Hollywood is the most famous district in Los Angeles, California, USA. Beginning as a single adobe hut in 1853, the land began to flourish agriculturally before the name “Hollywood” was first coined by Hobart Johnstone Whitley whilst he and his wife were honeymooning on the hills overlooking the valley. Today the name is metonymic for the American entertainment industry but with American culture, architecture and premium hospitality aplenty to enjoy, Hollywood is so much more.
Enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood
A top attraction in the Los Angeles area and one of the most famous film studios in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood has evolved into an amusement park that features an informative studio tour around the lots and rides based on the studio’s most popular film and television projects like Jurassic Park and Transformers. General admission is £53 for adults but for £31 more, you can purchase the Front of Line pass which allows you to jump to the head of the queue throughout the whole day.
Take in Hollywood Boulevard
Developing from the busy film and radio hub of its zenith in the early to middle twentieth century, Hollywood Boulevard still maintains its glamour and sparkle as an upmarket scene of festivities. You can go clubbing at trendy hotspots like Avalon and Redbury, check out a performance at Pantages or enjoy some fine dining at one of the superb restaurants lining the pavements.
Visit the Capitol Records Building
Capitol Records is more than just a building, it is an iconic landmark designed to resemble a stack of vinyl records. You can probably recall it being destroyed by a rogue tornado in the disaster film The Day After Tomorrow (2004). Do not worry, it is still standing and is in good nick for the sightseers and music lovers who want to check out its gold album-laden lobby and Capitol artists walk of fame situated nearby the tower.
Trek Runyon Canyon
This area just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard is the preserve of Hollywood’s original pastoral landscape. It is a great adventure for those who like to keep active and fit. It also has great views of the estates of previous Hollywood eras and the Pacific Ocean if you manage to trek high enough.
Catch an act at Hollywood Bowl
If you are a lover of rock, jazz, classical orchestra or any other type of live music genre, then the Hollywood Bowl amphitheatre is where you can experiences some terrific acts under its distinctive band shell and concentric arches. It is the largest natural amphitheatre in America, seating nearly 18,000 and even hosts a pre-show picnic for early comers.
Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
This street permanently adorned with pink stars engraved with the names of revered actors, musicians and artists is an inspiring walk that spans fifteen blocks. It is a testament to the American entertainment industry that has honoured the likes of Sir Roger Moore, Michael Jackson and Titanic (1996) director, James Cameron. If you do choose to visit this sidewalk of terrazzo and brass, try to make it down to The Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo to grab a glimpse of the monument erected in acknowledgment of the multi-ethnic women of Hollywood.
Take a picture of the Hollywood Sign
At 14 metres in height and 110 metres in length, the Hollywood Sign can be seen from a long way away. It is actually illegal to hike up the Hollywood Hills and get up close to the sign, but you can still get near enough to take a well-angled photograph of the emblematic construction.
