What to See and Do While Visiting Hollywood
One of the second most visited sites is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although it’s not likely that you’ll see any movie stars on the Walk of Fame you will see a star representing each of many famous actors, singers, stage performers and radio personalities. Lassie, Clint Eastwood, Jane Fonda and Thomas Edison are only some of the famous stars you’ll see immortalized on the Walk.
Frederick’s of Hollywood Lingerie Museum may not be the best attraction for children but the Museum houses some famous undergarments from some famous actress such as Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. Admission is free and worth a couple hours of your time.
The famed corner of Hollywood and Vine may not have much to offer if you’re just standing on the corner but in the general vicinity is lots to see and do. The Capitol Records Building, for example, is a unique structure with much history. Capitol Records was the first record company to establish themselves on the west coast. They promoted acts like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Duran Duran, Steve Miller and Tina Turner. The building itself is a 13-story high-rise built in a circular manner, made to look like a stack of albums. Across the street is the famous Hollywood Palace which opened in 1927. Groucho Marx filmed his tv quiz series here and it was also the site for the Merv Griffin Show many years ago.
On Hollywood Boulevard you’ll find the Hollywood Entertainment Museum where you can sit in the chair originally used for the series “Star Trek” or sit on a barstool originally used in the filming of “Cheers”. Also on Hollywood Boulevard is the El Capitan Theatre where you can see a movie from the balcony of the restored old building.
Of course, you definitely want to see the Hollywood Sign, atop Mount Lee, in all its splendor. From the area of the sign you can look out over all of Hollywood but be aware that it’s actually illegal to hike to the sign or sit on any part of the sign. Also be sure and view the Sunset Boulevard.
The Guinness World of Records Exhibition is a specialty museum worth a visit. It contains documentation, photos and more of those who have set and/or broken records all across the world. The Hollywood Museum of Death is another must-see full of death memorabilia about many famous people. Closely related is the Hollywood Wax Museum where former famous stars, who have now passed, and some who haven’t, are portrayed as wax figures.
Make a note to visit Outpost Estates – an elite neighborhood, Janes House – an historic home, Wizards – a famous dinner theater, Monastery of the Angels – a convent that is now a historic site, and Hollywood Forever Memorial Park – the oldest cemetery in Hollywood – where hundreds of celebrities are forever resting.
There are many tour companies that will take you to see the sites of Hollywood. Some of the most popular tours are the Movie Stars Homes where you’ll pass many mansions belong to famous stars of today and yesteryear, the Universal Studios tour where you’ll visit the place where many famous movies are made, the Hollywood Trolley Tour which is a general tour of Hollywood and the Grand Tour of LA which is a total tour package of the city. Also schedule trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags or Getty Museum. The San Diego Zoo, Sea World and Tijuana Mexico are also area must-sees.
You’ll love visiting the popular restaurants of Hollywood – if you can get a reservation. Among the most famous are Spago where many stars love to eat, The Brown Derby – another restaurant loved by the stars or Pink’s – the most famous hot dog stand in the country.
If shopping is your main Hollywood attraction head straight for Rodeo Drive to shop amongst the elite and famous. Prices are even higher on Rodeo Drive than they are throughout the rest of Hollywood but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Although Rodeo Drive shopping consists of only three blocks, from Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard, the stores are the most elegant in town. Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Valentino are some of the clothing boutiques on Rodeo Drive. Jewelry stores include Cartier and Tiffany’s. Other famous stores include Nieman Marcus, Sax Fifth Avenue, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Deux.
Plan your trip well in advance, make reservations for restaurants and motels weeks ahead of time, and bring along plenty of money, since Hollywood is one of the most expensive shopping areas in the country.
