With its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, Hollywood needs no introduction. From exploring legendary landmarks to indulging in celebrity spotting, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this one-of-a-kind West Los Angeles neighborhood. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled day in Tinseltown!

Hike to the Hollywood Sign and Watch the Sunrise

There’s no better place to begin your Hollywood adventure than the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. Two primary hiking trails lead to the iconic sign. The Mt. Hollywood Trail is the most well-known. This beginner-friendly trail is about 5.3 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. This hike is also a great activity when family visits from out of town! 

Directions: ​​From Los Feliz Boulevard, take Vermont Avenue into Griffith Park. Follow signs to the observatory and park at the north end of the lot farthest from the observatory near the signed and landscaped Charlie Turner Trailhead.

Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast at Courage Bagels

Afterward, head to Courage Bagels for a delectable breakfast. Located in the heart of Hollywood, this Montreal-style bagel shop has become a beloved institution. With its warm, welcoming ambiance and impeccable hospitality, this eatery has earned a cult following among locals and visitors alike. Their extensive menu consists of a classic selection of bagels, schmears, and sandwiches, each prepared with meticulous care and attention to detail. 

Self-guided Walking Tour of Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is a legendary street, synonymous with the entertainment industry. On your self-guided tour, you can check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Roosevelt Hotel, Amoeba Music, and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre where you are likely to catch a red-carpet event. 

Lunch at ​​​​​​Jitlada Restaurant

An award-winning eatery, Jitlada is a family-run business that has been serving Thai food for over 20 years. This eatery is intimate and casual, but it is always packed with people. The menu boasts a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes, including Green Curry, Chicken Satay, Papaya Salad, Jitlada Wings, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum Soup. At this restaurant, I ordered the Green Curry ($19.95), which is a coconut-based curry with bell peppers, Thai eggplant, bamboo, and Thai basil. The curry was packed with nuanced flavors and was greatly satisfying. 

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Have a Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl 

Visit the Hollywood Bowl, an amphitheater and public park nestled into the Hollywood Hills. This venue is one of the most well-known outdoor concert venues in the world, and has been hosting concerts since 1922. It is known for its unique bandshell, which was originally a set of concentric arches. It was replaced with a larger shell in 2004, which is designed to enhance the acoustics and visibility of the stage. The shell is set against the backdrop of the verdant Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign, which makes for a spectacular setting for picnics and concerts.

See a Broadway Show’s Matinee at Pantages Theatre 

After dinner, make your way to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, which is a live performance theater conceptualized by architect B. Marcus Priteca. Opened in 1930, the Pantages has a long and illustrious history, having been home to a variety of entertainment events, including vaudeville acts, movies, and Broadway shows. It was also the site of the Academy Awards ceremony for about ten years. Presently, the Pantages is one of West Los Angeles’ finest theaters, and it continues to attract large crowds for its productions.

Dinner at ​​​​​​​​Musso & Frank Grill

Treat yourself to Musso & Frank Grill, a historic restaurant wildly popular for its classic American cuisine and memorable interiors. Established in 1919, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city. This eatery has a long-standing reputation for attracting celebrities and industry insiders such as Charlie Chaplin and Raymond Chandler, and its booths have been the setting for many memorable moments in Hollywood history and can be seen in many productions. At Musso & Frank Grill, I ordered Musso’s Traditional Steak Tartare ($24), a classic dish featuring finely chopped raw beef, mixed with capers, onions, and a creamy dressing, served with toast. The meat was delicate, flavorful, and instantly melted in my mouth!

Nightcap at Mama Shelter Rooftop 

End your glamorous Hollywood day with a nightcap at the Mama Shelter Rooftop, a trendy bar and lounge. Mama Shelter is a charming boutique hotel with eclectic guest rooms and a chic rooftop bar. The rooftop offers panoramic vistas of the Hollywood sign and the city skyline. It’s my go-to spot for drinks, thanks to its lively ambiance, delicious cocktails, and appetizers.

Photo courtesy of Musso & Frank.