Hollywood is a world-famous playground for the rich and famous, a beacon for all things cinema and entertainment, and a tourist Mecca. In addition, Hollywood is the epicenter of the city’s glitzy film history, which accounts for a sizable portion of modern-day American popular culture.
Hollywood has it all, from the glamour of the Dolby Theatre to the artistry of Hollyhock House. You can see the mark of that history in the form of handprints on the Walk of Fame and during behind-the-scenes studio and theater tours around town.
There are numerous ways to have a one-of-a-kind experience in Los Angeles, but when visiting Hollywood, it’s all about succumbing to kitsch and becoming completely star-struck. So if you need help deciding what to see first in Tinseltown, especially along Hollywood Boulevard, you’ve come to the right place.
What are the Best Things to do in Hollywood
Here are the best things to do in Hollywood.
Tour Warner Bros Studio Hollywood
Nothing beats an afternoon at Warner Bros Studio Hollywood after a day of exploring the city. This movie-themed attraction spans a 110-acre backlot and includes iconic sets such as the actual Central Perk cafe from Friends (you’ll feel right at home taking photos with it).
You’ll also get to learn all about what goes on behind the scenes while interacting with cutting-edge film technology on a variety of two or three-hour tours (book in advance!).
Find the Perfect View of the Hollywood Sign
The “Hollywoodland” sign, built in 1923, was supposed to be up for only a year and a half, but it is still standing almost a century later. Getting close to the Hollywood Sign, on the other hand, is frequently a contentious issue due to pressure from local homeowners.
The sign can be seen from Beachwood Drive or higher up the hill near Lake Hollywood Park. Do you want to get even closer? Ride horses at Sunset Ranch or hike up Mt. Lee Drive to a vantage point directly above the Hollywood Sign with a 360-degree view of the cityscape.
Picnic with Family at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that has hosted concerts since 1922, when the Los Angeles Philharmonic first performed there. Since its inception, it has featured famous artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and Garth Brooks in its iconic band shell.
The 18,000-seat venue tucked away in a visually pleasing blessed fold of the Hollywood Hills can bring out the romantic in even the most jaded people. It is a summer home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic (and fun picnics), and it also serves as a public park when there’s no performance. You can also spare some time to see a show here while you are in town.
Grab Dinner at Mel’s Drive-In
Mel’s Drive-In, a late-night Hollywood fixture since 1997, was originally the home of Ben Franks, a coffee shop frequented by Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones after they’d finished performing at nearby rock shows in the 1960s and 1970s.
Its West Hollywood location on the Sunset Strip between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, as well as its table-side jukeboxes and classic diner menu items like milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and homemade pies, have made it a local favorite.
See the Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Along the Walk of Fame, you can discover a lot of old Hollywood history and glamour. Check out Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street to see if you can spot artists, actors, radio hosts, and other celebrities whose names have been inscribed with stars.
You probably don’t want to touch those grimy patches of the star-strewn sidewalk—better to look but not touch. But, if you don’t mind the grime, you can also compare your footprints to those of your favorite celebrities, from Fred Astaire to Kevin Hart.
Watch A Movie at the Chinese Theatre
The Chinese Theatre is an excellent place to see a movie, but most people come to see the hand and foot imprints of over 200 Hollywood stars. The courtyard is usually clogged with tourists taking selfies with John Wayne and Judy Garland. Still, you can avoid the crowds by watching a movie inside, where the auditorium is as stunning as the IMAX screen’s projection quality.
Tour Hollywood on a Sightseeing Bus or Trolley
While a car is required to get around Los Angeles, you can also see the sights by taking a bus tour. From the ubiquitous Hop-On, and Hop-Off Tours to Movie Stars Homes Tours, Ghost and Crime Tours, and other specialty tours departing from Hollywood, Los Angeles offers a dizzying array of sightseeing tours by bus, trolley, or van.
Whichever you choose, it’s an excellent way to cover a lot of ground in a short period.
Savor the Movie Feeling at Universal Studios
Are you tired of all the sightseeing? Going to the theme park at Universal Studios for the day is one of Hollywood’s best things. Ride classic rides like the world-famous studio tour or the Jurassic World ride and new favorites like The Secret Lives of Pets, Harry Potter, and the Forbidden journey.
Spend a full day at the Universal studios and enjoy the time of your life feeling like a movie star.
Enjoy a Comedy Show
Some of the finest comedy clubs in the US can be found in Hollywood. Visit Hollywood Improv, Laugh Factory, Second City, or Upright Citizens Brigade, some of the oldest comedy clubs, and enjoy a comedy show.
Be sure to pre-book your ticket and check the website just in case one of the legendary comedians is scheduled to appear at one of the comedy houses while you are in town.
Take A Selfie With your Desired Celebrity at Madame Tussaud’s
Meet Celebrities at Madame Tussauds is renowned for having an unrivaled list of wax-work celebrities like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Taylor Swift. So if you want to take a selfie with your favorite star in Hollywood, this is the place to go.
There are several themed rooms like the Sci-Fi Invasion and Marvel Super Heroes where you can take a selfie with your best avenger.
