Hollywood! It’s one of the most iconic destinations in the world: It’s Hollywood! People want to visit here from all over the United States–and truly, all over the world. Everyone wants to walk where the stars walk, and maybe even meet one. There are so many things to see and do here, and so little time! If you only have a whirlwind weekend, not to worry. You can still do so much! This guide will give you a great place to start.

Explore the Walk of Fame

Look for the people you know… But sometimes it’s just as fun to Google all the people on the Walk of Fame that you don’t know! People have been doing amazing things in the entertainment industry for decades, and at the moment, there are over 2,700 stars on the Walk of Fame. These iconic, pink-and-gold stars line Hollywood Boulevard, and the categories are: Film, TV, Radio, Recording, Live Theatre, and Sports Entertainment. Feel free to take photos with your favorites!

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See Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Speaking of your favorites, don’t walk past the Chinese Theatre without looking for a few of yours! The footprints, handprints, and signatures here (and messages to the Theatre’s famous owner, Sid) go back to the 1930s. It’s famous for its facade and star-studded plaza out front, but if they’re showing something you want to see, you can also go see a movie in here as well! Check their website for more.

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Visit the Hollywood Museum

This was so quirky and fun! This museum is just a block off of Hollywood Boulevard, in the old Max Factor Building (as in, Max Factor Makeup). This is the place where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball became a redhead! The ground floor is home to tons of artifacts from the building’s makeup and hair days, as well as dresses and awards from Hollywood’s Golden Era, and more. The second and third floors are everything else! You’ll find costumes from all your favorite movies and TV shows, plus soundbites and film and TV snippets as well. It’s $15 per person as of 2024, but I have to say, I thought it was worthwhile because of the sheer amount of artifacts, plus all the original items that you literally can’t find anywhere else!

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Get a View of the Hollywood Sign

You can see if from a lot of spots around Hollywood, but it’s kind of far away and small! You can hike or drive to a better vantage point, so if you have the time for that, you should! If not, you can get a good view from Griffith Observatory (go onto the roof for the best shot). Or, if you happen to be dining at the Yamashiro Japanese Restaurant, walk outside onto their beautiful garden pathway, and walk all the way to the left. At the end, you’ll be greeted with a great view of the sign. However you see it, be sure to get a photo!

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Visit Griffith Park

So, I had no idea just how huge Griffith Park is! The park covers over 4,200 acres, and it’s an “urban wilderness” area. You’ll find playgrounds, picnic tables, a merry-go-round, the Autry Museum of the American West, and even the L.A. Zoo is located here! You could easily spend a day exploring it all, or just find the thing you want to do and see, and do that. It’s an easy Uber or taxi distance from Hollywood (it’s a bit far to walk), so it does take a little more planning than the other items on this list, but it’s worth it if you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood!

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Explore Griffith Observatory

While you’re in the park, be sure to visit the famous Griffith Observatory! I’ve already mentioned that you can get a good view of the Hollywood Sign from here, but it’s also a destination in itself. Be sure to go inside (it’s FREE) and see the pendulum at the entrance, then just explore from there. The Observatory opened way back in 1935, and it’s been largely unchanged on the inside since then, but also well cared-for. Be sure to go up to the roof as well!

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Go to a Fancy Restaurant

You’ll be doing the touristy things, of course, but you should also treat yourself to a fancy, very Hollywood experience! There are any number of cuisines and experiences to choose from, so do a little research, and find one that’s right for you. Also, be sure to make a reservation! We missed out on dinner reservations at Yamashiro because we waited too late to make one, so we ended up having brunch instead. It was delicious, but that dinner would have been my preferred experience!

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Stay at an Iconic Hotel

Location, location, location! It’s one of the most important aspects of choosing a hotel (or real estate). However, when in Hollywood, why not make your hotel part of the experience as well? We loved our stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel–it was very glam, very “Hollywood,” and in the heart of everything! Other iconic Hollywood hotels are the Hollywood Historic Hotel, Lowe’s Hotel, or Chateau Marmot. Take your pick, and have fun while you’re there!

Sneak peek: What It’s Like Staying at the Iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

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