Updated on:
by
Ahmed Samir
Ahmed Samir
Hollywood is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is the city of cinema and the symbol of the film industry in America and the world. There are many studios for photography and production of films and series in Hollywood. This makes the city the gateway to fame for all-stars.
Hollywood is located in Los Angeles, California, in the United States of America, specifically on the northwest side of Los Angeles. This area was discovered in 1853. In the past, the area was a small hut surrounded by cactus trees, and in 1870, a simple community was formed. They relied on agriculture, and as time passed, the population in the region increased.
The first to lay the foundation stone for the city was Harvey Wilcox I, 1887. He wanted to build a community based on his moderate religious beliefs. But then came the real-estate magnate H. J. Whitley, who turned it into an affluent residential area and was called the Father of Hollywood for his efforts. The city grew to a large degree. In 1902, the first hotel was opened in Hollywood.
In 1910, the city began to move towards filmmaking and production. Cinemas and studios were built, and now it is the best in the business. The city includes many television studios through which they broadcast many programs that millions of people watch worldwide, including ABC Studios, CBS Studios, Fox Studios, and others. In addition to studios, there are many theatres, such as the Hollywood Art Theatre, founded in 1919, where the most famous plays and concerts are held. There is also Kodak Theatre, which organizes the Oscars.
Hollywood also houses the Hollywood Wax Museum, which displays wax statues of more than 350 celebrities. One of the most famous places is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which includes the names of many stars. We must not forget the sign bearing the name of Hollywood, which was put up in 1923.
Weather in Hollywood
Hollywood is famous for its beautiful and mild weather. The sun shines most days of the year; the average temperature rises to 24 degrees, and the average low is 13 degrees.
The city’s climate varies according to the seasons. In summer, the weather is warm to hot and continues to be that way until mid-November. In winter, the weather is cold to somewhat warm with rain, and the rainy season ends by mid-May.
Things to do in Hollywood
The City of Hollywood is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United States and the world. The city contains many renowned and artistic places, such as CBS Columbia Square, Charlie Chaplin Studios, the Hollywood Museum, the Walk of Fame, and many more. In this article, we will learn more about these places.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign is the most famous spot in the city. It is located on a hillside and was built in 1923 to advertise a new residential development called Hollywood Land. The sign didn’t last long in its place and fell. In 1978, it was rebuilt and became the city’s symbol.
When the sky in Hollywood is clear, you can see the signs from many places during the day. If you want to look at the sign, you can hike or even horseback ride through Hollywood Hill.
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame is another famous spot to visit in Hollywood. It runs along Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard. When you are there, you will see bronze-rimmed stars representing Hollywood’s most famous names, which are laid on the sidewalk.
There are about 2,500 stars on the sidewalks, and several celebrities are added every year. Many people are honoured and added to the sidewalks, such as actors, directors, musicians, and people from other areas of the motion picture, radio, and more. New nominees are announced every June.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Sid Grauman built the TCL Chinese Theatre in 1927, also known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Although the theatre has been called different names for years, TCL Chinese Theatre was chosen. When you visit the theatre, you will see it is beautifully decorated in Chinese style. The theatre also hosted three Academy Awards ceremonies.
This place also hosted film premiers, such as the Star Wars franchise, in 1977. The theatre is famous for having popular celebrities’ signatures, footprints, and handprints on the forecourt; this is considered an honour for many stars.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is the best place to go at night. Its nightlife and entertainment facilities are similar to New York‘s Broadway. The famous thing about Hollywood Boulevard is that it consists of the Walk of Fame and the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are held yearly.
While walking there at night, you will see the place lit up. Many people go there to walk down this beautiful street, and there are many restaurants where you can have a great meal.
The Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum is a popular tourist attraction in the city. It has four floors and exhibits on the film industry in the golden age. The museum is in an old historic building that once housed the Max Factor studios. It includes collections of the city’s most famous moments.
People who love classical cinema will enjoy the exhibits dedicated to the most remarkable people in cinema, from Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce to Marilyn Monroe. Also, you will find a basement exhibit made for scary things, like Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell. The museum has many photographs, personal items, costumes, and memorabilia you will love seeing.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is located on a hill that overlooks Griffith Park. It includes a wide array of telescopes and exhibitions. The famous telescope is the Zeiss telescope, a 12-inch historic refracting telescope that the public can use.
The exhibitions inside the Griffith Observatory offer visitors educational programs, including night sky shows, exhibitions about space, and much more. There is a place that you will like there, which is the front lawn. It is beautiful and decorated with a solar system model with orbital paths marked in bronze. A grand statue is also dedicated to six famous astronomers, such as Isaac Newton and Galileo.
