Hollywood
Introduction
You will find yourself in a neighborhood of Central Los Angeles where the name has become synonymous with the American film industry and its associated figures. Often referred to as Tinseltown, this area serves as a central hub for the world of cinema.
The surrounding area is home to several notable film studios, including:
- Universal Pictures
- Paramount Pictures
- Warner Bros.
- Walt Disney Studios
- Sony Pictures
- Amazon MGM Studios
Before you go
Before you arrive, understand that the heart of this district lies within three distinct boulevards, each offering a different atmosphere. Explore Hollywood Boulevard to immerse yourself in entertainment history, Sunset Boulevard for its vibrant nightlife and clubs, and Melrose Avenue for its eclectic mix of shopping and nightlife. While many major film studios moved away decades ago, the area remains a vital hub for production and broadcasting, housing several smaller studios like Sunset-Gower, Hollywood Center, Raleigh, Jim Henson, and Sunset Bronson.
If your goal is to spot celebrities, prepare yourself for the reality of the local scene. Your chances of a chance encounter are low as most stars rarely appear in public; however, you can explore their homes by taking a tour or purchasing a star map. For those interested in visiting major film studios like Universal, Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Fox, MGM, CBS, or Sony, you will need to travel beyond the immediate neighborhood to areas such as the San Fernando Valley, Century City, the Fairfax District, and Culver City.
Getting there
You can reach Hollywood via several public transit options that connect it to major hubs. The Metro B Line subway provides a direct connection from Downtown Los Angeles with stops at Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Highland. If you are traveling from Orange County, you can take the Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink's Orange County Line to Union Station before transferring to the Red Line. For those arriving by plane, the Flyaway Bus connects LAX to Union Station for a transfer to the Red Line, while the BurbankBus provides a connection from Bob Hope Airport to the North Hollywood Metro Red Line station.
If you prefer to drive, Hollywood is accessible from the Westside via Santa Monica Boulevard. From Downtown Los Angeles, you can take U.S. Highway 101, though navigating surface streets may be preferable during peak traffic hours. Local bus lines provide frequent service along major corridors including Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Melrose Avenue.
Getting around
You can navigate the primary areas of Hollywood on foot, though the distance between Hollywood Boulevard and Melrose Avenue is significant enough that you might prefer to travel by car or bus. If you choose to explore the neighborhood's main thoroughfares, your route will likely take you along major east-west streets like Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, which intersect with north-south routes such as La Brea Avenue, Highland Avenue, Cahuenga Boulevard, Vine Street, and Gower Street.
When exploring the area at night, you will find that pedestrian activity is concentrated primarily along Hollywood Boulevard. The neighborhood's boundaries are defined by the 101 freeway to the east, Melrose Avenue to the south, West Hollywood to the west, and the Hollywood Hills to the north.
Where to stay
You can choose from a wide range of accommodations in Hollywood depending on your preferred style of stay. For those seeking an upscale experience, the historic Roosevelt Hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with luxury linens and modern technology in a central location. If you prefer a boutique feel with attentive service and soft sheets, the Kimpton Everly Hollywood provides a polished atmosphere just blocks from the heart of the action. For a unique residential experience in a restored landmark from the Golden Age of Hollywood, you can find furnished studios and apartments at Villa Carlotta.
If you prefer more standard options, several well-located hostels are available for your stay. You can also find reliable accommodations through established motel chains such as Motel 6 or Best Western, which provide clean rooms in convenient locations throughout the area.
Food & drink
Savor a wide variety of culinary experiences ranging from casual bites to upscale dining. For a taste of old Hollywood, visit Musso and Frank Grill, or enjoy an expansive selection of oversized, fluffy pancakes at The Griddle Café. If you prefer international flavors, explore the creative dishes with Central American roots at Running Goose, where you can dine on a patio that serves as a quiet oasis from the bustle of Hollywood Boulevard. For authentic Japanese cuisine, visit Sushi Ike for a friendly sushi bar or experience an elegant setting with stunning views of the city at Yamashiro. Other notable options include the vegan-friendly menu at Doomie's Home Cookin', the whimsical atmosphere and California cosmopolitan dishes of Beachwood Cafe, and the diverse offerings at Cheebo.
For those seeking a unique atmosphere, Palms Thai Restaurant features an "authentically cheesy" decor where you can enjoy curries or items from their "wild things" menu. If you prefer traditional diner fare like cheeseburgers and milkshakes, Mel's Drive-In offers a classic experience. The local nightlife is vibrant, especially in the evening when the district serves as a hub for clubs and lounges. You can find an upscale atmosphere with leather couches at Roosevelt Hotel Lounge, enjoy a laid-back vibe with rock music and darts at Power House, or navigate through packed crowds for people-watching at Boardners. For a trendy experience, The Well offers an intimate and cozy setting with a secret entrance.
What to see and do
Experience the heart of fiction tourism by exploring the iconic landmarks and historic sites that define the area. You can walk the Walk of Fame to see thousands of stars embedded in the sidewalk commemorating film, radio, and television personalities. For a view of the famous Hollywood sign, you can visit the Griffith Observatory or find unique perspectives from Mulholland Drive or the Hollywood and Highland Center. If you prefer historical architecture, admire the Tudor-style facade of Charlie Chaplin Studios or the circular tower of the Capitol Records Building. You can also explore the grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where interactive kiosks provide history on the many film stars interred there.
Explore a variety of cultural and cinematic experiences across several distinct venues:
- Take a guided tour of the Paramount Pictures backlot or visit the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre to see the famous handprints and footprints.
- Visit various museums, including the Hollywood Heritage Museum located in the Lasky-DeMille Barn, the Art Deco Hollywood Museum, or the Los Angeles Fire Department Hollywood Museum housed in a restored 1930s fire station.
- See wax figures of celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum or Madame Tussauds.
- Experience unique architecture at the Cinerama Dome or visit the Egyptian-themed Grauman's Egyptian Theatre.
Three days in Hollywood
Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Tinseltown by exploring Hollywood Boulevard. You can take in the atmosphere of this iconic area before heading toward the nearby Sunset Boulevard to experience the local character.
Day two, you can travel toward the San Fernando Valley or explore the surrounding areas such as Culver City and Century City. You might also spend time navigating the streets near Melrose Avenue or the Fairfax District.
Day three, you can visit various studio lots including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, and others to see where your favorite productions are made.