Hollywood is an interesting part of Los Angeles to visit. It is located in the central region of Los Angeles. It was once known as a glitzy and glamorous area and the center of the film industry. Now, Hollywood is a popular tourist area to visit and has many movie-related sites to see.
Transportation
Many of the sites in Hollywood are located on Hollywood Boulevard and it is feasible to walk. If necessary, you can take the metro from one side to the other.
What to Do
Dolby Theater: The Dolby Theater is known as the place the Academy Awards are held. Walking up to the entrance, visitors can see signs for all movies that have won the best picture award since the Academy Awards began.
El Capital Theater: El Capitan was built in the 1920s and originally showed plays. In the 1940s, it switched to showing movies. It is now owned by Disney and shows whatever the current Disney film is and occasionally shows reruns of some Disney movies. With every movie, there are always several costumes and props displayed in the basement.
Hollywood Bowl: The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater where there are many concerts, movies, and other performances. It is located within the Hollywood Hills. One of the neat things about the Hollywood Bowl is visitors can bring their own food and drink into the arena. They have picnic areas or you can eat in your seat.
Hollywood and Movie Star Homes Tour: This is a super touristy activity to partake in, but it was actually super fun. There are many different tour options. On the tour we went on, we saw a variety of historic homes as well as homes of some famous actors and actresses. You can book online ahead of time, or there are various vendors selling last-minute tours on the street.
Hollywood Sign: At the very least, visitors must catch a glimpse of this infamous sign. Did you that the sign used to read Hollywoodland until the “‘land” part slid down the hill? You can catch a glimpse of it from Hollywood and Highland, or catch a closer view from Griffith Park. If you are up for it, take the hike up the hill to see the view from behind the Hollywood sign
Hollywood Walk of Fame: The most famous and also often called the “world’s worst” attraction is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It has over 2,600 stars given to celebrities across 15 blocks. Walk around the area and find the stars of your favorite celebrities.
Pantages Theater: The Pantages Theater opened in the 1930s. Since then, it has seen endless productions. Present-day, it is a popular place to see touring Broadway shows.
TCL Chinese Theater: Once called Mann’s Chinese Theater, visitors can see the handprints, footprints, and autographs of over 200 celebrities. My favorite is the wand prints along with the signatures and handprints of the 3 main Harry Potter actors. Present-day, visitors can watch actual movies inside the theater.
Where to Take Your Lunch Break
Beso: This restaurant owned by Eva Longoria Parker has some delicious food. It is located a few blocks down from the Pantages Theater so it makes for a great stop before a show. Make sure to try the guacamole. It is delicious.
Feast: Feast is a Mediterranean quick service place. They have a variety of plates that include meat and one of their yummy sides. They also have various sauces you can put on the entrees. It is located right across from the Pantages.
Hollywood Burger: I am not normally a big burger person, but I crave Hollywood Burger frequently. My favorite part is their Tater Tots. Hollywood Burger is also located right across from the Pantages, which makes it a great choice for a pre-show dinner.
Mama Shelter: Mama Shelter is a boutique hotel with two different restaurants. The bottom floor contains the main restaurant and bar area with some fun games to play. There is also a rooftop bar that serves food as well. The rooftop offers amazing views of Hollywood and the Hollywood sign. Visitors can make reservations for the main restaurant, but not the rooftop.
7 thoughts on “Hollywood Sites to See”
I like to love your very-much-loved burger! Great post! Hope to read more like this!
It’s fun to see photos of Dolby Theatre on people’s blogs! I worked fro Dolby for 5 years and got to work film opening and Oscars at that theater – so fun!
YAY! That’s my hometown! Well, technically, I now live about 1.5 hours away due to traffic, but being so close to Hollywood and Los Angeles do have its perks!
I haven’t been to Hollywood in years, and even then I didn’t see all of these spots! Great article and I can’t wait to go back! 🙂
Wow, a lot of cool options! Definitely have to go to at least one show or movie while there. The hike up to the Hollywood sign seems like a fun bonus as well.
I went to Hollywood and saw some of these sights many years ago and your post makes me want to go back. I didn’t know that the sign used to say Hollywoodland and the ‘land’ slid down the hill! Too funny.
I am planning a trip to Hollywood in the Spring, I will have to add some of these places to the list. I never knew the sign used to say Hollywoodland, very interesting!