1. County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the best museums in the city to visit in terms of collections. Each of the museum’s five buildings houses one-of-a-kind, outlandish works of modern art. Since there is so much to see and experience and the La Brea Tar Pits are also nearby, you could easily spend a half-day here and still feel rushed. If you wish to visit the museum for yourself, here is all the information on the items I liked best. Note that some of these exhibits may have changed. As I’ve said in previous postings, I’m not a big admirer of art, but I do love odd and unusual things. This makes LACMA the ideal museum for me because you never know what you’ll find there. The following are my suggestions for what to see while you are there (exhibits may change, so keep that in mind), and do let me know in the comments what your top picks are.
City Light
Of course, no visit to this museum would be complete without seeing its most well-known exhibit. You may have seen your friends’ Instagram images of Urban Light, a collection of vintage street lights, and it is a stunning piece to see in person.
There are 202 lights in the exhibition, and naturally, at night is when you can view them best. This is one of those installations that is entertaining to view in person, living up to the hype.
Mass in Levitation
Levitated Mass is the other external artwork that frequently appears on social media. I don’t comprehend art, as evidenced by this exhibit’s installation of a big boulder that is placed perched above a sidewalk. Nevertheless, it is a nice location to take pictures at before entering the museum.
Hollywood Sign from the top of LACMA
The Hollywood Sign is clearly visible from the third story of one of the main buildings after being transported there, making this a good location for a shot and one I suggest you visit.
Significant Lobby Installation
You can see right away that this is not your typical art museum as soon as you enter the main building. It’s amazing to see this enormous, three-story installation, and it’s a lot of fun to see people enter and explore it.
Installation by artist Noah Purifoy
Out in the desolate desert north of Joshua Tree, I have already seen Noah’s artwork. That’s why I was shocked to find one of his exhibits here. It was amazing how it gave the impression that someone like Leonard from Salvation Mountain had been given the opportunity to exhibit his own garbage art among works by artists like Picasso.
Warhol, Andy
Of course, there are plenty of well-known painters to view here as well, including one of Andy Warhol’s well-known paintings of Campbell’s soup.
Picasso
Additionally, there is a whole gallery area devoted to the distinctive works of the well-known Pablo Picasso, which I always find fascinating.
II Metropolis
This work of art was created to resemble a tiny metropolis, complete with streets filled with thousands of vehicles at certain hours on the weekend. Even though I didn’t watch it run, it was still amazing to see how intricate and well-made everything was.
Surfing’s history
This very little space devoted to its history was a nice installation for me because I have always enjoyed surfing and the Californian surf culture. There were numerous images, as well as an actual vintage surfboard.
Pavilion for Japan
The east part of the city has several interesting places to explore as well as stunning buildings. You can enter the art area and watch how the paths weave in and out of the installation when you enter the irregularly shaped building. This is a lovely and relaxing way to approach art.
Additionally, on the opposite side, there is a presentation of all the little works of art produced in the culture, and it is both straightforward and lovely.
Of course, what is on display here is much more than what is represented by these exhibitions. In my opinion, you should allocate around a half-day to this location. You will undoubtedly find something enjoyable here, even if you are not a fan of art. Please comment below with your favorite section.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
A widely renowned Hollywood symbol is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame has become a popular tourist destination thanks to the approximately 24 induction ceremonies that are aired annually around the globe. Unquestionably, one of the best marketing concepts ever created is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The history of the Walk is unfortunately the subject of a lot of false material. We provide this brief history to redress the balance.
E. M. Stuart, who volunteered to lead the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 1953, is credited with coming up with the concept for the Walk of Fame. In that year, he suggested the Walk as a way to “keep the majesty of a community whose name symbolizes glitter and excitement in the four corners of the world,” according to a Chamber press release. The architectural company of Periera and Luckman was hired to design some specific concepts, and he appointed a group to start developing the concept. Although it’s unclear when the concept for star-shaped sidewalks first originated, the dining room ceiling of the famed Hollywood Hotel formerly had stars painted on it with the names of famous people; this may have served as a model.
With its museums, landmarks, and other Hollywood attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a symbol of Los Angeles culture and honors the city’s rich film and entertainment history. In Hollywood, California, there are countless things to do. You can look down at the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see their footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, go shopping at Hollywood & Highland, or go to the renowned Hollywood Wax Museum. You can enjoy a whole day’s worth of events that will offer you an authentic Hollywood experience along its length from Highland Avenue to Orange Drive. Who you’ll encounter is always a mystery! Fans were startled when Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up at Madame Tussauds Hollywood lately.
