Hollywood

There are a variety of ways to see Hollywood, from open-air bus to trolley and bike tours. Most of the sights line up neatly along a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) stretch of Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street.

Gaze upon many celebrity homes—from the exterior only—on sightseeing tours of the area, particularly in Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills; or, combine a city tour with a visit to nearby theme parks including Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland® Resort. Full-day tours to Hollywood run from Los Angeles, Anaheim, and even Las Vegas.

• Driving is the main way to get around Los Angeles, but traffic jams are common and time-consuming; plan accordingly.

• It’s often sunny in LA, so bring sunglasses or other sun protection. Tote a light layer too, as temperatures can drop as the sun sets.

• Private tours often include round-trip transportation from area hotels.

• Hollywood is wheelchair accessible, as are many of the neighborhood's attractions.

If you’re relying on public transportation to get around LA, central Hollywood is a convenient base. The Metro Red Line whisks you to Los Feliz, downtown, and Universal Studios in minutes, while buses provide easy links east along Hollywood Boulevard. If you’re coming by car, you’ll find parking at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Los Angeles is famous for its nearly year-round sunshine but receives the most visitors in summer. Visit in the shoulder seasons for a quieter experience, but keep in mind that this neighborhood draws crowds the entire year.

One of the can’t-miss attractions along Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Museum is something of a temple to the stars, crammed with posters, costumes, and rotating props from classic films. Other museums worth a look include Ripley’s Believe Or Not!, the Guinness World Records Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, while the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Roosevelt, and the Dolby Theatre are other highlights. At the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, you can see the Capitol Records Tower and the legendary Hollywood Sign.

Hollywood tour costs vary considerably. Some of the cheaper walking tours cost around $20 per person. Tours with transportation, such as celebrity house tours, can cost $40 or $50 minimum. Private tours are more expensive, and many go for about $500 per group.

Yes, celebrity tours in Hollywood are worth it, especially for film fans. They show where some of the stars live and are led by guides who know the city. Even if you don’t care about celebs, you’ll still get to see some fancy houses and experience this part of LA.

Spend your morning visiting the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theater. In the afternoon, head out on a celebrity homes tour or take a hike up to the Hollywood sign. In the evening, head back to Sunset Boulevard to catch a show at the famed Comedy Store.

The best way to tour Hollywood depends on you. If you’re visiting the Sunset Strip highlights, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theater, you’re better off on foot. Celebrity homes are best visited on a group tour or by using a self-guided tour app.

Yes, visiting Hollywood is worth it. It’s one of the most popular spots in Los Angeles, and it has many great restaurants and performance venues. It’s also home to many of the LA area’s best-known sights, including the famed Hollywood sign, Hollywood Bowl, and the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The best time to visit Hollywood is in spring or fall when the weather is beautiful and warm but not stiflingly hot. There are generally fewer crowds in spring and fall, especially on weekdays. Winter is also a fine time to visit; temperatures rarely get too cold for comfort.