What to do in Hollywood...
Welcome to the heart of the dream factory — where neon lights meet palm-lined boulevards and every corner whispers a story. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, Hollywood offers a dazzling mix of history, glamour, and adventure. Stroll down the Walk of Fame and trace the footsteps of legends, tour classic studios where silver-screen magic was born or spend an evening at the Hollywood Bowl beneath the stars.
From vintage diners and celebrity-favorite restaurants to rooftop lounges with panoramic city views, Hollywood’s culinary scene is as diverse as its cast of characters. By day, explore world-famous landmarks like the Chinese Theatre, Paramount Pictures, and the Hollywood Sign; by night, dive into live music, comedy clubs, and old-school movie palaces that still sparkle with Art Deco charm.
Whether you’re chasing history, nightlife, or simply that elusive “movie moment,” this guide to what to do when in Hollywood will help you experience the city as both a visitor and a dreamer — where every street still feels like a scene waiting to happen.
RESTAURANTS
Musso & Frank Grill — A Hollywood institution since 1919, known for its old-school ambiance and classic American fare.
6667 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.mussoandfrank.com
Gwen — Chef Curtis Stone’s upscale butcher-shop-meets-fine-dining spot on Sunset Boulevard.
6600 W Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.gwenla.com
Providence — A high-end seafood and fine dining restaurant highly rated among Hollywood’s best.
5955 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood
Website: www.providencela.com
The Formosa Café – A historic Chinese-influenced restaurant and bar beloved for its golden era Hollywood ambiance and celebrity lore.
7156 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood
Website: www.theformosacafe.com
Miceli’s — Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant (since 1949), known for its cozy vibe and singing waitstaff.
1646 N Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood
Website: www.micelis.restaurant
HOTELS
The Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: thehollywoodroosevelt.com
Loews Hollywood Hotel
1755 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood
Website: loewshotels.com/hollywood-hotel
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
1400 N Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: godfreyhotelhollywood.com
Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
1775 Orchid Avenue, Hollywood
Website: hotelcelebrity.com
Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood
1800 Argyle Avenue, Hollywood
Website: everlyhotelhollywood.com
MOVIE THEATERS
TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre)
6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.tclchinesetheatres.com
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.elcapitantheatre.com
Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.egyptiantheatre.com
Landmark Sunset (West Hollywood / Sunset Blvd area)
8000 W Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
Website: www.landmarktheatres.com
AMC The Grove 14
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
Website: www.amctheatres.com
LIVE THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.hollywoodpantages.com
Ricardo Montalbán Theatre
1615 Vine Street, Hollywood
Website: www.themontalban.com
Hollywood Palladium
6215 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: www.livenation.com/
Avalon Hollywood
1735 North Vine Street, Hollywood
Website: www.avalonhollywood.com
Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood
Website: www.hollywoodbowl.com
The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: Masonic Lodge
HOLLYWOOD & STUDIO TOURS
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Get a behind-the-scenes look at an active studio lot, explore sets, props, and soundstages.
Website: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Paramount Studio Tour
Tour the historic Paramount lot and see famous production backlots, soundstages, and film history in action.
Website: Paramount Studio Tour
Universal Studios Hollywood
With thrilling rides, a tour of a real movie studio, and a selection of Los Angeles' best restaurants, Universal Studios Hollywood is fun for the whole family.
Website: UniversalStudiosTour
Sony Pictures Studio Tours
Walk through the famed gates and you’re behind the scenes at one of the most historic and exciting studio lots in the world. Our two-hour guided walking tour will give you the real experience of a working studio.
Website: Sony Pictures Studio Tours
SIGHTSEEING & CELEBRITY HOME TOURS
Hollywood City Tours / The Original Hollywood Tour
Open-air bus tours through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and celebrity homes.
Website: hollywoodcitytours.com
Starline Tours – Celebrity Homes & Hollywood Tours
Classic Hollywood tour operator, including daytime and night tours of landmarks and homes.
Website: starlinetours.com
Access Hollywood Tours
Open-air bus tours covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, celebrity homes, and more.
Website: accesshollywoodtours.com
TMZ Celebrity Tour
A celebrity-focused tour highlighting hot spots, homes, and scenes favored by the entertainment press.
Website: tmztour.com
CitySightseeing Los Angeles (Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood Tour)
Flexible hop-on / hop-off double-decker bus covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and more.
Website: citysightseeinglosangeles.com
Another Side of Los Angeles Tours
Private & small-group tours that showcase Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Sign, and luxury neighborhoods.
Website: anothersideoflosangelestours.com
MUSEUMS
The Hollywood Museum
1660 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood
Website: The Hollywood Museum
Hollywood Heritage Museum (Lasky-DeMille Barn)
2100 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles
Website: Hollywood Heritage
Madame Tussauds Hollywood (Wax Museum)
6933 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: Madame Tussauds
Hollywood Wax Museum
6767 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Website: Hollywood Wax Museum
Museum of Death (Hollywood branch)
6031 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Website: Museum of Death
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Website: Academy Museum