Whether you’re an LA local or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone in Hollywood. Known as the birthplace of the American film industry, this bustling area is home to historic landmarks, trendy restaurants and hotels.
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Walk of Fame, which spans across 15 blocks on Hollywood Boulevard and three on Vine Street. Along this path, you’ll find stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring more than 2,500 entertainers.
The Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame honours the achievements of actors, musicians and directors. The paved stretch of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks on Vine Street feature more than 2,700 five-pointed stars, with names engraved in brass.
The idea for the Walk came in 1953 from volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, but it took years to make it a reality. In August 1958, eight prototype stars were unveiled to generate public excitement and demonstrate how the Walk would look when it was complete.
Originally, there were four major categories for the honorees: motion picture, television, recording and radio. Stars were awarded for contributions in each area and each category had a separate selection committee.
The first star was awarded in 1960 to Joanne Woodward. It was accompanied by a ceremony led by Johnny Grant, Hollywood’s honorary mayor.
The Hollywood Museum
A trip to Hollywood isn't complete without a visit to the Hollywood Museum, housed in the historic Max Factor building (yes, THAT Max Factor). The building was purchased by the movie makeup artist Max Factor in 1928 and has been restored and opened up as a museum.
In the museum, you'll find costumes from a variety of famous movies, props and posters. From the original Batman's car to Clark Gable's Rolls Royce, from a crashed space shuttle to Hannibal Lecter's jail cell, this is an amazing collection of Hollywood history.
The Museum also has a world-renowned collection of genuine Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, including her Playboy spread and the last check she wrote. The collection is constantly being updated by historians and other experts who study entertainment ephemera, costumes, photos, text and posters.
The Dolby Theatre
The Dolby Theatre is the venue of the annual Academy Awards telecast and is one of the most iconic venues in all of Hollywood. This beautiful theatre was designed with the Academy Awards in mind and features a huge stage that hosts many prestigious events.
The theatre is located in the Hollywood & Highland Center which is a shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex. The center also houses the TCL Chinese Theatre and the 640 room Loews Hollywood Hotel.
This magnificent theater has a large stage that is among the largest in the US. It was built with the Academy Awards in mind and features sweeping stairways, cherry wood balustrades and is crowned by a beautiful silver dome.
The theatre is home to Dolby Cinema and uses laser projectors that offer superior color contrast over standard light projectors. This means that the dark colors don’t get washed out and that the images look more realistic. It is also equipped with dual projection which gives you a much better viewing experience.
Universal Studios
More than just an amusement park, Universal Studios Hollywood is a multisensory immersion into the world of TV and movies on the grounds where filmmaking still takes place. Dodge dinosaurs, hang with Homer Simpson and morph into a Minion on hair-raising rides that swoop, dive and astonish.
The studio tour, the heart and soul of Universal Studios Hollywood, takes you down to the backlot to visit some of the most famous backdrops in movie history. You'll get a look at the Bates Motel, Wisteria Lane from "Desperate Housewives" and town square from "Back To The Future."
You can also take the tour in 3D for "King Kong" and "Fast & Furious." It’s a great way to see all of the sets on the property without having to pay for a separate admission ticket.
