Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those not enamored with celebrities. However, for those who are, Hollywood’s status as an iconic place to mingle with the famous is not an exaggeration, as visitors often come across some of the most glamorous residents of Tinseltown.
Even if you don’t run into Johnny Depp at Starbucks or Angelina Jolie at McDonald’s drive-through, Hollywood is a wonderful place to visit. The area has some must-see spots, and the most prominent one is the TLC Chinese Theatre, which is the heart of the Hollywood Boulevard experience.
TCL Chinese Theatre
The iconic movie theatre, formerly known as Sid Grauman’s masterpiece, has hosted numerous mega premieres for the movie industry, including the launch of George Lucas’s Star Wars in 1977. Located in Hollywood’s Golden Era, it is now known as TCL Chinese Theatre under new ownership. The theatre has been upgraded with contemporary stadium seating and a box office.
Attracting stars from both the past and present to come and leave their permanent mark outside the ornate Chinese-themed theater’s main entrance is guarded by a pair of Chinese Ming Heaven dogs.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
No trip to Hollywood would be complete without stopping by Grauman’s magnificent Walk of Fame, where guests can compare the size of some of the motion picture’s most prominent star’s appendages by placing theirs alongside the hand and footprint impressions that cover the entire courtyard outside the theater.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Nearby attractions competing for your attention are Madame Tussauds Hollywood and the ‘original’ Hollywood Wax Museum, which opened in 1965 and still claims to be the only wax museum dedicated solely to celebrities, with over 180 figures of movie stars and television personalities.
For those who want to get a little closer to some of Hollywood’s greats, the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard are a great place to take a photo of your favorite lookalike celebrities.
Museum of Illusions
If you’re visiting Hollywood, check out the Museum of Illusions! Located in the city’s heart, it’s an excellent spot for a fun day trip. Don’t forget your camera – photographs are encouraged at the museum, and they’re the only way to appreciate the illusions on display fully. Be sure to add the Museum of Illusions to your Hollywood to-do list!
Hollywood & Highland Center
Next door to Grauman’s is the Dolby Theatre, located in the Hollywood and Highland Center crown jewel—a multi-level retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
The Dolby Theatre is the first permanent home of the Academy Awards. Visitors can tour the $94 million facilities before or after browsing over 60 high-end designer shops, dining at one of nine of L. A.’s finest restaurants, or partying like a rock star at a pair of popular nightclubs, steps from historic Hollywood Boulevard.
El Capitan Theater
Other nearby attractions include the Guinness World Records Museum, the Walk of Stars, and the fully restored El Capitan Theater. Initially opened in 1926, the Walt Disney Company now operates the theater and serves as the venue for many of Walt Disney Pictures’ premieres.
Hollywood Bus Tours
For those that want a more behind-the-scenes look into the opulent lifestyles behind the gates of the mansions of Hollywood’s elite, there’s the always famous Starline Bus Tours or a visit to the Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building.
Aboard an open-air or climate control bus, riders embark on a geographical journey of the homes and hangouts of Hollywood’s select, including places like Rodeo Drive, the hotel where rock band Led Zeppelin dropped a piano off the roof, and trend-setting Melrose Avenue.
Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum can be found in the Max Factor building, which spans four floors, where the renowned makeup artist once had his workplace. It was in the private salons of this building that Marilyn Monroe underwent her transformation to become a blonde, and Lucille Ball got her iconic red locks.
With so much to see, do, and experience. Hollywood provides the perfect destination for a Southern California day trip any time of year.
Nearby Hollywood Attractions
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios in California combines an amusement park and a studio tour. Its most famous attraction is the movie studio tour, but it also offers thrilling rides and shows.
Griffith Park Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is only a short drive from the heart of Hollywood. Admission and parking are free. Inside the Observatory, there are two floors of hands-on exhibits. Outside, visitors are treated to amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Sunset Ranch Trail Rides
Sunset Ranch offers riders a choice of one or two-hour trail rides into Griffith Park. The amiable staff will try to match you up with a horse that matches your personality. Sunset Ranch stables are located along Beachwood Drive, a trendy spot to view the Hollywood sign.
Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive
Although many Californians cannot afford the luxurious items displayed in the windows of the high-end stores lining Rodeo Drive, a day trip to Beverly Hills can provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the affluent.
Los Angeles Zoo
The LA Zoo is located in Griffith Park –the largest municipal park in the US. Griffith Park also has 100 miles of horse trails, an actual train yard of antique trains, pony rides, mini-train rides, carousels, polo grounds, hiking trails, and even small caves.
LA Farmers Market
The original Los Angeles Farmers Market is about a 30-minute from downtown Hollywood. The farmers market has more than 100 shops and restaurants to explore. There are so many different places to eat with so many choices for food; chances are you will stop at least a couple of the food booths.
Getting to Hollywood
Park your car and take a walking tour to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hollywood. There are plenty of places to eat in the Hollywood & Highland Mall, and if you want to be a tourist, take one of the bus tours and see the movie stars’ homes.
Discover the excitement of Hollywood with a Day Trip. It’s a must-see experience.
What bus tour do you recommend for visiting the Hollywood Sign and the Griffin Observatory? I will be visiting Hollywood next week from Thursday to Saturday. Thank you!
I mean the Griffith Park Observatory. ?
Starline Tours of Hollywood is the best in my opinion. Not sure if there are any tours to the Griffith Park Observatory. you can see the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Park Observatory. Some of the Starline Tours take you to a vantage point to see the sign. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is well worth a visit also.
My husband I are interested in visiting Hollywood someday, so that we can tour the town. I liked your suggestion of finding a bus tour, because it will help us be able to see a lot more compared to just walking.
There are quite a few things to see around Madame Tussauds Hollywood. A car or bus tour will be needed to see all of the sights.