Los Angeles is where dreams meet the silver screen. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, it’s where Hollywood magic comes alive—from glitzy red carpets to behind-the-scenes studio tours. If you’ve ever fantasized about stepping into a movie, meeting a star, or walking in the footsteps of film legends, L.A. offers a playground of cinematic experiences. Here are the top 10 must-do activities in Los Angeles for anyone chasing the Hollywood dream.
1. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
No Hollywood dream trip is complete without a stroll down the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. With over 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard, this landmark honors the biggest names in film, television, music, and radio. Whether you’re searching for Marilyn Monroe, Dwayne Johnson, or your favorite fictional character, each star tells a story. Street performers, quirky shops, and souvenir stands line the boulevard, giving it a carnival-like atmosphere that captures the spirit of Hollywood.
2. Tour Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is where movie magic is made and where you can live it. Part theme park, part working film studio, it offers behind-the-scenes tours, thrilling rides, and immersive experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Jurassic World. The famous Studio Tour takes you through real film sets, including the eerie Bates Motel and the wreckage from War of the Worlds. For any film lover or thrill-seeker, this is a must-visit stop to feel the pulse of Hollywood up close.
3. Snap a Selfie at the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is the ultimate symbol of fame and ambition. Perched on the Hollywood Hills, it’s a bucket-list photo op for anyone dreaming of stardom. There are multiple hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, including Griffith Park and the Mount Hollywood Trail, where you can capture jaw-dropping panoramas of the city and the sign. Whether you’re taking selfies or just soaking in the view, seeing the Hollywood Sign in person is a surreal and inspiring moment.
4. Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre
Since 1927, the TCL Chinese Theatre has been the site of countless star-studded movie premieres and Oscar moments. The theater’s forecourt is home to over 200 celebrity handprints, footprints, and signatures etched in cement by legends like Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks, and Robert Downey Jr. Inside, the lavish décor and massive IMAX screen create an unforgettable viewing experience. It’s not just a theater it’s a monument to cinema history and a place where the Hollywood dream is still very much alive.
5. Take a Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Step behind the scenes of your favorite TV shows and blockbuster films on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Located in Burbank, this tour offers an insider look at actual soundstages, sets, and props from productions like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Harry Potter. You’ll explore working studios, visit Central Perk Café, and even sit on the iconic “Friends” couch. It’s a deep dive into the creative process of Hollywood, perfect for superfans and curious visitors alike.
6. Explore the Hollywood Museum
Housed in the historic Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum is a treasure trove of movie memorabilia and history. From Marilyn Monroe’s costumes to Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from Silence of the Lambs, the museum features over 10,000 authentic items spanning a century of entertainment. Each floor is dedicated to different eras and genres, making it a fascinating journey through the evolution of Hollywood. It’s the ultimate stop for true cinephiles and history buffs alike.
7. Hike Griffith Observatory for Iconic Views
Griffith Observatory offers some of the most cinematic views in L.A. you’ve seen it in films like Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land. Perched on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, it offers panoramic vistas of the skyline and Hollywood Sign. Inside, you’ll find fascinating space exhibits, telescopes, and shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. It’s the perfect blend of nature, science, and cinematic nostalgia. Plus, the surrounding trails make for a great sunset hike with stargazing opportunities.
8. Shop and Spot Celebs on Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury, style, and celebrity. This upscale shopping district boasts designer boutiques like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Even if high-end fashion isn’t in your budget, it’s worth visiting for the experience alone. Window shop where the stars do, walk past hotels featured in Pretty Woman, and maybe even spot a celebrity sipping espresso. The palm-lined streets and polished storefronts are pure Hollywood glam, straight out of a movie scene.
9. Attend a Live Taping of a TV Show
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a live studio audience, Los Angeles is the place to do it. Popular shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show, and America’s Got Talent offer free tickets to live tapings. You’ll get to see behind the scenes, experience the energy of a live broadcast, and possibly catch surprise celebrity guests. It’s a unique, fun way to witness TV production in action and feel part of the Hollywood creative engine.
10. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum, opened in 2021, is a love letter to the art and science of filmmaking. Curated by the same organization that runs the Oscars, the museum features historic artifacts like Dorothy’s ruby slippers and scripts from classic films. Interactive exhibits explore the evolution of storytelling, directing, animation, and sound. There’s even a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city. For anyone serious about cinema, this museum offers an inspiring, in-depth experience of what makes Hollywood truly magical.