Travel bucket list idea:
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Bucket List Experience
Credit Shutterstock.com/Sean Pavone
This iconic entertainment capital of the world is synonymous with the global film industry, known for producing blockbuster movies, captivating television shows, and groundbreaking cinematic experiences.
From the glamour of the red carpet to the bustling studios and soundstages, it’s still a vibrant and ever-evolving hub of creativity. The studios may have (mostly) decamped to more spacious surroundings, but much of the film industry’s history and iconography remain located in this iconic LA neighbourhood.
And yes, folks, dreams are still made (and broken) in Hollywood.
Just nearby, but officially out of ‘Hollywood’ neighbourhood, is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, it’s home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators, and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette. Look out for Dorothy’s red slippers!
The big three film studios – Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony – all offer behind-the-scenes guided tours of the studios, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into how the films are made. They’re also just outside the neighbourhood, but close by.
The famous Hollywood sign isn’t strictly in the Hollywood neighbourhood either, but up in the hills behind. You can see it from Hollywood of course – or you can also do the brilliant hike up to see it up close.
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Experience
You know you’ve really made it in Tinseltown when you get your own star. Spread across both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, everyone from Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney to Jennifer Aniston and John Travolta is immortalised here.
Good for age: 4+
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Experience
It doesn’t get more Hollywood than the home of the actual Oscars. It was custom designed for the Academy Awards themselves and features 3,400 seats, three balcony levels and 20 opera boxes. Formerly known as the Kodak Theatre.
Good for age: 4+
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Experience
Set amidst the glitz, glamour and occasional grime of Hollywood Boulevard, the former Grauman’s Chinese Theater is often billed as the world’s most ornate and opulent cinema complex, home to some of film’s biggest movie premieres over the years. It’s still the place where the biggest premieres still go down. 30-minute walking tours available.
Good for age: 4+
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Bucket List Experience
Experience
Get a deep insight into the movie world and how Hollywood’s blockbuster movies are made with fascinating behind-the-scenes tours of the four international film studios.
Adult price: 50
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 2-5 hours
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Bucket List Experience
Experience
The world’s largest museum dedicated solely to the art of film, home to a collection of movie treasures, a rotating roster of exhibitions featuring industry creators and an experience where you can hold a coveted Oscars statuette.
Adult price: 22
Good for age: 8+
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
Bucket List Experience
Experience
Hike the picturesque but little-known Hollyridge Trail to the summit of Mount Lee, offering spectacular views and the closest point to the sign.
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 2-3 hours
The entire district (and between attractions) is easily walkable. The intersection of Hollywood and Vine is the unofficial centre of Hollywood, and it’s a great place to start a movie-themed stroll. Head west along Hollywood Boulevard towards Highland Avenue – this stretch of town houses some of the world’s most famous theatres, including Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Kodak Theater (current home of the Academy Awards), and the El Capitan Theater (which runs fun live stage shows).
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
Destination guide
The bright lights of Tinseltown are home to surfer-filled beaches, glorious mountain hikes, glitz and glamour in spades and year-round sunshine.
