Which Hollywood City Tour is Best?

Updated: 11 marzo 2024
 By Mel

This post covers a variety of popular walking tours of Hollywood, including excursions to the Hollywood Hills, haunted theaters, club crawls, and GPS-led audio tours.

Not all tours cover the same area or topics and we explain.


FREE TOURS BY FOOT | Hollywood Walking Tour

In the early 1900s, a group of independent movie producers wishing to escape the eastern movie establishment made their way west to California.

These producers called themselves the United Artists, and by 1910 they found themselves in the tiny village of Hollywood.

A Hollywood Boulevard street sign. Image source: Pixabay user Nimue Slot.
A Hollywood Boulevard street sign. Image source: Pixabay user Nimue Slot.

Join us on our name your own price Hollywood tour as we uncover the local lore of the vibrant community of Hollywood. 

In addition to our public walking tour of Hollywood, we also offer a GPS-led audio option, which you could take any time that you wish.

For even more things to do in the area, make sure to read the following articles:


Starline Hollywood Walking Tour

In addition to their hop-on hop-off bus tours, this historic company also offers a walking tour which covers some of the most notable sites in Hollywood.

Visitors can expect to see and learn about several filming locations, the Walk of Fame, noteworthy theaters, and more. You'll also receive a complimentary set of earbuds to help you hear your guide better.

A view of the Hollywood sign with the Hollywood United Methodist Church. Image source: Pixabay user DEZALB.
A view of the Hollywood sign with the Hollywood United Methodist Church. Image source: Pixabay user DEZALB.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Walking Tour

This is just one of the most noteworthy names you can expect to see on the Walk of Fame. Image source: Pixabay user Tünde.
This is just one of the most noteworthy names you can expect to see on the Walk of Fame. Image source: Pixabay user Tünde.

If you're especially interested in seeing the Walk of Fame, this company offers an outing that covers the historic landmark in great detail.

In addition to seeing some of the most notable names on this Hollywood stars tour, you'll also hear some of the most interesting tales from the past century of film production.

Guests can also expect to see sites such as the Hollywood Roosevelt, the Magic Castle, and the El Capitan theater while hearing tales of legendary filmmakers and actors such as Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe.


The Real Los Angeles Tours

The Real Los Angeles Tours is a sightseeing tour company and never rely on buses or vehicles to lead their tours, as they feel the best way to learn about a city is to experience it by foot, which we agree with! 

On their Heart of Hollywood Tour, you will go back in time to when the name first appeared on maps in the late nineteenth century.

Then, they’ll tell you how and why the movie industry first moved here in the early twentieth century (at which time the town itself didn’t even have a bar or movie-theater of its own).

A view of the Hollywood sign from below. Image source: Pixabay user Christian Drei Kubik.
A view of the Hollywood sign from below. Image source: Pixabay user Christian Drei Kubik.

They’ll also show you the many iconic buildings on the famous Walk of Fame, including the Capitol Records Building, the oldest house in Hollywood (where Charlie Chaplin’s kids went to school), the Egyptian Theater, the Dolby Theater and the TCL Chinese Theater, where your Hollywood tour finishes – in the heart of Hollywood.


Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour

This tour starts right in front of Grauman's Egyptian Theatre and covers a lot of ground.

See notable stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as you discover some of the most historic movie palaces in the area.

In addition to seeing beautiful and luxurious theatres, you'll also discover some of the most significant landmarks in Tinseltown.

At only 75 minutes in length, this trek should be fairly easy for almost any audience to complete.

  • Ticket Prices: $27 for Adults | $15 for Children
  • Availability: Daily @ 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM & 4 PM
  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Live guides use an audio system to help you hear the tour.
  • Click here for more information.

With an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, it's safe to say that ratings for this service are very positive (read reviews here).


HOLLYWOOD HILLS HIKING TOURS

Hike to Hollywood Sign Los Angeles

The Hollywood Sign draws a lot of tourists each year, but it's not always easy to see from Hollywood Boulevard.

If you want a good look at the landmark, it'll be important to make your way up the Hollywood hills.

