Hollywood, California is globally recognized as the heart of the American entertainment industry. It’s packed with attractions tied to movies, television, and music, making it a prime destination for a hollywood day trip. This guide shares a structured plan to make the most of your single day, ensuring you experience the best without wasting time.
Before diving in, it’s worth deciding if Hollywood fits into your overall Los Angeles plans. For a broader view of what to do in L.A., exploring a comprehensive guide can help you pinpoint your interests. While parts of Hollywood Boulevard can feel overwhelmingly touristy, there are many fantastic experiences to be had. This itinerary focuses on those highlights.
A quick note on flexibility: this plan is designed to be adaptable. It includes general recommendations that most visitors will enjoy but deliberately glosses over highly seasonal events or attractions I personally don’t favor. However, your tastes may differ, and that’s perfectly fine!
For instance, while I might find attractions like Madame Tussauds or certain museum tours less compelling (often feeling superficial or not worth the cost), you might love them. Consulting various resources is key to tailoring your hollywood day trip to your specific preferences.
Checking local schedules for events happening during your visit is highly recommended. Catching a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in the summer or attending a free LA Phil rehearsal can be a quintessential Hollywood experience. Likewise, smaller theaters or unique events like outdoor movie screenings add a special touch.
Many television show tapings are also an option, though most aren’t strictly in Hollywood. Dedicate some time to Googling “what’s on in Hollywood” during your dates to see what hidden gems or limited engagements you might find. These can easily be plugged into this itinerary.
Transportation requires some thought for your hollywood day trip. Parking first thing at Hollywood & Highland is one good option, or taking the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Vine is another. This itinerary is largely walkable once you’re in the core area, but you may need ride-shares (Lyft/Uber) or public transport for distances between sections. We’ll assume a start near Hollywood & Highland for ease.
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Okay, let’s get started with your jam-packed hollywood day trip. Get ready to explore!
Morning Stroll on Hollywood Boulevard
Visiting the central stretch of the Hollywood Walk of Fame midday, especially in summer, can be chaotic. It often feels crowded with tourists, street performers vying for attention, and vendors selling trinkets. It can be less than pleasant.
Despite this, certain spots along Hollywood Boulevard are iconic and feel like a must-see part of any hollywood day trip. You can’t really blame people for wanting to see them! While some historic buildings show their age, many are still worth admiring. Beyond the famous names, the architecture itself is notable.
The key to enjoying this area is timing. Aim to arrive around 9 a.m. when it’s much less crowded. This allows for a far more enjoyable experience walking around.
Start by stepping into the lobby of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a beautiful building with a classic Hollywood vibe. Even if you’re not staying there, the public areas are worth a look.
Then, head to the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), famous for the handprints and footprints embedded in the concrete. Take your time to find your favorite stars’ impressions.
Right next door, you’ll see the exterior of the Dolby Theatre, known as the home of the Academy Awards. While the interior tours might not be for everyone, seeing the outside is part of the experience. Across the street is the charming exterior of the El Capitan Theatre, often hosting Disney movie premieres.
Of course, you’ll be walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame throughout this section. Seeing the stars embedded in the sidewalk is a fun, if sometimes overwhelming, part of the hollywood day trip. Seeing it before the biggest crowds arrive makes a huge difference.
Pantages Theater, a landmark on a hollywood day trip
Exploring More of Hollywood’s Core
Continuing your exploration, there are a couple of interesting buildings just around the corner on Highland Avenue. One prominent one is the Max Factor building, which now houses the Hollywood Museum.
If you’re deeply interested in the history of Hollywood and want to see countless artifacts related to the industry, this museum is packed with them. Be prepared for a somewhat old-school presentation, but the sheer volume of memorabilia can be impressive for true fans.
It’s worth noting that while Hollywood has several museums, many cater purely to tourist traps or niche interests that might not appeal to everyone on a standard hollywood day trip. Choose wisely based on your time and interests.
After this, continue past the historic Grauman’s Egyptian Theater and head towards the intersection of Hollywood & Vine. This crossroad is also famous, representing another anchor point of early Hollywood.
Take a short detour down Vine Street to see the cylindrical Capitol Records building, a unique architectural landmark associated with music history. Then, loop back and pass the iconic Pantages Theatre, known for hosting Broadway shows.
