Palm trees line the bustling streets and the iconic Hollywood sign looms large on Mount Lee, overlooking this trendy city in Los Angeles County. Though less than two square miles in size, West Hollywood — known locally as WeHo — plays a leading role in America’s cultural imagination. The pioneers of motion picture-making chose to live in West Hollywood for its proximity to the film studios, and its famed Sunset Strip has been home to everything from gangsters to celebrity sightings.

Today, West Hollywood lays claim to some of the best cultural institutions on the West Coast, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), La Brea Tar Pits, and the Hollywood Bowl, whose vaunted bandshell has been cradling performers for 100 years. WeHo attracts artists and creatives of every stripe, ensuring that you’ll never run out of on-trend restaurants, fashion boutiques, galleries, cocktail bars, and comedy clubs to explore. And should you need a break from all the coolness, there are plenty of green spaces and urban hikes to escape to.

Southern California is known for its consistently sunny and warm weather, with mild temperatures for most of the year. For this reason, there’s really no bad time to book your vacation rental in West Hollywood. But perhaps the best time is in spring when it’s not too hot, and flowers are blooming all over the city. Summers generally remain temperate, though there can be a chance of high heat. There is always something going on in LA, but one event especially worth visiting during is the Los Angeles Westside Food & Wine Summer Festival in August, when you’ll be able to sample culinary delights from some of the best chefs in the region. Fall and winter are never too cold, and you will be able to enjoy the outdoors no matter when you visit.

The Hollywood Bowl

Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been one of the most-loved music venues in the country. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, it has hosted the biggest names in rock, jazz, and classical music. The Bowl’s iconic concentric-arched bandshell was renovated in 2000, bringing it up to modern standards. It’s well worth arranging tickets in advance to enjoy the experience of an outdoor concert in this glorious venue.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The crown jewel in LA’s art scene, LACMA is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. You can see the permanent exhibitions as well as special, rotating displays. There are several choices for dining on the premises, from quick grab-and-go options to a gourmet farm-to-table restaurant. There are also interactive activities for kids and an outdoor sculpture garden to explore.

Runyon Canyon

A hike up this canyon provides both a great workout and some of the best views across Los Angeles to Catalina Island and of the Hollywood sign. There are several trails up the canyon of varying difficulty levels, but the total hike is about 3.5 miles roundtrip. It does get busy, but if you’re lucky, you may spot a celebrity.