Best 8 Things to Do in Hollywood

Let’s Haul Away In The Jaw-Dropping Scenes Of Tinseltown-Hollywood!

About 8 miles on the northwest side of downtown Los Angeles lies a "Tinseltown," popularly called Hollywood, among the foothills of the gorgeous Santa Monica Mountains, housing the renowned Hollywood sign. Serving as the American film industry's birthplace, the name Hollywood itself elicits images of fame and wealth. And the best part? You can immerse yourself in the glitzy Hollywood allure, a world where the entertainment industry reigns supreme. You can peek behind the curtains at Universal Studios, soak in the vibrant ambiance of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip, and indulge in upscale shopping. Most visitors flock to Hollywood to experience excitement and glamour while keeping a hopeful eye open for the sighting of celebrities. Still, you will also find various cultural and natural attractions, and not to be missed things to do, including horseback riding, museums, and hiking. In this blog, we have enlisted the top 8 things to do in Hollywood, so let’s get into it:

The phenomenal Hollywood Walk of Fame spans Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard, boasting Stars embellished with names of the most celebrated figures of Hollywood. These stars, embedded in the sidewalks with bronze rims, honor these famous actors, personalities, musicians, and directors from TV, recording, radio, film, and live theater. New stars continue to be added daily, with announcements made every June. Recently, there have been approximately 2,500 stars that grace the sidewalks, with a select few added each year to celebrate the contributions of notable individuals in the industry.

Originally established in 1923, this iconic sign was previously known as Hollywood land and meant to stand for only 18 months, yet it endures a century later. Getting close to the Hollywood sign is pretty challenging due to the resident’s concerns. For a good viewpoint, you can make your way to Ovation Hollywood, previously known as Highland & Hollywood, providing a decent archway view. The best place to see Hollywood Sign is close to Lake Hollywood or Beachwood Drive for a close-up, clear view. For a closer experience, you can opt for a hike along Mount Lee Drive or horseback riding at Sunset Ranch to stand directly above the Hollywood sign and enjoy a panoramic 360-degree cityscape view.

One of the top family-friendly and best places to go out in Hollywood is Universal Studios Hollywood, which is divided into a theme park, Universal CityWalk, and a working studio, offering thrilling rides based on popular movies. Make sure not to miss out on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with its magical attractions, and the studio tour is a perfect highlight that takes you behind the scenes of popular films such as Fast and Furious and War of the Worlds. You can also pay a visit to CityWalk for shopping, entertainment, and dining options that include cinemas, comedy clubs, and restaurants.

The Hollywood Bowl is a famous outdoor amphitheater in the scenic Hollywood Hills, known for hosting concerts since the L.A. Philharmonic's debut in 1922. With a 15,000-seat capacity, it offers a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. During the summer, it becomes a lively picnic spot for L.A. Phil concerts. When not in use for performances, it serves as a charming public park.

If you are on the lookout for fun-filled activities in Hollywood, look no further than Hollywood Boulevard. It's famous for its vibrant entertainment scenes likened to the Broadway of New York. Instead of theatres, Hollywood features grand cinemas like the Egyptian and Chinese theatres, originally constructed by Sid Grauman in the 1920s. Hollywood Boulevard captivates as the home of the Kodak Theatre, which is home to the Academy Awards and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At night, these landmarks come to life with dazzling lights pulling in large crowds to walk through the boulevard. You will come across numerous acclaimed restaurants here, perfect for pairing with a stroll along this legendary street.

Located on a hill in Griffith Park reside the renowned Griffith Observatory, providing various telescopes, interesting exhibits, and a planetarium. The Zeiss telescope is a historic 12-inch reflector, open to the public for stargazing. Moreover, you will also come across portable telescopes on the lawn that are available for use. Perched atop the city, the observatory provides clear night skies making it one of the best free things to do in Hollywood. Inside, the planetarium hosts various exhibits and space for space exploration. Outside, at the front, you will come across a lawn featuring a solar system model with paths that show planet orbits, complemented by a statue that honors famous astronomers, including Isaac, Newton, and Galileo.

Home to the epic Griffith Observatory and located near the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park is packed with exciting things to do in Hollywood for adults and kids. Families flock to Los Angeles Zoo where animals like koalas, elephants, lemurs, and Masai giraffes captivate visitors. For kids, there's a merry-go-round, charming miniature trains, and a pony ride excursion to an Old West Town and Native American Village. Train enthusiasts should not miss out on the Travel Town Museum and Steamers Railroad Museum, both showcasing fascinating steam trains and scale models. Nature lovers find a haven on the park's extensive hiking trail with highlights such as the tropical plants at the Serene Botanical Garden and Fern Dell Trail at the Zoo. Film buffs can browse through Bronson caves renowned for appearances in the original Batman series and several other productions.

Established in 1919, Musso and Frank Grill is Hollywood's oldest restaurant. It was a favorite of legends like Raymond Chandler and Charlie Chaplin. Known for its cocktails and classic steaks, the menu can be overwhelming with its variety of dishes and individually priced sides, including salad dressings. However, there are some go-to options:

• Breakfast: Enjoy the crêpe-thin flannel cakes.
• Lunch/Dinner: Opt for the grilled meats, a constant favorite.

Musso and Frank Grill offer a timeless dining experience in Hollywood, make sure not to miss out on this one!