Content Summary
How to Spend Your Day in Hollywood, California
If you rise early and keep a brisk pace, you can explore numerous iconic sights in a single day. To make the most out of your Hollywood visit, consider these exciting options:
- Take a Real Studio Tour: If you desire a genuine behind-the-scenes experience showcasing how films are produced, opt for a studio tour rather than a theme park with rides. Most studio tours last approximately two hours, but be mindful that some studios may close during weekends.
- Farmers Market: Although not strictly in Hollywood, the nearby Farmers Market is a delightful venue to enjoy an affordable meal. Early visitors can delight in breakfast, while those starting later can savor fantastic dinners at award-winning food stalls.
- See the Hollywood Sign: While this iconic symbol of Los Angeles is visible from various locations, for a closer view, consider a drive along Mulholland Drive or above the Hollywood Reservoir. Allocate around an hour for the round trip to enjoy the stunning vistas.
- Hollywood Bowl: If your schedule extends into the night, make sure to catch a summer concert at the Hollywood Bowl—an unparalleled outdoor music venue.
- Hollywood Boulevard: This bustling area is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater, as well as the Hollywood and Highland complex. Expect to spend two to four hours here, and time your visit for late afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere into the evening.
What You Won’t See in Hollywood, California, and Why
Despite being a compact neighborhood of Los Angeles, there’s still much that can’t be crammed into a single day. Here are some popular attractions that fall outside your itinerary:
- Sunset Strip: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this section of Sunset Boulevard is best appreciated after dark, as daytime offers little to see.
- Stars’ Home Tour: It’s advisable to skip these tours since few contemporary celebrities reside in Hollywood and much of what is shared is speculative at best.
- Forest Lawn or Hollywood Forever Cemetery: These sites may only attract fans of classic Hollywood, as they offer little for those not passionate about its history.
- Universal Studios: This popular theme park will consume an entire day and, while entertaining, its studio tour lacks depth.
Getting to Hollywood, California
Hollywood is actually a neighborhood within Los Angeles, and reaching it is straightforward. The most accessible route is via US Hwy 101 northbound from downtown, exiting at Highland Avenue. For those approaching from the south or west, entering “6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles CA” into your GPS will guide you to the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
