunset Plaza
• 8000 Sunset Strip
• West Hollywood Gateway
• Melrose Avenue Shopping District
• Beverly Center
• Sanfair Center

Notable mention: While it’s outside the bounds of the neighborhood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is just a 20-minute drive from Hollywood Hills West in case you need to indulge in a high-end shopping fix.