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Hollywood
From the Hills to the Sign, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood has become synonymous with the entertainment industry—and, often, its glamorous appeal. People come from all over the world with hopes of a favorite-celebrity sighting in Tinseltown, or simply to revel in the area’s history and legacy. On the legendary star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can actually match your handprints and footprints to those of Hollywood stars, embedded in cement. Famous theaters include the grand Grauman’s Chinese Theatre—now the TCL Chinese Theatre—and the Egyptian and El Capitan, both of which are flamboyant icons from Hollywood’s glitzy past.
The Basics
There are a variety of ways to see Hollywood, from open-air bus to trolley and bike tours. Most of the sights line up neatly along a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) stretch of Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street. You can gaze upon many celebrity homes—from the exterior only—on sightseeing tours of the area, particularly in Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills. You can also combine a city tour with a visit to nearby theme parks including Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland in Anaheim. Full-day tours to Hollywood run from Los Angeles, Anaheim, and even Las Vegas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Driving is the main way to get around Los Angeles. Be aware that traffic jams are common and can be epic, so be sure to plan sufficient time to travel between sights by car.
- It’s often sunny in LA, so bring sunglasses or other sun protection. Tote a light layer too, as temperatures can drop come evening.
- Private tours often include round-trip transportation from area hotels.
How to Get There
If you’re relying on public transportation to get around LA, central Hollywood is a convenient base. The Metro Red Line whisks you to Loz Feliz, downtown, and Universal Studios in minutes, and buses provide easy links east along Hollywood Boulevard. If you’re coming by car, you’ll find parking at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
When to Get There
Los Angeles is famous for its nearly year-round sunshine but receives the most visitors in summer.
Must-See Sights Around Hollywood
One of the can’t-miss attractions along Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Museum is somewhat of a temple to the stars, crammed with kitsch, posters, costumes, and rotating props from classic films. Other museums worth a look include Ripley’s Believe Or Not!, the Guinness World Records Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, while the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Roosevelt, and the Dolby Theatre are other highlights. At the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, you can see the Capitol Records Tower and the legendary Hollywood Sign that stands proudly over it all. Adjacent neighborhoods lure LA visitors to see the iconic Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach.
Address: Hollywood 90028, USA
Hours: Most businesses are open 10am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Historic New Orleans Collection
How to unwrap the culture and history of Louisiana, the Gulf, and the Mississippi river delta flood-plane? This rich cultural system of Creoles, Cajuns, French Arcadians, Spanish, French, Haitian and Afro-Caribbeans make a rich stew of culture – a culture closely tied to its environment, and its preservation is vital to the enduring legacy of the region. Enter the Historic New Orleans Collection. It is the Historic New Orleans Collection’s job to maintain it all, to record and preserve for mankind the incredibly diverse traditions of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. Through a collection of historic French Quarter buildings, the Collection operates museum galleries and walkthroughs which showcase some 35,000 artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, and prints shedding light upon Louisiana’s multifaceted and extensive past.
Practical Info
The Historic New Orleans Collection is located at 533 Royal Street, New Orleans, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-guided tours are free, while a docent-guided tour is $5 per person.
Address: 533 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 9:30am - 4:30pm, Sun 10:30am - 4:30pm. Closed Mondays and most holidays.
Admission: Guided Tours $5, Self-Guided Free
From $ 250
Hollywood Wax Museum Pigeon Forge
While Pigeon Forge, Tennessee may be best known as the home of the Dollywood amusement park, it got a new top attraction when the Hollywood Wax Museum opened in May 2012. Built as a tribute to the U.S. film and television industry, the museum is the largest Hollywood wax museum in the country and the only one dedicated entirely to celebrities. With a large Hollywood sign, a giant King Kong scaling the New York skyline and a replica of Mount Rushmore featuring the sculpted faces of John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin, it is truly a can’t miss attraction.
Covering 22,000 square feet, the museum offers great photo opportunities for visitors as the wax figures stand out in the open instead of behind glass. Take a selfie with Brad Pitt, dance with Michael Jackson or share a bench with Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump. And then head up to the roof to get up close and personal with King Kong.