Although most people prefer to drive closer to the sign, there are actually a few Hollywood hiking tours that will take you to one of the best viewing locations.

Each hike will take around 2-3 hours, so prepare to get a good workout.


Bikes and Hikes LA

With the help of an expert hiking guide, you'll learn a lot about the history of Los Angeles while walking through the hills to find one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign.

Your tour guide will also provide interactive videos revealing the significance of specific locations.

Once you reach the highest point in the Hollywood Hills, you'll also have the opportunity to look down and see the magnificent skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles off in the distance. 

Customers have enjoyed their experience enough to give this company 4.9 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).

A majority of guests were impressed with the incredible views from the Hollywood Hills, indicating that this trip was the highlight of their vacation in Los Angeles. 


LA Tour 1

In addition to other services in the area, LA Tour 1 also provides a hike through the Hollywood Hills.

During this trek, you'll ascend the equivalent of 12 flights of stairs, taking frequent breaks to enjoy the incredible views.

Your final destination will be Griffith Observatory, one of the best locations to see the Hollywood Sign. After the trip, you can either stay and enter the Observatory or walk back down with your tour guide.

Griffith Observatory is more than just a great spot to view the Hollywood sign, it's also the filming location for many noteworthy movies including Rebel Without a Cause. Image Source: Pixabay user David Mark.
Griffith Observatory is more than just a great spot to view the Hollywood sign, it's also the filming location for many noteworthy movies including Rebel Without a Cause. Image Source: Pixabay user David Mark.
  • Ticket Prices: $39 for Adults | $35 for Children
  • Availability: Daily @ 9:30 AM
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Griffith Observatory Entry Included
  • Click here for more information.

This outing has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).

The tour guides were described as both informative and friendly, providing a lot of interesting details along the way.

Some visitors warn that the inclines can be quite steep, indicating that this hike isn't necessarily going to be easy for everyone.


Hollywood Tourz

If you're looking for a more extensive tour through Hollywood, this may be your best bet.

In addition to providing a traditional trek down Hollywood Boulevard, this service also includes a hike to the Griffith Observatory for incredible photo opportunities.

Discover the history behind Tinseltown with the help of a professional tour guide and finish your journey at one of the best viewing locations for the Hollywood Sign.

The James Dean Memorial at Griffith Observatory is actually the site of an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign. Image source: Pixabay user StockSnap.
The James Dean Memorial at Griffith Observatory is actually the site of an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign. Image source: Pixabay user StockSnap.
  • Ticket Prices: $25 for Adults | $15 for Children
  • Availability: Daily @ 9 AM & 4 PM
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Includes both walking and hiking tour
  • Click here for more information.

Although there aren't many reviews for this specific trip, it's worth noting that Hollywood Tourz has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Viator (read the reviews). 


HAUNTED HOLLYWOOD WALKING TOURS

You might not immediately think about Hollywood as a location that could be haunted, but there have indeed been many reports of strange happenings in and around the area.

If you're interested in learning about some of the darker and even supernatural tales from the 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' consider one of the following tours.


ExperienceFirst California | Hollywood Haunted Walking Tour

There have been reports of supernatural activity in Hollywood for decades, and many of the locations that are supposedly haunted are either restaurants, hotels, or entertainment venues such as movie theaters.

This company offers a tour covering creepy true crime stories and some of the more noteworthy sites where hauntings have been reported.

Guests can expect to visit landmarks such as the Pantages Theatre, the Roosevelt Hotel, and many others as they learn about subjects as varies as the Manson murders and Houdini's attempt to rise from the grave.


American Ghost Walks | Downtown Hollywood Ghost Tour

Much like their competitors, this company also offers a haunted Hollywood tour which covers a lot of the same ground, including tales of Houdini, reported hauntings at the Roosevelt Hotel, and more.

In addition to those sites, you can also expect to see and hear about disturbing legends from landmarks such as the TCL Chinese Theater, Musso & Frank Grill, the Stella Adler Theater, the Vogue Theater and more.


Questo | Haunted Hollywood Exploration Game

If you can't manage to make it out for a guided tour, this is an excellent alternative that you can enjoy on any smartphone.

