Why visit Westwood
Westwood rewards visitors who like to mix culture with people-watching: tour the sprawling UCLA campus, take in a free exhibition at the Hammer Museum, catch a play at the Geffen, and browse the shops and international restaurants of the Village. It is one of the most genuinely walkable corners of the Westside, with a real urban pulse driven by tens of thousands of students.
Westwood was developed in the 1920s by the Janss Investment Company, which sold land to the University of California in 1925 for what became UCLA, the campus opening in Westwood in 1929. Westwood Village was planned as a Mediterranean-style commercial center to serve the new university and quickly became one of LA's premier shopping and moviegoing districts, especially from the 1930s into the 1980s when it hosted glittering film premieres at the Fox and Bruin theaters. The neighborhood also encompasses Westwood Village Memorial Park, the small cemetery where Marilyn Monroe and many other entertainers are interred.
Top Attractions
- UCLA campus
A handsome 400-plus-acre campus with brick Romanesque buildings, sculpture gardens, and Royce Hall; self-guided strolls are free.
- Hammer Museum
An adventurous contemporary and modern art museum run by UCLA, with rotating exhibitions and a popular courtyard.
- Geffen Playhouse
A respected nonprofit theater in a 1929 Spanish Revival building, staging premieres and revivals with notable casts.
- Fowler Museum
A free UCLA museum focused on the art and material culture of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas.
- Westwood Village Memorial Park
A tiny, hidden cemetery where Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, and other stars rest; quiet and reflective.
- Westwood Village
The historic commercial core, with the landmark Fox and Bruin movie theaters and a mix of shops and eateries.
A Suggested Day
- 1Start with morning coffee in Westwood Village, then walk over to the UCLA campus for a self-guided stroll past Royce Hall and the Janss Steps.
- 2Visit the Fowler Museum or the campus sculpture garden, both free, before midday.
- 3Grab a Persian lunch on Westwood Boulevard, the heart of LA's 'Tehrangeles' food scene.
- 4Spend the afternoon at the Hammer Museum, taking time in the courtyard.
- 5Catch an evening performance at the Geffen Playhouse or a film at the historic Bruin or Fox theater.
- 6Cap the night with an ice cream sandwich from Diddy Riese.
Where to Eat
- Diddy RieseBakery / dessert
A beloved cookie-and-ice-cream institution famous for absurdly cheap ice cream sandwiches and long student lines.
- Attari Sandwich ShopPersian
A Westwood mainstay in a district known for Persian food, prized for tongue sandwiches and Saturday ash reshteh.
- Saffron and RosePersian ice cream
Acclaimed for saffron and other floral Persian ice cream flavors you won't easily find elsewhere.
- Lamonica's NY PizzaPizza
A longtime Village slice shop popular with students, using dough reportedly trucked from New York.
Where to Stay
- LuxuryW Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills
An all-suite design hotel on Hilgard Avenue near campus, with a pool scene and easy access to the Village.
- BoutiqueHotel Palomar Los Angeles - Beverly Hills
A stylish Kimpton property on Wilshire with rooftop pool and a residential-feel location.
- Mid-rangeHilgard House Hotel
A small, long-running independent hotel steps from UCLA, popular with visiting families.
Best Photo Spots
- 📸 Royce Hall at UCLA
- 📸 Janss Steps
- 📸 Fox Theatre marquee in the Village
- 📸 Hammer Museum courtyard
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Top Attractions Near Westwood
MuseumsThe Getty Center
The Getty Center is a world-class art museum set on a hilltop above the 405, famous for its Richard Meier travertine architecture and sweeping city views. Admission is free, and the galleries, gardens, and panoramas make it one of LA's most rewarding cultural destinations.
LandmarksSanta Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a historic wooden pier jutting into the Pacific, crowned by the small Pacific Park amusement park and its solar-powered Ferris wheel. It marks the symbolic western end of Route 66 and is one of LA's most festive seaside gathering spots.
ShoppingRodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is the world-famous luxury shopping street in the heart of Beverly Hills, lined with flagship boutiques of the planet's most prestigious fashion houses. Even window-shopping here is an iconic Los Angeles experience.
Westwood FAQ
Can I visit the UCLA campus without being a student?
Yes, the campus is open to the public for self-guided walking; official guided tours can be booked through UCLA's website.
Is the Hammer Museum free?
Admission to the Hammer Museum is free, though special programs may require tickets; confirm on the official website.
How do I get from Westwood to the beach?
Santa Monica and its beaches are a short drive or bus ride west on Wilshire Boulevard, roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.