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Neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, US
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to its most famous district: Hollywood, best known as the self-declared entertainment capital of the world. It is one of the greatest places in the world for film tourism and the backdrop of numerous blockbuster movies.
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Hollywood's most recognizable landmark is easy to spot high up on Mount Lee in nearby Griffith Park. You can drive part way up for a closer look, but you can't hike all the way to the sign. The best viewpoints of the sign are from the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park, on Mulholland Drive above the Hollywood Bowl, and from the Hollywood and Highland Center. For a rare view of the Hollywood sign with lines of palms trees on the side, go to 650 S Windsor Blvd, or further north.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of a series of stars embedded in the sidewalk to commemorate famous movie, radio, recording, theatre, and TV personalities. Since 1960, over two thousand stars have been immortalized; the schedule for upcoming star ceremonies is listed on the Walk of Fame's website.
Capitol Studios
One of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles. The circular tower—which contrary to popular belief was not intentionally designed to resemble a stack of records—is home to Capitol Records' west coast operations. Contained inside the building are the renowned Capitol Studios. Unfortunately, tours of the inside are no longer offered to the general public.
An interesting historical landmark, this complex was built in 1917 as the studios for Charlie Chaplin's film company. Constructed in Tudor-style architecture, it has the appearance of a small English village from the outside and was where many of Chaplin's most iconic films were shot, including The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times, and The Great Dictator. In 2000, the studio was bought by the Jim Henson Company, which marked their presence with a statue of Kermit the Frog above the main gate. The studio is not open for tours, but you can admire the architecture from the outside.
The only major film studio still located in Hollywood, Paramount has been using this as a production facility since 1927 and has filmed many notable pictures here, including Sunset Boulevard, Rear Window, Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments, and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Today you can take a 2 hour guided tour of the backlot, which is still used for film and television production today. The former RKO Studio, one of the Big Five studios of the Golden Age of Hollywood, was purchased by Paramount in 1967 and is today part of the complex.
Dating back to 1899, this beautiful cemetery is one of Los Angeles' oldest and is the final resting place for hundreds of film stars, directors, writers, and other influential figures from the entertainment industry. Johnny Ramone, Cecil B. DeMille, Mel Blanc, Peter Lorre, Mickey Rooney, Bugsy Siegel and Judy Garland are but a few of the famous names you'll see here. Interactive kiosks located throughout the cemetery play short documentaries about those interned here, making it a great place to learn about Hollywood's early history. The cemetery also often holds events, including regular movie screenings (see below under Do) in the summer.
An upscale multiplex which offers various amenities, such as assigned seating, an on-site cafe, alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and occasional special event screenings with Q&As with noted filmmakers. Within the complex and very visible from the street is the Cinerama Dome, an eye-catching geodesic dome with a movie theater inside that is a noted example of Space Age architecture, with a 1960s-era marquee facing Sunset Boulevard.
formerly the Kodak Theatre
Located at the Hollywood & Highland Center (see "Buy" below). Hosts a wide range of live performances, including the annual Academy Awards. Half hour guided tours of the theater are available.
An ancient Egyptian-themed theater that was built in 1922 and operated by Sid Grauman, of Grauman's Chinese Theatre fame, this was one of the first lavish movie palaces and was the venue for the first-ever Hollywood premiere. Today it screens many classic films and documentaries.
A lavish movie palace dating from 1926, which hosted the Hollywood premieres of many films, most notably Citizen Kane. These days it's owned by Disney, and hosts the premieres of many Disney feature films.
The most famous movie theater in the world, Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and is home to the cement footprints, handprints, and (in some cases) otherprints of many of history's most famous movie stars. The theater is also a former home of the Oscars, and today hosts many movie premieres. The forecourt that showcases the star's prints is free to all visitors. Half-hour guided tours of the theater are available.
Held in the historic Hollywood Theater building, this museum showcases various world records.
Housed in the Lasky-DeMille Barn, which was built in 1901 and served as one of Hollywood's first film studios (Cecil B. DeMille had an office in this building) before being moved to its current site, this museum has a collection of photographs and memorabilia from old Hollywood.