Your morning stroll can extend past the Fonda Theatre and potentially down towards the Hollywood Palladium, depending on your interest in music venues. By this point, you’ll likely be thinking about lunch.
Hollywood offers a wide range of dining options. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a famous local institution with a location nearby, offering comfort food. However, there are numerous other excellent restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets within walking distance or a short ride. Find something that suits your mood!
Hollywood Bowl preparing for a concert near your hollywood day trip
A Reflective Stop: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Now for a unique and perhaps unexpected stop on your hollywood day trip: Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This isn’t your typical tourist attraction, but it offers a completely different perspective on the industry.
Hollywood, both the place and its industry, can sometimes feel manufactured or overly focused on celebrity. Hollywood Forever provides a stark contrast, serving as the final resting place for both legendary stars and ordinary citizens, presenting a sense of shared humanity.
It might seem strange to describe a cemetery as enjoyable, but the grounds are beautifully maintained, often resembling a serene park. The variety of headstones and memorials is interesting, and it’s surprisingly peaceful amidst the urban bustle.
When you arrive, consider stopping by the gift shop. You can purchase a map that highlights the locations of many notable celebrities if you’re interested in finding specific graves.
Alternatively, you can simply wander the well-kept paths and gardens, seeing what catches your eye. The Gardens of Legends, near the lake, house names like Mickey Rooney and Cecil B. DeMille. Other areas are home to musicians like Chris Cornell and Johnny Ramone.
Hollywood Forever is a fantastic place to spend an hour or so reflecting, offering a quiet, sincere, and humbling counterpoint to the glitz often associated with a hollywood day trip. It’s a true hidden gem in the area.
Exploring Hollywood Forever Cemetery during a hollywood day trip
Dive Deeper: Hollywood Studio Tour Options
From Hollywood Forever, you face a choice that’s a highlight of any entertainment-focused hollywood day trip: a studio tour. You could opt for the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour, located relatively close by, or head to Burbank for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
While they come with a cost, a studio tour offers the best glimpse into the actual workings of the film and television industry. For many, it’s a top experience not just in Hollywood, but in Southern California.
The only reasons you might skip this are if you’re attending a live show taping on a studio lot (a different but related experience) or have a strong aversion to the industry itself.
The Warner Bros. tour is a more polished, theme-park-like experience. It’s highly entertaining, efficient, and gives a great overview, though it can feel somewhat curated or “manufactured.”
In contrast, the Paramount Pictures tour is often led by pages (entry-level studio employees), offering a more intimate, and arguably more “real,” look at a working studio lot. This can make it feel more authentic but also potentially more variable depending on the guide and what’s actively being filmed.
If your hollywood day trip is part of a larger trip that includes Universal Studios Hollywood (which also has a studio tour element), consider the Paramount tour. The Warner Bros. tour has some overlap in feel with the Universal tour. The Paramount and Universal tours offer distinctly different perspectives.
Warner Bros Studio Tour, a highlight of any hollywood day trip
See the Stars (Literal & Figurative) at Griffith Observatory
One location I consistently recommend as a must-do on any hollywood day trip is Griffith Observatory. It’s arguably one of the single-best experiences in all of Los Angeles, and it’s conveniently located relative to the rest of this itinerary.
While not directly tied to the film industry’s glitz and glamour, it offers a connection to “stars” of a different kind – the celestial ones. It provides breathtaking views and fascinating exhibits.
The observatory’s location in Griffith Park also serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for viewing or hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign. This makes it a natural next stop.
Getting Your Hollywood Sign Photo
There are several ways to incorporate seeing the Hollywood Sign into your hollywood day trip. The most active option is hiking. A popular and rewarding hike starts near the Charlie Turner Trailhead in Griffith Park, close to the observatory.
This relatively easy hike is about 5-6 miles roundtrip, primarily on even terrain. It offers stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles, including Santa Monica and the Valley. Be mindful of directions, as it’s possible to take a longer route, but the main path to the sign is generally straightforward.
This hike takes roughly 2 hours roundtrip and provides fantastic views throughout. It’s a popular route but usually not overwhelmingly crowded, offering ample space to enjoy the scenery.
