Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA
From the Hills to the Sign, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood has become synonymous with the entertainment industry—and, often, its glamorous appeal. It became the center of the American film industry in 1915 when silent films were made on sets and was given the nickname Tinseltown. Decades later in the 1960’s once movies and shows were no longer filmed primarily “on location”, the stages were mostly used by the television industry for popular shows like The Addams Family and the Dick Van Dyke Show, which was one of the few sitcoms to film in front of a live studio audience at the time.Match your handprints and footprints to those of 2,600 Hollywood stars on the Walk of Fame; look out for local celebs; and visit famed theaters, such as Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre—now the TCL Chinese Theatre—and adjacent to it, the Egyptian Theatre. You will also find plenty of dining experiences from street food to fine dining at landmarks like Musso & Frank Grill.
The basics
There are a variety of ways to see the famous neighborhood in Los Angeles, from walking tours to open-air bus tours to trolley and bike tours. The neighborhood covers around 3.5 square miles (9.1 square kilometers) however, most of the sights line up neatly along a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) stretch of its namesake boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street.
Gaze upon many celebrity homes—from the exterior only—on sightseeing tours of the area like the Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Tour; or, combine a city tour with a visit to nearby theme parks including Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland® Resort for those that like to add some entertainment and thrill to their sightseeing tour. Full-day tours run from Los Angeles, Anaheim, and even Las Vegas.
Things to know before you go
Driving is the main way to get around Los Angeles, but traffic jams are common and time-consuming; plan accordingly.
It’s often sunny in LA, so bring sunglasses and other sun protection. Tote a light layer too, as temperatures can drop as the sun sets.
Private tours often include round-trip transportation from area hotels.
Most areas are wheelchair accessible, as are many of the neighborhood's attractions.
How to get there
If you’re relying on public transportation to get around LA, central Hollywood is a convenient base. The Metro Red Line whisks you to Los Feliz, downtown, and Universal Studios in minutes, while buses provide easy links east along the boulevard. If you’re coming by car, you’ll find parking at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
When to get there
Los Angeles is famous for its nearly year-round sunshine but receives the most visitors during the summer months. Visit in the shoulder seasons for a quieter experience, but keep in mind that this neighborhood draws crowds the entire year. Consider booking all your Hollywood tickets in advance.
Must-see sights around Hollywood
One of the can’t-miss attractions along the famous boulevard, the Hollywood Museum is something of a temple to the stars, crammed with posters, costumes, and rotating props from classic films. Other museums worth a look include Ripley’s Believe Or Not!, the Guinness World Records Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. The Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park offer amazing views of the city and of the famous sign.
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