Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is a world-renowned thoroughfare in the western part of Los Angeles, California. It stretches from the glittering beaches of the Pacific Ocean to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, passing through some of the city's most famous and affluent neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Hollywood.

History

Sunset Boulevard was laid out in the 1880s, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that it began to develop its iconic status. The boulevard's close proximity to the burgeoning Hollywood film industry made it a magnet for stars and star-gazers alike. Many of the grand mansions and luxury hotels that line the boulevard date from this period.

Landmarks

Sunset Boulevard is home to a number of notable landmarks. These include the Chateau Marmont, a hotel famous for its celebrity guests and scandalous history; the Sunset Strip, a 1.5-mile stretch of the boulevard known for its nightlife, music venues, and billboards; and the Whisky a Go Go, a historic rock music venue.

In popular culture

Sunset Boulevard has been immortalized in numerous films, songs, and books. Perhaps the most famous of these is the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Gloria Swanson as a faded silent movie star living in a decaying mansion on the boulevard.

See also

• List of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments in Hollywood
• List of Sites of Special Historic Interest in Los Angeles