A potentially quicker, albeit controversial, option is a shorter hike (around 30 minutes each way) from the 6000 block of Deronda Drive. Residents in this area often discourage tourists due to congestion and parking issues on their small residential streets.
If you choose this route, please be extremely respectful of the neighborhood and its residents. Only obey official parking signs. While residents may post discouraging signs, public access paths remain open.
Both of these hikes will take you to viewpoints behind the Hollywood Sign. It’s important to know you cannot approach the sign directly from these points; it’s fenced off. Attempting to cross the fence can result in warnings over loudspeakers and even police intervention.
If you primarily want a classic frontal photo of the sign without a lengthy hike, your best bet for a closer view is the 6100 block of Mulholland Highway. Griffith Park, while offering a more distant view, is still a good option, especially since you’re likely already there for the observatory. Visiting Griffith Observatory itself is a highlight regardless of how you see the sign.
View of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park on your hollywood day trip
Evening Entertainment: Dinner & a Movie
To cap off your hollywood day trip, what could be more fitting than dinner and a movie? While some attractions in Hollywood might miss the mark, the historic movie theaters often deliver incredible experiences.
One standout is the Pacific Cinerama Dome at ArcLight (check current status, as it has faced closures, but its history is notable). Beyond its unique design and historical significance, the 70mm projection and incredible sound system here offered an unparalleled cinematic experience. It truly made movies come alive.
Even if the Cinerama Dome isn’t operating or isn’t showing something you want to see, Hollywood has other great theaters. Catching a film in one of these historic venues is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
For dinner, instead of grabbing something quick at a plaza food court, consider venturing slightly off the main drag for a hidden gem. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro is a critically acclaimed spot slightly away from the immediate tourist hub.
Don’t be deterred by the unassuming location in a strip mall. Inside, you’ll find absolutely delicious and reasonably priced Thai food that’s a favorite among locals and foodies. It’s an excellent culinary end to your day.
This itinerary focuses on attractions and experiences, but Hollywood also has a vibrant nightlife. If you have the energy after a full day, exploring the bars in Hollywood or nearby areas like West Hollywood or the Sunset Strip is an option. Finding current, recommended spots often requires checking local guides, as the scene is always evolving.
Hopefully, this structured hollywood day trip plan helps you navigate the area effectively. By focusing on key attractions and knowing what to expect (and what to avoid), you can have a memorable and enjoyable experience that goes beyond the typical tourist traps. Hollywood has its challenges, but with a plan, its highlights truly shine.
Pacific Cinerama Dome, a great end to your hollywood day trip
FAQs About a Hollywood Day Trip
- Is one day enough for a Hollywood day trip?
Yes, you can see many of the key highlights like the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Griffith Observatory in one day. To explore studio tours or museums deeply, you might need to prioritize or allocate more time. - What’s the best way to get around Hollywood?
The central area (Hollywood Blvd) is walkable. For distances between areas like Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Forever, and Griffith Park, ride-sharing services (Lyft/Uber) or the Metro Red Line are recommended to save time and avoid parking hassles. - What are the must-see attractions on a Hollywood day trip?
Key highlights include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Griffith Observatory (for views and the sign), and potentially a studio tour (Warner Bros. or Paramount). Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a unique cultural experience. - When is the best time of day to visit Hollywood Boulevard?
Early morning (before 10 a.m.) is best to avoid the largest crowds and street performers, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the Walk of Fame and historic theaters. - How do I get the best photos of the Hollywood Sign?
Griffith Observatory offers excellent views. For a closer look from the front, the 6100 block of Mulholland Highway is a popular viewpoint. Hiking in Griffith Park offers varying perspectives, including from behind the sign. - Are Hollywood studio tours worth the cost?
For many visitors interested in the entertainment industry, yes. They offer unique insights into filmmaking. Warner Bros. is more polished, while Paramount can feel more like a working studio experience. It depends on your preference. - Is Hollywood safe?
Like any major urban area, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. - Can I easily visit other parts of LA from Hollywood?
Yes, Hollywood is relatively centrally located with access to freeways and the Metro system, making it a good base or connection point for exploring other Los Angeles neighborhoods.
This itinerary offers a solid framework for an exciting and insightful hollywood day trip, blending iconic sights with unique cultural experiences. Enjoy your visit!