Hollywood |
 
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Hollywood Overview
What's a visit to Southern California without Hollywood? Below, you will find a list of the popular Hollywood attractions including outlying areas like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Whether you're strolling the Walk of Fame in search of your favorite actor's star, placing your hand in the handprint of Clint Eastwood infront of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, seeing a band at The Whisky a Go-Go, or horseback riding through the surrounding hills, Hollywood has something for everyone. We've taken into consideration that you'd probably like to see a star during your visit, so our selection of restaurants lists those that are commonly frequented by celebrities. |
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Sites to See
Hollywood & Highland refers to the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. This is the heart of Hollywood where movies premier, star's hand prints are set in concrete, the names of stars line the streets and so much more.
Hollywood & Highland Capitol Records is located near the famous Hollywood & Vine intersection. This legendary and still functioning record company had everyone from Nat King Cole and The Beach Boys to Cold Play signed on to their label. Their unmistakable round building resembles a stack of records. Tours can be arranged through their website. 
Hollywood Sign is located up Mulholland Highway in the Hollywood Hills. This is without a doubt the most recognizable attraction in Hollywood. The sign stands on the hill behind Hollywood spanning 450-feet and 50-feet in height. When originally installed, it said 'Hollywoodland'. The address given is the actual address of the sign, but visit the website we provided for other locations with great views of the sign. Sunset Ranch Hollywood is located in the Hollywood Hills bordering Griffith Park. This horse ranch offers horseback riding throughout Griffith Park. They also offer boarding, lessons and dinner rides to a Mexican restaurant in Burbank and back. Lake Hollywood is located in the Hollywood Hills. This reservoir was orginally part of William Mulhollands amazing quest to irrigate the Los Angeles basin. Today it helps supply much of Hollywood with drinking water and the 3.2 mile paved trail that encircles it is a favorite with local joggers. Hollywood Forever Memorial is located off Santa Monica Boulevard near Vine Street. This active memorial park and cemetery is where some of Hollywood's screen legends are buried. Just a few examples include Peter Lorre, Jayne Mansfield and Rudolph Valentino. Hollywood Museum is located on Hollywood Boulevard near Hollywood & Highland. This museum has a massive collection of clothing, artifacts and sets from movies. Portions of the sets from 'Silence of the Lambs', 'Moulin Rouge' and more are here. A pair of boxing gloves from 'Rocky' with Sylvester Stalone's autograph are on display. The museum building itself is on display as it was the old Max Factor building. |
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Studio Tours
Universal is located off Highway 101 at the Universal Studios exit. In addition to the touristy tram tour that is offered as a part of its theme park attraction, they also offer behind-the-scenes, back-lot tours. Sony Pictures is located near the intersection of Interstates 405 and 10 in Culver City. This is a walking tour where you may recognize buildings and structures from movies like "Men in Black" and "Spiderman". If not in use, you may be able to tour the hugely popular game show sets of "Wheel of Fortune" or "Jeopardy". Paramount Pictures is located off Highway 101 near the Melrose Avenue exit. Paramount offers a guided 2-hour historical and informational look behind-the-scenes of their movie and television studios. Paramount Ranch is located off Highway 101 in the Santa Monica Mountains near the Kanan Road exit. This ranch/studio is part of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and features an Old West movie set. Visitors a welcome to roam about the buildings of the set for free. Movies and television shows are still filmed here recently including "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" and "Fear Factor" episodes. Past movies and episodes include, "The Rifleman," "Gunfight at the OK Corral," "Have Gun Will Travel," "The Dukes of Hazard" and so many more. Warner Brothers is located off Highway 134 near the West Olive exit or Highway 101 near the Barham exit. This is the most popular of the studio back-lot tours and receives high reviews. Visitors are carted by tram to active movie and television sets as well as costume and wardrobe departments. Turn as if to go to Studio 5 but follow the signs to Studio 6 for tour parking. |
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Theatres
Kodak is located on the first level of the Hollywood & Highland Center. This huge 3,400 seat theatre hosts top musical performers, ballet, opera, Broadway shows and many award shows including Academy Awards® Grammy® Awards, ESPY Awards and BET Awards. Pantages is located off Highway 101 near the Vine Street or Hollywood Boulevard exits. This is Hollywood's top Broadway theatre with plays like "Cats," "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera". Years ago I saw "The King and I" with Yule Brenner at the Pantages and was very impressed with the architecture, even as a kid. The Egyptian is tucked back between buildings next to the 'Pig N' Whistle' restaurant at Hollywood & Highland. This historic theatre was built the year that King Tut's tomb was discovered in Egypt. The building's architecture reflects the grandure of the King's tomb with gold leaf and huge papyrus columns throughout. This movie theatre shows classic Hollywood movies such as 'Seven Samurai,' 'Forever Hollywood,' 'Harold and Maude' and more. Theatre West is located off Highway 101 near the Barham Boulevard exit. This is a small non-profit theatre that performs theatrical and storybook plays. Many big-name actors have roots at Theatre West. Take note of who the performers are and you may one day see them on Broadway or the silver screen. |