Visit Hollywood Walk of Frame, which houses the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre and is ideally situated near Hollywood Boulevard attractions, for fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. The complex offers tremendous nightlife, including a nightclub and bowling alley, as well as more than 25 restaurants and more than 70 shops. In addition to being close to several excellent hotels and restaurants, Hollywood & Highland is situated across the street from a number of museums. It is simple to travel to the complex from anywhere in Los Angeles because it has a Metro Rail Red Line station underneath it and reasonably priced parking.
3. Getty Museum
The Getty Museum, the most affluent art gallery in the world, is situated on a stunning hilltop with views of Los Angeles. Richard Meier, a celebrated architect, created it, and it debuted in 1997. The Getty Museum has free admission, but parking costs money. You can check the hours here. When oil tycoon J. Paul Getty passed away in 1976, he left the J. Paul Getty Trust has a staggering $700 million, and the trust’s endowment is currently estimated to be worth $6.5 billion. Many of the works are from the personal collection of J. Paul Getty, who was an ardent art collector. The original furnishings from the Palace of Versailles and Irises by Vincent Van Gough (1889) are the collection’s highlights.
The top ten activities at the Getty Museum
1. Ride the amusing tram up the hill to Arrival Plaza.
Drive to the Getty Museum’s lower parking lot, which is close to the 405 freeway, then go to the Tram Departure Plaza to board an exhilarating tram that will carry you to the top of the hill in just five minutes. Arriving at the Arrival Plaza and taking in the Getty Museum’s magnificent grandeur is thrilling.
2. Proceed to the Entrance Hall by ascending the grand staircase.
From the Arrival Plaza, a grand stairway leads to the Entrance Hall of the Museum. Watch a 10-minute introductory video in the theatre, pick up a map at the information desk in the Entrance Hall, and stop by the Museum Store.
3. Take in the magnificent Central Courtyard’s water features.
Go outside to the Getty Museum’s stunning courtyard. Five structures that house priceless works of art encircle the courtyard. The stones with blue veins in the center of this fountain are they visible? A 120-foot-long fountain with jets is also present in the courtyard, and to the right, Mexican Cypress trees frame it. All of the walls in the buildings that make up the Getty Museum are made of Italian travertine that was obtained from the Bagni di Tivoli quarry, which is located 15 miles east of Rome.
4. Stroll to the Getty Museum’s lovely Central Garden.
From the Central Courtyard, a flight of stairs descends to the Central Garden, which was created by Californian artist Robert Irwin. A creek flows down the hill before cascading over a stone wall and into a pool that is surrounded by an azalea maze. Take in the fragrant azaleas as you down the winding walk to the pool. Take a look at the Getty Museum’s stunning towering bougainvillea trees. The buildings of the Research Institute are seen in the background as the Garden Terrace Cafe looks out over the Central Garden and bougainvillea towers. The Getty Museum is an intriguing blend of straight and curved structures, complete with eye-catching porticos and terraces. Follow the route until you reach the Lower Terrace Garden, where there are six modern sculptures. The crimson Gandydancer’s Dream by Mark di Suvero is the most interesting sculpture (1987-88).
5. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of the Cactus Garden.
From a terrace south of the Central Courtyard at the Getty Museum, you can see the Cactus Garden. The balcony offers expansive views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. The Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden can be visited. Many British sculptures can be found in the Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden, which is near the Getty Museum’s tram departure plaza at the bottom of the hill. Henry Moore’s 14-foot Bronze Form is the most stunning (1985).
7. Be in awe of European artwork, such as Van Gogh’s Blue Irises.
400 European artworks from the 14th to the 19th centuries are housed in the Getty Museum. The Abduction of Europa by Rembrandt (1632), Spring by Edouard Manet (1881), Sunrise by Claude Monet (1873), Irises by Vincent Van Gogh (1889), and the early Renaissance Madonna and Child by Master of Saint Cecilia are some of the most well-known (1290-95).
8. View authentic Versailles Palace furnishings.
The Getty Museum’s collection includes items from the late 12th to the middle of the 20th century. See royal French furniture from the Palace of Versailles that belonged to Louis XVI, Louis XIV, and Louis XV in opulent, paneled rooms at the Getty Museum.
