Hollywood, the word has long surpassed its geographical meaning and has become synonymous with the global film industry. Whether it is the glorious scenes on the screen or the legendary lives of classic movie stars, it is the cradle of countless film and television works, and has bred countless heart-stirring stories and characters.
For movie fans, Hollywood is not just a place name, but also the starting point of a dream. Generation after generation of people have come from all over the world to make pilgrimages with their love for movies, just to step onto the “Walk of Fame” in their hearts in reality.
From the fantasy imagination of DreamWorks to the real and tangible movie marks on the streets, Hollywood interprets the magic of movies in its own unique way and connects the screen with reality.
1. Starting point of the Walk of Fame: Hollywood & Highland Center
Time recommendation: 8:00–9:30 in the morning
The morning sun in Los Angeles is warm but not dazzling, and it is best to start from the core of the Walk of Fame – Hollywood & Highland Center. This is not only a great place to overlook the Hollywood sign, but also the location of the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held.
Recommended gameplay:
Look for the star-shaped signs with your favorite star’s name embedded in the ground along Hollywood Boulevard.
Go to the Dolby Theatre to join the morning guided tour and learn more about the behind-the-scenes story of the Oscars. The tour takes about 45 minutes. It is recommended to book in advance through Viator or GetYourGuide to avoid queuing on site.
Take the best view of the Hollywood Sign on the third floor viewing platform of the Hollywood and Highland Center.
Tips:
It is recommended to arrive early, because the number of tourists will increase sharply after noon, and the photo experience will be greatly reduced.
You can have breakfast in the center’s coffee shop, while watching the people coming and going on the Avenue of Stars, and plan your day’s itinerary.
2. TCL Chinese Theatre: Fingerprints of Star Trails
Time recommendation: 9:30–10:30 am
A few steps away from the Highland Center, you will arrive at one of Hollywood’s most legendary landmarks-TCL Chinese Theatre. It is not only eye-catching with its Chinese palace-style appearance, but also a place of pilgrimage for star fans because of the handprints, footprints and signatures on the front square.
Recommended gameplay:
Look for the marks left on the cement by your favorite movie stars in the front square. From Marilyn Monroe to Robert Downey Jr., every fingerprint is a witness to the history of the screen.
If time permits, you can participate in the theater’s internal tour to learn about its glorious history since its opening in 1927. Tickets can be booked through GetYourGuide or TCL Theater’s official website. It is recommended to plan in advance.
Tips:
Morning is the golden time for visiting, and it is easier to take clear photos when there are fewer people.
There are often performers in character costumes in front of the theater, and you can give tips for taking photos.
3. Universal Studios Exploration: The Real Interpretation of DreamWorks (Universal Studios Hollywood)
Time recommendation: 11:00–15:00
It takes 20 minutes to drive to Universal Studios Hollywood. This is not only a theme park, but also one of the largest film studios in operation in the United States. For movie fans, this is the most unmissable stop.
Must-see items:
Studio Tour: A 40-minute tour led by a guide, you can go deep into the filming site, the real-life set, and experience the racing experience of “Fast and Furious” and the 3D simulation of “King Kong”.
The Magical World of Harry Potter: Walk into Hogwarts, taste butter beer, and fly across the magical world on the Forbidden Journey.
Transformers, Jurassic World, The Simpsons and many other movie-themed roller coasters and immersive experiences.
Booking suggestions:
During peak periods (such as summer vacation and weekends), be sure to purchase Express Passes in advance through the Universal Studios official ticketing platform or Klook, GetYourGuide to avoid long queues.
There are abundant food options inside the park, but the prices are relatively high. You can bring your own snacks or eat in the food area at the entrance in advance.
4. The Hollywood Museum: Treasured Movie Memories
Time recommendation: 15:30–16:30
After leaving the bustling Universal Studios, you can return to the city and quietly appreciate the precious collections of the evolution of film culture at the Hollywood Museum near the Avenue of Stars. This museum hidden in the historic Max Factor building is a must-see for Los Angeles movie lovers. The museum houses thousands of exhibits related to film history, witnessing Hollywood’s century-long journey of light and shadow.
