subject: Finding Excitement And Adventure In Hollywood, Ca [print this page] If you are looking for a vacation with plenty of things to do, lots of people and architecture, and the excitement of seeing stars, look no further than Hollywood, California. This city features an endless supply of tourist attractions, which cannot be missed.
First, make a stop by the historic Grauman's Chinese Theater. This features the handprints and foot prints of famous Hollywood stars, along with an incredibly gorgeous movie theater which features some of the most famous premiers.
The tradition of footprints started when the palatial Asian-inspired cinema was under construction. Owner Sid Grauman accidentally stepped into a freshly paved sidewalk.
This inspired him to invite film stars Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and Norma Talmadge to provide the first celebrity footprints on opening day in 1927 initiating the now famous Forecourt of the Stars. Since then over 200 celebrities have had their footprints, hand prints and hoof prints immortalized in front of this Hollywood landmark.
Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Sydney Poitier are perennial favorites. Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Adam Sandler are relative new kids on the block.
The Chinese is considered by many to be the most spectacular cinema ever built. At the time, Grauman needed special government permission to import the pagodas, stone Heaven Dogs, and temple bells from China.
The building, which received historic-cultural landmark status in 1968, got a facelift when the Hollywood and Highland shopping and entertainment complex was built next door. Next, you do not want to miss out on the Hollywood sign.
The Hollywood Sign is LA's most famous landmark and is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It may also be the only major landmark whose status was completely unintended.
It was originally built in 1924 to promote the Hollywoodland real estate development in the foothills and canyons of Mt. Lee, a neighborhood now known as Beachwood Canyon. The 50-foot high billboard, placed on Mt. Lee 1000 feet above the city, was originally lit with 4,000 light bulbs.
It was only designed to last until all the property was sold, which they expected to be about 18 months. Nevertheless, until 1939, the company paid for a caretaker for the sign, who lived in a cottage behind the first L.
When they ran out of funding for the caretaker, the sign fell into disrepair, so the developers deeded the land north of Mulholland Highway, including the Hollywood Sign to the City of Los Angeles in 1944 and it became part of Griffith Park. You can't miss a picture at this historic spot.
If you like concerts, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the most beautiful concert venues in America. It boasts sound acoustics that are unparalleled, as well as a backdrop that will forever brand the beauty of Southern California in your mind.
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles after the Hollywood Sign. It is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States.
The bowl is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra as well as hosting a myriad of concerts and music festivals from jazz to pop to R&B. Many of the biggest musical names in history have performed, and continue to perform there.
The location of the Hollywood Bowl, just north of the heart of the city, makes it easily accessible for visitors. There are many convenient shuttle locations and if you are a regular walker, it is within walking distance (uphill) of several hotels.
Next, there's nothing more "Hollywood" you can do in there than attending a TV show taping. It is a great opportunity to see your favorite television stars live and in person, and best of all, it's free.
There are definitely seasonal highs and lows with most shows taking the summer off and beginning taping in the fall, but you can usually find something taping somewhere, even in the off season. Most production studios are much smaller than they appear on the tube.
The audience is no more than 20 or 30 feet away from the actors or talk show host, so it's a very intimate experience. Some TV shows tape in Burbank , Studio City, or Culver City, but there are still plenty that tape right in Hollywood.
You should plan to spend 3 to 5 hours to attend a taping. Tickets are available through ticket brokers, also known as audience services.
There are so many more things to do in this bustling city, but these are just a few crowd favorites which you should not miss. Check out the sites online and plan your trip today!