Practical Info
The Hollywood Wax Museum stands at the corner of Parkway Boulevard and Showplace Boulevard in Pigeon Forge, a town in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. It is a 25-minute drive from Gatlinburg or about 40 minutes from Knoxville. There are a handful of hotels within a mile of the museum for those wanting to stay overnight in Pigeon Forge. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines.
Address: 106 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, USA
Hours: Open 365 days a year; 9am-10pm, with occasional extended hours to 11pm or midnight
Admission: $20; All Access Pass also available that includes entrance to other nearby attractions
From $ 22
Hollywood Wax Museum Los Angeles
The original Hollywood Wax Museum was, as the name suggests, in Hollywood - which is where it still is today. It’s now known as the Hollywood Wax Museum Los Angeles, and has been entertaining visitors on Hollywood Blvd since 1965.
The incredibly lifelike wax reproductions of Hollywood celebrities changes on a regular basis. One of the popular sections of the museum is the “Chamber of Horrors,” with a collection of monsters from various films, both classic and modern.
One of the appeals of the Hollywood Wax Museum is that visitors can get up close to the wax figures, posing for photographs with the life-size models. You can even get into costume yourself before you snap a photo. The exhibits also include bits of trivia about some of the stars on display.
Practical Info
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre (with all the celebrity foot and handprints) are both about a block away from the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Address: 6767 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90028, USA
Hours: Sun-Thurs 9am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9am-1am
Admission: Adults: $20; Children: $10
From $ 21
Hollywood Sign
One of LA's most distinguishing icons, the famous Hollywood sign proudly stands on Mt. Lee (Mount Lee) in the Hollywood Hills, overlooking Los Angeles and the California movie industry it has come to symbolize. This LA landmark first appeared on its hillside perch in 1923 as an advertising gimmick for a real-estate development called Hollywoodland. Each letter stands 50 feet (15 meters) tall and is made of sheet metal painted white.
The Basics
The best view of the Hollywood sign is from down below, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue. Other top viewing spots include the Hollywood and Highland Center, the top of Beachwood Drive, and the Griffith Observatory. Most Los Angeles and Hollywood sightseeing tours include at least a glimpse of the sign, while some Hollywood sign tours include a helicopter ride or a hike into the Hollywood Hills to see the sign from behind and a visit to the observatory. On hiking tours, a tour guide shows travelers to the optimal vantage points for the best views over Beverly Hills. Tours depart from downtown LA, Anaheim, and as far away as Las Vegas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The sign hasn’t been lit up since New Year’s Eve of 2000, but its bright white letters often make it seem to glow in the night.
- Guided tours allow for safe photo op stops so there’s no need to make a dangerous stop in the middle of the mountain road.
- Dogs are permitted on hiking trails so long as they arekept on leash.
- Hikers should bring sun protection and water.
- Hiking to the letters themselves is strictly prohibited (you’ll be met with a chain link fence and security cameras), but the Brush Canyon Trail brings hikers to the peak right behind the sign.
How to Get There
You can reach the sign on foot by taking the 6.4-mile (10.2-kilometer) round-trip hike on the Brush Canyon Trail in Griffith Park; the trailhead is at the end of Canyon Drive. Alternatively, visitors can drive into the hills for a closer look, arrive on a horseback riding excursion, or fly in on a helicopter tour for great aerial view.
When to Get There
The sign is always there, you just have to decide when you want to see it. Try a sunrise hike for fewer crowds and some solitude, or take in sunset from the hills while enjoying great views over homes of various movie stars in downtown Los Angeles. Griffith Park and its hiking trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Thanks to Southern California’s warm weather, the hike can be made any time of year.
Hollywood Sign History
Once aglow with 4,000 light bulbs, the sign once had its own caretaker, who lived behind the letter L until 1939. Originally constructed to spell Hollywoodland, the sign’s last four letters were removed in the 1940s as they started to crumble. In the late 1970s, celebrities Alice Cooper and Hugh Hefner joined forces with fans and other stars to save the famous symbol.
Address: Mount Lee Drive, Hollywood 90027, USA
Hours: Open daily 24hrs
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Hollywood Bowl
Tucked into the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, with the Hollywood sign in the background, the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater has been a favorite venue for outdoor live music since it opened in 1922. It’s home to the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and it hosts the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the summer months.
