Few cities blur the line between fantasy and reality like Los Angeles.
Luxe Lodging: Sleep Where the Stars Have Stayed
Sunset Tower Hotel
8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
For stays steeped in cinematic history, few stand taller than the Sunset Tower Hotel. Since 1931, its elegant Art Deco design, glamorous Regency décor and sought-after Sunset Strip address have attracted a constellation of stars, housing A-listers from John Wayne to Howard Hughes and beyond. A near-instant symbol of industry excess, the hotel enjoyed its first literary mention in 1940, courtesy of Raymond Chandler — and went on to appear in “The Player,” “Get Shorty,” “Strange Days” and other films.
The Charlie
819 N. Sweetzer Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Craving Hollywood bona fides with “secret tryst” vibes? Check in at The Charlie, named for (and once owned/inhabited by) the one and only Mr. Chaplin. This trio of traditional English cottages, tucked away on a quiet residential street, is a garden haven in the heart of the city — just a few of the features that made it a popular urban escape for famously private folks like Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe.
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Behind the Scenes: Movie Studio Must-Sees
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
With so many rides and attractions to explore, it’s easy to forget that Universal Studios is still making movie magic on the daily. As one of the largest full-service production facilities in greater Los Angeles, it’s home to dozens of active soundstages and working sets — as well as iconic backlot sets and filming sites like the Bates Motel (“Psycho”), Bruce the Shark (“Jaws”), Courthouse Square (“Back to the Future”) and others. The Studio Tour is indeed a blockbuster — don’t miss it!
Working Studio Tours
Of course, you don’t need a theme park for movie-biz immersion. On the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you’ll explore props and spaces from classic films (“Casablanca,” “My Fair Lady”) and television favorites (“Friends,” “Gilmore Girls”) alongside costumes from “Wonder Woman” and “Batman.”
Just down the street from West Hollywood, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes to their realistic Big Apple backlot and cavernous prop warehouse. And at Sony Pictures — inhabiting the historic MGM lot in nearby Culver City — the studio tour includes sets, wardrobes and other memorabilia from “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” (you can also attend a live taping) to “Ghostbusters,” “Seinfeld” and more.
Picture This: Movie Landmarks
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Gower Street
To date, more than 2,800 artists — including film and television actors and personalities, comedians, musicians, filmmakers and even a handful of fictional characters — have been recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stroll the whole 1.3 miles, or use the directory to make a targeted list of your favorites.
TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
A Hollywood landmark since 1927, Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theater has hosted some of the most lavish premieres in movie history — and continues to be an incredible place to see a film. Be sure to peruse the handprints in the entryway cement, some nearly a century old, and consider taking an official tour of the lavish, themed interior.
Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Home of the Oscars® and one of the premier entertainment venues in the world, Dolby Theatre rolls out the red carpet for performances and special events of all kinds. Check the venue’s calendar prior to your visit; if there isn’t a show that piques your interest, there may be a chance to take an illuminating behind-the-scenes tour.
Griffith Park
2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
When we refer to Griffith Park as an urban wilderness, we’re not exaggerating! In addition to Griffith Observatory, where James Dean wooed Natalie Wood in “Rebel Without a Cause,” the park’s 4,310 acres shelter an astounding variety of wildlife species and 53 miles of scenic hiking trails. Take the Hollyridge Trail for up-close views of the Hollywood Sign.
Angels Flight®Railway
351 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
This 1901 funicular, the world’s shortest railway at less than 300 feet, was a media darling from its earliest days. It’s been featured in nearly too many productions to count — including episodes of “Dragnet” and “Bosch” plus dozens of movies ranging from “The Muppets” and “La La Land.” The ride may take under a minute, but it spans over a century of cinematic history.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Proof positive that star power is eternal, Hollywood Forever Cemetery gives you the opportunity to pay your respects to everyone from Cecil B. DeMille to Judy Garland. But it’s also one of the city’s coolest event venues — offering live music, outdoor movie screenings and the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the U.S.
Award-Worthy Museums
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The definitive museum devoted to the art and science of moviemaking, the Academy Museum offers an immersive look at Hollywood’s past, present and future. Explore ever-changing exhibitions that highlight iconic films, groundbreaking creators and unforgettable on-screen moments — from costumes and props to deep-dive stories. Don’t miss the Spielberg Family Gallery or the dramatic glass dome of the David Geffen Theater, which hosts screenings and special events throughout the year.
Iconic Eats: Hollywood’s Historic Haunts
The Formosa Cafe
7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and John Wayne were regulars at this trolley-car- turned-Taiwanese-diner, and it’s easy to see why. To this day, its moody, all-red interior and headshot-lined walls are heavy on vibes. Several scenes in “L.A. Confidential” were shot here, including one featuring habitual customer Lana Turner.
Dan Tana’s
9071 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
In a town famous for its devotion to the Next Big Thing, Dan Tana’s somehow still feels precisely like it did in 1964, with checkered tablecloths, straw-cloaked Chianti bottles and tinseltown power players conferring in the corner booth. Get the chicken parm and keep your eyes peeled for bigwigs doing deals over dinner.
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
With a menu comfortably lodged in the 1950s and a history that reads like a heavily optioned script, Musso & Frank Grill has humbly served as Hollywood’s unofficial dining hall and deal brokerage, both on- and off-screen, for more than 100 years. When you slide into the embrace of its red leather booths, you’re rubbing elbows with legends from every era — from Bogart and Bacall to DiCaprio and Tarantino.