All you have to do is download the app onto your phone and use it to find some of the most eerie locations in Hollywood, including a variety of historical information about the area.

While enjoying this exploration game, you can expect to visit sites such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the El Capitan Theatre.


HOLLYWOOD CLUB CRAWL

In addition to all the other interesting Hollywood city tours that are currently available, there is also a walking tour that covers some of the best nightclubs in Los Angeles.

Guests can expect free entry at all venues and drink specials allowing them to save some money while partying in the entertainment capital of the world.

Who knows? You might even see a few celebrities!


Self Guided Walking Tour of Hollywood

This self-guided tour will take you through some the legendary spots of Hollywood and past some of the new and exciting revitalized buildings along Hollywood Boulevard.

In addition to the GPS-led audio guide, we also have a written tour that you can download to your phone or simply read from this page.


Here is how it works:

  1. Purchase an audio tour.
  2. Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf and embeddable Google Map
  3. Enjoy the tour(s).

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing.


Available Tours:

  • Hollywood ($2.99)

Listen to a sample of our Hollywood tour (Intro)


Directions to Hollywood

How to get there: take the Metro red line to the Hollywood/Vine exit.

If using GPS, plug in 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 to get to the starting point.


The Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd)

Pantages Theatre

Across the street from the Hollywood/Vine Metro stop, you’ll find the last movie palace built in Hollywood; the Pantages Theater, designed by architect Marcus Priteca and completed in 1930.

Alexander Pantages originally built the theater to host Vaudeville performances.

Eventually, performances of this type became too expensive as the depression wore on and it was converted to an all movie venue.

Howard Hughes purchased the building in 1941, and under his ownership, it began hosting the Academy Awards from 1950-1960.

The first-ever telecast of the Academy Awards took place here in 1953.

In 1977, the Pantages converted exclusively to live stage productions.

In 2000, it underwent a massive rehabilitation uncovering all of its original Art Deco features.

The Pantages is now one of the most popular spots in LA to see Broadway-style productions. Great hits such as The Lion King, Wicked and The Book of Mormon have all staged productions here.


Capitol Records Los Angeles

The Capitol Records Building (1750 Vine St)

The Capitol Records building was the world’s first circular office building when Welton Becket’s design was completed in 1956.

Inside the building, unforgettable acts such as The Beach Boys, Nat “King” Cole, Sir Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra have recorded some of the world’s greatest musical gems.

Thirty feet below the building is an underground concrete bunker designed by guitarist Les Paul.

In the quiet of this chamber, musicians can record with a reverb that lasts up to five seconds, an effect that was most famously heard on the Beach Boy’s ‘Good Vibrations.'

If you pass the building at night, you’ll see a red flashing light on top of the needle.

Most assume it’s a signal for a passing plane, but it was created to blink the word “Hollywood” in Morse code.

In 1956, Leila Morse, daughter of Samuel Morse, was invited to flip the switch for the very first time.

In November 2016, the signal was changed momentarily to blink “Capitol 75” in honor of Capitol Records 75 year anniversary.

On the south side of the Capitol Records building, you will find an impressive mural titled Hollywood Jazz: 1945-1972.

Painted in 1990 by Richard Wyatt, the mural depicts Jazz greats Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Charlie Parker, Tito Puente, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Shelly Manne, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.

The mural was originally funded by the Los Angeles Jazz Society, but its restoration was made possible by Capitol records in 2011.


The Hollywood Walk of Fame

It’s roughly a 10-minute walk till your next stop so take time to enjoy and appreciate the Hollywood Walk of Fame underneath your feet.

The Walk of Fame extends 1.3 miles east to west on Hollywood Blvd, with some stars on Gower Street, Marshfield Way, and Vine Street.

The idea for the walk of fame originated inside the original Hollywood Hotel, where gold stars with the names of celebrities used to grace the ceiling.

When the hotel was torn down, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to create a permanent installation along Hollywood Blvd by continuously awarding stars to celebrities of great achievement.