9. Look through a wonderful selection of photographs.
The photography collection includes contemporary pieces like David Hockney’s Pearblossom Highway as well as early photographs from 1830s Europe (1986).
10. Examine well-known sketches made by artists like Vincent Van Gogh.
Drawings from the 15th to the 19th century can be found at the Getty Museum. Don’t overlook Vincent Van Gogh’s Portrait of Joseph Roulin (1888).
Can children visit the Getty Museum?
The tram trip up the hill will be a hit with kids! From here, you can go to the East Pavilion’s free Family Room, which has five little play areas (check times). Puzzles and unusual toys are available in the fantastic children’s store in the West Pavilion. Kids will also enjoy exploring the gardens and courtyards and taking in the breathtaking vistas.
Which picture is the most expensive in the Getty Museum?
Irises by Vincent Van Gogh (1889) was purchased by Australian billionaire Alan Bond in 1987 for $53.9 million. Three years later, it was sold to the Getty Museum for an undisclosed sum. The Getty Museum purchased Spring by Edouard Manet for $65 million in 2014, nearly thirty years later (1881).
The Getty Museum’s menu
Here is a picture of the Getty Museum’s wonderful patio area. There are coffee vendors, two affluent restaurants, and casual cafes. Sit at a table near the fountain and get refreshments from the coffee cart in the Central Courtyard.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is the world’s first actual, operational movie studio and theme park. It’s a must-see for travelers as well as a favorite weekend destination for Los Angeles residents. From the world-famous Studio Tour to thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, keep reading to learn about the top ten must-see activities at Universal Studios Hollywood
1. Harry Potter’s Wizarding World
Hogwarts is now available in Hollywood! The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM is one of the best entertainment experiences on the West Coast. Explore the wonders of Hogwarts castle, shop in HogsmeadeTM, and dine at some of the wizarding world’s most famous eateries. Ride the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyTM roller coaster over Hogwarts, or spiral and dive around the pumpkin patch on the family-friendly Flight of the HippogriffTM roller coaster.
Hogwarts Castle’s Dark Arts
When you witness Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle light up the sky with music and live special effects, you’ll find a moment of hope concealed in the gloom. As you gaze in wonder at the castle’s takeover, experience the fire-engulfed army of Inferi, the soul-draining breath of DementorsTM, and the terrifying apparition of Lord VoldemortTM. This spectacular spectacle, accompanied by an evocative music composition composed by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams, is an amazing way to conclude your day.
2. The Ride at Jurassic World
Prepare for the evolution of Jurassic World – The Ride as you meet Indominus rex as she hunts you through the forest. When she is attacked by her archrival, Tyrannosaurus rex, you will be embroiled in an epic struggle for the ages. Aside from the ride itself, the following are highlights of the experience: Meet Blue the Velociraptor and the friendly Triceratops in Raptor Encounter. DinoPlay – Explore the interactive kid’s area filled with activities for younger visitors. Isla Nu-Bar – Relax with a Tiki cocktail beneath the thatched canopy. Jurassic Café – Whether you’re as hungry as a T. rex or just want to nibble, this is the ideal place to sample Costa Rican food. Jurassic Outfitters – Commemorate the day with t-shirts, caps, drinkware, and jewelry.
3. The Well-Known Studio Tour
The World-Famous Studio Tour is undoubtedly Universal Studios Hollywood’s most famous attraction. The Studio Tour, narrated by Jimmy Fallon, allows guests to explore the operational backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. The tram ride takes tourists past sets from films such as War of the Worlds, Psycho, and Jaws, before arriving at filmmaker Peter Jackson’s heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D experience, the world’s largest 3D experience.
4. Supercharged Fast & Furious
Fast & Furious – Supercharged, based on the Fast & Furious action film series, is a dramatic hydraulic-motion-based rollercoaster that transports passengers into the high-stakes underground world of fast vehicles. Fast & Furious – Supercharged, the grand finale of the Studio Tour, is located in a 50,000-square-foot facility and recounts an original Fast & Furious story with hyper-realistic special effects that immerse guests in the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious universe. The world’s longest and most expansive 360-degree screen, extending approximately 400 feet in length to encircle Studio Tour participants, is projected with cutting-edge 3D-HD visuals.
5. Petersen Automotive Museum
If you or your youngster is interested in vehicles, go to The Petersen Automotive Museum; it’s like Disneyland for car fanatics. Robert and Margie Petersen founded the Museum on Museum Row in Los Angeles in 1994. The Petersen is housed in a 1962 historic department store structure. Following a thorough makeover, the Museum reopened in 2015. The museum’s mission statement is to “research and display the history of the vehicle.”
