Hollywood Dreaming: Top 12 Hollywood Attractions From The Golden Age Of Movies

While Los Angeles has many tourist experiences, families with media savvy kids love Hollywood attractions best. Plan your visit to include the Hollywood sign, stars’ homes, the famous movie palaces and studio backlot tours. These must-see Hollywood attractions will give movie pilgrims the opportunity to taste elements of the old and new in the current Hollywood.

Hollywood, by the way, is no longer the epicenter of the motion picture business. However, the word still evokes all that is the movies. Plus, the district of Hollywood celebrates “the industry,” as they say, like nowhere else. 

HOLLYWOOD Sign Is a Top Movie Attraction

For many visitors to Los Angeles, there is no more coveted photo than a shot of the world-famous Hollywood sign. The freshly painted Hollywood Sign celebrated its 100th birthday in 2023 and contines to epitomize the movie business.

Did you know “Hollywood” was named after the California holly tree by the wife of a real estate developer? The sign was first erected in 1923 as “HOLLYWOODLAND” — a temporary billboard installed for a realty development in the hills above Hollywood. By 1949, the sign was in disrepair but public protests defeated all plans to demolish it. Instead, they renovated the sign and dropped the “land” from the name. The real estate development, however, proved a great success and remains today a highly regarded residential area.

Over the past century, the sign has been in its share of award-winning films, TV shows, and music videos. In 1978, when the Hollywood Sign Trust was founded, the unlikely team of Hugh Hefner, Andy Williams, Alice Cooper, Gene Autry and other donors funded a complete restoration. At present, the Hollywood Sign Trust is fund-raising to build a Visitors Center near the sign.

Try finding a good angle to shoot the Hollywood Sign. It’s tough! Though it is visible from all over the city on its lofty perch on Mount Lee, capturing it can be difficult. It is actually illegal to hike to or get anywhere near the sign. Restricting gates, security cameras and Park Rangers keep visitors at a distance. Visit the Hollywood sign website link above for an insiders photo guide to the sign. Alternatively, and much more easily, join a Hollywood Sign Tour and get up close.

Three Movie Museums Worth Your Time

The movie business landed in Hollywood around 1911, with the construction of Nestor Studios.The Lasky-DeMille Barn followed and survives today as the Hollywood Heritage Museum. The museum, located across the way from the Hollywood Bowl, features archival photographs from the silent movie days of motion picture production. Examine the movie props, historic documents and other movie related memorabilia up close. Also featured are historic photos and postcards of the streets, buildings and residences of Hollywood during its heyday. It’s a fun place that older movie fans will really appreciate. If you have some time, catch some unusual shows and lectures.

Drop into a living “museum,” the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. Built in 1927 and the same vintage as The Chinese, it hosted many stars for their movie premiers, including Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable. It’s worth a visit because it’s been the filming location for so many hit films. While modernized, we think it still retains that old Hollywood glamour.

Fans flock to another amazing, must-see museum that’s about 4 miles south in LA’s Miracle Mile district. The folks who gave you Oscar have their own new digs, the blockbuster Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. You know there’s lots to see in the largest museum in the U.S. devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Check their schedule of movie showings to time your visit. The museum is closed Tuesdays. Basic timed entry admission tickets cover exhibits, temporary shows, and a vast treasure trove of memorabilia. Pay extra for film screenings (a bargain at $10 for adults and $5 for kids 17 and under). Your teens will definitely want to splurge on the The Oscars® Experience, an immersive multimedia attraction that transports visitors to the stage at the Dolby Theatre (see below) for a big night at the Oscars.

2,700 Stars for the Stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood Boulevard was always the Main Street anchored by its classic icons — TCL Chinese Theatres and the Walk of Fame. The Chinese Theatres multiplex has a dramatic, historic forecourt that holds a number of vintage handprints and footprints of the stars. Look for Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd and many more. Step into their shoes and you may find that even the kids don’t have fee that small.

The Chinese leads on to the Walk of Fame, a city sidewalk distinguished by the terrazo and brass, star-shaped signs that honor individuals and their work. The easily accessible Hollywood Walk of Fame runs both directions on Hollywood Boulevard. Walk up Hollywood from La Brea Avenue to Gower Street. Then head down Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard. 

The city has awarded more than 2,700 stars to outstanding artists in film, television, music, radio, and theater. If you’re really into it, be sure to download The Los Angeles Times Star Walk app from iTunes. That app delivers the precise location of every star along with photos and a comprehensive biography of the recipient. Visit the Walk of Fame Calendar for premiers and other events and plan to be there — it’s a great photo opp!

Two Movie Theatres That Are Hollywood Attractions

“The Chinese” is one of the best known movie palaces in the world. Now the TCL Chinese Theatres, its fame comes from the era when it was Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. One of the first picture palaces, Grauman’s opened in May, 1927, in the most spectacular theater opening ever. Thousands of people lined the Boulevard, with riots breaking out as the stars of “King of Kings” arrived. The Chinese Theatre is now a state of the art six-plex which partnered with a “real” Chinese company for naming rights. It remains one of the favored venues for movie openings today. Tourists love to show up on nights of big movie premiers and watch celebrities walk down the red carpet.