The Basics
The Bowl's main performance season runs from June to October, featuring acts from a variety of musical genres. An enormous movie screen allows for popular events like movie-musical sing-alongs (The Sound of Music is a perennial favorite). If you’re not interested in seeing a concert, some Los Angeles sightseeing tours include a stop at the famous amphitheater.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children ages 2 years and up must have their own ticket; you may be asked to check your stroller or baby carrier at the operations office.
- You may purchase food and beverages at the Bowl or bring your own, including wine and beer for some events (alcohol is not allowed to be brought in during other events but can be purchased).
- Selfie sticks and audio/video recording devices are prohibited.
- There are several wheelchair-accessible seating locations with space for a limited number of companions.
How to Get There
The Hollywood Bowl is located just off Highway 101 in the Hollywood Hills. On performance nights, the main roads outside the venue (Cahuenga Boulevard and Highland Avenue) are typically bottlenecked with traffic. Parking at the Bowl is limited, so many guests either take a ride-share vehicle or leave their cars at the nearby park-and-ride lots or shuttle bus locations (for a fee; available to purchase online).
When to Get There
Depending on the event, the gates open 90 minutes to 2.5 hours before start time. Particularly popular is the Fourth of July event, when a fireworks display tops off the concert.
The Hollywood Bowl Museum
First opened in 1984 and rebuilt in 1996 as the Edmund D. Edelman Hollywood Bowl Museum, this multilevel site features artifacts and media about the Bowl’s century-long history. Admission is free. Group tours and self-guided tours are also available from the museum.
Address: 2301 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90068, USA
From $ 79
Historic Savannah Theatre
Set on Savannah’s Chippewa Square, the Historic Savannah Theater is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in America. Built in December, 1818, the theater has been damaged by fire and storms in the centuries since it’s been built, and is now renovated with an art-deco façade and state of the art lighting and sound. Of the thousands of performers to have graced the stage, notable amongst them are Oscar Wilde and the baseball player Ty Cobb, who performed here back in 1911 in a showing of The College Widow. Today, not only is the Historic Savannah Theater a popular stop on walking tours, but it’s still one of the classiest and enjoyable nights out you can find in downtown Savannah. Shows run 4-6 days per week, and range from live theater to musical performances and special shows for the holidays. If you do decide to attend a live show at the Historic Savannah Theater, you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time from the moment you walk inside.
Practical Info
The Historic Savannah Theater has balcony and floor seating and a total capacity of 525. Reservations are highly recommended.
Address: 222 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
Hours: Sun-Tues 10am-4pm, Wed-Sat 10am-8pm
From $ 43
Historic Third Ward
Dive into the heart of Milwaukee’s arts and food scenes in the trendy Historic Third Ward neighborhood. This former warehouse district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been revamped and revitalized into Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District. The neighborhood is home to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and the Broadway Theatre Center, as well as the Third Ward Riverwalk and the Milwaukee Public Market. Many visitors come to the Historic Third Ward simply to walk the picturesque streets lined with historic buildings and explore the myriad shops and cafés scattered throughout. Holey Moley Coffee and Doughnuts or the speakeasy-style Bugsy's Back Alley Saloon are popular stops, while the Milwaukee Public Market is the perfect place to stock up on local Wisconsin cheeses.
Practical Info
The Historic Third Ward sits between the river and the lake at the southern end of downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Public Market is located on the northern edge of the neighborhood, with Lakeshore State Park on the eastern side.
Address: Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, USA
From $ 30
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Founded in 1899, this is Hollywood's oldest cemetery, a burial ground for some of L.A.'s most historically important and famous citizens. Today, it's a gathering place for community events, like a huge celebration of Dia De Los Muertos (the Mexican Day of the Dead) and a popular summer-Saturday series of outdoor movie screenings.
Its original owners, San Fernando Valley developers Isaac Lankershim and son-in-law Isaac Van Nuys (whose names, respectively, are lent to a major boulevard in North Hollywood and a town in the northwest Valley), sold much of the cemetery in 1920 to Paramount Pictures, RKO Studios and the Beth Olam Synagogue. As a result, many entertainers (like Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, and two of the Ramones) and prominent Jews (like gangster/entrepreneur Bugsy Siegel) are buried here.