Today, celebrities are chosen through a nominating process that is usually initiated by a fan club, studio or record company. Roughly 200 people are nominated every year and only 10% of those nominated ever receive a star.

The 2017 honorees include Rita Wilson, Goldie Hawn, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Eva Longoria, Sarah Silverman, John Legend and Selena Quintanilla.

You will find the stars for all four Beatles and Neil Diamond outside the Capitol Record Building.


Dolores Del Rio Mural (Hollywood & Hudson Street)

Just off Hollywood Blvd is a Mural celebrating the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most legendary ladies, Dolores Del Rio.

She was one of the first Latina stars in Hollywood, making her break into the silent films in the 1920s and then the talkies of the 1930s.

She starred in over 30 movies in the United States, after which she returned to her native Mexico, where she launched a career in Mexican cinema.

She has appeared in films with the likes of Fred Astaire and Elvis Presley.

George Bernard Shaw once said of her: "The two most beautiful things in the world are the Taj Mahal and Dolores del Río."

This mural was painted by Alfredo de Batuc in 1990 and can be found on the east side of Hudson Street near Hollywood Blvd.


Janes House (6541 Hollywood Blvd)

The oldest home on Hollywood Blvd is the Janes House, built-in 1902 as part of a parcel of fine Victorian homes.

Herman and Mary Jane of Aurora, IL bought the home for $10,000 in 1903 and lived there with their four children.

In 1911, the women of the household opened a kindergarten on site entitled Misses Janes School of Hollywood; later, the school would expand to K-8 services.

The school folded up in 1926, and for a time the front yard took on many uses – including a gas pump, parking lot, and tourist business.

The last of the Janes children died in 1982, and despite it being declared a landmark, the land was sold to developers in 1984.

They moved the house to the back lot and built a 14,000-sq. ft. mini-mall in front.

It has served many purposes through the years and today it is the home of the ’20s themed speakeasy, “No Vacancy at Hotel Juniper.”

The house and the Janes sisters were said to be an inspiration for the famous novel Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? by Henry Farrell.

The book was later adapted into a movie with Bette Davis playing a character named Jane Hudson. This may be a nod to the fact that the Janes House is adjacent to Hudson Street.


Musso and Frank’s Grill (6667 Hollywood Blvd)

Frank Musso’s grill is the oldest in Hollywood and the last of the famed celebrity dining establishments of old Hollywood.

The restaurant opened its doors in 1919 with some of their earliest customers arriving on horseback.

Legend has it that Charlie Chaplin and John Barrymore challenged one another to a horse race down Hollywood Boulevard right in front of the restaurant.

Not only is the restaurant ancient, but so are the menu options.

Charlie Chaplin loved to sit in the front window eating his grilled lamb kidney and Irish stew, Rudolph Valentino preferred a plate of spaghetti, and Ginger Rogers ordered steak followed by a rum cake for dessert.

The management has thought to modernize the menu, but whenever the customers are asked the response is “don’t change anything.”

In addition to their old-time menu, you’ll also get old-time service from Bartenders and waiters who have worked at Frank Musso’s for up to 50 years.

Celebrities are still regulars here and the waitstaff is superb at keeping the paparazzi away.


The Egyptian Theater/American Cinematheque (6712 Hollywood Blvd)

The Egyptian theater originally boasted beautiful murals of hieroglyphics, a sunburst ceiling, and a forecourt with middle eastern shops lined with guards in Egyptian costumes.

King Tut’s tomb had just been discovered and showman Sid Grauman thought to capitalize on its popularity by building the elaborate movie palace in 1922.

That same year, the first movie premiere in Hollywood’s history took place here with the showing of Robin Hood starring Douglass Fairbanks.

The theater would then serve as the perfect backdrop for the 1923 premiere of Cecil B. De Mille’s The Ten Commandments.

By the 1980s, the theater was in terrible shape and fell victim to remodeling.

Its salvation came about when a local non-profit organization called American Cinematheque purchased the theater in 1998.

There is the main theater inside which holds up to 650 people along with a smaller theater which was financed by Steven Spielberg.

In addition to its regular classic film showings, there are various film festivals that often headline celebrities.

