Step into the glittering world of Hollywood, where everything inspires the magic of cinema. This iconic neighborhood has been the heart of Los Angeles and has a rich history that has attracted millions with their attractions full of stars. If you are interested in films, if you are an adventurer, or if you are just curious about stars – Hollywood surely is an unforgettable cocktail of entertainment history along with nature’s beauty.
Find out what places make this entertainment capital worth coming to on any Los Angeles itinerary.
Any trip without crossing Hollywood is incomplete till you look at the historic Hollywood sign which stands proudly on top of Mount Lee, in the Santa Monica Mountains looming up to a great height of 45 feet and painted white since 1923.
What was once advertised as ‘Hollywoodland’ has turned into what many agree is the most iconic landmark in Los Angeles – an at-will ambassador of the world of entertainment. Of course, the best spot is subjective.
Of the most convenient photo ops is offered by Griffith Observatory.
For a bit more edge, visitors may be more inclined to hike up the trails in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon for a closer look.
There’s also a premier dedicated viewing deck, sculpted to frame this wonder creatively.
Not touching the sign itself (with those being protected by security and fencing), the experience of standing in front of this piece of American cultural heritage will give you goosebumps.
The sign represents over a hundred years of dreams, aspirations, and the magic of Hollywood. It lures hopeful artists from every corner of the globe.
Extending along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street are some 2,700 five-pointed stars of terrazzo and brass inlaid into the sidewalk each a single star commemorating achievements to the entertainment industry in five different categories of motion pictures, TV, recording, radio, and live performance since its inauguration back in 1960.
This free-to-the-public attraction has become one of Los Angeles’s most visited places since its establishment in 1960.
Walking along this legendary path, stars paying homage to everybody from timeless icons like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin to contemporaries as jubilant as Jennifer Aniston or Robert Downey Jr. will greet you as you amble along this hallowed pathway.
The Walk of Fame is an ever-expanding cluster, with approximately 24 new stars being added each year after an exhaustive annual selection.
For the best experience before your travel visit the official website of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce so you can check whether they have any plan to organize such event during your stay, which usually includes presence of the celebrity and represent a chance to see the Hollywood history in work.
Don’t forget your camera – taking a photo with your favorite star’s name is almost a must for any tourist visiting Hollywood!
The TCL Chinese Theatre (previously known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) serves as an imposing relic of architecture’s golden era and reigns even today as one of the most distinguished cinemas on earth.
Among the many appearing features is a front sidewalk that reads iconic with close to 200 different sets of celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs cast in concrete.
From the petites of Shirley Temple to the magic wands of the Harry Potter cast, these are telling Hollywood history over time.
Tourists eagerly cluster around their favorite squares, comparing hand sizes with the stars and snapping photographs of this unique collection.
As mentioned before, this front row is open to the public, and so it has made it one of Hollywood’s most famous spots to take a picture.
Going to see a movie at this historic spot is already an experience for any movie buff; watching a motion picture at this historical venue adds an extra layer of excitement.
The theater boasts the largest IMAX screen in North America and often runs host to famous movie premieres where luminaries trod upon the red carpet.
Also there are guided tours that give visitors a peek behind the glittering facade of this wonder and into the history of this landmark.
Universal Studios Hollywood combines a functioning studio with a thrilling theme park.
This main attraction provides fans of all ages an engaging experience based on their favorite movies and TV shows.
The famous Studio Tour guides visitors through real sets from movies, such as creepy Bates Motel from ‘Psycho’, and the spectacular wrecked plane from ‘War of the Worlds’.
The theme park also offers various blockbuster-based, nail-biting rides and attractions: ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ takes visitors to Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade village; ‘Jurassic World – The Ride’ brings visitors dangerously close to live dinosaurs.
Now Super Mario World enthusiastically welcomes its guests and fans to enjoy some interactive experiences and arresting themed dining.
One more outstanding feature throughout the park is live shows that dramatically enhance entertainment with shows like ‘WaterWorld,’ which wows audiences with death-defying stunts and elaborate special effects.