Experiences
Hollywood and Los Angeles: the sign, the studios and the beach
Palms stand like brushstrokes against a pink sky, the Hollywood sign glows white on the hill and a film studio opens its gates. How to experience Los Angeles.
From the terrace at Griffith Observatory you see the Hollywood sign on the hill to your left and the whole of Los Angeles spread out below, all the way to the ocean. The sun sinks, the city turns gold and the lights come on one by one.
Los Angeles is a vast city with no single centre, and Hollywood is just one part of it. It pays to divide it up: a day in Hollywood and Griffith Park, a day at a film studio, a day at the beach in Santa Monica and Venice.
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How to do it
Hire a car, or use taxis and ride-hailing. Public transport does not cover everything.
Plan by area to avoid sitting in freeway traffic.
Book studio tours and theme park tickets in advance.
Arrive early at popular viewpoints, as parking fills up.
Hollywood and the sign
The best views of the Hollywood sign are from Griffith Observatory, which is free to enter, and from Lake Hollywood Park. Trails run through the hills, but you cannot walk right up to the sign.
Down in Hollywood you will find the Walk of Fame with its stars in the pavement and the TCL Chinese Theatre with handprints and footprints in the cement. It is touristy, but fun to have seen.
The film studios
On the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and at Paramount you see sets, props and sound stages where famous films and series were shot. Universal Studios Hollywood is a mix of studio tour and theme park.
Palms at sunset
Los Angeles is palms, freeways and soft evening light. Photo: Jake Blucker / Unsplash
The beach and the art
End the day at Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 finishes, and walk south to Venice Beach. Read our piece on Barbie and Venice Beach. The Getty Center in the hills has art, gardens and views, with free entry.
Book experiences: See studio tours and experiences in Los Angeles
Where to stay in Los Angeles
Choose your area by what you want to do: Hollywood for film and nightlife, Beverly Hills for luxury and shopping, Santa Monica for the beach.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The pink palace on Sunset Boulevard. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Beverly Hills Hotel: the pink palace
The Beverly Hills Hotel is on Sunset Boulevard, a short drive from Rodeo Drive, with its famous pink facade and palm garden. Hollywood glamour in the truest sense.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Beverly Hills Hotel
Kimpton Everly
A rooftop pool with views over Hollywood. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Kimpton Everly Hotel: in the heart of Hollywood
Kimpton Everly is a short walk from the Walk of Fame and has a rooftop pool with views of the hills. A good choice if you want to stay where film history happened.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood by IHG
Shutters on the Beach: right on the sand in Santa Monica
Shutters sits directly on the beach in Santa Monica, a short walk from the pier. Here you wake to the sound of the Pacific.
Book your stay: See rooms at Shutters on the Beach
Hotel Figueroa: historic downtown
Hotel Figueroa is in Downtown Los Angeles near the Grammy Museum, in a historic building with several bars and restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has sunshine almost all year. Spring and autumn are pleasant and less busy. Summer is hot and popular, while May and June can bring grey mornings on the coast. Winter is mild, with some rain.
When should you book?
Studio tours: a few days to weeks ahead.
Santa Monica hotels in summer: several weeks ahead.
Parking at the Getty Center and Griffith: check the rules on the day.
Frequently asked questions about Hollywood and Los Angeles
Where should I stay in Los Angeles?
Stay in Hollywood, for example at Kimpton Everly, for film and nightlife. The Beverly Hills Hotel offers classic luxury, and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica suits a beach holiday.
Where is the best view of the Hollywood sign?
From Griffith Observatory and Lake Hollywood Park. You can hike in the hills, but not right up to the sign.
Which studio tour is best in Los Angeles?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is often rated the best for film and TV fans. Universal Studios Hollywood combines a studio tour with a theme park.
Do you need a car in Los Angeles?
It helps a lot. The city is spread out, and public transport does not reach everywhere.
Where does Route 66 end?
Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier, where a sign marks the end of the trail.