Hollywood, California, is known as the entertainment capital of the world. With its iconic landmarks, movie studios, and celebrity sightings, it’s no wonder why millions of people flock to this city every year. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, parks, bars, buildings, and museums in Hollywood, as well as provide information on transportation and average salaries.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions
Hollywood Walk of Fame – The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the city. This iconic landmark stretches for 1.3 miles and features over 2,600 stars honoring some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Griffith Observatory – The Griffith Observatory is a popular attraction that offers stunning views of the city and the stars. Visitors can explore the observatory’s exhibits, attend a planetarium show, or hike one of the nearby trails.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and movie studio that offers visitors the chance to experience the magic of Hollywood. Visitors can take a studio tour, ride thrilling attractions, or meet their favorite movie characters.
Hollywood Sign – The Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of the city and can be seen from several vantage points around Hollywood. Visitors can take a hike up to the sign or view it from a distance.
TCL Chinese Theatre – The TCL Chinese Theatre is a historic movie theater that has hosted many movie premieres and has a collection of handprints and footprints from Hollywood’s biggest stars. Visitors can take a tour of the theater or catch a movie in one of its iconic screening rooms.
Top 5 Parks in Hollywood
Runyon Canyon Park – Runyon Canyon Park is a popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Visitors can take a leisurely hike or challenge themselves with a more difficult trail.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique park that is also a final resting place for many Hollywood celebrities. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery and pay their respects to their favorite stars.
Barnsdall Art Park – Barnsdall Art Park is a beautiful park that features several art galleries and a stunning art deco building. Visitors can attend one of the park’s many events or take a class at one of its art studios.
Wattles Garden Park – Wattles Garden Park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Hollywood. Visitors can explore the park’s lush gardens, attend a concert, or take a guided tour of the historic Wattles Mansion.
Franklin Canyon Park – Franklin Canyon Park is a scenic park that is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Visitors can explore the park’s nature center, fish in its pond, or hike one of its trails.
Top 8 Bars in Hollywood
Hollywood is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs offering something for everyone. Here are five of the best bars in Hollywood that you won’t want to miss:
The Roosevelt Hotel – The Roosevelt Hotel is a historic hotel that features several bars and lounges, including the famous Tropicana Pool Bar. Visitors can sip a cocktail by the pool or enjoy a drink in one of the hotel’s cozy lounges.
The Dresden Room – The Dresden Room is a legendary bar that has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Visitors can enjoy live music and classic cocktails in this iconic Hollywood establishment.
The Magic Castle – The Magic Castle is a private club for magicians and their guests, but visitors can enjoy a night of magic and cocktails by making a reservation at one of the club’s bars.
The Viper Room – The Viper Room is a legendary nightclub that has been a hotspot for celebrities and music fans since it opened its doors in 1993. Located on the Sunset Strip, the Viper Room has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and Guns N’ Roses. The intimate venue has a dark and edgy vibe and features a full bar and a stage for live music. If you’re looking for a taste of Hollywood history, the Viper Room is a must-visit.
The Spare Room – The Spare Room is a trendy bar and lounge located in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The venue features a vintage bowling alley, classic board games, and craft cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends. The décor is retro-inspired, with velvet sofas and vintage wallpaper, adding to the old Hollywood charm of the place.
Harvard & Stone – Harvard & Stone is a hipster-friendly bar that combines a vintage speakeasy atmosphere with live music performances. The venue features a hidden entrance, dim lighting, and a rotating cocktail menu that will keep you coming back for more. The bar also hosts regular live music shows, ranging from indie rock to jazz and blues.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s – Good Times at Davey Wayne’s is a unique bar that transports visitors back to the 1970s. The entrance is a vintage refrigerator door, and inside you’ll find a backyard party-inspired atmosphere with lawn chairs, string lights, and a VW bus turned into a DJ booth. The bar serves classic cocktails, craft beers, and wine, and features a patio for outdoor seating.
The Rooftop at the Standard – The Rooftop at the Standard is a swanky bar located on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel. The bar features stunning views of the city skyline, a heated pool, and a dance floor. The drinks are pricey, but the atmosphere and views make it worth the splurge.
No matter what your taste in nightlife is, Hollywood has something to offer. These five bars are just the tip of the iceberg, so make sure to explore the city’s diverse bar scene and find your new favorite spot.
Spectacular Buildings and Museums
Hollywood is not just about entertainment, but it is also a place where you can find some of the most impressive buildings and museums in California. One such example is the Hollywood Museum, which is dedicated to the history of Hollywood and the movie industry. The museum features more than 10,000 artifacts and memorabilia, including costumes, props, photographs, and other items related to Hollywood’s rich history.
Another must-visit museum in Hollywood is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This unique museum showcases various items donated by people from all around the world, each with its own story of love, heartbreak, and loss. The museum aims to create a space for healing and connection, as visitors can relate to the emotional experiences shared by the donors.
If you’re interested in architecture, you shouldn’t miss the Capitol Records Building. This iconic building, designed by architect Welton Becket, was built in 1956 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hollywood. Its circular shape and spire are meant to resemble a stack of records, reflecting the building’s history as a recording studio.
Transportation and Cost of Living
Getting around Hollywood is easy and convenient, with many options for transportation, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. The Metro system also provides subway and light rail services throughout the city, making it easy to explore beyond Hollywood.
As for the cost of living in Hollywood, it is relatively high compared to other cities in California, with an average rent of $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, the median household income in Hollywood is around $55,000, which is comparable to the state’s average. Taxi fares are also reasonably priced, with an initial charge of $2.85 and a rate of $2.70 per mile.
Nearby Attractions and Famous Celebrities
Hollywood is situated in the heart of Los Angeles, making it a great starting point for exploring the rest of the city. You can easily visit other attractions such as the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Getty Center. You can also take a short drive to the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice.
Hollywood is also known for being home to some of the world’s most famous celebrities, who have left their mark on the city’s history and culture. You can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the stars dedicated to your favorite actors, musicians, and other entertainment icons. You may also want to take a tour of the celebrity homes to get a glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Conclusion
Hollywood is an iconic destination that offers visitors a unique blend of entertainment, history, and culture. From the famous landmarks to the hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a movie buff, a music lover, or just looking for a fun vacation spot, Hollywood has something for everyone. So come and explore the magic of Hollywood for yourself!