The festivals are held on various topics that range from the showing of movies with a specific director or actor to themes such as the developing world or LGBT productions.

Tours of the theater are also available, and they include the showing of a 55-minute documentary called Forever Hollywood.

To find out more about the American Cinematique’s events, check out their calendar.


Hollywood Wax Museum (6767 Hollywood Blvd)

The Hollywood Wax Museum was the first in Hollywood, founded by Indian-Canadian lumber worker Spoony Singh.

Mr. Singh was a man full of ideas and always wanted to tap into the next big thing.

While working in Canada, the idea struck him that everyone travels to Los Angeles to see all the stars, but they can never find them.

Why not create wax figures of them and allow people to see them all under one roof?

Mr. Singh opened his museum in 1965 with a half-mile long line of people excited to see his work.

To attract the attention of the average passerby, he had his employees dress as characters such as London bobbies or gorillas riding on skateboards.

Additionally, visitors sometimes found that the most exciting experience was inside the museum, as live actors would stand among the wax figures and start to move/speak to intentionally spook the guests.

Inside the museum, you'll find a plethora of wax figures including John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The museum has transitioned somewhat from highlighting individual stars to depicting entire movie scenes.

Later, Mr. Singh opened the Hollywood Guinness Museum, another mainstay attraction on Hollywood Blvd.


The Hollywood Museum/Former Max Factor Headquarters (660 N Highland Ave)

Among the various museums lined up along Hollywood Boulevard, this is a must-see.

The Hollywood Museum has the largest collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the entire world.

You will find movie scripts, props, posters, costumes, photographs and more. You will also get a closer look at the history of Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Inside you’ll see Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar dress, items from Michael Jackson, I Love Lucy, Harry Potter, and Miley Cyrus just to name a few.

As the museum is in the historic Max Factor Building, you can also visit the makeup rooms where Judy Garland and Bettie Davis got their look and the location where Marilyn Monroe became blond.


The Dolby Theater (6801 Hollywood Blvd)

Designed by David Rockwell, the Dolby Theater has been the home of the Academy Awards since 2002.

This state of the art theater is perfect for televised theatrical performances and is also the home of America’s Got Talent.

The stage is one of the largest in the United States at 113 feet wide and 60 feet deep. It can showcase a large variety of acts and was once the home of Cirque du Soleil.

The entrance leads to a grand stairway and is flanked by Art Deco columns with the names of past recipients of the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The theater also showcases the great musical talent and past performances include Adele, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Elvis Costello and much more.


TCL Chinese Theater/Grauman’s (6925 Hollywood Boulevard)

Built by Sid Grauman, the Chinese Theater has undergone a few name changes since it was constructed. Grauman was also responsible for creating the Egyptian Theater down the street.

The theater opened in 1927 with the premiere of Cecil B. De Mille’s The King of Kings, the grandest opening Hollywood has ever seen.

Since then, it has hosted more premiers than any other theater in Hollywood history and was the site of the 1977 premiere of Star Wars.

The exterior is meant to resemble a Chinese pagoda with a Chinese dragon across the façade and two guard lions at the entrance.

The interior is equally impressive, and for those who don’t have time to catch a movie, the theater offers daily tours.

The Chinese Theater is also famous for the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete out front.

Handprints of Hollywood stars include those of Mary Pickford, Shirley Temple, John Wayne, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg.

Additionally, you'll also find an imprint of the cigar of Groucho Marx and the wands used by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in Harry Potter.


El Capitan Theater (6838 Hollywood Blvd)

Across from Grauman’s Chinese theater sits another gem of Hollywood’s glory days, the El Capitan Theater.

In 1926, the El Capitan fulfilled Hollywood’s need for its first spoken drama theater with a capacity of 1550 seats.

It brought some of the top names of the day to grace the stage including Clark Gable, Buster Keaton, Mary Pickford, Joan Fontaine, Henry Fonda and Will Rogers.

The El Capitan was designed in the Spanish Colonial Style by Architectural firm Morgan Walls, with a contrasting East-Indian interior which was designed by Albert Lansburgh.

