Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, 1956 to 1984

1955, The Original Sunset Blvd. Exit Sign on the Hollywood Freeway, Los Angeles (1955).  Posted Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

In 1955, the Hollywood Freeway represented Los Angeles’ leap into the modern automotive age, and the Sunset Boulevard exit sign was a notable marker. Serving as a gateway to the iconic Sunset Strip, it welcomed drivers into a lively entertainment zone. The sign’s bold design typified mid-20th-century highway aesthetics—practical, yet hinting at LA’s flair. Around this time, the freeway system was expanding rapidly, transforming commutes and lifestyles. Drivers zoomed by in classic 1950s cars, traversing overpasses and interchanges that were marvels of their era. The exit sign became part of the everyday scenery for Angelenos balancing work and leisure in an ever-growing city.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles USA.

1956, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA.  Thank you to Historical Los Angeles, USA.  

Sunset Boulevard in 1956 was filled with cars, neon signs, and entertainment venues, capturing the spirit of Hollywood nightlife. The street was lined with iconic clubs, restaurants, and theaters, making it a major cultural and social artery. As people strolled and cars filled the road, Sunset embodied the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles. This scene captures mid-century L.A., where residents and tourists flocked to experience the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most famous boulevards.