In 1939, the entire cemetery was bought by morally-challenged ex-con Jules Roth, who proceeded to sell off dozens of acres of the cemetery's land (now used as adjacent strip malls) and embezzle millions from the business, allowing the grounds and graves to fall into complete disrepair for about 60 years. In 1998, the Cassity Brothers, a pair of Missouri funeral home owners, took steep advantage of bankruptcy proceedings and re-named their new bargain purchase the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The Cassity Brothers have since authorized a 2000 documentary on the cemetery called The Young and the Dead, and introduced the Cinespia Series, where, on Saturday nights during the summer, classic films like Sunset Boulevard are screened against a mausoleum for large crowds of gourmet picnickers.
Throughout the year, various musical acts perform at the cemetery's on-site Masonic Lodge, and on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, guided tours are given by film historian Karie Bible, who also serves as the "Lady in Black," responsible for putting a fresh rose each day on the resident grave of Rudolph Valentino.
Its original owners, San Fernando Valley developers Isaac Lankershim and son-in-law Isaac Van Nuys (whose names, respectively, are lent to a major boulevard in North Hollywood and a town in the northwest Valley), sold much of the cemetery in 1920 to Paramount Pictures, RKO Studios and the Beth Olam Synagogue. As a result, many entertainers (like Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, and two of the Ramones) and prominent Jews (like gangster/entrepreneur Bugsy Siegel) are buried here.
In 1939, the entire cemetery was bought by morally-challenged ex-con Jules Roth, who proceeded to sell off dozens of acres of the cemetery's land (now used as adjacent strip malls) and embezzle millions from the business, allowing the grounds and graves to fall into complete disrepair for about 60 years. In 1998, the Cassity Brothers, a pair of Missouri funeral home owners, took steep advantage of bankruptcy proceedings and re-named their new bargain purchase the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The Cassity Brothers have since authorized a 2000 documentary on the cemetery called The Young and the Dead, and introduced the Cinespia Series, where, on Saturday nights during the summer, classic films like Sunset Boulevard are screened against a mausoleum for large crowds of gourmet picnickers.
Throughout the year, various musical acts perform at the cemetery's on-site Masonic Lodge, and on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, guided tours are given by film historian Karie Bible, who also serves as the "Lady in Black," responsible for putting a fresh rose each day on the resident grave of Rudolph Valentino.
Address: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
From $ 20
Hollywood Beach
Florida’s Hollywood Beach is best known for its red-brick boardwalk and panoramic seaside views. Located in the coastal city of Hollywood between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this sandy stretch of coast is an ideal spot for people watching, sunbathing, and swimming.
The Basics
Hollywood Beach Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) along the coast, making it a popular exercise spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Seaside restaurants offer a variety of dining options, from hot dogs and pizza to sit-down Italian fare. Family-friendly parks provide entertainment for younger kids, while the Hollywood Beach Theatre often hosts free concerts. Due to the beach’s large size, Segway tours are a good option for exploring as they allow you to cover more ground than you would on foot. For a special treat, air tours offer epic sunset views of the beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The children’s water playground at Charnow Park is a great destination for families with kids.
- There are three sets of public restrooms along the boardwalk.
- Pets are prohibited in public areas of the beach and the boardwalk.
- Parking is available in both garages and non-metered neighborhood spots. Drivers with disabled-parking placards can park for up to four hours in any non-metered space.
How to Get There
Hollywood Beach is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Miami International Airport and less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Fort Lauderdale and the Hollywood International Airport. Public buses run roughly every hour from downtown Hollywood to the beach, and parking is readily available nearby.
When to Get There
Hollywood Beach is open 24 hours daily, although boardwalk businesses keep varying hours. Summer weekends are typically busy, especially from March through May when South Florida weather is at its best. Fall brings hurricane season.
Downtown Hollywood
Located just 10 minutes by road from Hollywood Beach, downtown Hollywood is an important center for arts and culture. Arts enthusiasts can enjoy visiting the gallery at the Art and Culture Center, the curated collection of murals at the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, and concerts and visual-arts shows at the Young Circle ArtsPark.
Address: Hollywood Beach, Flordia, USA
From $ 63
Historic Jamestowne
Jamestown was the first English settlement in the United States, beginning as James Fort in 1607 and developing into one of the most successful early colonies. It was here that the English first interacted with local Virginia Native Americans, as well as the first site of Africans and the earliest known slavery in North America. Today it’s both a national park and part of Preservation Virginia. The site seeks to preserve the history and culture of the three cultures that first coexisted here.
