Attractions - Things to See and Do in Hollywood, California

Autry National Center / Museum of the American West
Only at the Autry Museum do the many colorful stories of the American West come to life. Discover the legacy of the Lakota and the Osage people and the amazing explorations by Spanish conquistadors and experience the romantic portrayals of the West through art, film, and television. Unique exhibitions arrive every few weeks! Come to the Autry Museum, located just across from the Los Angeles Zoo, where the 5 and 134 Freeways meet. Call (323) 667-2000 or visit www.autry-museum.org.

ArcLight Cinemas
ArcLight is where movie lovers belong. Conceived by and for people who value the art and entertainment of the moving image, ArcLight’s design, amenities, service level and programming create a celebration of movies, and a more refined and complete movie-going experience. ArcLight Hollywood's 14 new auditoriums begin with a “black box” design aesthetic which favors undistracted viewing over opulence, and feature the best in sight and sound technology. Also at ArcLight is the “Cinerama Dome.” Built in 1963 in a giant, white 72 foot-high geodesic, the dome was to feature Cinerama - a wide-screen format of the early 60's, which used three separate 35mm projectors and a vast curved screen to present realistic travelogues. It recently has been showing popular movies utilizing the most up-to-date technology. It is also one of the most identifiable Hollywood landmarks. Each seat is individually reserved and the plush seating makes for a comfortable experience
Get more information or reserve your seat at ArcLight Cinema.

Capitol Records Building
Located at 1750 North Vine Street, this landmark building is one of Hollywood’s most recognized icons. The light on its rooftop spire flashes “Hollywood” in Morse code. In the lobby you will find displayed gold albums of its many artists. John Lennon, Garth Brooks, and other Capitol artists’ stars are on the sidewalk in front of the building. For more information, check out their website at http://hollywoodandvine.com.

El Capitan Theatre & Entertainment Center
Step into Hollywood’s glittering past at the legendary El Capitan Theatre and adjacent 35,000 square foot, seven-room entertainment center. Conveniently located in the heart of Hollywood, the El Capitan was built in 1925 as a legitimate theater. This treasure was restored to its former glory thanks to Disney and Pacific Theatres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the theater, visitors will experience a restored Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. The theater offers 1,000 seats; a Dolby SR-D, SDDS, and DTS digital capable sound system; and a 22’ x 45’ motion picture screen. The adjoining Entertainment Center can accommodate 1,600 guests. There is also a Disney store on the property at street level. The El Capitan is located at 6838 Hollywood Blvd. For booking information, please call Hollie Hopson at (818) 295-4259 and for general information, call (323) 468-8262.

American Cinematheque “Forever Hollywood” Movie at the Egyptian Theatre
If you are looking to discover or rediscover the unique story of Hollywood and its famous movie industry, this hour-long movie produced by the American Cinematheque and playing at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre is a must see. Sit back and relax as you learn about the Hollywood community from the early silent pictures to the glittering nightlife to the great studio era. Twenty-three celebrated interviewees such as Steven Spielberg, Kevin Spacey, and Salma Hayek tell about breaking into “the business” and “making it” in the glamorous and competitive movie industry. With shots from more than 75 feature films and set to the theme music of The Bad and the Beautiful, this is an excellent glimpse into Hollywood’s past, right on Hollywood Boulevard. Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd., between Las Palmas and McCadden Place. For show times and screening information, call (323) 466-FILM or visit www.egyptiantheatre.com.

Original Farmers Market and The Grove
Located at Third and Fairfax Streets, the Original Farmers Market is a historic landmark. It has been a Los Angeles tradition and a world famous tourist attraction for more than 60 years. September through May hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday, 10 am to 5pm. Along side is The Grove – a relatively new 640,000 square foot development. The Grove features a Pacific Theatres cinema complex, Nordstrom, Gap, and Banana Republic along with FAO Schwartz, Barnes & Noble, as well as many others. For more information, call (323) 933-9211, or visit www.farmersmarketla.com or www.thegrovela.com.

