Trying to find great activities and attractions in Tinseltown? Our guide to the best things to do in Hollywood is all you need to plan the perfect trip!
The world-famous Hollywood, California, is renowned for its role in the entertainment industry and is home to many famed celebrities and personalities.
There are many things to do in Hollywood, California, the place famously called the “City of Stars.” It is home to many historic and iconic landmarks, upscale art galleries, trendy boutiques, and renowned museums worth visiting.
People travel from all over the world to see the iconic Hollywood Sign in person, some even daring to accomplish a rewarding feat as they hike to it.
Others stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to peer at the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars cemented into the sidewalk are speckled with prominent names in the entertainment industry.
Experience all Hollywood, California, has to offer on a trip using this list of the best things to do in the city speckled with stars!
Find more things to do in the mighty city of Los Angeles with our ultimate 3-day LA itinerary!
Table of Contents
- The Best Things to Do in Hollywood, California
- 1) Peer At Life-Like Replicas At The Hollywood Wax Museum
- 2) Take A Hike To The Famous Hollywood Sign
- 3) Walk & Shop The Famous Street, Hollywood Boulevard
- 4) Find Your Favorite Celebrities Named On The Famous Hollywood Walk Of Fame
- 5) Refresh Outside In The Scenic Lake Hollywood Park
- 6) Learn About The Golden Age Of Entertainment At The Hollywood Heritage Museum
- 7) Enjoy A Performance At The Hollywood Bowl
- 8) Tour The Famous Hollyhock House
- 9) Visit The World-Famous Universal Studios Hollywood
- 10) Feel The Impact Of Unparalleled Projection At The TCL Chinese Theatre
- 11) Take Your Pick Of Attractions At Barnsdall Art Park
- 12) Learn About Local History At The Hollywood Museum
- 13) Break A Record At The Guinness World Records Museum
- 14) Spend The Day At The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- 15) Experience The Thrill Of Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
- 16) Gear Up For A Horseback Ride Through Griffith Park With Sunset Ranch Hollywood
- 17) Go Hiking At Runyon Canyon Park
- 18) Tour The Dolby Theatre
- 19) Shop, Dine, & Party Down The Sunset Strip
- 20) Explore El Capitan Theatre
- 21) Peer At Unique Works At La Municipal Art Gallery
- Where to Stay in Hollywood, California
The Best Things to Do in Hollywood, California
Are you scrolling through the internet for what to do in Hollywood during your trip? Then, this list of the best tourist attractions in Hollywood can save you time and energy.
Experience the best Hollywood attractions and activities, from visiting Griffith Observatory and Park to hiking through the Hollywood Hills, to visiting Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, and more.
1) Peer At Life-Like Replicas At The Hollywood Wax Museum
The fourth wax museum owned and operated by a descendant of Spoony Singh, the Hollywood Wax Museum is a world-renowned feature that attracts visitors from across the globe.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a unique attraction that features the most realistic-looking wax figures of well-known Hollywood celebrities and figures.
Visitors to the Hollywood Wax Museum can participate in the museum’s interactive exhibits, take pictures with their favorite wax movie stars, play trivia games, and have the opportunity to walk onto movie sets used for film production.
All wax figures at the Hollywood Wax Museum are hand-sculptured, appearing stunningly real and life-like to their likened famous counterparts. Snag a picture, try your hand at playing the giant piano, and test your trivia skills at this unique museum!
- Address: 6767 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Hours: 9 am – 12 am
- Cost: Tickets range from $30 – $35
2) Take A Hike To The Famous Hollywood Sign
An iconic landmark in America, the Hollywood Sign has been a staple feature in many well-known movies.
However, a fun fact that many don’t know about the landmark is that the sign was destroyed in multiple films, such as Resident Evil: Afterlife, Superman, and Mighty Joe Young.
The Hollywood Sign is situated in the Beachwood Canyon of the Santa Monica Mountains on Mount Lee. The cultural icon and landmark are accessible through numerous hiking trails, including Cahuenga Peak Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and Mt. Hollywood Trail.
The most difficult of these trails is the Cahuenga Peak Trail, and the easiest is the Mt. Hollywood Trail. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging calorie burner, options are available to make reaching the sign much more rewarding!
On this Hollywood Sign guided hike, you can learn insider tips from your local expert tour guide to discover interesting facts about Los Angeles’ history, with visits to other popular attractions such as downtown LA and Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
3) Walk & Shop The Famous Street, Hollywood Boulevard
A world-famous street, Hollywood Boulevard, is one of the best things to do in Hollywood, full of memorable attractions!