Archaeologists are still uncovering historic artifacts from the site of James Fort, and visitors to the area can view the growing collection of more than 1,000 artifacts at the Archaearium. It’s also famously the spot where Pocahontas married and lived with Englishman John Rolfe.
The Jamestowne visitor center also features exhibits of the area’s history and a small theater. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the visiting the historic site are the remaining structures from the era, including a 17th century brick church tower.
Practical Info
Historic Jamestowne can be found on Jamestown Island at the western end of Colonial Parkway. Admission to the park is $14, though remains free from children 15 and under and includes 7 days of access. The entrance gate is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. The visitors center is the perfect place to plan and begin your exploration of the park.
Address: Island Drive, Jamestowne, Virginia, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: $14 (free for children 15 and under)
From $ 41
Holy Land Experience
A Christian-based theme park in Orlando, Florida, the Holy Land Experience features full-size re-creations of Biblical scenes that bring the Holy Land to life. Here you’ll find a Jerusalem street market, the Great Temple, the House of Judea, the Calvary’s Garden Tomb, and Esther’s Banquet Hall, as well as entertainment and story-telling.
The Basics
Holy Land’s interactive exhibits are designed to take visitors back 2,000 years and thousands of miles away, to the people and places depicted in the Bible. Even the main entrance is designed to appear as the Main Gate and Jaffa Gate to the old city of Jerusalem. The park is an immersive experience that enables visitors to bring their faith and the history depicted in the Bible alive, along with the life and times of Jesus Christ.
Here you can also check out the Scriptorium, a collection of ancient artifacts and Bible-related antiquities. A theater and outdoor stage act as backdrops for live shows, from plays to Broadway-style musicals. A fully operational religious and nonprofit organization, the park offers weekly church services and Bible study groups. Purchasing a ticket ahead of time guarantees your admission to this popular attraction. And to admission you can add on experiences including the Tabernacle Tour, the Tech Tour, and the Wardrobe Tour.
Know Before You Go
- Children between 5 and 14 years old receive discounted admission; children aged four and under are free.
- Several dining options include the Last Snack, the Church of All Nations Bistro, Martha’s Kitchen, and Esther’s Banquet Hall.
- See the park’s website for information on transportation from the Disney World and Universal Studios area and resorts.
How to Get There
The Holy Land Experience is located about 10 miles from downtown Orlando, off of Interstate 4. Parking is free, or you can take the LYNX (Orlando’s public transportation system) Route 24 or Route 40.
When to Get There
The park is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Backstage Tours
An alternative to travelers who desire the spiritual experience of traveling to Israel, the Holy Land Experience is dedicated to producing an authentic, immersive experience. Taking one of the backstage tours (an add-on to admission) lets visitors see what goes into creating such a flawless production. The Tabernacle Tour teaches visitors how the Tabernacle was used in Biblical times, the Tech Tour shows how the elaborate performances are put on, and the Wardrobe Tour shows the care that goes into the faithful re-creation of authentic garments.
Address: 4655 Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida, USA
Hours: Tues-Sat from 10am-6pm
Admission: $50 for adults, $35 for children
From $ 50
Hollywood Hills
Whether it’s hiking or horseback riding, biking or busing, there are plenty of ways to explore the well-heeled neighborhood of Hollywood Hills. Its famous bright white Hollywood sign has become an iconic California image and its panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley have made it worth venturing outside the city for tourists hoping to capture the perfect sunset picture.
Travelers can climb to the top of Mt. Hollywood or wander through scenic Griffith Park. John Anson Ford Theater, the Hollywood Bowl, the Hollywood Reservoir and Forest Lawn Memorial Park are also popular sites on a visit to this famed high-rent neighborhood, but visitors would do just as well to drive around the quiet streets taking in some of the most classic (and impressive) residential architecture in California.
Practical Info
Hollywood Hills is part of the Santa Monica Mountains. The neighborhood borders Studio City, Burbank, Griffith Park, Los Feliz, and Universal City.
