Category: Misc.

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Navigating Hollywood and the Highlands

By devinreams
updated 5 months ago

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Welcome to my cynical guide to Hollywood. If you've ever thought that Hollywood in Los Angeles sounds like a great tourist destination, you were only partially right. There is maybe a block of stuff worth seeing and doing. Spend maybe an hour there, tops. I'll show you the best places to hit.

Visit the Highlands, then move on

The Highlands Complex is basically a big, Hollywood-esque, outdoor mall with a bunch of big name retail shops, some star tours and a nice spot to get a picture of the Hollywood sign. Tip: Don’t stand facing the sign on the bridges like all the other tourists, go to the fourth floor and walk to the far east side and around to the front. You can get a much clearer, less obstructed view of the sign.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Chinese theater

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

A very cool, historical place to stop by and visit. Beware though, it’s a huge tourist trap. Get there early if you want to go on the theater tour. If you want to take a picture with Batman, Spiderman, or any other icons then stop by on the street (they want a tip).

A very cool, historical place to stop by and visit. Beware though, it’s a huge tourist trap. Get there early if you want to go on the theater tour. If you want to take a picture with Batman, Spiderman, or any other icons then stop by on the street (they want a tip).

The French Crepe

Crepes!

The French Crepe

6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

If you’re around for a late breakfast or lunch then you must try these crepes! On the fourth floor of the Highland Center you can’t beat the outdoor seating and delicious food. Warning, service can be a little slow at times.

The Erotic Museum

6741 HOLLYWOOD BLVD HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

A little off the beaten path but interesting no doubt. How many people can say they’ve been to a museum dedicated to sex?

Star sightings?

I suppose the appeal of Hollywood is all the stars along the street. Taking your picture next to one is only somewhat fun the first time. By the second you wonder why it is you’re taking pictures of names. Despite the glamor the street is very dirty and filled with homeless (some clean the stars with a rag). Don’t go to Hollywood for the stars.

Lucky Strike Lanes

6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD LOS ANGELES, CA 90028

Looking to bowl the most expensive game of your life? Look no further than the Lucky Strike in the Highlands Center. A lane will cost upwards of $100. Though, it is very fancy (there is a dress code) and celebrities have been known to bowl there. Worth it? Ehhhh…

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Hollywood Boulevard

A quick look at the spots to hit.

Kodak Theatre

Kodak theater

Kodak Theater

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Yup, once a year all the stars go here for the Academy Awards. The rest of the time it’s just a spot where a lot of people with cameras stand and take pictures.

Yup, once a year all the stars go here for the Academy Awards. The rest of the time it’s just a spot where a lot of people with cameras stand and take pictures.

Plenty of knick-knacks to be bought

As you walk around Hollywood Boulevard you’ll see a few things: stars on the ground and stores with crap. If you’re looking for some cheap t-shirts and things to bring home then you won’t have to look far.

Jimmy Kimmel's Studio

Jimmy studio

Jimmy Kimmel Live Tickets

El Capitan Theatre

6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Besides its historic importance, El Capitan is a beautiful theater. Next door is the Jimmy Kimmel theater. You can sign up to get tickets online.

Besides its historic importance, El Capitan is a beautiful theater. Next door is the Jimmy Kimmel theater. You can sign up to get tickets online.

In-N-Out Burger

7009 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Just a block away, out of sight, is an In-N-Out. While you’re in the area you might as well stop by and grab a burger.

Just a block away, out of sight, is an In-N-Out. While you’re in the area you might as well stop by and grab a burger.

Level 3 Nightclub Hollywood & Highland Complex

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

This is just about the only fun place to be at night. Hollywood is not a great area except for the Highland Center. If you’re looking for a destination in the area then stop here.

This is just about the only fun place to be at night. Hollywood is not a great area except for the Highland Center. If you’re looking for a destination in the area then stop here.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Hollywood

6780 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The kids may enjoy it but it’s just another tourist trap. Location location location. Save your bucks (the same goes for the wax museum).

The kids may enjoy it but it’s just another tourist trap. Location location location. Save your bucks (the same goes for the wax museum).

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