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Concert Venues
Hollywood Bowl is located off Highway 101 near the Odin Street exit. This shell-shaped amphitheatre is a Hollywood landmark and hosts orchestras and other musical events. The big names play at 'The Bowl,' which have included Nat King Cole, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and so many more. This is where the L.A. Philharmonic performs and other events include blues & jazz festivals. Gibson Amphitheatre is located off Highway 101 at the Universal Studios exit. Formerly Universal Amphitheatre, it is not truly an amphitheatre since a roof was applied in the 90's. This is a large venue that hosts top bands performing everything from Rap and R&B to rock and country. Troubadour is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. This is a smaller mostly Rock venue. Bands like Motley CrLe, Guns n' Roses and Metallica got their starts at the Troubadour. The Whiskey a Go-Go is located on the 'Sunset Strip' in West Hollywood. This is a smaller mostly Rock venue. Bands like The Doors, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen have all plated at 'The Whiskey'. Avalon, formerly the Hollywood Palace, is located near the famous Hollywood and Vine. This concert venue and club hosts concerts, award shows, premier parties, fashion shows and more. Bands include rock, punk, rap, raggae, techno and more. Wiltern Theatre is located near Western Avenue between Interstate 10 and Highway 101. This Art Deco Landmark is a L.A. Historic Monument and features musical performers of rock, country, new age and more. Greek Theatre is located in Griffith Park northeast of Hollywood. This amphitheatre in the trees hosts top musical performers of rock, country, R&B and more. Hollywood Palladium is located on Sunset Boulevard near Vine Street. This historic venue originally opened with Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and now hosts rock, punk and Latin bands. Henry Fonda Theatre is located on Hollywood Boulevard near Highway 101. This small theatre hosts D.J.s and bands performing rock, punk, R&B, rap, techno and more. House of Blues is located on the 'Sunset Strip' in West Hollywood. Not exactly as the name implies... this small venue hosts rock, punk, R&B, D.J.s, techno and more. Viper Room is located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. This small venue hosts rock, punk, country, techno and more. Cat Club is located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. This small venue hosts bands performing rock, punk, R&B, and more. Key Club is located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. This three level club hosts rock, punk, country, rap and more. Past performers include Suicidal Tendencies, Sarah McLachlan, Cypress Hill, Dwight Yoakam, Scorpions and so many more. The Gig is located on Melrose Avenue between La Brea Avenue and Gardner Street. This small venue hosts bands performing punk, metal, rap, techno and more. |
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Entertainment
Universal Studios Hollywood is located off highway 101 in Universal City. This is an active movie lot with rides and shows. You can ride a tram through the studio lots, see a show like Animal Planet Live or catch one of the many themed rides like Backdraft, Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park. Universal City Walk is attached and is popular for entertainment, dining and shopping. Universal City Walk is located in Universal City, Hollywood. This is an outdoor mall that includes restaurants, shops and entertainment. Shops include Dodgers Clubhouse where you can purchase Dodger's baseball merchandise and the Universal Studios Store. Entertainment includes an amphitheatre, B.B.King Blues club, a comedy club and much more. The Improv is located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. This comedy club / dinner theatre has hosted many now famous comedians including Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, David Spade, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey and many more. Their kitchen, dubbed "Hell's Kitchen," features favorite dishes of some of these famous comedians. The Comedy Store is located on the 'Sunset Strip' in West Hollywood. Jim Carrey got his big break here. Pauley Shore's family owns the Comedy Store and he is often there. The Laugh Factory is located on the Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. This is the comedy club that Richard Pryor started out at. Pacific Park is located at the end of the 10 freeway on the Santa Monica Pier. This classic boardwalk is a mix of carnival games, rides and ferrous wheel, to modern day rollercoasters and thrill rides. Although not in Hollywood, it is close enough that many visitors included it within their Hollywood itinerary. |
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Shopping
Hollywood & Highland Center is located to the right and upstairs from the Kodak and Grauman's Chinese Theatres. Look for the huge white elephants and you know you've found the center. Stores include Oakley, Coach, Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor Loft and more. Hollywood Sign viewing platforms are located to the rear of the center. The Renaissance Hotel is also attached to the back. Melrose Avenue is located between Highland Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard. This strip of ecclectic, wacky and bizarre shops appeals to the younger Hollywood crowd. Few mainstream establishments are found here. Instead a are shops like Wasteland, Leathers & Treasures, Atomic Garage, Off the Wall and many more you've never heard of. 