Address: Los Angeles, California, USA
From $ 35
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Only in Hollywood are stars so common that they can even be found on the sidewalk. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, arguably the most famous stretch of pavement in the world, is studded with over 2,600 brass stars on 18 city blocks as iconic to Hollywood as the celebrities whose names grace each mini-monument. This California landmark can be easily squeezed into your Los Angeles vacation as a tip of your hat to Tinsel Town.
The Basics
Aside from the thousands of stars studding the sparkly black sidewalk, the Walk of Fame is a totally normal public thoroughfare accessible 24/7 every day of the year. Most Los Angeles city tours and Hollywood tours include a stop along the Walk of Fame, providing geographical context as you descend past the famous Hollywood sign and the celebrity homes of Beverly Hills or sweep in from industrial downtown Los Angeles. You'll also be treated to a historical narrative as scandalous as the film industry itself.
When to Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Los Angeles is known for its pleasant year-round weather. Check the Hollywood Walk of Fame's official website for an up-to-date calendar of public induction ceremonies that could make your visit extra memorable.
Gene of All Trades
The Basics
Aside from the thousands of stars studding the sparkly black sidewalk, the Walk of Fame is a totally normal public thoroughfare accessible 24/7 every day of the year. Most Los Angeles city tours and Hollywood tours include a stop along the Walk of Fame, providing geographical context as you descend past the famous Hollywood sign and the celebrity homes of Beverly Hills or sweep in from industrial downtown Los Angeles. You'll also be treated to a historical narrative as scandalous as the film industry itself.
If you look up from the sidewalk, you'll see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and El Capitan Theatre.
How to Get to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Getting close to celebrities is difficult; getting close to their names isn't. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a stretch of public sidewalk extending along Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Gower Street and along Vine Street between Yucca Street and Sunset Boulevard. Drive, walk, or take the Metro Red Line to Highland or Vine.
Some tours of the area also include stops at other nearby landmarks such as Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, Warner Bros Studio, Disneyland and Universal Studios, and the Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars.
- Ideal tour options are available for every type of traveler.
- Bring your camera to take a picture with your favorite celebrities' stars.
- The Walk of Fame is easily accessed independently or by guided tour.
Getting close to celebrities is difficult; getting close to their names isn't. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a stretch of public sidewalk extending along Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Gower Street and along Vine Street between Yucca Street and Sunset Boulevard. Drive, walk, or take the Metro Red Line to Highland or Vine.
When to Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Los Angeles is known for its pleasant year-round weather. Check the Hollywood Walk of Fame's official website for an up-to-date calendar of public induction ceremonies that could make your visit extra memorable.
Gene of All Trades
In addition to movie stars, the Walk of Fame honors performers who have made history in television, music, radio, and theater. Gene Autry is the only celebrity to have a star in every category.
Address: Hollywood Blvd at Vine Street, Hollywood 90028, USA
Hours: Open 24 hrs daily
Admission: Free
From $ 0
Historic Heritage Square
Historic Heritage Square takes you back in time to Arizona’s Victorian past. The square is home to the only remaining residential structures of the original Phoenix town site. Heritage Square features eleven Victorian buildings, each with its own unique design, history, and purpose. Today, the buildings have been refurbished and reopened as museums, restaurants, and shops. Each building is designed to give visitors a taste of life back in the original Phoenix settlement. The Baird Machine Shop, for example, was built in 1929 as a commercial structure. Today it is home to Pizzeria Bianco, a local pizza place featuring a wood-burning brick oven, homemade mozzarella cheese, and locally grown vegetables.
The cornerstone of the square is the Rossen House, a 2,800 square feet (260 square meters), fully restored, Victorian home which is now regularly open for guided tours. Build in 1895, the home features ten rooms and five fireplaces. Exhibits such as “A Victorian Christmas” and “A Victorian Wedding” all help the museum capture and show life as it was in the early twentieth century.
Practical Info
The square is located within the Heritage and Science Park, which, in addition to Heritage Square, also includes the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Museum of History, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The park is located in downtown Phoenix on Northwest corner 6th Street and Monroe. Today, Heritage Square is run by Heritage Square Foundation and Guild, a non-profit organization which aims to preserve the historical value of the buildings while educating visitors through special exhibition, events, and activities.
