10 Touristy Things To Do In Hollywood, California

If you are a lover of films, movie stars, and all things related to the silver screen, then you will definitely want to drop by Hollywood on your next visit to Los Angeles.

While Hollywood isn’t exactly my favorite place to visit in California (I’m a beach lover myself), there are plenty of things to do and see in this historic neighborhood that is at the center of the US film industry. Keep reading to discover which Hollywood sights and attractions you won’t want to miss!

1. See The Hollywood Sign

If you went to Hollywood and didn’t see the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign, then did you even go at all? The good news is these 45 foot tall letters originally erected in 1923 are practically impossible to miss! Whether you simply choose to drive by the letters at the base of the Hollywood hills, view the sign from Griffith Park, or complete the Runyon Canyon hike to the sign, you will definitely want to include some time to see this unmistakable Hollywood site on your LA itinerary.

2. Do the Walk Of Fame

While you are in Hollywood, spend some time strolling along the Walk of Fame. This 1.3 mile stretch is visited by 10 million visitors each year and is the home of over 2,600 stars lining the sidewalks commemorating famous actors, musicians, characters, producers, directors, and other entertainment industry VIPs. The best part is that the Walk of Fame is totally free! I had a blast searching for my favorite Hollywood icons’ stars. (Although you may want to watch out for pickpockets).

3. Step in a celebrity’s shoes (well, shoe prints) at Grauman’s Chinese Theater

A stop at Grauman’s Chinese theater is necessary if you love movie stars or movie history. This historic theater palace was influenced by Chinese architecture and has been the site of many movie premieres since its opening in 1927. The theater is known for its concrete slabs featuring the handprints, footprints, and signatures of over 200 celebrities from the 1920s to today. While I snapped a ton of photos of these celebrity prints, I especially loved seeing the prints of Marilyn Monroe, Meryl Streep, and Judy Garland.

4. Take a Studio Tour

If you have ever wanted to get a behind the scenes look at how and where your favorite movies are made, then you may want to consider booking a studio tour during your visit to LA. Many of Hollywood’s most popular studios offer tours to the public. You will want to book tickets in advance though and research which studios offer the type of tour you are looking for. A few years ago I did a tour with my family and was amazed by the different lots and sets!

5. Visit Griffith Park + Griffith Observatory

I’ve already mentioned that Griffith Park is the location of the Hollywood Sign, but if you have some time the Griffith Observatory is also worth checking out. The Observatory is free to the public, and offers an amazing view of both the Hollywood sign and the city of Los Angeles. The Observatory is itself is a movie star (of sorts), as it is featured in numerous movies such as “La La Land” and “Rebel Without a Cause”. For more information on visiting the Griffith Observatory, check out this post.

6. Spend a day at Hollywood’s Universal Studios

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Add some adventure to your LA trip by spending a day at Universal Studios. This Hollywood theme park allows you to experience the magic of the movies while also being able to enjoy rides and attractions. Right now is an awesome time to visit because of the newly opened Harry Potter World (which I am still dying to go to). I went a few years ago and really enjoyed the studio tour and various attractions (although I must admit that I prefer Disneyland)!

7. Go on a Star Tour

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If you consider yourself a superfan and are completely obsessed with Hollywood stars, then you may want to head on a Star Tour. There are several companies which operate tours of the Hollywood area and drive past the stars’ homes and famous movie locations. While I personally like to leave the stars in peace (unless we’re talking Ryan Gosling), it is pretty amazing to drive around celebrity hot spots like the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Hills.

8. Take a selfie with your favorite celeb at Madame Tussauds

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If your LA visit is coming to an end and you have yet to spot a celebrity, have no fear! Simply head on over to Madame Tussauds and get the next best thing-a selfie with a wax figure look-alike. You’ll have the opportunity to pose with nearly 100 of your favorite celebs from Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt to Julia Roberts and Marilyn Monroe. For more information, head to the Madame Tussauds Hollywood website.

9. Decide if you (Ripley’s) Believe it or Not!

If you have an interest in oddities and the bizarre, then you may want to drop by Ripley’s Believe it or Not! What’s inside? According to their website, “Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Hollywood is an Odditorium which features 2 floors, 11 galleries and over 300 bizarre and unusual exhibits. All artifacts collected by Robert Ripley are unique and extraordinary. Visit a Genuine Shrunken Head, Michael Jackson’s Portrait made entirely from candy, updated Star Wars gallery, an original Vampire Killing Kit from the 19th century, and much more. Believe it or Not!” While I haven’t visited the Hollywood location, I have been to the one in Wisconsin and it definitely left an impression!

10. Other Attractions

If you still have some time left on your Hollywood itinerary, consider stopping by these other local attractions:

• The Hollywood Museum
• Hollywood Wax Museum
• Hollyhock House
• Grauman’s Egyptian Theater
• Hollywood Bowl
• Dolby Theater

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Have you been to Hollywood? If so, what did you do there? Let me know in the comments!

You might also like these California posts:

• 10 Things You Won’t Want To Miss In Santa Monica, California
• Fulfilling My “La La Land” Fantasies At Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California
• 10 Cool Things You’ll Want To Do In Venice Beach, California

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