West Hollywood’s Rainbow District Shines Brighter Than Ever
With rainbow crosswalks being erased in many places, one ‘Mile of Magic’ along Santa Monica Boulevard from N. Doheny Drive to N. La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood stakes its claim and welcomes you.
A vibrant new chapter has officially begun in the heart of West Hollywood! Welcome to the Rainbow District — the iconic stretch along Santa Monica Boulevard. Long-known by that colorful moniker, the City of West Hollywood recently formally designated the diverse safe-haven between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard as the go-to destination for LGBTQ+ culture, honoring the neighborhood’s powerful legacy as a hub for LGBTQ+ community, nightlife, and activism.
The Rainbow District invites the entire community to follow its newly launched social media channels across popular platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, which will keep residents and visitors updated on all upcoming events and happenings in the neighborhood.
Long known as a beacon of acceptance, inclusion, and visibility, where everyone is welcome, this iconic mile-long corridor is now formally recognized for what it has always been: a place where people from every walk of life can come together, be themselves, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
“For generations, the City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District has been a place where LGBTQ+ people take their first steps into living openly, where the warm embrace of community is found at every turn, and where the joy of living out, loud, and proud fills the streets,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers.
“The City’s official designation of the Rainbow District honors both the legacy and the future of this vibrant neighborhood, home to beloved entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants that have long served as cornerstones of LGBTQ+ life. Today, the Rainbow District is more alive than ever, and it will always stand as a beacon of hope, pride, and belonging and as a reminder that everyone deserves a place to celebrate joy, to be seen, and to be supported.”
A Community Where Everyone Belongs
Home to more than 50 local businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, nightlife venues, and community organizations, the Rainbow District represents the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ expression. It is home to nearly half of all bars and nightclubs in the City of West Hollywood and offers safe and inclusive spaces for gathering, connection, and joy, making it a cornerstone of the community’s identity.
What’s Coming Next in the Rainbow District
All year long, the neighborhood gives a fierce lineup of signature shindigs, iconic collabs, and new events! From reflection to revelry, these events, and many more to come, reflect the Rainbow District’s ongoing mission: to build joy, foster connection, and create a welcoming space for everyone.
After a vibrant festive season with winter lights installation, winter market and ice skating, and the AIDS Monument unveiling in November, upcoming events include Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day in March 2026, Harvey Milk Day on May 22, and of course WeHo Pride Weekend & the OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride — June 5–7, 2026.
With this official designation, the Rainbow District joins the ranks of the nation’s most iconic cultural landmarks. It reaffirms West Hollywood’s ongoing commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ spaces, uplifting queer voices, and fostering a safe and joyful environment for all.
“This designation is not only a celebration, but it also serves as a promise,” said Visit West Hollywood President & CEO Tom Kiely. “A promise to keep LGBTQ+ spaces visible, valued, and vibrant for generations to come. As the Rainbow District continues to evolve, it will remain a place where locals and visitors alike can connect through culture, creativity, and community. The City’s formal designation affirms its significance and highlights The Rainbow District as the ultimate playground for travelers seeking a unique, inclusive, and authentic experience.”
Immerse Yourself in the Rainbow
Follow the Rainbow District on socials to discover local happenings, support small businesses, and be part of a neighborhood that celebrates every person for exactly who they are.
Instagram: @RainbowDistrictWeHo
TikTok: @RainbowDistrictWeHo
Facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdistrictweho
More Info: visitwesthollywood.com/rainbowdistrict
A Queer History of The City of West Hollywood
Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has distinguished itself as one of the most influential small cities in the nation, recognized for its leadership in progressive public policy and social justice. The City remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and human rights at the local, state, national, and international levels. The City takes pride in being a safe and welcoming space for all and works diligently to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, people of color, immigrants, women, and others.
Consistently ranked among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the nation, the City of West Hollywood has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ advocacy. More than 40 percent of residents identify as LGBTQ+, and four of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly LGBTQ+. Today, the City’s LGBTQ+ elected officials continue to receive international recognition for their visibility and leadership.
In 1985, the City of West Hollywood became one of the first cities in the United States to adopt a Domestic Partnership Ordinance. The City established its Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board in 1989 and, in 2001, created the nation’s first municipal Transgender Task Force, which became the Transgender Advisory Board in 2009. In 2014, the City marked a major milestone with the registration of its 10,000th domestic partnership. The following year, in 2015, West Hollywood was a hub of celebration when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that marriage equality is a constitutional right, ensuring that same-sex couples nationwide have the freedom to marry.
The City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District is home to a vibrant mix of historic LGBTQ+ clubs, restaurants, and retail businesses. It also serves as the heart of one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies from around the world each year to celebrate WeHo Pride.
Follow the City of West Hollywood: @WeHoCity (IG/X/FB). For more information, please visit weho.org.
About Visit West Hollywood
Visit West Hollywood is the official marketing organization that invites visitors to West Hollywood, California, a walkable, 1.9 square mile city in the heart of Los Angeles. Located at the base of the Hollywood Hills and adjacent to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood is a creative and progressive city that embodies the quintessential L.A. lifestyle. West Hollywood is home to 20 hotels and comprises three main districts: the world-famous Sunset Strip with unparalleled nightlife, eclectic and LGBTQ-friendly Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard/Route 66, and the Design District known for its sought-after shopping and dining. West Hollywood enjoys a year-round moderate climate and thanks to its prime location and hip atmosphere, West Hollywood serves as home and playground to many celebrities.
Follow Visit West Hollywood: @visitweho on IG and @WestHollywood on FB. For more information, please visit visitwesthollywood.com. Browse the top hotels in West Hollywood here.