Hours:
The Museum is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays are closed.
The Museum is divided into three stories and allows visitors to travel through time by viewing some of the earliest autos to some of the most advanced automobiles now being built. Because the automobiles on display are frequently rotated, a visit to the Petersen never seems the same.
In addition to the vehicles on display, The Museum provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in a 90-minute Vault Tour (for an additional fee). “Discover some of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles, and trucks spanning over 120 years of automotive history,” including “turn-of-the-century cars, head-of-state vehicles, American classics, Hollywood legends’ personal rides, award-winning hot rods, cars that pushed the boundaries of innovation, and many other surprises.” A Round Door Rolls Royce, a 1947 Ferrari 125S, the 1989 Batmobile, and a 1981 DMC Delorean are among the automobiles in the Vault (made famous from the Back to the Future movie).
Keep in mind that strollers and children under the age of ten are not permitted in the Vault. In addition, photography is not permitted in the Vault. Vault Tour tickets must be booked in advance.
The Cars Mechanical Institute at the Discovery Center is likely to be the favourite component of the Museum for most children. The area is inspired by the popular animated feature and allows children to learn about car mechanical systems through interactive stations. There are a tiny racetrack with toy vehicles to play with, a sketching/tracing station, a motorcycle for a fun photo op, and much more!
The Forza Motorsport Racing Experience is another enjoyable activity at the Museum. “In one of eight specially crafted experiences, visitors get behind the wheel and experience the exciting sense of racing a car.” Forza Motorsport is available in ten racing simulators.” Keep in mind that there is a minimum height restriction for participation. (General admittance includes this experience.)
Exhibits of Interest:
Several unique exhibits are now on view at the Petersen. Here are a few examples:
The exhibition Reclaimed Rust:
The James Hetfield Collection will be on display until November 7, 2021. Metallica’s co-founder, songwriter, singer, and guitarist, James Hetfield, is perhaps best known. However, he is also well-known in the automotive industry “for his one-of-a-kind collection of fully handmade vehicles.” Hetfield, a lifetime automobile lover, sees cars in the same way he sees music: as forms of freedom and expression that transmit the creator’s feelings.” (General entry includes this exhibition.)
The exhibition Supercars:
A Century of Spectacle and Speed will be on display until February 6, 2022. “This exhibition highlights those vehicles that pushed the boundaries of their respective periods, offering drivers of their day the ultimate motoring experience.” You’ll be amazed by the over 30 vehicles on display, “ranging from more than a century ago’s big-bore monsters to more recent and recognizable exotic machines embodying modern technical sophistication and exceptional performance.” (General entry includes this exhibition.)
The Juan Gonzalez Formula
One Collection will be on display until June 5, 2022. A “selection of defunct race cars and official exhibition cars from Juan Gonzalez’s collection” is on display. These cars “clearly demonstrate the technological advances that enable them to deliver the remarkable performance for which they are famous.” (General entry includes this exhibition.)
There is one special exhibition that does necessitate a separate ticket (and has an added charge). The Porsche 956 was the “first racing car to incorporate an aluminum monocoque chassis and ground effect aerodynamic components,” according to the display. The Porsche 962 went on to become one of the most dominant race cars of all time. Also, no strollers or children under the age of ten are permitted in this particular show.
6. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall became a Los Angeles landmark the day it opened to the public on October 22, 2003. The concert hall, located on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, seats over 2,200 people and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry and acoustics by Yasuhisa Toyota, has received worldwide critical acclaim and praise from concertgoers for its stunning architecture and extraordinary sound. Continue reading for a list of ten must-sees and hidden gems at the world-class concert venue.
Concerts
The LA Phil is widely regarded as one of the world’s great orchestras, led by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. The Walt Disney Concert Hall’s global concert lineup includes legendary musicians as well as rising stars performing classical, jazz, world music, and other genres. The Hall is filled with the joyful sounds of the season during the holidays.
Organ Of Pipe
The pipe organ is a star in its own right, as renowned and groundbreaking as the rest of Walt Disney Concert Hall. The organ’s unconventional design was created by architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with organ builders Manuel Rosales and Caspar Von Glatter-Gotz. The organ’s striking wooden pipes, which are normally hidden on most organs, are prominently displayed to create a visual connection with the auditorium’s Douglas fir walls and ceilings. The curved pipes of the organ (dubbed “French fries” by Gehry) are another distinctive design feature.
