Hollywood Tourist Attractions – 10 Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss

So you’re visiting the Lalaland field of dreams? If the scintillating lights of Tinseltown are calling for you, we have a game plan. Take a walk amongst the stars and illustrious palm trees. We have the top Hollywood attractions right here.

Follow along for the best Hollywood tourist attractions you don’t want to miss!

About Hollywood

The Hollywood neighborhood, located in Los Angeles California is synonymous with the entertainment industry. The world’s movie capital is one of the number one tourist attractions. It’s a place where thousands flock to find their fortune. Hollywood’s humble beginnings happened in the 1920s when producers moved from New York to LA for the climate and year-round filming.

Soon thereafter, the four Warner Brothers, Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer, and Carl Laemmle, ran the film industry and started the five major studios, distributing movies across the USA.

As a result, the “Golden Age of Hollywood” was born and lasted from the 1920s to 1945. Similarly, the rise of television post-WWII forced Hollywood to reinvent itself. What’s more, the spread of communism took the country by force, creating widespread panic. The government’s House Un-American Activities Committee investigated communist influencers.

Also, you may be wondering what was the Hollywood 10. These prominent screenwriters and directors stood against the committee. As a result, they received jail sentences and were banned from working for the major studios.

No matter the scandal, the romance of Hollywood never fades.

Fun Fact: Legend has it that early SoCal residents named the famed region after a lovely holly-like bush.

Visiting Hollywood California, the epicenter of LA, can be daunting. Not to fear—we have your Hollywood happy ending right here! Legendary film sites, iconic theaters, and cultural effigies, where does one begin to conquer this heavyweight town?

First, we’ll take a gander at the most famous Boulevard in all the prince of cities.

Hollywood Boulevard

Almost all of the best Hollywood attractions are located on this illustrious strip. This historic area, ablaze with silver screen glory, is our first can’t miss destination. Moreover, major events are held year-round, including movie premieres at the acclaimed TCL Chinese Theatre and movie star reveals on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you plan your trip just right, you may have the chance to spot a celeb or two!

Next, tour the elegant Dolby Theatre and walk the grand staircase leading to the celebrated Academy Awards. See the magnificent interior and learn red carpet history.

In addition to the iconic museums, theatres, and architectural benchmarks, restaurants and shops line the street, making it one of the prime Hollywood tourist spots to explore.

Pro Tip: Be aware on this infamous street. Keep your purse strapped across your shoulder and walk in pairs if possible!

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Stars is a public sidewalk stretching from Highland Boulevard to Vine Street, packed with concrete stars comprising the names of famous celebs, musicians, and artists. The entire walk and all its sights cover several blocks, so strap on some good walking shoes! Make sure to capture the legendary Hollywood Boulevard street sign!

Along the way, you’ll watch as tourists stop to snap a shot with their favorite celebrity star. From Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Quentin Tarantino to Walt Disney, you’re sure to find your best-loved icon.

Fun Fact: The Walk of Fame has stars for fictional actors like Bugs Bunny, Kermit the Frog, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, the first character to accept the honor in 1978.

Besides strolling down the epic lane, you can always take a guided tour or Private Hike to Hollywood Sign or Private Hike to Mt. Hollywood.

Keep walking down this renowned Avenue of filmdom as we turn the spotlight on the opposite end of Hollywood and Vine to Hollywood & Highland.

Hollywood & Highland

Rounding out our top attractions from our Hollywood to-do list is Hollywood Highland. This twinkling corner has it all: fab restaurants, shopping, and an entertainment complex to boot. Ovation Hollywood is a deluxe shopping center where visitors can check out over 25 full-service and casual fast-food eateries.

You’ll find Johnny Rockets, Dave & Buster’s, the Hard Rock Café, California Pizza Kitchen, and Cabo Wabo Cantina. What’s more, experience the nightlife at Lucky Strike Lanes and OHM Nightclub for a rip-roaring night on the town.

You can also climb to the top of the stairs of the Babylon Courtyard, to observe the towering archway, columns, and stunning elephant motifs. The Egyptian-themed design was influenced by the 1915 silent film Intolerance.

A second stairway leads to an overlook of the luminary Hollywood Sign. One of the top attractions in Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign is the most distinguished landmark worldwide! You can also see the emblem from the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park, and the Sunset Ranch Hollywood.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Not to spoil the Boulevard’s mystique, but celebs typically don’t go to Hollywood unless they have a scheduled event, which is all the more reason to check out your favorite stars at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Strike a pose next to Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Lee and The Rock.

With over 125 celebrities to choose from, you’re bound to find one that makes your heart skip an extra beat. The amount of time, calculations and science that goes into the making of each figure is mind-boggling.

Remember to charge your phone and snap away, as pictures are encouraged in this mogul mecca funhouse. It’s on the list of California top attractions, brimming with enchantment you must see to believe.

In addition to this ode to the entertainment capital, the area is a hotbed of museums and other famous spots, like the Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

TCL Chinese Theatre.

