25 Fun Things to Do in Hollywood | 2024 (with Photos)

If you are planning a trip to Hollywood, California, there are plenty of exciting activities to add to your itinerary.

Hollywood is a famous neighborhood in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains**,** known as the birthplace of the American film industry and packed with endless possibilities for entertainment.

From exploring iconic landmarks to experiencing the vibrant nightlife scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city.

We've put together a list of the top 25 fun things to do in Hollywood so that you can make the most of your visit. So, pack your bags and get ready for a Hollywood adventure like no other!

Table of Contents

1. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame

2. Take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

3. Do a Warner Brothers Studio Tour

4. Check out the Hollywood Sign from Lake Hollywood Park

5. Catch a Disney flick at the El Capitan Theatre

View More

1. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Located on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalk, each representing a different celebrity from the world of film, television, and music.

You can see the stars of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin along this portion of Hollywood Boulevard.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was first created in the 1950s as a way to honor the achievements of notable celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Today, the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hollywood, drawing millions of visitors, who flock to see the stars of their favorite celebrities and take photos with them.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of a particular celebrity or simply looking to explore the history and glamour of Hollywood, the Walk of Fame is sure to be a highlight of your visit.

2. Take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City is on top of our list of the best theme parks in California, known for its thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and behind-the-scenes studio tours.

The park is divided into several themed areas, including Jurassic World and The Simpsons.

Some of the most popular rides include Jurassic World - The Ride, Transformers: The Ride-3D, and The Simpsons Ride.

Other popular tourist attractions include the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, the Waterworld stunt show, and the Universal City Walk.

For fans of the Harry Potter series, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park is a must-visit destination.

Visitors can explore the streets of Hogsmeade, dine at the Three Broomsticks, and shop for wands and other wizarding items at Ollivanders.

3. Do a Warner Brothers Studio Tour

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour takes visitors on a journey through the iconic studio lot where countless movies and TV shows have been produced - from hit shows like ''Friends,'' ''Gilmore Girls,'' and ''The Big Bang Theory'' to the DC Universe: The Exhibit, where you can see original costumes and props from your favorite superhero movies.

Visitors can also see how special effects and stunts are created, learn about the history of the studio, and even take a guided tour of the costume department.

With the opportunity to explore iconic sets, and see original costumes, props, and movie memorabilia, the tour is sure to be a highlight of your visit to California.

4. Check out the Hollywood Sign from Lake Hollywood Park

The Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and a visit to Los Angeles wouldn't be complete without seeing it up close.

There are several ways to view the iconic landmark, including a horseback ride through the Hollywood Hills, but ****one of the best options is from Lake Hollywood Park.

Located in the Hollywood Hills, Lake Hollywood Park offers stunning views of the iconic Hollywood Sign set against the backdrop of the city skyline.

While you can't hike up to the sign, you can get a much closer view than from other popular viewpoints.

Plus, the park offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the hills and the nearby lake. It's the perfect spot for a day trip or an afternoon outing.

5. Catch a Disney flick at the El Capitan Theatre

The El Capitan Theatre is one of the most iconic movie theaters in Hollywood, which opened its doors in 1926 and has since hosted countless movie premieres.

The El Capitan Theatre stands out with its stunning architecture and interior design, which feature intricate details, lavish decorations, and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems.

But the theater isn't just a place to watch movies - it's also a hub of entertainment in its own right.

The El Capitan hosts a wide range of live performances, as well as concerts, magic shows, and even interactive movie screenings.

6. Compare handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theater, also known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, is ****located on Hollywood Blvd and ranks as one of the world's most famous movie theaters.

Originally opened in 1927, the theater was designed to be the most opulent movie palace in the world. It features a stunning exterior adorned with Chinese decorations, as well as an ornate interior complete with hand-painted murals and a massive bronze dragon.

But perhaps the most famous feature of the TCL Chinese Theatre is its forecourt, which features the handprints, footprints, and signatures of some of the biggest stars in Hollywood history, including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and John Wayne.