Tours
Visitors can take self-guided or docent-led tours of Walt Disney Concert Hall. They can even walk through the indoor and outdoor spaces using augmented reality. The Self-Guided Audio Tour, which is available all year, tells the story of WDCH from conception to completion. The free audio tour, narrated by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow, includes insights from architect Frank Gehry and other key contributors. No reservations are required from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Docents present architectural highlights of the magnificent structure while leading Guided Tours through much of the interior and throughout the gardens. Individuals and groups of 14 or fewer guests receive free tours; groups of 15 or more pay $15 per guest. The tours last 60 minutes and begin in the Grand Lobby. NOTE: Because of the auditorium’s constant rehearsal, performance, and special event schedule, WDCH tours do not include it.
Experiments In Thought In F# Minor
Thought Experiments in F# Minor, created by acclaimed multi-media artists Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller and featuring LA Phil musicians, immerses visitors in an augmented reality experience. Guests take a 40-minute walk through an imagined world hidden in plain sight at WDCH using an iPad Mini and headphones. The walk is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Ages 10 and up are recommended.
Congressional Library/Ira Gershwin Gallery
The Library of Congress/Ira Gershwin Gallery, located on the second floor of Walt Disney Concert Hall, is a hidden gem designed by Hodgetts + Fung. The gallery’s collection is rotated biannually and is open to visitors on tour or attending a performance inside the concert hall.
Lilly’s Rose – Blue Ribbon Garden
The Walt Disney Concert Hall’s rooftop garden is known as the Blue Ribbon Garden. The garden, nearly an acre in size, is tucked beneath the hall’s gleaming exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms all year. A Rose for Lilly, a Frank Gehry-designed fountain that pays tribute to the late Lillian Disney and her love of Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses, is one of the garden’s highlights. The fountain is a large rose covered in thousands of broken Delft porcelain and tile pieces, resulting in a one-of-a-kind mosaic. Pre- and post-theater receptions, private events, and children’s programming are frequently held in the Blue Ribbon Garden.
Toyota Youth Symphonies
Children ages 5 to 11 are invited to experience the thrill of live performance while listening to the sounds of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Come an hour early for interactive kids’ activities related to each concert’s theme. Activities have included a “petting zoo” of musical instruments in the Blue Ribbon Garden, dances in the BP hall, workshops on how to play musical instruments, and fun Q&As where kids can ask experts anything they want about music. The concert and pre-concert programs each last about an hour. The activities begin at 10 a.m. sharp, and the concert begins at 11 a.m.
7. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) is housed on land that was previously used as an agricultural fairground from 1872 to 1910. In the 1890s, William Miller Bowen, a local attorney, and Sunday school teacher became increasingly concerned about the park’s growing number of saloons, gambling events, and other vices. He spearheaded the 1909 campaign to persuade the State, County, and City to develop the park as a cultural center. The State would construct an exposition building (and later an armory) for California products, the County would construct a historical and art museum, and the City would maintain the grounds. This three-tiered ownership structure still exists today.
The Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Natural History Museum in Los Angele. The museum is housed within a stunning 1913 beaux arts building in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park. The 1913 eastern entrance is one of Los Angeles’ most magnificent public spaces.
BEST Attractions in Los Angeles:
The Natural History Museum Los Angeles’ eastern entrance overlooks a rose garden and features a domed rotunda with marble columns. The Three Graces statue, representing the muses of art, history, and science, is the rotunda’s focal point.
Visit the Dinosaur Hall to see the famous T.Rex Trio.
The T.Rex Trio is a popular set that includes the skeletons of a baby, juvenile, and sub-adult T-Rex. There are 20 dinosaur skeletons and 300 fossils in the 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall. View California’s oldest known dinosaur footprint! Dinosaur eggs can also be held. View an American Mastodon skeleton, which became extinct 11,000 years ago.
Skeletons of post-dinosaur age mammals, such as the American Mastodon, polar bears, walruses, zebras, elk, cheetah, bison, wolves, and a Sumatran Tiger, can be found in the Natural History Museum Los Angeles’ Age of Mammals Hall.
View suspended Allodesmus skeletons that swam through a submerged California 15 million years ago!