Recommended gameplay:
Appreciate classic movie costumes and props, such as the rose dress in “Titanic” and the uniform of “Batman”, which makes people feel like they are stepping into the world of the screen.
Don’t miss the “Dungeon of Doom” in the basement, which exhibits props and sets from many horror movies, which is full of immersion.
Tips:
It is recommended to buy tickets through Tiqets or Viator to save queuing time.
Eating and drinking are not allowed in the museum. You can have a light meal on the nearby Hollywood Boulevard before visiting.
Tourists who like to take pictures should note that flash is prohibited in some exhibition areas.
5. Hollywood sign summit: Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park
Time recommendation: 17:00–18:30
Griffith Observatory, the place where people danced under the night sky in the movie “La La Land”, is not only a holy place for astronomy, but also one of the most classic locations for enjoying the panoramic view of the Hollywood sign. If you want to get closer to the sign itself, it is recommended to go to Lake Hollywood Park.
Choice suggestion:
Griffith Observatory is suitable for tourists who want to enjoy the night view of the city and take pictures. It is recommended to drive or take a taxi.
Lake Hollywood Park is suitable for walking or cycling to the top. You can have a picnic and take pictures on the grass near the sign.
Tips:
The most layered shooting of the Hollywood sign at sunset is recommended. It is recommended to arrive half an hour in advance to occupy the viewing point.
The above locations are open for free, and parking may be charged.
6. Hollywood Dinner Experience: Musso & Frank Grill
Time Recommendation: 19:00–20:30
After a full day of movie pilgrimage, why not enjoy a retro and hearty dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, the most legendary old restaurant in Hollywood. Since its opening in 1919, it has hosted countless Hollywood legends such as Charlie Chaplin, Marlon Brando and director Quentin Tarantino, and is a place for filmmakers and fans to share memories.
Recommended dishes:
The classic pot pie steak is crispy and rich, which is the perfect comfort for winter nights; the pepper steak is one of the favorite main dishes of old-school filmmakers; paired with a precisely prepared classic martini, it feels like being in Hollywood in the 1930s.
How to book:
This place is popular all year round. It is recommended to make reservations in advance through OpenTable or Resy platforms, especially during prime time on weekends to ensure a seat.
7. Starlight at night: Hollywood Bowl Overlook or Runyon Canyon
Time recommendation: 20:30–21:30
After dinner, if you still don’t want to leave this city of light and shadow, why not go to Hollywood Bowl Overlook? This quiet highland overlooks Los Angeles in the bright night, which is an ideal place for couples to date or photography enthusiasts to take pictures.
If you prefer to exercise, Runyon Canyon is another choice. Walking along the winding mountain road, you can not only look at the city lights, but also have the opportunity to meet stars who are doing morning exercises or night runs, which is the real side of Los Angeles’ daily life. Both places are free of charge. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and check the sunset time in advance to capture the most charming night moments in Los Angeles.
Although the one-day Hollywood trip is hurried, every step is closely connected with the world of movies. The moment you step onto the Walk of Fame, you seem to have walked into a film history that spans time and space, and the names of the shining stars under your feet tell countless legendary stories. This route not only takes you to see the iconic attractions of Hollywood, but also allows you to experience the charm of light and shadow behind the movies.
This is not just a simple tourist route, but a journey of emotions and memories. From the busy filming site of DreamWorks to the bustling streets and alleys in reality, every detail is full of the atmosphere of movies. You will feel the passion and dreams awakened by the movie, as if you have become a part of this screen feast.
Here, movies are not just stories on the screen, but living culture and history. Hollywood allows countless movie fans to find a sense of belonging, and also allows every tourist to continue to move forward with respect for their dreams.