Hollywood Boulevard is a tourist hot spot boasting layers of attention-grabbing attractions. The famous street is home to many theaters, renowned museums, and iconic landmarks. Before Hollywood was known as such, it was named “Tinseltown.”
The town steadily became a bustling hub featuring the iconic Hollywood Sign and the bustling shopping hub of Hollywood Boulevard, which has become notoriously known today.
Within Hollywood Boulevard you can find numerous attractions, including the historic Pantages Theatre, famous for running Broadway shows.
Check out our list of the best things to do in Southern California for more ideas in the area!
4) Find Your Favorite Celebrities Named On The Famous Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The Hollywood Walk Of Fame is cemented into both sides of Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard to encompass its continuously growing collection of memorable stars. This totals three blocks of Vine Street and 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard.
The world-famous Walk Of Fame began and continues to this day to be a tribute to legendary stars in the entertainment industry.
This includes musicians, actors/actresses, directors, and more. Each year, nearly 20 new stars are added to the street, organized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The brass and terrazzo stars have become a hefty achievement for many renowned in the entertainment industry.
5) Refresh Outside In The Scenic Lake Hollywood Park
A dog-friendly getaway from the touristy aspects of Hollywood, Lake Hollywood Park is a scenic area with spectacular viewpoints of the Hollywood Sign.
The green oasis is treasured by locals, surrounded by a protective barrier of dense trees. Lake Hollywood Park’s refreshing natural appeal is perfect for picnicking, walking, and yoga out in the sun to savor the view.
The park is also family-friendly, with a jungle gym area for children to play and socialize with other kids outside.
- Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Cost: Free
6) Learn About The Golden Age Of Entertainment At The Hollywood Heritage Museum
Also known as the Hollywood Studio Museum, the Hollywood Heritage Museum first opened in 1985 opposite the Hollywood Bowl. The museum’s mission is to preserve important Hollywood treasures representing Hollywood entertainment’s history.
The Hollywood Heritage Museum contains historic movie props, documents, archival photographs from the silent era of motion pictures, and other intriguing memorabilia on display.
Visitors to the museum can also peer at old postcards and photographs of what Hollywood once looked like during its golden age of entertainment.
The Hollywood Heritage Museum occasionally collaborates with the Silent Society to host historic silent films for a unique event to consider participating in to experience how films were watched back in the day.
- Address: 2100 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
- Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Saturdays and Sundays
- Cost: $10
Read Next: Don’t miss any of the best places to visit in California!
7) Enjoy A Performance At The Hollywood Bowl
Named one of the 10 Best Live Music Venues In America by Rolling Stone magazine in 2018, the Hollywood Bowl is a renowned amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood.
The Hollywood Bowl is the world’s largest outdoor amphitheater, acting as the official home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and summer home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It also hosts numerous famous musicians, dancers, and entertainers every year.
The bowl section is open for the public to explore, but the stage is off-limits. It is considered one of the best things to do in Hollywood for its exceptional acoustics, with every seat labeled as a “good seat,” so no one will be disappointed!
Visit the website to see what’s playing when you’re in town!
- Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
8) Tour The Famous Hollyhock House
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Hollyhock House is a historical landmark that was the previous home of oil heiress Alice Barnsdall.
The Hollyhock House was donated to the city by Alice Barnsdall in 1927. Today, the Hollyhock House is the historical centerpiece and landmark of the Barnsdall Art Park.
The Hollyhock House was the first Los Angeles commission accepted by Frank Lloyd Wright, who established the iconic house with the characteristics of soon-to-be-adored California Modernism.
This house is one of eight creations employed by Frank Lloyd Wright that is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Thursday – Saturday
- Cost: $7
Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles, California
9) Visit The World-Famous Universal Studios Hollywood
A world-famous theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit!
Full of thrill and fun, the theme park and film studio welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year.
Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes all ages to experience adrenaline-rushing roller coasters, belly-busting comedy shows, and enlightening performances at this renowned theme park, one of Hollywood’s top tourist attractions.
Cast magic spells at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, pick a wand at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade and chug down some delicious butter beer.
Then, take on Jurassic World with scary-realistic dinosaur animatronics and stunning visual effects that add an extra thrilling punch of adrenaline. It’s not hard to spend a whole day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where plenty of adventure and fun awaits exploration!
Another famous attraction in Hollywood is the Warner Bros. Studio. This Warner Bros. Studio tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of iconic movie sets and soundstages, with fun activities included, like creating your own Batmobile!
