Day Two of The 3-Day Weekend Getaway Guide to Los Angeles centers on the endless entertainment options available to visitors in Hollywood.
Stay in Style
From Downtown L.A., take a short ride on the Metro Red Line, exit at the Hollywood/Highland Station and check into one of the nearby hotels, such as the the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, or the family-friendly Loews Hollywood.
The Hollywood/Vine station is the next Metro stop to the south, where options include stunning new properties like the Dream Hollywood and the Kimpton Everly Hotel, the sleek W Hollywood, and the funky Mama Shelter.
The Universal City station is the next Red Line stop to the north, where options include the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, Sheraton Universal and The Garland.
Experience the Magic of Hollywood
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and there’s no better place to get the ultimate Hollywood experience than Universal Studios Hollywood, which features incredible theme park rides and shows; a real, working movie studio; and the shops, restaurants and cinemas at Universal CityWalk. Go behind the scenes and see how Hollywood movies are made on the legendary Studio Tour. Then take flight at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,™ one of the West Coast’s greatest entertainment experiences featuring the signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in hyper-realistic 3D-HD. Read More →
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Though you could spend the entire day at Universal Studios, there are plenty of other things to do in Hollywood, like a visit to the Hollywood & Highland, located in the heart of Tinseltown. Movie fans will love touring this lively retail and entertainment complex, which is home to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre as well as the world-famous Dolby Theatre, site of the annual Academy Awards.
Experience spectacular Broadway productions at the Pantages Theatre, or watch movies in state-of-the-art cinemas at TCL, El Capitan, or Arclight Hollywood, located adjacent to L.A.'s music mecca, Amoeba Music.
Get Up Close to the Stars
Speaking of movie stars, the nearby Hollywood Walk of Fame features nearly 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The five-pointed stars honor the accomplishments of actors, musicians, directors, producers and others in the entertainment industry.
Tinseltown Culture
One of the best things to do in Hollywood is visit one of its museums, such as the amazing wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, adjacent to TCL Chinese Theatre. Located in the historic Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum features one of the world's most extensive collections of Hollywood memorabilia. More than 10,000 authentic treasures are exhibited across four floors, including Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar honeymoon dress (worn on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio) and Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell set from Silence of the Lambs.
Classic Menus & Celeb Hotspots
You'll find everything from classic American menus to modern restaurants in Hollywood. For a taste of Hollywood's Golden Age, Musso & Frank Grill is a must - it's Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, and as well-known as much for its legendary Martini as it is for its retro cuisine. Perched above Hollywood, the stunning Yamashiro boasts panoramic views of the city and Asian fusion cuisine. For stargazers, book a table at Beauty & Essex (it's Beyonce approved!) or TAO at the Dream Hollywood. At red-hot restaurants, the celebrities are the chefs in the kitchen, like Curtis Stone at Gwen and April Bloomfield (Hearth & Hound)
Around the World in a Glass
Hollywood bars offer immersive experiences to go with their cocktails. Take a trip to the islands at LONO Hollywood, one of L.A.'s best Tiki bars. Houston Hospitality is known for themed bars, like Good Times at Davey Wayne's ('70s bachelor pad) and Black Rabbit Rose (magic). Another nightlife crew, 1933 Group transports guests to New Orleans at Sassafras Saloon. And Mad Men fans should recognize Three Clubs, a classic lounge located a few blocks down Vine.
Dance the Night Away
Nightclubs in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" offer something for everyone. From world class DJs rocking massive dance floors in historic buildings, to intimate venues showcasing local talent, here are the top 10 nightclubs in Hollywood. Read More →