Address: 115 North 6th Street, Phoenix 85004, USA
Hours: Hours vary for each building
Admission: Some attractions may have admission fees
From $ 15
Hollywood & Highland
One of L.A.'s most visited tourist attractions, this 387,000 square-foot shopping mall and entertainment center makes an enormous, colorful splash on the sometimes scruffy Hollywood Walk of Fame. The complex includes the Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theatre) which hosts both the Oscars and Cirque du Soleil's Iris, a resident stage show which celebrates the history of film.
The core of Hollywood & Highland is arranged around a three-story courtyard, where soaring, elephant-topped columns evoke the Babylon set of D.W. Griffith's 1916 epic, Intolerance. Fanning out from here, you'll find over a dozen restaurants ranging from food-court outposts to destination dining, two night clubs, a bowling alley and 75+ retail shops, including large national chains like Gap, Build-A-Bear and Sephora.
Adjacent to the main mall is the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, an ornate movie palace festooned with Far East flourishes and featuring a cement-paved forecourt bearing over 200 celebrity hand and footprints. Originally opened in 1927 by movie-house mogul Sid Grauman, the Chinese Theatre is still a popular movie theater with a single large screen and more recently, an additional six-plex. The "Forecourt of the Stars," as well as a slew of character impersonators lingering around it in full costume, attract busloads of out-of-towners and souvenir hawkers each day.
The core of Hollywood & Highland is arranged around a three-story courtyard, where soaring, elephant-topped columns evoke the Babylon set of D.W. Griffith's 1916 epic, Intolerance. Fanning out from here, you'll find over a dozen restaurants ranging from food-court outposts to destination dining, two night clubs, a bowling alley and 75+ retail shops, including large national chains like Gap, Build-A-Bear and Sephora.
Adjacent to the main mall is the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, an ornate movie palace festooned with Far East flourishes and featuring a cement-paved forecourt bearing over 200 celebrity hand and footprints. Originally opened in 1927 by movie-house mogul Sid Grauman, the Chinese Theatre is still a popular movie theater with a single large screen and more recently, an additional six-plex. The "Forecourt of the Stars," as well as a slew of character impersonators lingering around it in full costume, attract busloads of out-of-towners and souvenir hawkers each day.
Address: 6801 Hollywood, Los Angeles, Califronia 90028, USA
Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 10pm,
Sun: 10am - 7pm
From $ 15
Hollywood Wax Museum Myrtle Beach
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a staple attraction near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Spend a few hours out of the sun and snap photos with realistic wax depictions of your favorite celebs—everyone from Princess Di to Jackie Chan is represented. Kids particularly love the Hollywood Wax Museum, a long-standing family favorite at Myrtle Beach.
The Basics
The Hollywood Wax Museum features lifelike wax figures of famous personalities from television, film, music, and history. As you race through the museum looking for your favorite celebrities, you also learn fun facts about the stars, thanks to trivia displays beside each figure.
In addition to wax figures, the museum features Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, a princess-themed mirror maze with 288 potential turns, and a zombie apocalypse zone called Outbreak (best for older children.) Purchase tickets for each attraction individually, or save money by bundling all three into an all-access pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children 3 and under are free.
- Child rate applies for children 11 and under.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Discounts are available for groups of 15 people or more and nonprofit groups.
How to Get There
Located in the center of Myrtle Beach, the wax museum is at the intersection of Highway 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue. It can be easily found by looking for the giant 40,000-pound (18,144-kilogram) ape climbing the building. Parking on-site is free.
When to Get There
The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center is open during seasonal hours 365 days a year, so you can check it out whenever you’re in Myrtle Beach. Weekends and holidays are busiest, while day trips during the school year are the slowest. If you don’t book your ticket in advance, be sure to arrive early to beat the ticket line.
Broadway at the Beach
The Hollywood Wax Museum is located on Broadway at the Beach, meaning the fun doesn’t end when you leave the entertainment complex. Stay all day to shop, eat, and play at one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular destinations.
Address: 808 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Hours: 9am-9pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Historic Route 66
Spanning eight states and 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers), Route 66 has become a cultural icon, immortalized in song and on the silver screen. This romanticized road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica offers drivers an inside look at classic America—kitschy roadside attractions, diners, historic motels, and plenty of 1950s nostalgia.