In 1941, the El Capitan converted to a movie theater. That same year, the theater was rented by Orson Wells to premiere his first feature film, Citizen Kane.

It was also the location of the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s Reap the Wild Wind.

In the following decades, the El Capitan changed ownership (and its name along with it) many times, and in the process suffered a series of unfortunate changes to its decor.

Disney (in Partnership with Pacific Theaters) bought the venue in 1989 and conducted a full restoration back to its 1920’s grandeur.

Today the theater often showcases premiers of Disney Films as well as exclusive first runs, stage shows, and other special events.

Movie viewings are usually preceded by exhibits and entertainment which may include a performance of old Disney tunes on a grand 1926 Wurlitzer organ.

Visit the El Capitan website for showtimes.


The Roosevelt Hotel (7000 Hollywood Blvd)

Roosevelt Hotel Los Angeles

Built in 1926, the Roosevelt Hotel was named after President Theodore Roosevelt and known for its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Interior.

Famous rooms in the hotel include the Gable-Lombard penthouse where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard used to stay and the Marilyn Monroe suite where the actress lived for the first two years of her acting career.

The first Academy Awards ceremony ever held took place here on May 16, 1929. The ceremony, hosted by Douglas Fairbanks, was not televised and had only 270 persons in attendance.

Winners were already announced three months prior and the award would not be called the “Oscar” for another four years.

The pool at the Roosevelt was featured in a 1955 episode of I Love Lucy when the Ricardos and Mertzes came to Hollywood.

Inside the hotel’s nightclub called the Cinegrill, a scene from The Fabulous Baker Boys was filmed featuring Jeff Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Other films shot on this location include Beverly Hills Cop II, Catch Me If You Can and The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.


The Magic Castle (7001 Franklin Avenue)

This beautiful 1909 Châteauesque building was once the residence of two Hollywood notables: Rollin and Katherine Lane.

Rollin was a banker and real estate investor and Katherine an author, teacher, and philanthropist.

Both played vital roles in the development of Los Angeles by promoting agriculture in the region and launching vital programs for the betterment of its citizens.

The couple named their home “Holly Chateau” and it became a meeting point for the local elite and philanthropic events.

After the couple passed away in the 1940s, the building fell into disrepair and took on multiple uses.

In the 1950s, Milt Larsen – an NBC writer for the show Truth or Consequences – had a great view of the Lane mansion from his office window.

Milt’s father, Bill, was an accomplished magician and he taught these skills to his family.

Milt’s father even founded the Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences and Milt dreamed of turning the Lane Mansion into its headquarters.

Milt’s dream came true in 1961 when he, his brother and a group of volunteers began restoring the mansion to its Victorian grandeur.

The Magic Castle opened its doors in 1963 and has been entertaining audiences ever since.  

Today, visitors to the Magic Castle are delighted to enter the building, which is shrouded in mystique as only members or their guests can enter.

Visitors wishing to get in on short notice have the option of booking a hotel room for the night which is one way to be granted entry.

Once you enter the Magic Castle’s doors and make it through the secret, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful musician named Irma the ghost. Irma will delight you by playing any song you request.

There are a variety of bars, a dining area, magicians doing table tricks, and a major headlining show where audience members are volunteered to become part of the magic.

Guests also have the option to spend time in the lower level lounge where wonderful artifacts from the history of magic can be found, including some of Houdini’s original instruments.

The Magic Castle was designated as a world heritage site in 1989.


The Four Ladies of Hollywood (7083 Hollywood Blvd)

This stainless-steel monument by artist Catherine Hardwick depicts four leading ladies who broke barriers and represented diversity in the movie industry.

First is Mae West, who not only made her mark as an actress, writer, and comedian but even went to jail for her defiance of censorship. She is known as one of the top 15 movie actresses of all time.

Next to her is Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American movie actress who made her break in the silent movie era.

Wong was often cast in stereotypical supporting roles which she reluctantly played.

As a result, Wong sought work in Europe and was cast in the notable feature movie Picadilly in 1929.