Rodeo Drive is located between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards in Beverly Hills. This 3-block area features a European-style shopping venue of extremely high-end boutiques including Armani, Coco Chanel, Cartier, Yves Saint Laurent and many more. Keep your eyes peeled when visiting Rodeo because you have to be rich to be able to shop here. Universal City Walk is located in Universal City, Hollywood. This is an outdoor mall that includes restaurants, shops and entertainment. Shops include Dodgers Clubhouse where you can purchase Dodger's baseball merchandise and the Universal Studios Store. The Grove is located between Beverly Boulevard and 3rd Street in Beverly Hills. This luxurious mall features stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hawk Skate, Crate & Barrel, and many more. Other amenities include a movie theatre and day spa. Sunset Plaza is located on the 'Sunset Strip' in West Hollywood. This is a collection of subdued Hollywood shops & cafes. But don't be fooled by the simplicity of this center... it attracts big celebrities. Boutiques include Armani, Oliver Peoples and more. Beverly Center is located at the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevards. This is a large indoor shopping mall with some of the mall usuals like Macy's and Bloomingdale's and many high-end stores like Lacost, Hugo Boss, Dior and more. Additional amenity includes a 13-screen movie theatre. |
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Accommodations
Renaissance is located behind the Hollywood & Highland Center with Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and so much more within walking distance. The hotel is tastefully decorated in a modern theme and offers a restaurant and an outdoor roof-top pool. Celebrity Hotel is located a short walk away from Hollywood & Highland. They are tucked between buildings in a central location. Additional amenities include a full kitchen, gym & steam room and outdoor gated parking. Orchid Suites is located a short walk away from Hollywood & Highland. They offer full kitchens, secure underground parking, a heated pool and rooftop garden patio. Hollywood Roosevelt is located right next to Hollywood & Highland. This historic high-rise hotel was once frequented by big celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Today, it is completely renovated and very posh. Amenities include several bars & restaurants, a fitness center, pool and 24-hour room service. Holiday Inn Express is located just two blocks from the Hollywood & Highland Center. This is the place for those on a budget. Who sticks around at there hotel anyways when there's so much to see and do in Hollywood. Amenities include a pool and continental breakfast. Chateau Marmont is located at the base of the Hollywood Hills in West Hollywood. This resort is the epitomy of luxury with French castle-style architecture, personal trainers & massage therapists, limousine & chauffeur service, shoe shining and valet parking. Hotel grounds are beautifully manicured and help to frame the garden terrace restaurant and outdoor pool. Elaine's Hollywood B&B - Hollywood is located off Highway 101 near the intersections of Hollywood Boulevard & Gardner Street. This Bed & Breakfast is very reasonable and in close proximity to Hollywood & Highland where Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and so much more is located. HOSTELS There are several hostels situated in Hollywood. These are low cost alternatives to hotels and often require dorm-style living. If you're traveling on a low budget and would like to meet other travelers and share information, this is a great way to see California. |
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Restaurants
Pig 'N Whistle is located right outside The Egyptian Theatre at Hollywood & Highland. This is a Hollywood landmark and originally opened to serve moviegoers before concession stands were installed in theatres. Now, it is a restaurant and bar serving lunch and dinnner. Late night, it transforms into a trendy martini bar. Entrees include sandwiches and chicken dishes among others. Closed Sundays. Spago Beverly Hills is located just two blocks from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This is Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant. This restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner 7-days a week. Patrons can eat indoors or out in the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Entrees include Roasted Beet Layer Cake, Prime Cote de Boeuf for Two, Veal Weinerschnitzel as well as many poultry and fresh fish choices. The Ivy is located near the intersection of Beverly and Robertson Boulevards 1-block west of The Beverly Center shopping complex in Beverly Hills. This small restaurant with a quaint little outdoor patio doesn't look like much, but the celebrities frequent it almost daily. Just watching the Rolls, Bentleys and limos that stop here is worth the cost of the meal itself. Fare is American with a hint of French Cajon. Dan Tana's is located near Doheny Drive in West Hollywood. Remember Robert Urich's character in the hit television show 'Vegas'? The producers named him Dan Tana after this favorite restaurant. This dimly lit steak and italian restaurant is a favorite among celebrities. Don't expect glamour, but instead a great place to have a steak