Things to do

Things to do in Hollywood

Find the best tours, attractions, restaurants, bars and things to do in Hollywood, both on and off the Walk of Fame


By Michael Juliano

Posted: Monday August 20 2018


Photograph: Neil Kremer
Pagoda Bar at Yamashiro Hollywood

Let’s start with the bad news: Hollywood can be pretty disappointing. Yes, the list of things to do in Hollywood boasts big-name attractions like the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, Paramount Studios and the iconic Hollywood Sign. But Tinseltown is also filled with a lot less glitz and a lot more grime than out-of-town visitors may expect.

But here’s the good news: Hollywood is having a moment right now. High-end celebrity hangouts and hotel bars feel right at home with tucked-away cocktail bars and bespoke coffee shops—and there seem to be more and more of the latter two by the day.

Hollywood is centrally located within Los Angeles, served by the 101 freeway and multiple Metro Red Line stops. The sizable area greets the scenic Hollywood Hills to the north, as well as Universal Studios just on the other side of the hill; stylish West Hollywood and the eclectic Fairfax District to the west; lively Koreatown and adorable Larchmont Village to the south; and a slew of neighborhoods to the east, including East Hollywood, Thai Town and Los Feliz.

So take in the sights on Hollywood Boulevard, but also hit up the trendy water holes on Cahuenga Boulevard, see underground comedy in Franklin Village, hike inside the Hollywood Bowl and make plans for the rest of these standout things to do in Hollywood.

Essential things to do in Hollywood

5 Hollywood tours to take

Explore the Walk of Fame while learning a bit of Tinseltown history with these Hollywood tours.

22 must-see Hollywood attractions

Tour the iconic movie town’s must-visit attractions along with a few stops away from the crowds.

The best restaurants in Hollywood

Peruse our picks of Hollywood restaurants for the top places to drink and dine in Tinseltown.

The best bars in Hollywood

Forget clichéd, tourist spots and velvet-rope attitude; instead, check out our top bar picks in Hollywood.

The best hotels in Hollywood

Here are the best hotels in Hollywood for every traveler’s budget.

Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Hollywood

There are many ways to explore Hollywood, but there’s only one perfect way to spend a day in the famous neighborhood.

Upcoming events in Hollywood

Laluzapalooza

Scope out 140 pieces from 70 artists at this annual juried group exhibition housed inside of the Soap Plant/Wacko complex. You can pick up works from...

Hype Man

A diverse hip-hop trio must confront questions of race, gender, privilege and artistic expression in Idris Goodwin’s breakbeat play. Deena Selenow...

Rooftop Cinema Club

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Hollywood and Downtown L.A. Known for excellent...

“People”

Journey into the uncanny valley to see more than 50 contemporary, figurative sculptures constructed via a variety of means, like body casts and found objects.