Breakthrough Mexican actress Dolores Del Rio is also featured on the monument, as is Dorothy Dandridge, the first African American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award.

The monument is topped with a weather vane statue of Marilyn Monroe.


Charlie Chaplin Studios/ Jim Henson Company (1416 N La Brea Ave)

From the Four Ladies of Hollywood monument, it’s an 8-minute walk to your next stop: the Jim Henson Company Studios.

The studio was originally built by Charlie Chaplin in 1917 in the English Village style, blending in well with the early Hollywood rural scenery.

The grounds were a little world unto itself, complete with a swimming pool, tennis courts and even a home where Charlie Chaplin was meant to live.

It was here that Chaplin produced films such as The Kid, The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times and The Great Dictator. Such notables as Winston Churchill and Hellen Keller were also filmed here.

When Chaplin left the US in 1952, the studio was sold to Webb and Knapp and became the 1955 filming location for the television series Adventures of Superman.  

From 1966 it 1999 it became the headquarters for A&M Records and was the location for the filming of Soul Train from 1981 to 1985.

The list of those who have recorded at the studios includes The Carpenters, The Moody Blues, The Offspring, Oingo Boingo, The Police, Soundgarden, Styx, Van Morrison, and Van Halen.

The studio was also the location for the recording of the famous 1985 single “We Are the World.”

In 2000, the studio was bought by the Jim Henson Company, who thought the quirky layout from the silent movie era would be a perfect location for its puppet empire.

After it was purchased, the studio unveiled a 12-foot statue of Kermit the Frog dressed as Charlie Chaplin’s The Tramp. Today, the studio a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

Unfortunately, the studio does not offer tours, but the grounds are rented out to the public on weekends for special events.


Hollywood High School Mural (521 N Highland Ave)

It’s about a ten-minute walk to your next stop, where you’ll find a mural painted on the side of the Hollywood High School auditorium which is well worth seeing.

The Mural is titled “Portrait of Hollywood” and it depicts a diversity of popular entertainers.

Shown are Dorothy Dandridge, Dolores del Río, Brandy Norwood, Selena, Lana Turner, Laurence Fishburne, Cantinflas, Carol Burnett, Cher, Ricky Nelson, Bruce Lee, Rudolph Valentino, and Judy Garland.

All of these stars attended Hollywood High School with the exception of Cantinflas, Bruce Lee, Selena, and Rudy Valentino.

The mural was completed in 2002 by artist Eloy Torrez and in 2007 he added a thirty-foot mural of another Hollywood High Alumni: comedian John Ritter.


The Crossroads of the World (6671 Sunset Blvd)

Crossroads of the World Statue

This set of buildings on Sunset Boulevard has been capturing the imagination of visitors for decades and was even replicated at Disney's MGM Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida.

The Crossroads of the World was built in 1936 by Architect Robert V. Derrah, and it would be the first outdoor shopping mall in Los Angeles.

What made the design so unique is how various architectural styles were used for each individual building, giving locals a glimpse of various locations around the world.

Styles include California Mediterranean, Cape Cod, French, Italian, Moorish and Spanish.

The original shopping center was said to be glamorous, with an Oriental Art shop, a French parfumerie, a Spanish Cigar maker and a high fashion woman’s dress shop.  

Crossroads of the World was eventually phased out and turned into office space which has served the entertainment industry for decades.

It has been the home base for casting agencies, scriptwriters, costume designers, producers, publicists and much more.

Films such as L.A. Confidential, Dragnet, and Remington Steele have all been shot on location here.

In addition, musicians such as Jackson Brown, Crosby Stills and Nash, and the band America have enjoyed the quiet peace of The Crossroads.

Even now, visitors are welcome to walk through the Crossroads of the World to enjoy the lovely architecture and quiet space.


The Hollywood Athletic Club (6525 Sunset Blvd)

The Hollywood Athletic Club opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1924, and it would become the premier meeting place for the stars of early Hollywood.

In addition to the grand parties thrown there, the H.A.C. served as a hotel, a gymnasium, restaurant, sauna, library and cigar lounge alongside an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Its founding members were Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, and Cecil B. DeMille.