Many major Hollywood studios choose to debut their films at the TCL Chinese theater, making it a popular spot for celebrity sightings and red-carpet events.

7. The Hollywood Museum

The Hollywood Museum, located at the iconic Max Factor Building, offers an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the golden age of Hollywood.

The museum showcases more than a century of Hollywood history, from the earliest days of silent films to modern-day blockbusters.

Visitors can see original costumes from movies like The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and Gone with the Wind, as well as props from popular TV shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory.

The Hollywood Museum also offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the history of Hollywood and its most famous landmarks.

8. Go behind the scenes with a Paramount Pictures Studios Tour

The Paramount Pictures Studios Tour is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique look at one of the oldest and most iconic studios in the world.

Visitors can step into the iconic New York City street set, which has been used in everything from The Godfather to Spider-Man. They can also see the soundstage where classics like Sunset Boulevard and The Ten Commandments were filmed.

The Paramount Pictures Studio tour includes a visit to the Paramount Pictures archives, which house an extensive collection of props, costumes, and other movie memorabilia from the studio's long and storied history.

Visitors can see everything from original scripts and storyboards to the actual vehicles used in movies like Forrest Gump and Mission: Impossible.

9. Explore Madame Tussauds, Hollywood

Madame Tussauds, Hollywood wax museum is a world-renowned attraction located in the heart of Hollywood. It features lifelike wax figures of some of the biggest celebrities.

You can take selfies with movie stars like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, or pop stars like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. You can even snap a photo with political figures like Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to test their basketball skills against Kobe Bryant or throw a pitch to Clayton Kershaw.

In the Marvel Super Heroes exhibit, you can come face-to-face with your favorite Marvel characters and even get your photo taken while lifting Thor's hammer.

The Hollywood Wax Museum offers a similar experience but stands out for its focus on Hollywood legends and pop culture icons. You can meet stars like Angelina Jolie and Judy Garland at the Hollywood Wax Museum.

10. Check out the Capitol Records Building

The iconic Capitol Records Building on Vine Street is a 13-story tower known for its unique circular design, which is meant to resemble a stack of records.

The tower has been the headquarters for Capitol Records, one of the world's largest record labels, for over 60 years. The label has produced countless hit records and has been home to some of the biggest names in music, including the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Katy Perry.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, which includes a visit to the historic recording studios, where legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and the Beach Boys recorded some of their biggest hits.

The tour also includes a visit to the rooftop deck, which offers stunning views of the city.

11. Visit Lighthouse ArtSpace Los Angeles

Lighthouse ArtSpace is a new art museum in LA, which offers visitors a unique and immersive experience through the use of cutting-edge technology.

Visitors can explore the exhibitions using virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive techniques that bring the art to life in new and exciting ways.

The museum's inaugural exhibition, Immersive Van Gogh, features large-scale projections of Van Gogh's famous works, set to a specially curated soundtrack, creating a fully immersive and sensory experience that transports visitors into the world of the artist.

A variety of other exhibitions showcase works from renowned artists such as Klimt, Monet, and Chagall.

12. Visit Hollyhock House

Hollyhock House is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is known for its unique Mayan Revival style, which features intricate geometric patterns and stylized floral motifs.

The house was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, along with seven other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the property and learn about its history and significance. The tour includes access to the main living areas, outdoor terraces, and gardens, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

13. See the Stars at Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is situated on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, and it offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hills.

The observatory houses a range of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and significance of astronomy, as well as the latest advances in space exploration.

Visitors can learn about the planets in our solar system and view the night sky through a Zeiss refracting telescope, which is one of the largest and most powerful telescopes in the world.

The planetarium and exhibit halls offer daily shows exploring the wonders of the universe, as well as a range of exhibits and displays that showcase the history and culture of Los Angeles.

14. Visit the Hollywood Heritage Museum

The Hollywood Heritage Museum is a historic museum located in the heart of Hollywood, California.

