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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Luciana Bellini

This iconic entertainment capital of the world is synonymous with the global film industry, known for producing blockbuster movies, captivating television shows, and groundbreaking cinematic experiences.

From the glamour of the red carpet to the bustling studios and soundstages, it’s still a vibrant and ever-evolving hub of creativity. The studios may have (mostly) decamped to more spacious surroundings, but much of the film industry’s history and iconography remain located in this iconic LA neighbourhood.

And yes, folks, dreams are still made (and broken) in Hollywood.

While you're there

Just nearby, but officially out of ‘Hollywood’ neighbourhood, is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, it’s home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators, and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette. Look out for Dorothy’s red slippers!

The big three film studios – Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony – all offer behind-the-scenes guided tours of the studios, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into how the films are made. They’re also just outside the neighbourhood, but close by.

The famous Hollywood sign isn’t strictly in the Hollywood neighbourhood either, but up in the hills behind. You can see it from Hollywood of course – or you can also do the brilliant hike up to see it up close.

Recommendations

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Hollywood Walk of Fame

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

You know you’ve really made it in Tinseltown when you get your own star. Spread across both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, everyone from Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney to Jennifer Aniston and John Travolta is immortalised here.

Best for ages 4+

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Dolby Theatre

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

Dolby Theatre

It doesn’t get more Hollywood than the home of the actual Oscars. It was custom designed for the Academy Awards themselves and features 3,400 seats, three balcony levels and 20 opera boxes. Formerly known as the Kodak Theatre.

Best for ages 4+

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TCL Chinese Theatre

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

exterior front view of the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood

Set amidst the glitz, glamour and occasional grime of Hollywood Boulevard, the former Grauman’s Chinese Theater is often billed as the world’s most ornate and opulent cinema complex, home to some of film’s biggest movie premieres over the years. It’s still the place where the biggest premieres still go down. 30-minute walking tours available.

Best for ages 4+

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More details >

Hollywood Film & TV studio tours

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Hollywood Film & TV studio tours

Get a deep insight into the movie world and how Hollywood’s blockbuster movies are made with fascinating behind-the-scenes tours of the four international film studios.

Adult price: £50

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-5 hours

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

|
Bucket List Experience
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette.

Adult price: £22

Best for ages 8+

Hike up to the Hollywood Sign

Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Hike up to the Hollywood Sign

Hike the picturesque but little-known Hollyridge Trail to the summit of Mount Lee, offering spectacular views and the closest point to the sign.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 2-3 hours

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The entire district (and between attractions) is easily walkable. The intersection of Hollywood and Vine is the unofficial centre of Hollywood, and it’s a great place to start a movie-themed stroll. Head west along Hollywood Boulevard towards Highland Avenue – this stretch of town houses some of the world’s most famous theatres, including Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Kodak Theater (current home of the Academy Awards), and the El Capitan Theater (which runs fun live stage shows).

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour

Los Angeles

Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
• See Hollywood, West Hollywood & Beverly Hills on our Open Air Buses.  • Experience The World Famous Hollywood Sign, Famous Landmarks, Celebrity Homes & Movie Locations.  • Visit the places where Celebrity's Live, Work & Play.  • Bring your camera, celebrities are often spotted on this tour.

Price: $45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.33 / 5 [1266 ratings]

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Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Bus tours

Los Angeles

Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Bus tours
See Hollywood and it's surroundings in a fun OPEN van (a few have a canopy for shade), which allows for excellent views without obstructions on this 2 hours tour.

Price: $35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [1213 ratings]

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Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus

Los Angeles

Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus
Get the most out of your time in Los Angeles with this comprehensive tour that passes LA hot spots, famous landmarks, celebrity homes, while looking for Celebrities along the way! Travel between sites on an open-air bus with interactive narration from your driver guide that offers great photo opportunities along the way. Highlights include the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverley Hills, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, West Hollywood, and a selection of famous homes and celebrity hotspots. Keep your cameras at the ready you might spot a celebrity!!! Duration 2 Hours Stop 10 - Minutes @ The Beverly Hills Sign Celebrity Homes may include: Tom Cruise Katy Perry Leonardo DiCaprio Bruno Mars Justin Timberlake Elvis Presley Madonna Johnny Depp Marilyn Monroe Quentin Tarantino Rihanna Michael Jackson And Many More…

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [799 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour

Los Angeles

2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour
There’s a lot to see here in LA, but it takes a good Hollywood bus tour to make sure you don’t miss them. Could a celebrity encounter also be in the cards? We don’t know, but we do know that the only way to find out is to let Hollywood LA Tours be your guide to the City of Angels. Whether you’re planning a trip or getting ready to entertain out-of-town guests, we’re here to help you to get the most of your time.

Price: $46

Min age: 1

Rating 4.43 / 5 [323 ratings]

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2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour

Los Angeles

2-Hour Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Open Bus Tour
Enjoy everything Hollywood, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills has to offer on our Open Air-Buses. Take a photo of your favorite hot spots and share the joy with friends and family. Our customers love this tour because it's fun, exciting, informational and allows you to enjoy everything that Hollywood has to offer.

Price: $39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.50 / 5 [238 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Los Angeles

California, United States of America (USA)

Los Angeles

The bright lights of Tinseltown are home to surfer-filled beaches, glorious mountain hikes, glitz and glamour in spades and year-round sunshine.