Where do the most famous movies premier, you ask? Why the star-studded Hollywoodland, of course. When searching for favorite spots in Hollywood, there is no more elite cinema hall than TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

You can catch a film or simply tour the hand/foot imprints out front of over 200 Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Judy Garland. Also, visitors can tour the stunning inside auditorium and check out the IMAX screen, the largest in the world!

The El Capitan and the Egyptian Theatre are also preeminent sites in Hollywood. Make sure to visit these other area theatres too!
In addition to movie premieres, the theaters regularly show the latest films, hold concerts, and host other events. Check the theater’s schedule to see what’s happening or showing during your trip!

Your day in Hollywood really begins with a big-screen driving tour to real-life locations of top movie productions. Check out our Private Excursion of Hollywood & Classic Movie Spots.

Hollywood Roosevelt

Whether you stay here or just tour the lobby, this legendary lodging in Hollywood is loaded with secrets— if only the walls could talk! Built in 1927, the iconic hotel hosted Charlie Chaplin, Montgomery Clift, and Marilyn Monroe back in the day. Monroe lived in room 229 for two years before she hit the big time.

This Hollywood landmark original has basked in the limelight for close to a century. It was the venue of the first-ever Academy Awards, while the top floor housed the illicit lovebirds Clark Gable and actress Carole Lombard.

With beautiful Spanish colonial design, it’s worth checking out the dramatic lobby or sipping a cocktail in the posh hotel bar, the Spare Room.
Now we’ll schism away from the Avenue of dreams to other Hollywood attractions. Live the dream, baby!

And if you’re looking for inexpensive ways to venture beyond Tinseltown, we have 101 Absolutely Free Things to Do in Los Angeles!

Hollywood Bowl

Pack a picnic basket and some Prosecco and head for the hills. For a night under the stars, you won’t soon forget, this exquisite outdoor amphitheater has been hosting performances for over 100 years.

Nestled in the gorgeous Hollywood Hills neighborhood, the 18,000-seat venue is a true crowd-pleaser for romantics and families alike. It’s the summer home of the LA Philharmonic, but the park also hosts theater ensembles, comedians, and countless musical performances.

Griffith Park Observatory

Hands down, Griffith Park Planetarium, is one of the leading observatories in the country, if not the world. With its wide array of telescopes, including the extraordinary Zeiss telescope, it’s one of Hollywood’s best things to do.
Once there, you must check out LA’s biggest park, Griffith Park. It’s full of attractions, endless hiking trails and loads of activities.
Stargazers one and all hit this exclusive Hollywood attraction that has been the backdrop for several films, including LaLa Land.

Fun Fact: The Observatory’s benefactor, Griffith J. Griffith, demanded in his will that there be no entrance fee.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of LA’s paramount family attractions. It’s divided into three areas: the theme park, a working studio and the Universal CityWalk, a place of unsurpassed hotspots including bars, shops, and restaurants.

Take the Studio Tour and go behind the scenes of this high-energy park that still brings new and classic movies to life. By the same token, the epic shows and thrilling rides from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Jurassic Park are a movie lovers’ dream come true.
Accordingly, the unique attraction iFly Hollywood offers an arresting view of the town. You could also take another journey on the Warner Bros. Tours Hollywood to uncover even more filmmaking magic.

For the most sublime Universal Studios Hollywood experience, we have an In-Depth Guide to Rides at Universal Studio Hollywood!

Sunset Strip

Located in West Hollywood, the fabled Sunset Strip is a portion of Sunset Boulevard between Hollywood and the chi-chi Beverly Hills.
The 1.5-mile strip of road boasts a multitude of entertainment, eclectic restaurants, and swanky shopping. The nightlife really sparkles with neon lights and enormous billboards in the backdrop.

It’s where you’ll find the marvelous Chateau Marmont, the Well, and the Roxy Theatre, the bellwethers of Hollywood. Be prepared to see the high-muck-a-muck crowd here, as well as some fashionistas and influencers on the make!
If you’re bound to see a star or two, you might consider the Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour and immerse yourself in Hollywood lore.

Book Your Hollywood Vacation Today!

Now that you have the lay of Lalaland, planning your trip should be much easier. Still, with so many places to visit in Hollywood and Hollywood sites to see, it’s hard to experience it all in one trip. Whether you want to shop ’til you drop, sample gourmet cuisine, or take advantage of world-class entertainment, you can find it all in Hollywood.

So, if you’re fated to visit the providence of Filmland, Tripster offers plenty of LA hotel options around the city. Whether to choose a posh Beverly Hills cabana, a beachside resort, or a hotel in Hollywood to be close to Universal Studios, we have the best online rates with guaranteed booking.

Which Famous Places in Hollywood do you Prefer?

Hollywood sightseeing is a personal preference, and with so many choices, we’d love to hear your suggestions of where to go in Hollywood. Leave your comments here: