Hollywood

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Hollywood

STAR CULTURE: WALK OF FAME, GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, SUMMER’S HOLLYWOOD BOWL

With its new boutiques, hotels and restaurants, Hollywood has reemerged as a bona fide visitor destination. In the heart of Hollywood, check out classic theaters and eclectic museums; see the stars embedded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; or tour the site of the Academy Awards. For a different kind of starry scene, head to Griffith Park for stargazing at the Griffith Observatory as well as hiking and golfing.

HOLLYWOOD + HIGHLAND

Hollywood & Highland was a catalyst for the rebirth of Hollywood Boulevard. Its Dolby Theatre is the home of the annual Academy Awards, and its central Babylon Court frames views of the iconic Hollywood sign; erected in 1923 to advertise a housing development, the 45foot-high letters originally read “Hollywoodland.” Other draws include Japan House Gallery, MAC Cosmetics, new Anvio VR virtual reality experience and dining spots such as Cho Oishi for sushi and shabu shabu. Next door to Hollywood & Highland is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), famed for the celebrity hand- and footprints embedded in concrete out front (see below). Nearby restaurants include The Barish, new at the Hollywood Roosevelt.

SHOWTIME

Just opposite Hollywood & Highland is the ornate, lavishly illuminated El Capitan Theatre. Restored by Disney, it offers special presentations of the studio’s releases. The 1922 Egyptian Theatre screens eclectic artsy and classic fare. The landmark Pantages Theatre stages megahit musicals such as Hamilton. The Hollywood Bowl is the largest, and best, outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. The Los Angeles Philharmonic takes up residence in the summer; picnicking there under the stars is among the city’s most memorable experiences.

WALK OF FAME

The sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (La Brea Avenue to Gower Street) and three blocks of Vine Street (Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard) are inlaid with the legendary brass-and-terrazzo stars honoring celebrities from the entertainment industry. More than 2,400 stars are enshrined beneath visitors’ feet. Marilyn Monroe’s star is steps from Hollywood & Highland. John Lennon’s is in front of the Capitol Records Building; the architectural landmark is designed to resemble a stack of records.

MUSEUMS, HOLLYWOOD-STYLE

Hollywood has its share of museums, but you won’t encounter Picassos or Monets. Next to TCL

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; TCL Chinese Theatre; Pantages Theatre. OPPOSITE: Griffith Observatory Chinese Theatre is Madame Tussauds Hollywood, filled with more than 100 wax figures. You can ponder zany accomplishments at the Guinness World Records Museum; the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium offers bizarre exhibits. The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building displays 10,000 artifacts showcasing 100 years of showbiz history.

GRIFFITH PARK

Griffith Park, among the largest urban parks in America, is an ideal place to hike, take a train ride, picnic or golf. The Charlie Turner Trailhead begins at Griffith Observatory, one of the world’s great planetariums and a frequent film location. The hike up Mount Hollywood (3 miles round trip) provides views of the Hollywood sign; the Greek Theatre is a legendary music venue. Also here: the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the Western-heritageinspired Autry Museum of the American West; both are accessible from the Ventura and Golden State freeways.