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Hours: 8 am – 10 pm Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 10 pm Monday, 9 am – 8 pm Tuesday – Friday
- Cost: Visit the website for a full list of ticket prices
10) Feel The Impact Of Unparalleled Projection At The TCL Chinese Theatre
Located on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre is a historic movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard.
One of the best things to do in Hollywood, the structure was opened in 1922 after the success of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre.
The TCL Chinese Theatre is the world’s largest IMAX auditorium, where watching a movie is a memorable event full of outstanding sound and visual effects.
The theatre’s state-of-the-art IMAX Laser projection allows moviegoers to encounter the sharpest, brightest, and most clear images for an unrivaled movie-watching experience.
Through the TCL Chinese Theater VIP Tour, visitors can learn fun facts and intriguing information on the theatre’s star-speckled history, including its Hollywood premieres and renowned Forecourt of the Stars.
- Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
- Hours/Cost: See showtimes and prices on the website
11) Take Your Pick Of Attractions At Barnsdall Art Park
Perched on Olive Hill with scenic viewpoints of Los Angeles, Barnsdall Art Park’s foundation started when oil heiress Aline Barnsdall commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build her a home.
Barnsdall eventually donated the home, the Hollyhock House, and the inclusive property to the city.
Within Barnsdall Art Park is also the Los Angeles Municipal Gallery, which showcases art exhibitions and artists, primarily focusing on Southern California.
The Los Angeles Municipal Gallery is the longest-running institution in Los Angeles to exhibit art exclusively. Its galleries are exceptional, with scenic viewpoints of Barnsdall Art Park and the city from the balcony.
Another attraction within Barnsdall Art Park is the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. The venue hosts various events for film, live theatre, music, lectures, spoken word, and more in a small yet polished setting with impressive viewpoints.
- Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
- Cost: Free
12) Learn About Local History At The Hollywood Museum
One of the best museums to check out in this part of LA is definitely the Hollywood Museum.
If you’re interested in all things film, television, and entertainment, you can dive into all of that at the Hollywood Museum.
Full of memories, movie memorabilia, artifacts, and stories from motion pictures and television throughout history, this museum allows movie geeks to learn about Hollywood history and gain a new perspective on the film industry.
- Address: 1660 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday
- Cost: $15
Heading north? Check out our ultimate list of the best things to do in Northern California!
13) Break A Record At The Guinness World Records Museum
Explore the Guinness World Records Museum to learn about impressive and strange record-breaking feats and facts!
This exciting museum brings the best-selling copyrighted book to life through fun interactive exhibits.
Located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Guinness World Records Museum visitors can compare their weight with the world’s heaviest person or attempt to beat the fastest speed-drumming record.
Test your gaming skills on the largest Pac-Man game in existence. Or, go so far as to try to break a record within the keeper of records at the famous museum!
- Address: 6764 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Hours: 9 am – 12 am
- Cost: Tickets range from $30 – $35
14) Spend The Day At The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Established in 1966, the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to over 2,000 animals and 270 species, with more than 58 endangered. Just as impressive is the botanical collection which features over 7,000 plants and 800 species.
More than a million visitors flock here each year to experience the grandeur of this remarkable Hollywood attraction located in Griffith Park.
Visit the chimpanzee exhibit praised by world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall to watch them play and socialize before heading to other zoo exhibits, such as the Elephants of Asia, the Rainforest of the Americas, and the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles).
- Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
- Cost: $22
15) Experience The Thrill Of Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
A spacious park set on the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is one of the best things to do in Hollywood, home to many top local attractions.
Scattered with chaparral terrain, a visit to Griffith Park is a rejuvenating refresh from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Open from morning to night, the park welcomes visitors to explore its hiking trails, which boast a 53-mile network of trails.
Many of these trails are rewarding, like heading to the summit of Mount Hollywood with impeccable scenic views of Los Angeles from above.
Some other famous attractions that call Griffith Park home include the Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Griffith Observatory, to name a few! The Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of downtown LA, so definitely check it out.
16) Gear Up For A Horseback Ride Through Griffith Park With Sunset Ranch Hollywood
With Sunset Ranch Hollywood, you can experience unparalleled viewpoints of Hollywood on horseback!
Hands down one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers a unique experience for those wishing to experience the area memorably.
By horseback, riders will be led by an experienced trail guide through Griffith Park and mountainous terrain with breathtaking new viewpoints of Hollywood and Los Angeles from above.