Frederick’s of Hollywood
Located at 6751 Hollywood Blvd., Frederick’s of Hollywood is a world famous lingerie shop and museum. Check out their exhibition of “unmentionables” from some of Hollywood’s most (in) famous. The Celebrity Lingerie Hall of Fame salutes stars of stage, screen and TV who “glamorized” lingerie. The shop and museum are open daily and admission is free. For more information, please call (323) 466-8506 or visit www.fredericks.com.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this Hollywood icon stands at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. It was built in 1927 by Sid Grauman and hosted many star-studded movie premieres and events in Hollywood’s early days. Today it still draws the stars with its famous footprint ceremonies, a tradition that started with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks in 1927. Movie stars are still immortalizing themselves in the forecourt of the theater. Don’t forget to say hello to Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Superman – impersonators greet tourists every day in front of the theatre! Movies still show daily at Mann’s Chinese Theatre, so call (323) 461-3331 for more information or visit www.manntheatres.com.

Hollywood & Highland and the Kodak Theatre
As a tourist destination and a local hot spot, the highly successful mix of shopping, dining and glamour comes alive at Hollywood and Highland. Hollywood & Highland has received worldwide attention and helped to drive the recent increase in the economic development in Hollywood. The Hollywood & Highland Entertainment complex houses numerous world class retail shops and restaurants, a 30,000 square foot ballroom (catered by the famous chef Wolfgang Puck), a multiplex cinema (an extension of Grauman's Chinese Theatre), a dramatic central plaza overlooking the Hollywood Sign, and of course the now world famous Kodak Theatre. The Kodak Theatre is the permanent home of the Academy Awards® for the second year. Visitors can take a tour of the Kodak theatre to see exactly where their favorite stars have been seated during Oscar ceremonies! The Kodak theatre also boasts dozens of live-theatre performances throughout the year. For more information on the complex, please visit www.hollywoodandhighland.com and www.kodaktheatre.com.

Hollywood Bowl Museum
Located at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl, this museum features artifacts on the Hollywood Bowl, from photos to programs. Free admission and parking. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 or 8:30 pm on performance nights. For more information, please call (323) 850-2058 or visit www.hollywoodbowl.org.

Hollywood Entertainment Museum
Hollywood Entertainment Museum celebrates Hollywood the place and the entertainment arts of film, television, radio, sound recording, and new media. You can view memorabilia, costumes, the Max Factor exhibit, a six-minute multi-screen video on the evolution of film and television in Hollywood, and try your hand at putting sound effects to a video clip in the Foley Suite. There also is a tour of a studio backlot, culminating in a visit to original sets from Star Trek and Cheers. The Museum’s winter hours are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and it is closed Wednesdays. Summer hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and students (with identification), $4 for youth ages 5 to 12, and free to Museum members and children under the age of 5. For information about current exhibits, special events, and upcoming programs, call the Museum at (323) 465-7900 or visit its website at www.hollywoodmuseum.com.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The oldest Hollywood cemetery and one of the most visited final resting places, Rudolf Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Cecil B. De Mille, Jayne Mansfield, Marion Davies, and Tyrone Power are all interred here. You may visit the unusual assortment of grave markers and beautiful stained glass windows by tour only. Call (323) 469-1181 for more information or visit www.hollywoodforever.com.

Hollywood Wax Museum
See your favorite stars immortalized in wax in scenes from their films. The Wax Museum is located at 6767 Hollywood Blvd. Admission for adults is $9.95, seniors $8.50, 6-12 years of age $6.95, and children under six admitted free with paying adult. Museum hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to Midnight, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 am. For more information, please call (323) 462-8860 or visit www.hollywoodwax.com.

Hollywood Sign
One of the most recognizable images in our country and around the world, this landmark sits high atop the Hollywood Hills. It was originally constructed to promote a housing development at the base of the hill called “Hollywoodland,” and that’s just what the sign read. It was declared a historical landmark in 1973, but since it was not built to last, it was in need of significant repair. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce spearheaded an effort to raise the money to fix the sign. Groups and individuals made pledges to have a letter of the sign repaired. Among those who gave $27,000 per letter of the Hollywood Sign were Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper, and Gene Autry. Today you can see the famous sign from Hollywood and Highland, on a tour, or by driving up into the Hollywood Hills! For more information, please call the Hollywood Chamber at (323) 469-8311.

