13 Amazing Things to Do in Hollywood, California

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Hollywood just hits different. The second you catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign up in the hills, it’s like stepping into a movie. There’s history everywhere—walking past stars on the Walk of Fame, checking out old-school theaters where legends have performed, or just soaking up the energy of it all.

Let’s get into it—here are the best things to do in Hollywood!

No landmark defines Hollywood quite like the famous Hollywood Sign! Originally erected in 1923 as “Hollywoodland” to promote a real estate development, the sign evolved into a symbol of the entertainment industry and one of the most recognizable sights in the world.

Hollywood Sign / Things to Do in Hollywood 

While it’s visible from many points across the city, getting a closer look takes a little planning. There’s no direct road leading to the sign, and the surrounding residential areas have strict parking restrictions. However, there are several excellent ways to see it up close while avoiding the hassle.

For the best experience, consider a hike through Griffith Park. Trails like the Mt. Hollywood Trail and Brush Canyon Trail offer stunning views of the sign and the Los Angeles skyline. These routes vary in difficulty, so choose one that fits your comfort level. Here is what you need to know:

• Mt. Hollywood Trail – Best for Panoramic Views

If you’re looking for a moderate hike with sweeping views, the Mt. Hollywood Trail is a great choice. The trail starts near the Griffith Observatory and takes you to the summit of Mount Hollywood, where you’ll get a spectacular look at the sign from a distance, as well as 360-degree views of Los Angeles.

Distance: ~3 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate (gradual incline, well-maintained path)

Time to Complete: ~1.5–2 hours

Hollywood Sign / Things to Do in Hollywood 

• Brush Canyon Trail – Best for Getting Behind the Sign

If you want to go directly behind the Hollywood Sign, the Brush Canyon Trail is your best option. Starting from Bronson Canyon, this trail takes you on a steady incline through the hills, eventually connecting to Mt. Lee Drive, which leads right behind the sign. This is where you’ll get that famous rear-view shot overlooking Los Angeles.

Distance: ~6.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (longer trail with more elevation gain)

Time to Complete: ~3–4 hours

PRO TIP: If you’d rather hike with a guide, the Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour is a great option. This 2.5-hour guided tour takes you through Griffith Park and Hollywood Hills, offering stunning views of Los Angeles, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley. Along the way, the guide will share fascinating stories about Hollywood’s history and landmarks. You can choose between a morning or sunset tour.

Hollywood Sign / Things to do in Hollywood 

GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re looking for a straightforward viewpoint, Lake Hollywood Park provides a fantastic, unobstructed view without the need for a hike! Also, about two miles east of Hollywood & Highland, another relatively easy way to take in the Hollywood sign is from the Home Depot parking lot at 5600 Sunset Boulevard. Peer over the north side of the building for a direct shot of the nine white letters and the famous Hollywood Hills.

It’s touristy, it’s crowded, and let’s be honest—it’s not the cleanest street in LA. But you have to do it! The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of those classic Hollywood experiences, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of legends.

Hollywood Walk of Fame / Things to Do in Hollywood 

The Walk of Fame stretches 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It features over 2,700 stars honoring actors, musicians, directors, and even fictional characters (yes, Mickey Mouse, Godzilla, and The Simpsons have their own stars).

Some of the biggest names—like Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, and Michael Jackson—always have crowds gathered around snapping photos.

The Walk of Fame was established in 1960, with the first star going to actress Joanne Woodward.

Hollywood Walk of Fame / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Now, Hollywood Boulevard isn’t all glitz and glamour. It can be chaotic, with street performers, vendors, costumed characters looking for tips, and a mix of tourists and locals. But that’s all part of the experience!

GOOD TO KNOW: Star ceremonies happen frequently—check the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce website to see if one is scheduled during your visit. If you’re hoping to find a specific star, the Hollywood Walk of Fame website has a searchable map to help you locate it.

Hollywood Walk of Fame 

Hollywood Walk of Fame 

PRO TIP: Want to see your name on a Hollywood star? This is not a joke! With The Walk of Fame Experience, you can! This fun attraction lets you create a personalized star on Hollywood Boulevard using gold-colored metal letters, making it look just like the real thing. Once your star is set, a professional photographer will capture the moment with a video and five digital photos in different styles—perfect for sharing.