Marvel at the stunning African and North American Diorama Halls, which feature lions, giraffes, and elephants.
At the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, you can see beautiful dioramas (staged landscapes) of lions, giraffes, elephants, gorillas, chimps, elephants, bison, moose, and bears from the 1920s.
Be dazzled by the Gem and Mineral Hall’s 2,000 specimens.
The Gem and Mineral Hall features 2,000 spectacular specimens on display. Meteorites, polished gemstones, and minerals are examples. The famous Mojave gold nugget is California’s largest gold nugget.
At the Discovery Center, you can use microscopes and dig for fossils.
Discover the indoor Discovery Center, where you can dig for fossils in the Paleo Play Zone. An insect zoo, microscopes, and magnifying glasses are also available.
Relax in a beautiful Nature Garden.
Children can go paddling in an urban creek bed with a waterfall. There’s also a Get Dirty Zone with a compost bin to dig in, stumps to walk on, and a willow house to investigate. There are ducks, insects, dragonflies, and fish in the pond, as well as a pollinator meadow with California native plants, bee hotels, and hummingbird feeders.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is located at 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
Paid parking is available on Bill Robertson Lane, which is just off Exposition Boulevard (cash only).
Public Transportation: Take the low-cost EXPO line from downtown Santa Monica to the Expo Park/USC Station. It takes about 50 minutes. Fares are paid in cash. Natural History Museum Grill serves food. A gift shop also exists.
8. Hollywood Forever
Exploring National Forests
Outdoor recreation is good for your health, but it must be done safely. If you are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please avoid visiting national forests. To keep yourself and our communities healthy and safe, follow the CDC’s advice on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the national forests. The Angeles National Forest is your forest.
You can plan your trip to the forest using an interactive map. Call (626) 574-1613 to speak with a helpful staff member or visit our headquarters, ranger station, or visitor center. Click here for a complete list of locations where you can get more information. Alternatively, you can send us an email.
However, you should bring a hard copy map with you. Cell service is intermittent and frequently unavailable.
In the heart of Hollywood, Hollywood Forever is a full-service funeral home, crematory, cemetery, and cultural events center. Hollywood Forever, one of the world’s most visited landmarks, is the final resting place of hundreds of Hollywood’s founders and stars, as well as thousands of local residents and visitors from around the world.
Crematory, Funeral Home, and Cemetery
Hollywood Forever, an integral part of the surrounding community, is a one-of-a-kind place to commemorate a life, whether honoring revered traditions or creating new ones. Families can choose from traditional burial to the most basic cremation. There are lawn areas, cremation niches, and mausoleum crypts available at the park. The Beth Olam section, one of California’s oldest and most active Jewish cemeteries, provides traditional Jewish burial.
We will work with you to create a thoughtful and meaningful ceremony, regardless of your tradition, faith, culture, or affiliation. Our employees are fluent in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Armenian, and Thai.
Cultural Happenings
Hollywood Forever is one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural institutions, welcoming families and visitors to concerts, plays, and films. Since 2000, we have collaborated with Cinespia to present summer screenings on the Fairbanks Lawn. Every Saturday, thousands of people gather to watch classic and contemporary films. Every year, visitors from all over the world attend the cemetery’s Dia de los Muertos celebration, a day-long festival featuring memorial altars, traditional dancers, art exhibits, crafts, and Latino recording artists.
History
The cemetery, which opened in 1899, played an important role in the development of early Hollywood. The studio was built on the undeveloped south end of the original site, where it still operates today. Hollywood Forever, the cemetery of choice for the majority of Hollywood’s founders and luminaries, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
A museum within walking distance
Visitors from all over the world now come to Hollywood Forever to pay their respects to many of the arts’ most cherished figures, including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, Douglas Fairbanks, Johnny, Dee Dee Ramone, Chris Cornell, and hundreds more. For those who want to explore on their own, a detailed map and the walking guidebook are available in the park’s flower shop. Those interested in guided tours led by local historian Karie Bible should go to cemeterytour.com for more information and schedules.
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a three-hour tour of a real working Hollywood studio. Explore the sets and soundstages that brought classic films and television shows to life, including Casablanca, The Big Bang Theory, La La Land, Gilmore Girls, Friends, and many more. Our knowledgeable Tour Guides will take you behind the scenes to see original props and costumes from films ranging from Wonder Woman at the DC Universe: The Exhibit to Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts at the Warner Bros. Archive. Guests can also visit the Picture Car Vault, which displays some of Batman’s most famous vehicles over the years. The tour concludes at Stage 48: Script to Screen, an immersive experience that provides a hands-on introduction to the world of filmmaking. Guests can recreate a scene from Friends on the original Central Perk Café set, ride a bat-pod through Gotham City using green screen technology, and much more.
