Summary of Attractions
Perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, Hollywood epitomizes the glamorous West Coast lifestyle and the prestigious realm of movie stars and moguls, capturing the imagination of visitors from around the globe.
Hollywood is conveniently located close to downtown Los Angeles and is surrounded by some of the region’s most exclusive residential and commercial neighborhoods, including Burbank, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
While many of the city’s notable attractions are centered around its illustrious film history, Hollywood offers a diverse array of experiences.
Visitors can also enjoy natural and historical sites, numerous live entertainment venues, and some of the finest culinary establishments globally.
1. The Hollywood Museum
Spanning multiple levels along North Highland Avenue in Hollywood, the Hollywood Museum features one of the most extensive collections of music and showbiz memorabilia in the country.
Exhibits showcase costumes, props, original film footage, and personal accounts from actors and actresses who have starred in some of cinema’s most significant box office successes over the last century.
Featured items include dresses worn by Marilyn Monroe and the chilling cell that held Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
For those visiting for the first time, this museum is an essential stop, conveniently located near other attractions worth exploring.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Distinguished from many of the region’s renowned attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a public area that is accessible at all times, and entry is free.
Having been established for over 50 years, it boasts more than 2,000 star plaques honoring some of the most prominent names in the entertainment industry.
Attracting millions of visitors annually, it stands as one of the most photographed locations in California.
Be prepared to encounter celebrity impersonators and street performers, adding to the lively, unique atmosphere. For a more tranquil experience, consider an early morning visit to avoid larger crowds.
3. Hollywood Sign
Originally constructed nearly a century ago, the iconic Hollywood sign, which overlooks the city, originally read ‘Hollywoodland.’
Initially conceived as a simple advertisement for a real estate project, it has evolved into one of California’s most cherished cultural symbols.
Each letter stands at approximately 50 feet tall, and the sign frequently appears in films set in Los Angeles.
Situated within Griffith Park, while direct access to the sign is restricted, visitors can reasonably approach it via a moderate hike.
4. Dolby Theatre
Like the sun, palm trees, and movie stars, historic theaters are prominent features in Hollywood.
Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the Dolby Theatre is famously known as the venue for the annual Academy Awards.
This makes it one of the most sought-after red-carpet venues in Southern California, open to visitors and guided tours nearly every day of the year.
The stunning theater boasts an impressive staircase and expansive stage utilized to honor Hollywood’s top actors and actresses.
Guided tours provide valuable insights into the theater’s remarkable history. Most visitors spend several hours on-site before transitioning to other attractions.
5. Hollywood Wax Museum
What do James Bond, Marilyn Monroe, and Hulk Hogan have in common?
These renowned figures are among the countless celebrities, politicians, sports stars, and cinematic characters represented in wax at the Hollywood Wax Museum located on Hollywood Boulevard.
As the oldest establishment of its kind in the country, the museum encourages guests to engage closely with the figures, providing unique photo opportunities.
Exhibits also include interesting and educational details, and guests have the chance to watch a demonstration of how the figures are created and maintained.
6. Warner Brothers Studio
Situated just north of Hollywood, across California Route 101, the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank is another essential destination for film and music enthusiasts visiting Southern California.
Warner Brothers has produced numerous beloved films, music, and television content over the years, including celebrated works such as Casablanca, The Perfect Storm, and popular series like Big Bang Theory and Friends, alongside songs from The Grateful Dead.
Expert-guided tours are available in durations of three and six hours, offering guests unique insights into some of the studio’s most notable productions and the A-list talent who contributed to their success.
7. Griffith Observatory
From the hills that overlook downtown Los Angeles, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the sprawling urban landscape below, alongside the wonders of the cosmos above.
The Griffith Observatory is home to one of the area’s most sophisticated planetariums, popular among those seeking respite in its comfortable seating and refreshing air-conditioning while enjoying a virtual exploration of the universe.
Weather permitting, the observatory also provides impressive views of the famed Hollywood sign and other key attractions in the area.
The facility hosts a variety of regularly scheduled events, warranting a check of their calendar to determine what’s occurring during your visit.
8. Chinese Theater
Few locations in Hollywood encapsulate the essence of both history and modernity quite like the Chinese Theater.
The venue accommodates nearly 1,000 guests and features one of the largest IMAX auditoriums in the country.
While much of the theater’s captivating Chinese architecture remains intact, it has undergone several renovations since its inception in the 1920s, now complemented by cutting-edge sound and lighting technologies.
Notable among the theater’s features is the nearly 200 hand and footprints of Hollywood stars, some of which date back almost 90 years.
Tickets tend to sell quickly for popular performances, so it would be wise to plan accordingly during peak visiting periods.
9. Museum of Death
What could be more delightful than spending time at a museum dedicated to the myriad representations of death?
Many previous visitors left behind traditional attractions to explore the world of hitmen, serial killers, and macabre execution devices.
The museum’s intriguing yet somber collection includes artworks created by notorious criminals, original photographs from notorious crime scenes, and other local stories not typically featured in more conventional attractions.
Self-guided tours take approximately an hour and are most suitable for mature audiences with a strong constitution.
10. Hollywood Heritage Museum
The location of the Hollywood Heritage Museum once served as the filming site for the very first feature film produced in Hollywood, more than a century ago, with producer Cecil B. DeMille among its notable figures.
Historically, the Hollywood region was characterized by expansive citrus orchards, but the museum has carved a niche for itself in preserving and promoting the area’s rich cinematic heritage.
Though small and unobtrusive compared to many of Hollywood’s more commercial attractions, the museum boasts an impressive collection of film-related artifacts, making it a true hidden gem that merits attention.
11. Runyon Canyon Park
Covering just over 150 acres, Runyon Canyon Park may not be the largest natural area in Los Angeles County, but it is conveniently located just a short distance from Hollywood.
Situated along Mulholland Drive, it provides active individuals with easy access to nature without the need for extensive travel.
The canyon features a comprehensive network of trails suitable for hikers and mountain bikers, offering unobstructed views of the desert landscape and the Santa Monica Mountains, which lie inland of the Pacific Ocean.
The canyon can become quite busy with entertainment industry professionals and visitors wishing to spot local stars, hence visiting during weekdays or in the afternoons may afford a more peaceful experience.
12. Hollyhock House
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright nearly a century ago for an heiress to an oil fortune who preferred the tranquility of the Hollywood hills, the Hollyhock House is located on a 12-acre site offering vistas overlooking East Hollywood.
After extensive renovations, this architecturally unique residence is now open to the public as one of the premier attractions within Barnsdall Art Park, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance.
The admission fee is quite affordable by Los Angeles standards, and most guests typically explore for one to two hours.
13. Museum of Illusions
Each year, aspiring entertainers hunt for their moment in the sun in Southern California, hoping to leave their mark on the film and music industries.
While many of these ambitions may ultimately be mere illusions, there exists a venue dedicated to real illusions that offer entertainment and engagement.
The Museum of Illusions is an interactive attraction that allows visitors to step into a realm of fantasy and optical illusions, resulting in unique and exciting experiences.
This museum serves as a great option for families traveling with young children and tends to be particularly appealing to those who may have experienced enough of traditional film exhibitions.
14. Sunset Strip
For those who wish to experience the unique blend of glamour and grit that defines Hollywood, there is no better place than the Sunset Strip.
This renowned stretch of road along Sunset Boulevard marks the border between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, filled with local charm and character that reflects the essence of the area.
The strip is accessible at all hours and features an eclectic mix of shops, live entertainment venues, and diverse restaurants and bars catering to various clientele.
It is not uncommon to see celebrities in this area, particularly during evenings and weekends.
15. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Thousands of years ago, long before the city of Los Angeles came into existence, the area surrounding Hollywood and La Brea was home to several tar pits, which served as final resting spots for many now-extinct animal species.
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum represent some of the most distinctive natural attractions in the region, housing fossilized remains of unwary creatures caught in the tar.
Located in Hancock Park, the site is particularly known for its life-sized replicas of mammoths, bison, and saber-toothed cats that once roamed the California terrain.