If there’s one place in Hollywood that truly feels like stepping into movie history, it’s the TCL Chinese Theatre. This legendary theater opened in 1927 and has hosted some of the most iconic movie premieres, from Star Wars to Avengers: Endgame.

But it’s not just a theater—it’s a Hollywood landmark, famous for its ornate Chinese-inspired architecture, massive red columns, and dramatic golden roof.

TCL Chinese Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood 

TCL Chinese Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood 

But the real magic happens right outside! The Forecourt of the Stars is home to nearly 300 handprints, footprints, and signatures of Hollywood legends, pressed into cement slabs. From Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable to Tom Hanks and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this tradition has been going strong since the theater’s opening.

Each print ceremony is unique—some stars have left imprints of their wands (Harry Potter cast), their faces (Whoopi Goldberg), or even their guns (Clint Eastwood).

TCL Chinese Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood 

TCL Chinese Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood 

The TCL Chinese Theatre still operates as a working movie theater, featuring one of the largest IMAX screens in the world. Watching a blockbuster here is an experience in itself, with state-of-the-art sound and projection inside a venue that feels like Hollywood royalty.

PRO TIP: An Easy way to see Hollywood’s most famous landmarks is on this Hollywood & Beverly Hills Landmarks Tour through Hollywood and Beverly Hills. You’ll drive past legendary spots like the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and TCL Chinese Theatre, all while your guide shares fun facts and insider stories.

If there’s one place that guarantees an epic view of Los Angeles, it’s Griffith Observatory. Sitting high up in Griffith Park, this iconic spot gives you a front-row seat to the Hollywood Sign, the LA skyline, and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.

Griffith Observatory / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 with a mission to make astronomy accessible to everyone. That’s why admission is completely free—yep, you can explore the exhibits, check out real space rocks, and even see a Tesla coil in action without spending a dime!

Griffith Observatory / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Griffith Observatory / Things to Do in Hollywood 

The observatory is also home to the Zeiss Telescope, which has let millions of visitors gaze at planets and distant galaxies since it was installed in 1935. If you’ve ever wanted to see Saturn’s rings or craters on the Moon, this is your chance!

Inside, you’ll find:

• The Foucault Pendulum, which proves the Earth is spinning.
• A massive solar telescope that lets you safely see sunspots.
• The Hall of the Eye and Hall of the Sky, where you can learn how people have studied the stars for centuries.
• A real piece of the Moon, brought back by Apollo astronauts.

Griffith Observatory / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Griffith Observatory / Things to Do in Hollywood 

PRO TIP: The Samuel Oschin Planetarium does require a ticket, but it’s worth it—live astronomers narrate shows, and the visuals are incredible. We recommend booking the Griffith Observatory Tour with an Optional Planetarium Ticket.

GOOD TO KNOW: Parking is limited and expensive ($10-$20 per hour). The best way to get here? Take the DASH Observatory bus from the Metro Red Line Vermont/Sunset station—it’s cheap, easy, and saves you the parking headache.

Want the best sunset view in LA? Get here just before the golden hour and watch the city light up from the observatory terrace.

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside your favorite movies, Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to do it. Part theme park, part working movie studio, this iconic attraction lets you ride the movies, explore real sets, and maybe even spot a film crew in action.

Universal Studios Hollywood / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Universal Studios started as a silent film studio in 1915, but by the 1960s, it was giving visitors behind-the-scenes tours of actual movie sets. Today, it’s a full-blown theme park with world-class rides, but you can still take the legendary Studio Tour, which gives you an inside look at real film sets, soundstages, and famous backlots used in countless movies and TV shows.

Universal Studios Hollywood / Things to Do in Hollywood 

Some highlights of Universal Studios Hollywood include:

• The Studio Tour – This is a must-do! The tram ride takes you through historic sets, including Jaws, Psycho, and War of the Worlds. You’ll also experience King Kong 360 3D (created by Peter Jackson) and Fast & Furious: Supercharged, an explosive ride through high-speed action sequences.