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the best attractions for families. It is full of activities and is located in an area of 4,200 acres. It also includes the famed Griffith Observatory. It is also one of the biggest parks in Los Angeles.
There is also LA Zoo, which has many animals worldwide, like elephants, giraffes, and much more. Kids can visit the Merry-go-Round to ride a pony. You can have a train history tour through the Native American village and an old west town. While touring on the train, don’t miss visiting the Streamers Railroad Museum and Travel Town Museum, dedicated to steam trains.
The zoo has a botanical garden and the Fern Dell trail, which surrounds it with over 50 species of tropical plants.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Another family tourist attraction located in Hollywood is Universal Studios. When you visit the place, you will find it divided into several areas, including working studios, restaurants, shops, parks, and the Universal City Walk. There are classic rides, and new rides are constantly being developed based on popular movies and TV shows.
While in the park, you will spot a famous area: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can also take a tour behind the camera to see the making of a Hollywood film. You can ride a tram throughout the former movie sets on the tour. After you finish the tour, you can have a good meal in one of the restaurants and cafes located in the area.
Madame Tussauds and the Hollywood Wax Museum
Suppose you can’t take a picture with your favourite actor. In that case, visiting Madame Tussauds and the Hollywood Wax Museum is a good choice, where accurate figures are created just like the natural person. You can have a nice picture with these figures. While inside the museum, you can dress up in your favourite character’s costume and live as the character for a few minutes!
Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is the right place for entertainment if you want a great time. It was built in Bolton Canyon as an outdoor concert area. It has hosted many performers from all over the world for more than 100 years.
The bowl can accommodate 20,000 seated people and about 10,000 standing. The stage hosts artists from all genres. The artists who performed on the stage of the Hollywood Bowl are the Beatles, Stevie Wonders, Danny Elfman, and many more.
You can also visit the Hollywood Bowl Museum to learn more about the place’s music and history.
Dolby Theater
The Dolby Theatre is located in the Hollywood & Highland complex. It has hosted the Academy Awards and many other musical, artistic, and theatrical performances, including fashion shows, the American Ballet Theatre, and Broadway shows.
When you enter the building, you will see the fabulous lobby décor and audience seating area, known for its Italianate influences. During the tour, you will learn more about the building’s history, and the tour is available daily.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The La Brea Pits are located within Hancock Park. The sticky tar created pools in the ground thousands of years ago, trapping many animals. The animals are well-preserved; their remains became fossils, and some have been frozen for over 50,000 years.
You can also visit the museum, learn more about the fossils found in many excavation sites, and learn about different methods of palaeontology. There are exhibits, too, and you will find many remains of animals from prehistoric times.
Hollyhock House
If you are a fan of architecture, then this is the right place for you. This House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a famous architect, with the authorization of oil heiress Aline Barnsdall. The Hollyhock House was Aline Barnsdall’s home, and its construction was finished in 1921. The House is located in East Hollywood and is well-known as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
You can take a self-guided tour and explore the House. You will also find documents that provide more information about the House and its beautiful design.
Capitol Records Building
The Capitol Records Building is famous for being circular. Welton Becket built it in 1956 to look like a stack of vinyl records on a turntable. It is one of the most popular places in Hollywood and is distinguished in films and television.
Some of the most talented artists, such as Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys, have recorded in that building.
Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is located in West Hollywood. It is part of Sunset Boulevard, specifically between Hollywood and the Beverly Hills neighbourhood. The area includes many restaurants and entertainment venues. If you are there at night, you will see neon signs and many people walking in the streets.
The Sunset Strip is where celebrities hang out, many of whom live near it. It is a beautiful place to spend time, where you can shop and have a nice meal.
Places to Stay
With all these beautiful places to visit in Hollywood, you would want to find an excellent place to spend the night or a couple of days in the city, so here is a list of some of the famous hotels in Hollywood.
- Dream Hollywood is a four-star hotel in the middle of the city, near the Walk of Fame and the Capitol Records Building. It has rooms and suites with beautiful décor and white-stone bathrooms.
- Hollywood Orchid Suites: One of the best hotels in the city, it is located near the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The rooms have a kitchen and a dining table, and the suites include a sitting area and living room. There is also a rooftop terrace and a heated outdoor pool.
- The Hollywood Roosevelt: It is a four-star luxury hotel and is a historic Hollywood landmark with its 60s-style poolside lounge, and it includes a beautiful restaurant.
- Kimpton Everly Hotel: The hotel is near Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Its modern rooms have a great view of the Hollywood Hills. The rooftop swimming pool is also a space for live music performances and chef demos.