Countless pieces of memorabilia from films and Hollywood stars of old, housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that was the home of the business of Max Factor, "the Make-up King" of Hollywood.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest running wax museum in the United States, with more than 45 years of continuous operation by the same owners since 1965 and featuring over 180 figures of celebrities.
This museum is in the old Los Angeles City Fire Station 27, opened in 1930. It is fully restored to how it appeared in 1930 and contains a historic fire apparatus.
The Hollywood location of the popular chain of wax figure museums, with numerous wax replicas of Hollywood celebrities.
A museum that focuses on the odd, the unusual and the unbelievable. Features interactive illusions and a gallery.
A museum that was founded, according to its website, to "fill the void in death education in the USA." The collection includes such items as serial killer artwork, crime scene photos, replicas of execution devices, and a coffin collection. The self-guided tour lasts approximately an hour, "but those who can stomach it may stay as long as they'd like." There is no age limit but the museum is recommended for mature audiences.
America's most famous outdoor theatre hosts a summer concert series by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show set to classical music, as well as numerous other concert events. Traffic and parking can be a nightmare, so the $5 round-trip public shuttles are highly recommended.
If you have a car, it is worth driving up to Mulholland Drive. The main attraction is the incredible views from the Hollywood Hills across Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, with plenty of overlooks available to stop and enjoy, but it's also worth visiting to ogle the impressive (and expensive) residences that line the route.
The Cinespia film society screens creepy older movies every Saturday during the summer on the Fairbanks Lawn in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Crowds can be huge, so arrive prior to gates opening if you want a good vantage point. Most people bring a picnic dinner, a drink (wine or beer allowed, no spirits), blanket, pillow (or low chair) and jacket. A DJ plays music prior to the showing to create a fun outdoor atmosphere. Tickets (including parking) often sell out and should therefore be purchased in advance through the Cinespia web site.
A classic Art Deco and Streamline-style theater and dance hall that today serves as a major concert venue that plays host to some big-name acts.
A historic venue dating back to the 1920s that serves as another major concert venue. It is reputed for its history of showcasing big-name musicians and indie bands.
An intimate outdoor amphitheater that dates back to the 1930s and underwent an extensive renovation in the mid-2010s. The theater is partnered with the county arts commission and regularly hosts community theater productions.
A historic Art Deco theater dating back to 1930 which today serves as L.A.'s primary venue for Broadway musicals.
The L.A. branch of the popular improv and experimental comedy troupe that have cultivated some of the best comics in the industry today. Regularly shows some well-known acts as well as plenty of up-and-comers.
The most impressive of Hollywood's public stairs, connecting streets at different elevations for pedestrians. These hidden gems are worth exploring for an authentic local experience, and there are a few more in the neighborhood that allow you to make a nice walk out of it and get some serious exercise. You'll certainly see locals getting their exercise on the stairs.
Home of the infamous Thai Elvis, who will serenade you through dinner. The decor is authentically cheesy and Elvis sings the hits. While plain dishes such as fried rice or pad Thai are nothing to write home about, the curries (duck and panang), pad prik king, and anything off the "wild things" menu are excellent choices.
Everyone loves the Cheeb! A play on "cibo" (Italian for food), this place has great and creative food and a fun atmosphere. All-day breakfasts, excellent sandwiches, salads, pizzas by the foot and nice dinners to boot. Eat here for breakfast and you'll be back for lunch.
The Griddle Café is the best breakfast experience in LA. It features pages of every type of pancake you can imagine, which also happen to be twice as large as any pancake you've ever had, and still manage to be fluffy-thick and light on the tummy. Coffee is fresh, in a French press, and the menu features more than just breakfast. Short story: Food is awesome, service is great, but it's always crowded. Don't worry though, they serve fast and you will feel the wait is worth it.
Come here for traditional diner fare: cheeseburgers, French fries, and milkshakes. Part of the chain that opened in San Francisco in the late 1940s. There is another location on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
For a taste of old Hollywood, this is the place. It's been famous for generations.
A small and moderately-priced authentic Japanese restaurant with a great sushi bar and friendly chefs--one of the best this side of the 101.