It is housed in the Lasky-DeMille Barn, originally used as a stable for horses that were used in the early days of filmmaking. The barn was later converted into a film studio by two of the founding members of Paramount Pictures.

Today, the Hollywood Heritage Museum features a range of exhibits and displays that chronicle the history of Hollywood from its earliest days to the present.

The "Hollywood Studio System" exhibit explores the rise and fall of the studio system that dominated Hollywood in the early to mid-20th century, with original film props and memorabilia from classic films like "Gone with the Wind" and "Casablanca".

15. Visit the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is among the most unique things to do in Hollywood that is sure to leave visitors in awe.

With its numerous exhibits that play with the concepts of perception and reality, this Hollywood museum offers an experience that is both educational and entertaining.

One of the most popular exhibits here is the "Upside Down House." Visitors can walk into the house and explore its various rooms, which are all furnished as if they were right-side up.

This creates a disorienting effect that is sure to leave visitors feeling as if they are walking on the ceiling. The Museum of Illusions has quickly become one of Hollywood's top attractions, so if you find yourself in the Hollywood area, be sure to check it out!

16. Hike with Celebs in Runyon Canyon

Just north of Hollywood Boulevard lies Runyon Canyon Park. If you are headed to Hollywood Blvd to see the Walk of Fame and other key attractions, you should make time to see the park as well.

While hiking may not be your passion, travelers seeking a glimpse of their favorite Hollywood celebrities should opt for a run in Runyon Canyon Park.

A beautiful urban park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, it covers over 160 acres of land and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Runyon Canyon Park has many hiking trails, which wind through the hills and canyons, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, cacti, and numerous species of birds.

Runyon Canyon Park is a popular destination for locals, and visitors can see a diverse range of people hiking, jogging, and enjoying the park's many amenities.

17. Party it Up on the Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is a legendary mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood near Beverly Hills.

The Sunset Strip has been home to legendary clubs, which have hosted some of the most influential musicians of all time, including The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N' Roses.

Beyond the music scene, the Sunset Strip is also home to restaurants, bars, and comedy clubs. The Comedy Store, located on the Sunset Strip, is perhaps the most famous of the Hollywood comedy clubs.

There are also several landmarks worth seeing, including the famous Chateau Marmont Hotel, which has played host to countless celebrities over the years.

18. Explore Griffith Park

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US, located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. It is home to the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Griffith Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, including the famous Hollywood Sign Trail.

Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park's winding roads and stop at various lookout points for panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

Other attractions in Griffith Park include the Autry Museum of the American West, the Travel Town Museum, and the Greek Theatre, which hosts live performances throughout the year.

19. Visit the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic music venues in the world, located in the heart of Hollywood, just a ten-minute drive from Hollywood Boulevard.

With its unique open-air amphitheater design and stunning natural setting, the Hollywood Bowl is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves music and entertainment.

The venue has hosted countless legendary performers over the years, including The Beatles and Ella Fitzgerald, just to name a few.

Today, the Hollywood Bowl continues to attract world-class performers from all genres of music, from classical to pop to rock and beyond.

The venue also hosts a variety of film screenings, art exhibits, and dance performances, making it a true hub for creativity and innovation.

20. Visit the Guinness Book of World Records Museum and the Ripley's Believe-it-or-Not Museum

At the Guinness World Records Museum, visitors can learn about everything from the tallest and shortest people in the world to the fastest and slowest marathon runners.

This Hollywood museum also features a range of artifacts and memorabilia from past record-breaking events, making it a fascinating and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Ripley's Believe-it-or-Not museum showcases some of the most bizarre and unusual artifacts from around the world, like a portrait of Michael Jackson**,** made entirely of candy.

Visitors can see everything from shrunken heads and two-headed animals to unusual art and bizarre inventions. Both museums are tourist attractions offering an interactive experience that is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

21. Have a picnic at Barnsdall Art Park

Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood boasts a range of cultural institutions, including the LA Municipal Art Gallery, the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, and the Junior Arts Center.

Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, a National Historic Landmark on the eastern side of Hollywood Boulevard.

The park is also a popular spot for outdoor concerts, film screenings, and art festivals throughout the year.

With its stunning views of the city and diverse programming and art classes in the LA Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring LA's thriving arts scene.

22. Take a Tour of the Dolby Theatre, Home of the Academy Awards

The Dolby Theatre is an iconic entertainment venue best known as the home of the Academy Awards, the annual ceremony that honors the best in film.

The Dolby Theatre also hosts concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions.

The theater's state-of-the-art technology and elegant design make it a popular destination and you can take a guided tour to learn more about its history and see behind-the-scenes areas that are normally off-limits.

Whether you're a film buff or simply appreciate world-class entertainment, check for upcoming events at the Dolby Theatre.

23. Step Back in Time at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a unique destination located in the heart of Los Angeles, just a fifteen-minute drive south of Hollywood Boulevard.

The site is home to a series of tar pits that have been seeping for tens of thousands of years, creating a natural trap for animals that were unfortunate enough to wander in.

The La Brea Tar Pits have yielded an incredible collection of fossils, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves, providing a glimpse into the ancient past of North America.

Visitors can explore the collection of fossils, watch paleontologists at work in the Fossil Lab, and even touch replicas of some of the fossils on display.

This Hollywood museum also offers guided tours of the tar pits and surrounding parks, making it a great destination for families and anyone interested in natural history.

24. Ride a Horse at Sunset Ranch Hollywood

Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers a variety of guided horseback rides through the scenic hills and canyons of Griffith Park, with stunning views of the Hollywood Sign and surrounding landscape.

In addition to horseback riding, Sunset Ranch Hollywood also offers hiking and mountain biking tours, making it a great destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in LA.

The ranch's location in Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the natural beauty of Southern California.

25. Check out The Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt is a classic hotel that has hosted stars like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Clark Gable and has served as a set location for countless films over the decades.

Steeped in history and glamour, this legendary establishment has been a favorite among celebrities and artists since its opening in 1927.

The Hollywood Roosevelt offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Hollywood while enjoying luxurious accommodations and world-class service.

FAQs About Fun Things to Do in Hollywood, California

Now, let's look at some frequently asked questions relating to things to do in Hollywood, California.

How do you spend a day in Hollywood?

There are many ways to have fun in Hollywood.

You can stroll down Hollywood Blvd, go on a hike in the Hollywood hills to see the Hollywood Sign up close, tour the Universal Studios Hollywood**,** and attend a live performance at the Dolby Theatre or Hollywood Bowl.

You can also visit the Barnsdall Art Park at Hollywood Blvd or the huge Griffith Park, have dinner at the Musso & Frank Grill restaurant and explore the nightlife scene of Downtown Hollywood and the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, or even visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

How to have fun in Hollywood?

When you are visiting Hollywood, you can see famous landmarks, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign.

Many studios in Hollywood offer fun tours, including Universal Studios with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Paramount Pictures.

Hollywood is also home to Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Where should you go if you want to visit Hollywood?

If you want to visit Hollywood, there are several places to consider going to, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theatre, the Sunset Strip, and Universal Studios Hollywood.

What is the most visited place in Hollywood?

The most visited place in Hollywood is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous landmark located along Hollywood Blvd.

The Walk of Fame is lined with stars embedded with the names of celebrities from the entertainment industry.

Other top tourist attractions in Hollywood are the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Sign, the Dolby Theatre, the home of the Academy Awards, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Summing Up: Fun Things to Do in Hollywood

Hollywood, California, offers endless possibilities for fun and entertainment. If you are looking for thrills and celebrity spotting, it's Hollywood now and Hollywood forever.

From exploring iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign to experiencing the glitz and glamour of the film industry, there are plenty of Hollywood attractions to enjoy.

We hope that our list of 25 fun things to do in Hollywood has given you some inspiration for your next trip.

So, start planning your visit and get ready to explore these Hollywood attractions. They are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.