or lasagna... and maybe even spot a star. Crustacean is located 2-blocks from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This seafood restaurant has a tropical-Asian theme with palm trees, waterfalls and a glass-covered stream that winds throughout the restaurant under your feet. Live entertainment nightly. Not open on Sundays. Le Dome is located near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Halloway Drive in West Hollywood. This French restaurant features an elegant dining room, outdoor patio seating and a dome above the bar. Fare is very French with even obscure menu choices like braised oxtail, pig knuckles and sauerkraut. Formosa Cafe is located near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. This average looking restaurant attracts celebrities and has been in multiple movies over the years. In fact, it's a Hollywood historic landmark. It's location directly across the street from Warner Studios has helped build that reputation over the years. Fare is American, Chinese and seafood and they can mix a perfect cocktail. Jerry's Famous Deli is a chain restaurant with two locations in the Hollywood region. One is in Studio City north of Hollywood and in the middle of several movie & television studios. The other is across the street from the Beverly Center shopping complex in Beverly Hills. This casual restaurant/deli/bakery serves Jewish favorites like matzoh ball soup and huge pastrami sandwiches. Open 24-hours daily. Pink's is located near the intersection of La Brea and Melrose Avenues. This little hot dog stand is to the West what Nathan's is to the East. You can't miss it because there's always a line. They serve them up any way you could imagine with chili, jalapeños, sauerkraut and more. How about an 'Ozzy Osbourne Dog' or a 'Three Dog Night'? Not into hot dogs? They also have burritos, burgers, chicken breasts and other choices. |
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Major Airports
Los Angeles (LAX) airport offers convenient access to the 'South Bay' beach cities and central Los Angeles County. MORE DETAILS Burbank (BUR) airport offers convenient access to northern Los Angeles County and the Hollywood region. MORE DETAILS Long Beach (LGB) airport offers convenient access to southern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County. MORE DETAILS Other options to consider would be Ontario, or Orange County airports. |
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Traffic & Transportation
Rush hour traffic is a problem between the hours of 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm. The 101 through Hollywood has the worst traffic conjestion of any L.A. freeway. 
Tourist traffic is a nightmare from May to September. Try to stay as close as possible to the attractions you have interest in. We have spent an hour traveling from the freeway to Hollywood & Highland and back... a trip that would normally take 10-minutes. We can't stress enough how much more we have enjoyed this area during the winter with far fewer crowds. Be sure to check for events at the Hollywood Bowl and Pantages Theatre, which can cause even thicker conjestion. Public transportation is fair in Hollywood. Check out the MTA website for bus and train details. Although Hollywood has moved leaps-and-bounds in improving the area in recent years, high-crime areas border many of the popular Hollywood attractions. The best and safest mode of transportation for visitors is rental car. Expect to pay parking fees of $12 to $20 per day. |
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Weather
Winter brings average lows in the 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Mostly rain and rare hail storms occur. Spring brings average lows in the 60's and highs in the mid-70's. Rain showers can occur through May. Summer brings average lows in the 70's and highs in the mid to upper 80's. Humidity can make those temperatures seem higher. Once or twice a year, Santa Ana winds blow in from the desert reducing humidity and increasing the heat to the high 90's+. Summer brush fires are a regular occurance. Marine layer is a common occurrence and blankets the region with clouds, but often burns off by midday. Fall brings average lows in the low 60's and highs in the 70's. Mostly rain and rare hail storms occur. |
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Local Events
Jan 16, 2011 - Golden Globe Awards at 6:00 PM PT. Hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Awards are given for television and movies for the year. WEBSITE Feb 13, 2011 - Grammy Awards at 6:00 PM PT. Hosted at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Grammy's recognize the top musical performers of the year. WEBSITE Feb 27, 2011 - Academy Awards Ceremony® at 5:00 PM PT. Hosted at the Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood & Highland Center. This is the show that draws the biggest stars where the Oscars® are handed out. WEBSITE Aug 29, 2010 - Emmy Awards Ceremony® at 5:00 PM PT. Hosted at the Nokia Theatre in the Los Angeles. The Emmy's recognize the actors of television. WEBSITE Nov 29, 2009 - Hollywood Santa Parade starts at Hollwood & Highland and continues along Sunset Boulevard via Vine Street. View celebrities, floats, marching bands and yes of course, Santa and his reindeer. WEBSITE |
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