Do you get fascinated with the glamorous and high-profile lifestyle of Hollywood celebrities? I mean who doesn’t? Hollywood is literally a magical place. But, you could have the chance to know Hollywood better. Ask me, how? Well, if you have any plans to visit Los, Angeles, I can tell you about various Hollywood attractions there, that you can visit.
Hollywood is a famous neighborhood located in the central region of Los Angeles, California. More precisely, it lies about 8 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, downside Santa Monica Mountains. This neighborhood is home to world-famous tourist attractions such as the iconic Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. Let me tell you that the place thrives with entertainment venues, natural attractions, museums, and everything. It is the birthplace of the American film industry, so it is filled with attractions representing and celebrating the entertainment industry.
So, for you, there are many things to do in Hollywood that will give you a closer look at Hollywood’s history, the film industry, and its people. Most of the fun things in Hollywood are related to the entertainment industry; however, it is not limited. There are many outdoor attractions, great restaurants, amusement centers, and more.
Let’s check out all the things to do in Hollywood without wasting much time.
1. The Hollywood Museum
Address: 1660 N. Highland Ave (at Hollywood Blvd) Hollywood, California 90028
The Hollywood Museum, in the Max Factor Building, features an extensive collection of artifacts and movie memorabilia (the largest collection in the world) from various years of its film industry and American television. There are various display items, including props and costumes of actors who starred in some of the biggest blockbusters. The museum displays the 100 years of history of the movie-making process.
When you visit the Hollywood Museum, you can enjoy the museum’s rotating displays and exhibits. The exhibits are dedicated to the best of Tinseltown, from Marilyn Monroe to Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce. In addition, there is another exhibit in the basement dedicated to “all things creepy and scary,” where you can step into a few of the scariest sets, like Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell.
For cinema enthusiasts, the museum setting is all they need to look at to fall in love. The architecture of the Hollywood wax museum even represents the “Hollywood Regency.”
Taking a museum tour is one of the best things to do in Hollywood if you are not in the mood to do anything tiring or time-consuming. The tour is exciting, less tiring, and less time-consuming, so it is a win-win for you.
Tips: If you are into museums, you dare not miss the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Hollywood Heritage Museum, and the Guinness Book of World Records Museum, where you can take on record-breaking challenges. And, also get to see the portrait of Michael Jackson made out of candies.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Address: 6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
I’m sure you must have heard about the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s one of the most renowned Hollywood attractions along Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard. It was established in 1958 when the first brass stars were laid on the sidewalk. It is dedicated to paying tribute to those actors who made a long-lasting impact in the industry.
If you think, “What can you do for free in Hollywood?” the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is your answer. This attraction is open to the public, without any charges. What’s better than that?
The names and faces of the most famous stars are represented by bronze-rime stars and are laid on the sidewalk. Presently, there are over 2,500 stars, and each year, more stars are added. Each year, millions of people visit this site to take photos. You will find many celebrity impersonators roaming in the area, and you can click photos with your favorite ones, such as Charlie Chaplin, the Hulk, Elvis, or Jack Sparrow.
3. Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Griffith Observatory sits upon the slope of Mount Hollywood, overlooking Griffith Park. It offers great views of our galaxy and Los Angeles. I highly recommend you visit there because the Observatory offers numerous exhibits, live shows, programs, and more. All in all, it provides a wide array of things to enjoy.
- The Observatory is home to a planetarium, where you can look deeply into the universe. There’s a wide array of telescopes that you can use to stargaze. The most famous telescope is the Zeiss telescope, a refracting 12-inch telescope open for public use.
- There are various educational programs and presentations for you to attend. You can also be a part of their live shows, hosted in its state-of-the-art dome.
- Or, at best, you can take a guided tour of the whole facility. The front lawn of the Observatory is a top attraction in itself, as it displays a solar system model on the sidewalk, with all the orbital paths made out of bronze.
- You will also find grand statues dedicated to famous astronomers such as Isaac Newton or Galileo.
4. Hollywood Sign
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
Did you know that the Famous Hollywood Sign, built in 1923, is probably the most remarkable landmark of Los Angeles? The sign rests atop Mount Lee. The sign was originally built to advertise a residential development called Hollywoodland and was never intended to be permanent. Yet, it was rebuilt in 1978 and renamed “Hollywood.” Today, that sign is the city’s most iconic landmark or symbol.
The sign is located all over Los Angeles, approximately 350 feet long. However, there isn’t much you can do here. You can not hike up Mount Lee to get a closer look at the sign. However, there are many points across the surrounding area where you can view the sign and click memorable pictures. It is near Griffith Park, so you can hike through the park to get a closer view.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Are you looking for family-oriented things to do in Hollywood? I recommend you visit Universal Studios Hollywood as it is both a theme park and a filming studio.