The Jimmy Kimmel Show
Live from the Hollywood Boulevard – it’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Hollywood’s first late-night talk show to be aired live on the East Coast features Jimmy Kimmel of “The Man Show” fame. Celebrity guests, live musical performances and comedic irreverence make this show, airing at 12:05pm Pacific Time on ABC Channel 7, a local icon. Located at the El Capitan Entertainment Center, the show features a live shot each night of Jimmy walking down the boulevard and into the auditorium. The public is invited to reserve tickets by calling 1-800-JIMMY TIX or by going to www.1iota.com. Guests must be at least 16 years old. For more information, visit the production company’s website at www.1iota.com.

Off-Vine Restaurant
For those searching for a quaint, friendly restaurant located in the heart of Hollywood, the Off Vine restaurant provides American comfort-food in a simply elegant location. Located at 6263 Leland Way, the building was constructed in 1908. With the restaurant opening in 1989, Off Vine has become one of Hollywood’s local favorites as well as tourist stop for those in search of good food and a cozy atmosphere. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served; private parties are also accommodated. Please call (323) 962-1900 or reservations or go to www.offvine.com.

Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in the heart of the nation's second-largest city on a 113-acre sight located in Griffith Park. Each year 1.4 million visitors pass through the gates to view a collection of 1,200 animals from around the world. Although the Los Angeles Zoo is most well known for its collection of animals, the varied and unique plant collection is getting more and more notice. There are between 350 and 400 different species of plants currently exhibited at the Los Angeles Zoo, and plans are underway to increase and expand the botanical collection. The zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm except December 25. For more detailed information on hours, pricing, and special events call (323) 644-6400 or visit the Los Angeles Zoo web site at www.lazoo.org.

Paramount Pictures
For close to a century, Paramount Pictures has been a gathering place for movies, magic, and more. Located in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world, Paramount is the last major working studio in Hollywood. Tours last two hours, and guests will get behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of a major motion picture and television facility. For more information, please call (323) 956-1777.

Hollywood and Vine Metro Center
Combine Hollywood history, transportation and modern art to get the eclectic and beautiful Hollywood and Vine Metro Center! More than just a subway station that drops passengers into the heart of Hollywood, this metro center features the art of Magu, a local Chicano artist. Take a look at the dozens of paintings he’s created in the walls of the underground center, each depicting a part of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Underground, architect Adolfo Miralles has constructed a monument that immortalizes the film history of Hollywood. With palm trees arches and movie reels lining the ceiling, the metro station is itself a piece of art. Make sure to take a closer look along the hand railing of the station: the song "Hooray for Hollywood" plays out along the rails that double as a bar of music! More information can be found at www.mta.net.

Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk
Step into the world of movies and excitement at Universal Studios Hollywood, the world’s biggest movie studio and amusement park! From rides to live shows and backstage tours, Universal Studios will captivate and entertain movie lovers of all ages! After a day at the park, visit Universal CityWalk – just steps away and with free admission. Featuring local hot spots such as the Hard Rock Café, Café Tu Tu Tango, and Howl at the Moon, Universal Citywalk is a great place to spend a night on the town. Also featuring dozens of restaurants, shops and attractions for adults and kids alike, CityWalk is a premier outdoor shopping center full of fun. Don’t forget to check out the Dinner, Movie and Parking deal – all three for one low price! For more information, go to www.universalstudioshollywood.com or www.citywalkhollywood.com.

Walk the Walk on Hollywood Boulevard
Forty-six signs mark significant locations along a self-guided walking tour of the nationally registered Hollywood Boulevard Historic Commercial and Entertainment District. It is believed that the walking tour is the most elaborate of its kind in the western U.S. Erected at a cost of $260,000, the durable signs include photographs of the buildings during Hollywood’s glory years as well as interesting facts about each building. It includes a complete directory of all the celebrities who have stars on the Walk of Fame. Copies of the brochure may be obtained by mailing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, 7018 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028.