The Dolby Theatre at the lively Hollywood & Highland Center hosts the yearly Oscar show. Entry here is the quickest way to go for viewing an Oscar statuette. Take selfies at the VIP Lounge and other exclusive celebrity hot spots. Older teens enjoy viewing images from previous Academy Awards ceremonies. It’s also the performance space that hosted Prince, Steven Tyler, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, the Dixie Chicks and many other notables. Fans of “America’s Got Talent” or “American Idol” must go by to see the set where they’re shot. Thirty-minute guided tours are available Monday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm — except during Oscar week. The theatre closes to the public for many private events so check their website before you make plans.

A Trio of Studio Tours: Most Popular Must-Do Experiences

Paramount Pictures still maintains its classic lot in eastern Hollywood. Additionally, many support companies (labs, smaller stages, equipment rental houses, etc.) call it home. However, you’ll have to drive the Los Angeles freeways to catch the other major studios and many independent film companies. Watch their neon signs spread from Burbank to the San Fernando Valley to Santa Monica. We’ve noted our three favorite studio tours in Los Angeles, but keep in mind that Paramount is the only one in Hollywood itself.

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Movie studio tours run weekdays at Paramount Studios, the historic home of the first Best Picture Academy Award-winner, “Wings” (1927).

This two-hour tour is more popular with older movie buffs who recall the studio’s golden years. Paramount lovingly preserved its beautiful Mediterranean-style bungalows and old stucco soundstages. The bungalows (including Lucille Ball’s) are now offices and the 29 remaining stages primarily host TV shows. Nonetheless, the guides are knowledgeable and provide entertaining anecdotes about recent projects done on the lot.

If you go, don’t miss a chance to take a selfie by the famous wrought iron Bronson Gates and the fountains just in front.

Movie Trivia: There is no Paramount Stage 13 because it was deemed an unlucky number.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour

Just a few minutes North on US-101 is the exciting Universal Studios Hollywood which opened in 1964. A 2008 fire forced the company to update the original studio tour with new sets and props. The theme park now offers a glitzy behind-the-scenes tram tour experience. Narrators comment through high-definition TV monitors in each tram car, with new video content and high-grade digital audio systems. Read more about one family’s visit to the Universal Studios Hollywood here.

Movie Trivia: The animatronic shark in “Jaws” was named Bruce after Steven Spielberg’s attorney, who apparently still represents him as legal counsel.

Warner Bros Studio Tour

Don’t miss a visit to Warner Bros lot. The huge production facility in nearby Burbank is where films — many of them — are still being made. Going behind-the-scenes, of course, is a fascinating journey for ages 8+. That access makes this educational tram tour our top pick for budding filmmakers. Thrill to the references to the Academy Award-winning “Casablanca” and “Gravity,” both shot here. Since some film and TV production continue, everything visitors see is authentic. Check out costumes and props from the eight Harry Potter films (Warner Bros. movies shot in London.) Look for wild-looking fantasy Batmobiles from “The Dark Knight Rises” and other Batman films.

Get cast as a star during a visit to Stage 48, the interactive, multimedia how-things-work exhibit about sound and special effects. Put yourself into the Central Perk set from “Friends” or mount a broomstick from “Harry Potter.” The staff will line you up in front of a green screen to have a photo or video made. Arrive early so you’ll have plenty of time for the self-guided Stage 48 visit after the two-hour tram tour.

Movie Trivia: Stage 7 is called Lucky 7. That’s because three Oscar winners (including the 1964 “My Fair Lady” starring Audrey Hepburn) built sets on it.

Tour The Movie Stars’ Homes And Movie Locations

While we respect the privacy of actors, it’s hard not to recommend the Golden Ticket LA Essential Hollywood Stars’ Homes Tour. Not sure of the value of this Hollywood attraction? Think about meeting the stars where they live and work. Don’t expect an invitation to coffee with Brad and Angelina. The tours, instead, provide an interesting journey through the wealthier residential areas. Absorb all the gossip about the stars, and maybe the occasional drive-by of a real star’s home or former home. There are many vendors with buses leaving from several locations and almost every hotel.

In addition to the stars’ homes tours, look for Movie Locations Tours. Kids will enjoy the fun, hop-on hop-off Big Bus Hollywood Loop or the TMZ Tours. (The latter is gossip-packed and best for teens!) They use open-top double decker buses with pre-recorded audio guides. Routes include Hollywood, Santa Monica and downtown LA.

Get Into The Act! Audiences Have Dreams Come True

The best thing to do in Hollywood may be to become a star yourself.

There are opportunities to be part of the audience for the actual taping of TV shows and game shows. Tickets are best arranged in advance through commercial vendors, such as 1iota, which features sitcoms, late night and talk shows. Another one, On Camera Audiences specializes in reality TV shows. VisitCalifornia.com keeps a helpful list of where to access tickets.

If you can’t find tickets through any online vendors, check the show’s website. Some talk shows offer tickets directly through their sites but you’ll have to plan ahead. Peak production season runs August through March. If being in a live audience is important to your Hollywood dream, come during this time frame.

That’s a wrap for now! Please share your star sightings in the comments field below.