Route 66
(Santa Monica
Boulevard)

Neon-lit landmarks and old Hollywood glamor intersect with cultural diversity and modern style along WeHo’s section of the Mother Road.

Find neighborhood gems

This iconic stretch of road offers plenty of ways to get your kicks.

Long before the boutique fitness studios and buzzy restaurants moved in, Route 66 carried travelers, movie stars and late-night characters through this neighborhood, leaving behind landmarks like The Formosa Cafe, Barney’s Beanery, Tail O’ the Pup and the former United Artists/Samuel Goldwyn Studio (still a working production facility, The Lot at Formosa). Today, that history coexists with a distinctly modern energy: wellness studios and gyms draw a trendy crowd, while fashionable restaurants and night spots keep the boulevard lively well into the night. This is also one of West Hollywood’s most diverse areas, home to the Rainbow District — a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs and community spaces — alongside LA’s largest Russian-speaking community, anchored by longtime favorites like Bar Lubitsch and Traktir.

Things to Do Along the Route

Running between La Brea Avenue to the east and Doheny Drive to the west, Route 66 contains a rich variety of experiences to take you from morning to night.

Hotels Restaurants & Nightlife Wellness & Fitness

Exterior of The Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood, with its green neon sign. — The Formosa Cafe

Exterior of The Charlie hotel's courtyard, featuring English-style cottages. West Hollywood, CA. — The Charlie Hotel

Exterior of Arden Restaurant in West Hollywood, featuring a wall of flowers in front of an outdoor patio. — Arden

A mural decorates the side of a building at Employees Only in West Hollywood. — Employees Only

Interior of Delilah, a nightclub in West Hollywood with a retro theme. — Delilah

Neon sign for Hamburger Mary's hangs on a building in West Hollywood — Hamburger Mary’s

People walk on the Inclusive Pride Crosswalks in West Hollywood's Rainbow District — Inclusive Pride Crosswalks in the Rainbow District

Exterior of the Troubadour, a legendary music venue on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood — The Troubadour

Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard neighborhood in West Hollywood?

The neighborhood is bordered to the east by La Brea Avenue and to the west by Doheny Drive. The section of Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Doheny is home to the Rainbow District. As its name suggests, the Route 66 neighborhood is anchored by the iconic highway that runs across the United States.

What is there to do in the Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard neighborhood?

Explore restaurant options ranging from name-drop-worthy Delilah to classic spots like The Formosa Cafe, known for its support of Chinese Americans in Old Hollywood and a trolley-car dining room. Spend the day cafe-hopping along Santa Monica Boulevard, enjoying prime people-watching and the chance of a celebrity sighting, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Where does Route 66 run through West Hollywood?

Route 66 follows Santa Monica Boulevard through West Hollywood, running east–west across the city. Follow the famous road west to continue into Beverly Hills and onward to the Santa Monica Pier — the historic western terminus of the Main Street of America.

Are there hotels in the Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard neighborhood?

Yes. Hotels in the Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard neighborhood and the Rainbow District are steeped in West Hollywood history and range from luxe glam to budget friendly.

What public transportation is available in the Route 66/Santa Monica Boulevard neighborhood?

Public transportation includes The PickUp — a free shuttle that runs up and down Santa Monica Boulevard, from La Brea Avenue and Robertson Boulevard. The PickUp runs from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The Cityline bus is another free option, and Metro bus and rail lines connect West Hollywood to destinations throughout Los Angeles.

Experience