Filed under: beaches, food and beverage, Hollywood, star sightings, top-feature, Tours
Hoorah for Hollywood!
When I first set foot in Tinseltown, my most anticipated attraction was to walk amongst the “stars” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
You’ve seen it on television, but it’s so much more fun in person to stroll the Walk of Fame where Hollywood’s icons are immortalized with a star on the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard. You can’t help but be star struck when you check out some of the 2,400 Hollywood stars for the famous actors, actresses, directors and other notables in the business.
Hollywood & Vine
Wear your most comfortable shoes and start at Virgin Records (map) on Hollywood and Vine. Before you go, check to see if there is a ceremony scheduled for someone who is receiving a star. What a great way to have your own brush with fame.
Within walking distance is the opulent and awe-inspiring Manns Chinese Theatre (map). Mann’s, formerly Grauman’s opened in 1927 and today is still the most sought-after theatre in Hollywood for studio premieres. I think this is where the famous “red carpet” was born. Take the 30 minute walking tour, available seven days a week through the golden doors of this famous movie palace to learn more about Hollywood’s history.
Not to be outdone by the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mann’s began a tradition of its own with stars cement handprints and footprints in the forecourt outside the theatre. I love how tiny Marilyn Monroe’s footprints are and the outline of Betty Grable’s legs. My favorite is an imprint of Jimmy Durante’s famous nose. They sure left their impression on this Hollywood landmark.
Find your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Since you’re already there, I suggest you do a little shopping and eating at the Hollywood and Highland Center (map). This entertainment complex is kind of a one-stop shop that offers, retail, restaurants and theatres that encompasses Mann’s and the Walk of Fame. Shop at Louis Vuitton, Bebe, Coach, Gap, Banana Republic and pick up a souvenir from the Hard Rock Café Los Angeles. And if you’re an Oscar fan like me, take a tour of the Kodak Theatre, home of the annual Academy Awards ceremony. Also a part of the Hollywood and Highland Center, this 30-minute guided tour starts with the five-level theatre lobby and grand spiral staircase. You’ll learn all the gossip and history of Hollywood’s biggest night – the Oscars and get to see an actual Oscar statue up close.
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a firsthand glimpse of the famous “Hollywood Sign.” The Hollywood Sign sits on Mount Lee, the tallest peak in Los Angeles and measures 450 feet long and each letter is 45 feet tall. Years ago, hikers could make it to the base of the sign, but now it’s fenced in and guarded by a high-tech alarm system. The best place that I have found to see the sign is from the bridge on the 3rd and 4th levels of the Hollywood & Highland Center. Definitely bring your camera to snap an “I was there” shot with the oversized casting couch in the background.
For a yummy taste of nostalgia head southwest a little over a mile to the corner of Melrose and La Brea for a famous dog from Pink’s (map). This West Hollywood landmark was founded by Paul and Betty Pink in 1939 where you could purchase one of their famous chili dogs for 10 cents each. Today, Pink’s is a kitschy hot dog stand that feeds Hollywood stars like Bill Cosby, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brad Pitt and Rosie O’Donnell. You’ll enjoy the photos of these and other stars on their walls.
Unlike any hot dog stand I’ve ever been to, don’t be surprised if you see a Rolls Royce pull up to order an “Ozzy Spicy Dog.” Named for Ozzy Osbourne it’s a Polish sausage with nacho and America cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes. Parking is free and I found it amazing that the parking lot has its own attendant. So, Hollywood!
“I Get Around”
As the Beach Boys’ once sang “I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down the same old strip, I gotta finda new place where the kids are hip.” But make no mistake driving in California is not as enjoyable as they make it sound and with very little public transportation be prepared to drive, park and drive again. Prepare ahead of time with maps available from the Los Angeles Convention Bureau. You can download a variety of neighborhood maps including Hollywood, Downtown and North & South Beach Cities.