Visit the soundstages, sets, and props used in your favorite movies and TV shows at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, California. Discover for yourself why it is one of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area. To ensure your visit, book early and online; tours frequently sell out.
Made in Hollywood
Step behind the scenes of a working Hollywood studio and explore the iconic 45-hectare backlot on custom-designed trams and your own two feet. Backlot sets, soundstages, The Batcave – home to some of Batman’s most famous vehicles – and the Warner Bros. Archive – featuring the DC Universe and Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts exhibits – are among the tour stops. Because production schedules change on a daily basis, no two tours are alike. Memories are also shared here. Listen carefully as tour guides discuss the filming of old and new movies and TV shows such as Friends, Batman, The Big Bang Theory, Casablanca, and La La Land.
Selecting the Best Tour for You
Visit the backlots and soundstages, see The Batcave, and see the updated DC Universe: The Exhibit, which includes authentic props and costumes from Aquaman and Wonder Woman, as well as The Wizarding World, which includes authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. View soundstages from television shows such as Ellen and The Big Bang Theory. Explore Stage 48: Script to Screen, where you can take a screen test on the original Friends Central Perk set, fly over Hogwarts on a Nimbus 3000, or ride a BatPod through Gotham at the green screen experience.
Classics Made Here Tour: Travel back in time to see where legends like Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, and Audrey Hepburn filmed classic films like Casablanca, Rebel Without a Cause, and My Fair Lady. Discover never-before-seen period costumes and set pieces, as well as hear stories from this bygone era of filmmaking.
Deluxe Tour:
Join our knowledgeable tour guide on a five-hour adventure designed for die-hard fans. This option includes the Studio Tour as well as stops at the Costume and Prop Departments. Arrive early for a complimentary continental breakfast in the Deluxe Tour Lounge, which features luxurious leather seats and a cutting-edge audio-visual system in the private screening room. Guests on this tour also have lunch at the Commissary Fine Dining Room, where they may run into studio executives or spot a celebrity or two.
Completing the Experience
Bring your appetite or stop by the Starbucks in the Welcome Center for a drink. At the end of your tour, stop by Stage 48: Script to Screen in the Central Perk Café for a Friends-inspired drink and treat, which is a replica of the popular, long-running TV comedy. Of course, you’ll want a souvenir of your trip. In the Warner Bros. Studio Store, you can purchase a souvenir or find the ideal gift for someone special. After all, this is where the magic of filmmaking takes place.
10. Lake Hollywood Park
Lake Hollywood Park is a hidden gem in the Hollywood Hills, just below the Hollywood sign. The park is comprised of a large grassy field with trees lining the park’s perimeter. Although the park is “dog friendly,” it is not fenced in and does not have an “off-leash dog park.” Lake Hollywood Park is a great place to picnic, practice yoga, and, of course, pose in front of the Hollywood Sign. Although there are water fountains in the park, there are no restrooms. The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Getting to Lake Hollywood Park, which is located above the Hollywood Reservoir on the west side of Griffith Park, is an adventure on the tight, zigzagging roads of Hollywoodland. But your patience will be rewarded with one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign, just off Mulholland Highway. Lake Hollywood Park, perhaps because of the difficult drive, feels more like a quiet suburban haven than a major sightseeing destination, with a children’s playground, a grassy field, picnic benches shaded by foliage, and a steady stream of local dog-walkers.
It’s a small park, but I’m glad it’s well-kept. A close-up view of the Hollywood sign with almost no effort. The street parking (inclined) in front of this park is mostly available, but during rush hour, we may have to park downhill. The road leading to this park is also scenic, with curved roads, foliage, and mostly light traffic.
Lake Hollywood offers scenic views of the Hollywood sign as well as a very nice green 2-acre patch for dog walking. Unfortunately, many people disregard the dog leash rule, allowing their furry friend to run free and wild in the park. This poses a risk to everyone, including small children and other, leashed, dogs. Everyone with a functioning neuron is aware that kennel cough and other canine respiratory diseases are common in Los Angeles. To everyone who says, “Let my dog run free and infect your dog.” It is your fault
.