It looks like a low-key burger grill, with hamburgers, chicken, and fries — but every dish is vegan!
The bright, whimsical colours evoke the laid-back vibe of "Hollywoodland", the 1920s real estate development in this canyon which left behind a famous hillside sign. The food is fresh, interesting California cosmopolitan, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan options. A popular brunch spot. Reservations only for groups of 6 or more.
Creative, delightful food, international with a Central American heart. A range of vegetarian and vegan options. Their patio is a quiet oasis in the Hollywood bustle, with easy walking distance to Hollywood Blvd theatres. Reservations recommended before shows.
This Japanese restaurant is perched above Hollywood, and on most nights provides an unbeatable view of the city, from downtown to Palos Verdes. The building and grounds, not the food, are the stars of the show. The gardens and architecture are elegant, and the restaurant has a fascinating history (the story's on the menu). Look for the small sign just west of the Magic Castle; valet parking only.
Run by acclaimed chef Katsuya Uechi, designed by Philippe Starck. Mouth-watering Japanese menu of sushi and wagyu steak, but not much for vegetarians. His ten other restaurants around the LA area are rated as some of the best in the city. Parking costs $14, cash only.
The lounge in this historic hotel is an upscale hotspot where one is likely to find Hollywood elite enjoying cocktails on weekdays, and a hipster party scene on weekends. Plenty of leather couches, candles, and a classy staff provides a sense of how the "other half" lives. Expect Hollywood prices to go along with the Hollywood atmosphere.
One of the most laid back and relaxed bars in town, head here for cheap beer, darts and classic rock. Come as you are, and you will be glad you're here.
Power through the packed crowds and grab yourself a spot at this bar, where the drinks are strong and there's good people watching to be had.
Make out as if you're a local and head to this so trendy it has a secret entrance door (hint, the entrance is on Argyle, even though the address is on Sunset). While the crowd can be posey, it's one of the better clubs in the area, and still manages to remain intimate and cozy.
This is part of a budget model chain. It offers clean rooms in a convenient location.
The Sunset West Hotel features deluxe rooms and suites, luxury amenities and excellent service.
A boutique hotel right in the center of the action offering spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites with luxury bed and bath linens, bath products and state-of-the-art in-room technologies. It is a Hollywood legend, and was the location of the first Academy Awards ceremony.
The bones of an old hotel, a couple of blocks back from the heart of Hollywood, and right next to the busy 101 freeway, has been given the characteristic Kimpton glossy makeover, and equipped with soft sheets and attentive service. Rooms with "Hollywood view" can indeed see the hills and the famous "Hollywood" sign — and also face the 101, through noise-insulated glass. Two bars, a cafe, plentiful lounge space, and free wifi make this a congenial place for guests to kill time.
A historical landmark dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood that has been lovingly restored, Villa Carlotta offers residential hotel living in furnished studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, welcoming stays of 30 days or more.
The country's largest independent music store, Amoeba has three locations including Hollywood, Berkeley and San Francisco. Prices are slightly higher than at the discount stores, but the selection is enormous and just about any obscure record you could imagine is to be found somewhere on the shelves.
During the golden years of Hollywood, all the superstars were wearing Fredericks, from Greta Garbo to Mae West to Marilyn Monroe. Today, the store is a lot less polished but still a good place to pick up glamorous lingerie.
If you are tired of walking a long day in Hollywood. Iped offers 1 hour foot massage for as little as $25.
Something of an attraction in its own right, this massive shopping complex is the home of the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held) and adjacent to Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The streetfront facing Hollywood Blvd is lined with giant advertisements and LED signs, making it seem like a miniature Times Square. Its four levels hold a food court and numerous retail chains, and since its construction it has become the location of most tourist-oriented services in Hollywood, like bus tours and information centers.
By car
Hollywood is close enough to the Westside to make car trips there relatively easy.S. Highway 101 (Hollywood Freeway) and exit on Hollywood Blvd or Gower Street.
By plane
Hollywood is served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or the closer Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Burbank.
Hollywood sits roughly between the 101 freeway on the east, Melrose Avenue on the south, West Hollywood on the west, and the Hollywood Hills on the north.
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