When visiting Mann’s and the Walk of Fame, I suggest parking your car at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The self park option offers the best and cheapest parking in the heart of Hollywood at only $2.00 for up to 4 hours with validation from shops, restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs; $1.00 for every 20 minutes thereafter. Daily maximum is $10.00. The parking structure is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Quintessential Hollywood
If you’re looking for a full day of adventure, consider Universal Studios (map). You’ll have your choice of the movie-based theme park and Studio Tour and the CityWalk, a shopping and dining complex.
Look out for Jaws at Universal Studios.
The theme park features attractions like the “Revenge of the Mummy Ride,” “Shrek 4-D,” “Jurassic Park The Ride” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, where you will be immersed in the full backlot experience. Included in the theme park admission, The Studio Tour will give you a sneak peak of Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane, come face-to-face with Norman Bates at the spooky Bates Motel from Psycho and see how Jaws lurks deep beneath the ocean.
If you choose to check out Universal CityWalk you won’t go hungry or be bored with your choice of 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and entertainment options like the IMAX theatre. There is plenty to do at Universal Studios and will no doubt please everyone in your group. There are many options for tickets and you can purchase them ahead online.
Along Pacific Coast Highway
For a departure from the glitz and glam of Hollywood, I like to spend an afternoon at The Getty Villa in Malibu (map). Not your typical stuffy museum atmosphere, the Getty Villa is a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. Free to the public, but note parking is $15 per vehicle, the Villa houses approximately 44,000 works of art that includes European paintings, drawings, sculpture, manuscripts, decorative arts and photographs.
Walk through the open air art collection at The Getty Villa in Malibu.
The Getty Villa housed the original collection of J. Paul Getty and now has a sister location at The Getty Center located near the intersection of the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405) and the Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10). I’ve been to both locations, but check out their web site to determine what might be the best choice for you.
Only 20 minutes from The Getty Villa where Sunset Boulevard meets Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Gladstones (map) is a great place on the ocean to indulge in fresh seafood and watch a sunset. With an endless selection of oysters, crab, shrimp and lobster, Gladstones also offers burgers, pasta and steak. Choose to sit indoors or out, you’ll love the smell of the salt air and if you’re like me you’ll be mesmerized by the waves hitting the beach. They are recently under new management and gone are the sawdust floors and average tasting seafood. They’ve stepped it up a notch and it’s no longer just another tourist trap. If you don’t believe me try the Bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas and the Raw Tower overflowing with oysters, clams, peeled shrimp, scallops and crab claws. I always make a point to stop for the ocean breezes and relaxing ambiance.
On the Town
For a little evening entertainment, stop by the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach (map). Every Sunday night at 7:00 pm Jay Leno, the host of the Tonight Show, tries out his jokes on the audience. If you like sketch comedy, The Groundlings (map) is L.A.’s version of Chicago’s Second City Improv and has turned out some great alums like Phil Hartmann of Saturday Night Live fame, Cheryl Hines of Curb Your Enthusiasm and actor and comedian Will Ferrell. Open Wednesday through Sunday, they have matinee and evening performances.
If you still haven’t had a celebrity sighting then you must dine at The Ivy (map) where paparazzi shooting for celebrity rags are found right across the street from their infamous outdoor terrace. I’ve seen photos of Keanu Reeves, Patrick Stewart and other A-listers leaving The Ivy, so experiencing it firsthand was thrilling. This hotspot serves nouvelle American cuisine in an attractive setting where you can choose from country-cottage rooms indoors or the outdoor terrace, a paradise full of flowers. Even though it’s a little pricey, the lobster ravioli was wonderful and the service quick and friendly.
Tour of Mann’s Chinese Theatre
Tours are offered 7 days a week excluding special events.
Please call for up-to-date availability (323) 463-9576.
Purchase tickets online
Tour of the Kodak Theatre
Guided tours of Kodak Theatre are available Monday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Tours depart every half hour from Level 2 entrance and last approximately 30 minutes.
Adults – $15
Seniors (65 & over) – $10
Youth (17 & under) – $10
Children (under 3) – Free
Photos courtesy of The Getty and Flickr: Palm Trees, Hollywood walk of fame, Universal Studios.