The horses at Sunset Ranch Hollywood are beginner-friendly. The ride is taken at a leisurely, relaxed pace with one or more guides if you need assistance.
17) Go Hiking At Runyon Canyon Park
An expansive park on the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, Runyon Canyon Park is a dog-friendly urban wilderness to escape into the natural world away from the noise of city life.
The park is one of the best things to do in Hollywood for its popular hiking trails and scenic panoramas.
The hiking trails are welcome for all, with different levels available. For example, beginning from Mulholland Drive is an easy hike under one mile that reaches the top of Runyon Canyon Park.
It is not uncommon to find celebrities hitting up the Runyon Canyon Park trails as well – as always, be respectful of fellow hikers and bring water to stay hydrated!
- Address: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Hours: 6 am – 6:30 pm
- Cost: Free
Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Palm Springs, California
18) Tour The Dolby Theatre
A live performance auditorium, the Dolby Theatre has been the venue for the annual Academy Awards ceremony since 2001.
The Dolby Theatre is one of the world’s premier entertainment venues, working with talented and reputable filmmakers for over 40 years.
Equipped with Dolby Vision projection technology, which boasts outstanding brightness, sharpness, and color, the theatre has hosted many other world-renowned events and celebrities, including American Ballet Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, Dixie Chicks, and Stevie Wonder.
Book a tour to learn all about one of America’s most famous theatres!
- Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
- Hours/Cost: Visit the website for showtimes and tickets
19) Shop, Dine, & Party Down The Sunset Strip
A slight stretch on Sunset Boulevard, the Sunset Strip is one of the best things to do in West Hollywood for its trendy boutiques, lively rock clubs, and historic restaurants.
The Sunset Strip is a famous attraction filled with entertainment and attractions to explore. In the 1920s, the Sunset Strip became a vibrant Los Angeles nightlife and entertainment hub.
As a result, many of these attractions within the Sunset Strip have become iconic parts of history.
The Chateau Marmont, founded in 1929, was used as a filming set for more than a few Hollywood films. Prominent celebrities and personalities, like Francis Scott Fitzgerald, have stayed in the hotel.
Another famous landmark is the Sunset Tower Hotel, the first skyscraper constructed on the strip. Its Tower & Bar Restaurant was previously the apartment of infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel.
20) Explore El Capitan Theatre
A restored movie palace, El Capitan Theatre is owned by The Walt Disney Company. It acts as the primary venue for film premieres for Walt Disney Studios.
The El Capitan Theatre was established in the 1920s, along with the Chinese and Egyptian theatres, by real estate developers Sid Grauman and Charles Toberman.
This theatre was constructed in a Spanish Colonial style of exterior architecture, its interior designed with lavish East Indian inspiration.
Often referred to as “Hollywood’s Classic Movie Palace,” El Capitan Theatre houses a 4/37 Wurlitzer organ, which has more than 2500 pipes, that is performed on for visitors to experience the magical sounds produced by the impressive instrument.
- Address: 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
21) Peer At Unique Works At La Municipal Art Gallery
Found in the Barnsdall Art Park, La Municipal Art Gallery primarily focuses on work and artists in Southern California.
The gallery was established in 1954 and has become the longest-running Los Angeles institution devoted to art exhibitions.
Throughout the art gallery are selections of underrepresented artists that may have struggled to find a platform to showcase their work.
Most artists who have displayed their work here have become well-known nationally and internationally in the art world. Some of these artists include Catherine Opie, Barbara Kruger, Norman Yonemoto, and Ed Ruscha.
- Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Thursday – Saturday
- Cost: Free
Where to Stay in Hollywood, California
Now that you know the best things to do in Hollywood, let’s check out the best places to stay during your trip!
Best Hostel in Hollywood
Situated on the Walk of Fame, Samesun Hollywood presents a convenient location near the best Hollywood attractions. This stay boasts 24-hour staff to answer any questions or concerns that may be had to promote the utmost convenience and care to its guests.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Hollywood
Located near the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Trylon Hotel – Hollywood boasts a desirable destination near the best things to do in Hollywood, including the Los Angeles Zoo and Universal Studios Hollywood. This charming boutique hotel offers an excellent location near the top Hollywood activities!
Best Luxury Hotel in Hollywood
An urban oasis, Loews Hollywood Hotel is a stylish hotel featuring an ideal location. This luxury hotel has a rooftop pool overlooking the vibrant life of Hollywood and in-house dining, H2 Kitchen & Bar, which offers yummy bites and signature drinks.
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