With a revitalized downtown to the east and world-famous beaches to the west, Hollywood is an urban playground that appeals to people of all ages and interests. For many, visiting Hollywood is about eating in trendy restaurants, finding glamorous parties and cruising famous streets, but it is also an opportunity to visit famous music venues, movie theaters and shopping areas. Surprising to some, the city even has amazing places to hike.
Hiking
- Just a few blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon is a 160-acre park boasting what many consider the best public views of Los Angeles. Looping trails take hikers up into the hills, which have scenic outlook points, in a dog-friendly environment. Locals (and often celebrities) walk the routes for exercise, and free yoga classes take place in a shady area of the park. For those who prefer a more level walking route, head into the hills above Hollywood and Vine for a paved stroll around Lake Hollywood. The 3.2-mile loop includes glorious city views from the Mulholland Dam and a close-up view of the famous "Hollywood" sign. If you want a photo with the iconic sign in the background, this is the place to take it.
Rock the Sunset Strip
- From the House of Blues to the Roxy Theatre, the Sunset Strip is a historic stretch of music venues. Opened half a century ago, the Whisky a Go-Go is the Strip's most famous music venue; it has hosted the likes of the Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. Just down the street, the Lou Adler-owned Roxy Theatre is another historic club, where artists like Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen and Warren Zevon recorded live albums and songs. On the Rox, a bar above the Roxy, is equally famous for debauchery, ranging from Heidi Fleiss parties to John Lennon’s “lost weekend.” Johnny Depp co-founded the Viper Room in 1993, and though the "Pirates" actor is no longer involved, it was the quintessential music and celebrity hot spot on the Strip for many years. For those who prefer a jukebox to loud guitar amps, the Rainbow Bar & Grill is arguably America’s most famous rocker bar and has appeared in several classic Guns N’ Roses videos.
Hollywood Movie Experience
- No film buff can visit Hollywood without stopping by the Chinese Theatre -- also known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre -- on Hollywood Boulevard. Opened in 1927, the ornate theater was declared a historic-cultural landmark in 1968. It has hosted the most movie premieres in history, including “Star Wars" and "The Wizard of Oz” -- complete with its own Yellow Brick Road -- and it was even the location for a fictional premiere in the 1952 musical “Singing in the Rain.” The theater is home to celebrity handprints dating back to the 1920s, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame passes right by its front doors. Other famous movie houses include the Cinerama Dome, El Capitan and the Egyptian Theatre, the latter of which held the first-ever gala premiere with 1922’s “Robin Hood.”
Shopping
- Pseudo-celebs with their own reality TV series might exclusively shop in Beverly Hills, but more interesting retail stores are often found in Hollywood. For an edgier experience, head to legendary Melrose Avenue for a wide variety of shops, including vintage clothing stores and Fred Segal. The Farmer’s Market is another offbeat shopping destination that offers much more than its name implies. Established in 1934, the massive complex at West Third Street and Fairfax Avenue includes an expansive array of gourmet markets, restaurants and specialty shops. Likewise, the upscale Grove shopping center sits right next door for people in need of a higher-end, national chain fix.