The Basics
One of America’s first highways, Route 66 is rife with culture, views, and history. With such a long length, there are numerous ways to experience a slice of Route 66 from any number of the states it passes through—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Drive along Route 66 to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and catch the views on guided day trip, or step into the Wild West at some of Arizona’s ghost towns. Pass through the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, tour the Cahokia Mounds of Collinsville, explore Downtown Albuquerque, and play on the pier in Los Angeles; the options are endless.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some modern maps don’t show Route 66, but detailed directions are available online.
- Route 66 begins in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, California, but only segments of the original road remain.
- Fuel up often along the road, especially in western states like Arizona where gas stations can be scarce.
- Don’t forget sunglasses; the east-west orientation of Route 66 means you’ll likely be driving into the rising or setting sun at some point.
How to Get There
Old Route 66 passes through eight different states; the segments that remain in each state are often well marked with Historic Route 66 signage. Road tripping is by far the most popular way to experience the route.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Route 66 depends largely on which section you’ll be visiting. Spring and autumn are both good times to experience the entirety of the road. Expect high summer temperatures in the West and icy winter conditions along the road’s eastern expanse.
Time Allowance on America’s Mother Road
With so much to see and do along Route 66, trip length can vary greatly. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least seven days one-way, and add extra days in destinations you might want to explore in-depth on side trips from the road.
Address: USA
From $ 55
Hollywood Wax Museum Branson
Travelers who want to brush elbows with the rich and famous don’t have to venture to LA, New York or Hollywood Hills. In fact, they can do so in the heart of America’s Midwest at Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum. Jam-packed with hundreds of life-like wax figures of famous celebrities from the big screen, this destination is an ideal spot for families looking for a bit of fun and a taste of something different.
Visitors can learn what it takes to create one of these impressive figures (hint: three months and seven artists!), explore galleries filled with the rich and famous, and even have their pictures taken in some of the most iconic Hollywood film and tv sets around!
Travelers who are short on time but still want to see it all can opt for skip-the-line tickets options for a fast track to the life-like exhibits and displays.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 3030 West 76 Country Boulevard. It is open daily from 8am-11pm, except Fridays and Saturdays when the museum stays open until midnight.
Address: 3030 West 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, USA
Hours: Open daily from 8am-11pm , Friday and Saturday 8am-midnight
Admission: Adults (Ages 12+) $20.00 Children (Ages 4-11) $10.00
From $ 26
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
Experience the quiet country estate, also known as Springfield and overlooking the Hudson River, that Franklin D. Roosevelt called home. FDR’s wife Eleanor said the stately two-story Federal-style estate with gaudy green shutters had a “healing quality” for the President, and, still surrounded by 300 acres of wooded lots, it retains a peaceful atmosphere today. More modest than the Vanderbilt Estate just up the street, the home is filled with memories of the only US President to serve more than two terms and who led the US out of the Great Depression and until World War II. The site is both Roosevelt’s birthplace and final resting place—he was born in an upstairs bedroom and is buried alongside Eleanor and his favorite pet, a Scottish terrier named Fala, in the garden.
Everyone can wander the grounds via self-guided audio tours, but to glimpse the home’s wood-paneled early 19th century (mostly original) interior finery, you’ll need to buy a ticket and join a ranger-guided tour starting from the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center. There, a looped 22-minute film shares some of the estate’s history. The tour winds past collections of paintings in the Entrance Hall to the Living Room and Library where FDR entertained notable nationals and foreign dignitaries, the Music Room, and several bedrooms. Top Cottage, a Dutch Colonial-style structure separate from the house built just for FDR as a retreat, is also open to visitors.
Also nearby and included in the price of admission, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the first US Presidential Library, can be visited by self guided tour.
Practical Info
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is located at 114 Estates Lane in Hyde Park, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City and six miles north of Poughkeepsie. The "Roosevelt Ride," a free shuttle service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station to several area historic sites, operates daily between May and October and requires advance reservations.
The grounds are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Tours of the house last about an hour and run between 9am and 5pm. Several departure times are offered daily, though times change seasonally and can sell out in the summer high season. Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days. A ranger-led tour of the surrounding grounds via FDR’s Farm Lane Tour is available for an additional $10.
Address: 4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA
Hours: The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Admission costs $18 and is valid for two days.
From $ 73