Universal Studios Hollywood / Things to Do in Hollywood 

• The Rides – Universal is all about movie-themed thrill rides, and they don’t disappoint. Some of the best ones include:

Jurassic World – The Ride – A water ride with a massive Mosasaurus tank and an epic 84-foot drop.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – A mind-blowing adventure through Hogwarts Castle with flying Dementors and Quidditch action.

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – Found in Super Nintendo World, this one lets you race through the Mushroom Kingdom with augmented reality headsets.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Even if you’re not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, walking through Hogsmeade Village, sipping on Butterbeer, and riding a broomstick through Hogwarts is an experience you won’t forget.

Universal Studios Hollywood / Things to Do in Hollywood 

GOOD TO KNOW: There are a few different ticket options depending on how you want to experience the park. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable way in, a way to skip the long lines, or the ultimate VIP treatment, here’s what you need to know:

Regular Admission – This is the standard one-day ticket that gives you access to all rides, shows, and attractions in the park.

Universal Express (Skip the Line) – If you want to avoid long wait times, this ticket is a game-changer.

VIP Experience – This is the ultimate way to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. With this ticket, you’ll get unlimited front-of-the-line access to rides and attractions, a guided tour of the backlot, including exclusive areas not available on the regular Studio Tour, breakfast and a gourmet lunch in a private VIP dining area, valet parking for extra convenience

Sunset Boulevard stretches 22 miles from downtown LA to the Pacific Coast Highway. It has been immortalized in films, songs, and pop culture.

Back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, it was where movie stars and industry moguls dined, partied, and made deals. Today, it’s a mix of historic locations and trendy hotspots.

Things to See on Sunset Boulevard:

• Sunset Strip – This 1.5-mile stretch between Hollywood and Beverly Hills is packed with iconic music venues, rooftop bars, and celebrity-frequented restaurants. Legendary spots like the Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, and The Roxy have hosted some of the biggest names in rock and roll.

Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Boulevard / Things to Do in Hollywood

Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard / Things to Do in Hollywood 

• Chateau Marmont – This famous hotel has been a hideaway for Hollywood’s elite since the 1920s. It’s known for its old-world charm, scandalous stories, and A-list guests.

PRO TIP: If you are thinking about staying at Chateu Marmot, it is a one-of-a-kind experience! While the hotel is strictly off-limits to non-guests, you can still soak up the atmosphere at the Chateau Marmont Restaurant & Bar, where you might just spot a celebrity at the next table.

Chateau Marmont 

Chateau Marmont 

• Sunset Plaza – If you’re in the mood for shopping or a sidewalk café with prime people-watching, this chic section of Sunset Boulevard is home to designer boutiques, trendy eateries, and a constant flow of luxury cars.
• Scenic Drive to the Coast – If you have time, drive west on Sunset Boulevard all the way to the ocean. The road winds through Beverly Hills and Brentwood before ending at the stunning Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu. It’s one of LA’s most beautiful drives.

PRO TIP:  Want an epic sunset view? Head to West Hollywood’s Tower Bar (inside the Sunset Tower Hotel) for a classic Hollywood experience with panoramic views over the city.

If you’re a fan of classic cinema and the stars who made Hollywood legendary, The Hollywood Museum is a must-see.

This museum is packed with memorabilia from over 100 years of film history. You’ll find costumes, props, and set pieces from iconic movies like The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and Star Wars. It’s also home to exhibits dedicated to Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Betty White.

The Hollywood Museum 

The Hollywood Museum 

The museum is spread out across four floors, with something new to discover at every turn. From the Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Horror exhibit, there’s no shortage of fascinating displays that take you deep into Hollywood’s storied past.

GOOD TO KNOW: The museum is located inside the historic Max Factor Building, which is a piece of Hollywood history in itself.

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting a Hollywood legend, the Hollywood Wax Museum is your chance to get up close—without the red carpet!

Located right on Hollywood Boulevard, this museum features incredibly lifelike wax figures of some of your favorite stars, from classic movie icons like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin to modern-day stars like Beyoncé and Johnny Depp.

Whether you want to pose with Spider-Man, share a laugh with Will Ferrell, or get your picture taken with Lady Gaga, the Hollywood Wax Museum offers a fun and lighthearted experience.

