7 Recommended Sightseeing & Leisure Spots in the Movie City of Hollywood

Hollywood, the world-famous movie capital, is a leading tourist destination in Los Angeles, thriving as the center of entertainment. Beyond theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood, it boasts attractions such as observatories, museums, and the iconic Walk of Fame lined with stars honoring legendary figures in entertainment history, along with amusement parks and shopping spots galore.

In this guide, we’ll introduce must-see sightseeing spots in the exciting city of Hollywood, where the Academy Awards ceremony is held. It’s a captivating area where just walking around can be thrilling, so be sure to use this as a reference for your visit.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

A top leisure spot around Hollywood is "Universal Studios Hollywood." This Los Angeles version offers a unique Hollywood atmosphere. Attractions using 3D and 4D technology are full of excitement.

This tour lets you see TV and movie sets and the behind-the-scenes process, with 3D visuals along the way, offering an exciting 50-minute experience. Popular rides include "Jurassic Park – The Ride" and "Transformers: The Ride," both intense and fun. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey also provides a fully immersive experience into the movie world. For horror movie fans, "The Walking Dead" haunted house is recommended. This thrilling attraction will surely be an unforgettable experience.

For the ride attractions, keep in mind that 3D and 4D rides can sometimes cause motion sickness, so if you're unsure, bring medication. Of course, there are also attractions that don’t cause motion sickness, so rest assured that everyone can enjoy them. Access from downtown is easy; take the Red Line subway for a 30-minute ride.

2. Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is a must-visit tourist spot when coming to Hollywood. Located in Griffith Park on the northern side of Hollywood, you can get a sweeping view of Los Angeles from here. You can even clearly see the famous HOLLYWOOD sign! While it’s beautiful during the day, the nighttime view is even more romantic, with the sparkle of Los Angeles giving a magical, movie-like feel.

Griffith Observatory also has a planetarium and science exhibits, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Griffith Park itself offers a great leisure spot with hiking and picnic areas. You can ride the mini steam locomotive or join events here, making it a favorite gathering place for Los Angeles locals.

3. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is a must-see attraction for those visiting Hollywood, the heart of entertainment. This famous wax museum has about 20 locations worldwide and features around 100 wax figures of stars from various fields, including movies and sports. These wax figures are premium creations. Located right next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, it’s easy to visit when you’re in Hollywood.

Here, you’ll find life-sized figures of movie stars, famous politicians, musicians, and more, crafted with such detail that you might feel like the real person is right in front of you. Photos are allowed, so you can take memorable pictures with your favorite stars. True to Hollywood style, you'll see famous figures like film directors, actors, and Western movie stars, organized by section for easy browsing. Take pictures with your favorite star and have fun!

Each figure is crafted with realistic detail, even down to individual strands of hair, which is truly impressive. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is a popular tourist and leisure spot and is always bustling with people. Don’t miss the gift shop, where you can find Hollywood-themed souvenirs.

4. Paramount Pictures Studio Tours

For Hollywood movie fans, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tours is a can’t-miss spot. It’s the only remaining active movie studio in Hollywood, established in 1912. Classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday were also filmed here.

The two-hour studio tour gives you a glimpse into Hollywood film history, showcasing costumes, props, promotional photos, and more from famous movies. You’ll even find the bench where Tom Hanks sat in Forrest Gump—make sure to sit down and take a commemorative photo! If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a live filming scene inside the studio.

5. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre is a Hollywood landmark. Built in 1927 by the legendary theater mogul Sid Grauman, this world-famous movie theater features stunning Chinese-style architecture. Inside the spacious theater, you can enjoy regular movie screenings as well as premiere events. There’s also a guided tour that lets you see behind the scenes of this historic cinema.

Known as one of the busiest spots in Hollywood, the forecourt of the theater features over 200 handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars, including Johnny Depp and Donald Duck. Watching a movie here or seeing the handprints of classic stars is a unique way to experience the spirit of Hollywood and create unforgettable memories in this entertainment hub.

6. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a nearly 5-kilometer stretch along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, featuring star-shaped plaques with the names of people who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Created in 1958 to revitalize Hollywood, it remains a major tourist attraction where 15–20 new stars are added each year through a public voting process.

From Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage to famous characters like Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Godzilla, the Walk of Fame now has over 2,500 stars, including Hollywood stars, musicians, and even U.S. presidents. Strolling along and finding the names of your favorite stars is a fun way to explore this iconic sidewalk.

7. [Bonus] Pacific Park (Santa Monica)

While located a bit away from Hollywood, in Santa Monica, Pacific Park is worth a visit. Positioned on the west side, this small amusement park sits on the Santa Monica Pier, extending over the Pacific Ocean. The view from the Ferris wheel is breathtaking. Although it’s a great spot for kids, the park also has a photogenic, California-style charm perfect for picture-taking. The souvenir shops offer a variety of cute items, making it a memorable spot to visit.

The Santa Monica Pier is a fun area with cafes, restaurants, and shops. After enjoying the park, you can grab a meal or do some shopping. Access from downtown takes about 50 minutes via the Expo Line.

◎Summary

Hollywood is a fascinating place filled with movie-related spots. There’s also the Hollywood Museum, the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, murals showcasing Hollywood’s past, and much more. You can see the Hollywood Sign from Hollywood Highland.

Centered around Hollywood in Los Angeles, the Westside offers plenty of theme parks, museums, and parks. It’s one of the top leisure and sightseeing areas in Los Angeles, popular among travelers. Apart from the spots introduced here, the Hollywood & Highland Center is another popular destination for tourists, featuring plenty of attractions, shopping, and dining. Use this guide to fully enjoy an energetic trip to Hollywood!

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7 Recommended Sightseeing & Leisure Spots in the Movie City of Hollywood