Other original members included John Wayne, Mary Pickford, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Walt Disney, Mae West, John Barrymore, and Groucho Marx.

A number of top-notch events have been hosted here over the years, including the first Emmy Awards in 1949.  

As time went on, the H.A.C. went into decline and was bought by the University of Judaism. In the seventies, the building was put back on the market and was purchased by concert promoter Gary Berwin.

The Berwin Entertainment Complex brought in a long list of celebrities who partied there, including members of the Jackson Family, Steven Spielberg, Muhammad Ali, Dudley Moore, Michael J. Fox, Madonna, Melanie Griffith, George Lucas, Jane Fonda, Stevie Wonder, Alice Cooper, Billy Crystal, and many others.

In 1986, the club was acquired by the Nourmand family and now serves as an event venue and night club called Boulevard 3.


Amoeba Music (6400 Sunset Blvd)

Amoeba Music opened its first location in Berkeley, CA in 1990.

This is especially interesting to note because independent records stores were being eaten up by corporate chain stores at the time.

Amoeba records had a mission to bring customers more music outside of what the giant retailers wanted them to hear.

Eventually, a store was added in San Francisco, and in 2001 Amoeba opened its doors in Los Angeles anticipating a stock of 250,000 titles, which makes it one of the largest independent music stores in the world.  

Today, Amoeba Music is a Hollywood landmark and meeting place for creative minds.

The store stocks music from both the top 40 and the best underground rock, hip-hop, electronica, jazz, world, and experimental music.

Additionally, Amoeba is also a popular music venue for live performance.

In June 2007, Amoeba Music hosted an unannounced live performance by Paul McCartney at their Hollywood location.

The performance was recorded and released as an EP titled Amoeba’s Secret.

If you look around inside, you might even spot a few celebrities.

As a matter of fact, the documentary Lemmy shows the late rock musician Lemmy Kilmister (of the band Motörhead) visiting this store.


Arc Light Hollywood/ Cinerama (6360 Sunset Blvd)

Included in Pacific Theater’s Arc Light Theater complex is the prominent Cinerama dome.

The structure was completed in 1963 by Welton Becket & Associates and it is based on Buckminster Fuller’s patented geodesic dome design.

This architectural style made it easier to build for half the cost of standard theaters and in half the time.  

In the 1960s, Cinerama Inc. had its sights on building 600 of the same geodesic dome theaters within two years, although only a few were ever completed.

Since its construction, Cinerama has been a frequent location for movie premiers with the first being It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World in November of 1963.

In Ron Howard’s 2008 film Frost/Nixon, a scene was shot on location outside the Cinerama dome, recreating the 1976 premiere of The Slipper and the Rose.

Today, the Cinerama dome is an icon of modern architecture and a Los Angeles Historic/Cultural monument.


Hollywood Palladium (6215 Sunset Blvd)

When the Palladium opened in 1940, it became a top destination for WWII generation youth who danced the jitterbug to the tunes of top big bands.

The working folks lined up for the $1 cover charge, and stars such as Rita Hayworth and Tyrone Power were drawn to its dance floors.

The first performance featured Tommy Dorsey’s orchestra with Frank Sinatra on vocals.

The Palladium didn't just host dance events, it was also the location of several notable political rallies including a political luncheon hosted by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and a speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.  

In the 70s and 80s, The Palladium brought in popular rock acts which could still be enjoyed under the roof of a Moderne style building. I

n 1980, it was the filming location for the final scene of The Blues Brothers. Artists such as Richard Pryor, Keith Richards, Bad Religion and Megadeth have all recorded live performances here.

Even to this day, The Palladium still serves as an active music venue. It is also currently the largest and oldest dance venue in the city.


RELATED POSTS:

About The Author

Mel

Mel loves to be a tourist in her own city. With a background in performing arts, tourism, and photography, giving tours and being a story-teller comes naturally to her. She loves traveling, food, and theatre. Mel splits her time between Chicago and Los Angeles (#theatrelife) and leads tours and manages both cities!
Updated: marzo 11th, 2024
Back to Top
cross