Hollywood Wax Museum 

Hollywood Wax Museum 

PRO TIP:  Check out the Hollywood Wax Museum’s “Chamber of Horrors” exhibit if you’re a fan of the spooky side of Hollywood—it’s perfect for some fun, eerie selfies!

For a one-of-a-kind Hollywood experience, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the place to go. This world-renowned wax museum is home to over 100 incredibly realistic wax figures of A-list celebrities, athletes, musicians, and pop culture icons.

You can snap a selfie with Brad Pitt, strike a pose with Taylor Swift, or hang out with Beyoncé—the figures are so lifelike that you’ll almost forget they’re made of wax! The museum also features themed sections where you can get up close to your favorite stars from movies, music, TV shows, and even sports.

Plus, don’t miss out on the interactive experiences throughout the museum, including the chance to walk the red carpet and feel like a celebrity for the day.

The Dolby Theatre, located in the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, is a must-see for anyone visiting Tinseltown. This state-of-the-art venue is best known as the host of the Academy Awards (Oscars), where the world’s top actors and filmmakers gather to celebrate the best in cinema.

The Dolby Theatre is a multi-purpose venue that hosts everything from live performances and musical shows to special movie premieres and award ceremonies.

Dolby Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood 

The building itself is an architectural marvel, with stunning interior design, including an elegant grand foyer, crystal chandeliers, and plush seating that gives it a truly luxurious feel.

Dolby Theater / Things to Do in Hollywood

GOOD TO KNOW: Guided tours are available that take you through the theater, offering behind-the-scenes insights about the Academy Awards and the venue’s history. You’ll also get a glimpse of the famous Oscars stage, where stars have walked across for decades.

If you’ve ever wanted to step behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is the ultimate Hollywood experience. Unlike Universal Studios, which is more of a theme park, this is a real working studio where some of the biggest films and TV shows have been made.

From Friends and Gilmore Girls to The Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter, Warner Bros. has been creating entertainment for nearly a century. The studio tour takes you through backlots, soundstages, and prop departments, giving you a firsthand look at how Hollywood magic is made.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour / Things to Do in Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour / Things to Do in Hollywood

What to Expect on the Tour:

• Backlot Tour – Walk through the outdoor sets used in countless films and TV shows, like the famous “Midwest Street,” which has appeared in everything from Pretty Little Liars to Spider-Man.
• Stage 48: Script to Screen – Explore an interactive exhibit where you can sit on the real Central Perk couch from Friends, learn about special effects, and even try your hand at green-screen acting.
• DC Universe & Harry Potter – See real props and costumes from Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Wizarding World, including authentic Hogwarts artifacts.
• The Batcave – Check out a collection of Batmobiles from different Batman films.

Few places capture the magic of live music quite like the Hollywood Bowl. This legendary outdoor amphitheater has been hosting world-class performances since 1922.

Whether you’re here for a rock concert, a symphony under the stars, or a classic movie night with a live orchestra, the Bowl offers an unforgettable experience.

With a capacity of 17,500 seats, the Hollywood Bowl has seen performances from some of the biggest names in music—The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Billie Eilish, to name a few. It’s also home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, so if you’re in town during the summer, catching one of their shows is a must.

Hollywood Bowl / Things to Do in Hollywood

For a classic Hollywood Bowl experience, go to one of their “Jazz at the Bowl” nights or the annual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular—it’s one of the best fireworks shows in LA!

GOOD TO KNOW: Bring a picnic! Unlike most venues, the Bowl lets you bring your own food and drinks (including wine) for most performances.

PRO TIP: Traffic can be brutal. Parking is stacked (meaning you’ll be stuck until the cars in front of you leave), so consider taking a shuttle or rideshare instead.

For a taste of old-school Hollywood, Mel’s Drive-In is the place to go. Sitting right on Sunset Boulevard, this retro diner is a step back in time, serving up juicy burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes in a setting filled with neon lights and vintage memorabilia.

Though the original Mel’s Drive-In gained fame in American Graffiti, the Hollywood location has its own charm. It’s a late-night favorite for both tourists and locals, especially after a night out in Hollywood.

Mel’s Drive-in / Things to Do in Hollywood