It was opened in 1964 and is home to various attractions and activities. The site is divided into multiple areas: the theme park, the filming studio, restaurants, shops, and the Universal City Walk. The theme park has some of the most thrilling rides in the United States. There are rides that everyone can enjoy. From thrill-seekers to children, there’s a ride for every one of you. Aside from rides, you can go shopping or dining.
- You can tour the most popular park area, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can embrace magic.
- Do the best, at last, taking the Universal Studio Tour, which is the most exciting part of the park. For film lovers, it is magical.
- You can take behind-the-scenes tours with virtual host Jimmy Fallon, where you will see what goes into making blockbusters.
- The best of the Universal Studios tour is the finale, where you can experience the Fast and Furious World and feel the heat from explosions.
6. The Hollywood Bowl
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90068
One more interesting thing I can suggest to you is to catch a live concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It is an outdoor concert area stationed in a natural amphitheater. For over 100 years, it has been providing a stage for performers from all around the world. It was built in 1922; the venue can accommodate 10,000 standing and 20,000 sitting people. The venue hosts performers of all genres, such as theater and musical performances.
7. Sunset Strip
The Famous Sunset Strip is for the ones who want to experience what Hollywood truly is. Located in West Hollywood, the Sunset Strip lies between the neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. It is a portion of Sunset Boulevard.
The streets of Sunset Strip are very eclectic, featuring various high-end restaurants, boutiques, tourist attractions, and much more. The streets come to life at night, and you can not miss it. You will find great options for food, bustling bars, and entertainment venues. The place is all about its local charm and character that makes tourists stick longer.
Well, you can do anything you want. Roam the streets and enjoy the lively vibes, or you can munch on some great snacks. Maybe go shopping? Or best lookout for celebrities because it is not uncommon to see celebrities walking on the streets of Sunset Strip. Or you can relax, have a fine glass of beer in one of the bars, and enjoy live music.
Tips: Starting with the same name, there’s another interesting thing to do: experiencing amazing views of the sunset of Hollywood on horseback at Sunset Ranch Hollywood.
8. TCL Chinese Theatre
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
The TCL Chinese Theatre, also known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, was built in 1927. The theatre displays Chinese designs and decorations and has hosted three Academy Awards Ceremonies over the years. The theatre is mostly famous for its autograph collection of famous handprints and footprints. Today it is mostly known for hosting many red-carpet movie premiers. The second visitors walk through the door of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, they feel like part of Old Hollywood.
Tips: If you are a fan of the theatres, there’s more in town that you can visit, such as the Dolby Theatre located within Hollywood Highland. Even the architecture of Dolby Theater is worth seeing. And watching any show in any theatre in Hollywood is one of the most amazing things to do in Hollywood.
9. Los Angeles Zoo
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
The L.A. Zoo is the perfect attraction for animal lovers, home to over 14,000 animals. Here, you will find more than 270 animal species. Aside from the variety of animals, the zoo offers a playground for the kids, animal shows, and tour packages. There are many activities that you can do along with your friends and family. You can have your face painted or watch live animal shows. You can sign up for guided tours or explore on your own, watching the animals. You can ride a pony, too.
Speaking of zoos and fun, there’s another place where you can have the same amount of fun and thrill. You can explore and hike through Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood Hills. It has one of the most exciting hiking trails because there is a good chance of spotting a celebrity.
You can also visit the Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood, which features a historic home, the Hollyhock House (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
In the heart of L.A., La Brea Tar Pits are a group of sticky tar pools in Hancock Park. Over thousands of years ago, these pits were formed, and they trapped various animals. And over time, their remains became fossils.
The George C. Page Hollywood Museum was created to research the tar pits and display the specimens from all the animals that died there. In the museum, you can learn all about the methods of paleontology and fossils. You can watch the exhibits that include the remains of animals. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Hollywood.
Most people visit Hollywood to experience the glamour and hype the place offers. Not everywhere do you get to experience the glittering image of the entertainment industry. Tourists are always looking for celebrity sightings because you never know who you can run into. And if you are lucky, it can be one of your favorite stars.
Well, Hollywood is a place for explorers. Apart from the things we mentioned, there are a few places worth checking out. Places such as the Capitol Records Building, Lake Hollywood Park which is now a historic landmark in L.A. Then there is the classic hotel Hollywood Roosevelt, which gives you the old Hollywood feels. So, enjoy your trip to Hollywood!
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
