What does Hollywood, CA offer?

[Tikitoi]

I ask this because a neighbor of mine and her hubby want to go just there. They like the idea of viewing "star" related stuff, such as the Stars on the sidewalks as well as window shopping or maybe shopping in some of the famous stores. But having spoken with my dd's hygenist and another friend who both have been to this part of California and were not impressed by the stars on the sidewalk, driving through the hollywood hills and even the tours of the stars homes. Not sure why they werent impressed but the hygenist mentioned it was not clean. So what can one do who wants to go to CA and view "star related" stuff? Thanks

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I ask this because a neighbor of mine and her hubby want to go just there. They like the idea of viewing "star" related stuff, such as the Stars on the sidewalks as well as window shopping or maybe shopping in some of the famous stores. But having spoken with my dd's hygenist and another friend who both have been to this part of California and were not impressed by the stars on the sidewalk, driving through the hollywood hills and even the tours of the stars homes. Not sure why they werent impressed but the hygenist mentioned it was not clean. So what can one do who wants to go to CA and view "star related" stuff? Thanks

Hollywood is not a clean place, as most of L.A, but it is cool place to visit at least once. The Walk of Fame stars aren't a really big deal, but it's fun to see them anyway. Manns Chinese Theater is a must see, and if you have time you can see the Kodak theater next door. It's where the Academy Awards are held, and there is a huge outdoor shopping mall attached to it. You can see Janice Dickinsons modeling agency there, and if you're lucky they may be filiming her reality series while you're there. If you're really into sight seeing, buy one of those Hollywood guide books. I recommend "This is Hollywood" by Ken Schessler. It's full of info on historic sites with maps and addresses to places like Hollywoods first movie studio, old star hangouts and murder/suicide sites. Visit East Hollywood and you can see Walt Disneys first studio and the birth place of Mickey Mouse. You'll of course want to visit Beverly Hills, and while there you're likely to spot a celebrity or two, although I've spotted more celebrities in Westwood. Driving through Hollywood Hills and viewing the beautiful homes is fun! It's one of those things you have to do at least once, but knowing the history of Hollywood before you go will make the trip much more worthwile. I really recommend the book I mentioned earlier.

 

[sweetspicy]

Thanks for that post, ChrisnSteph! I've always wanted to go there just to see what it's like and I want to look for that book too.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

I have been to HOllywood twice. The first time we stayed in Anaheim, went to Disneyland, took in an Angels/Red sox game. We went to UCLA and saw a tennis match with Andre Agassi. We also went to Venice Beach. and then booked a tour with a company that took us through Hollywood. We saw stars homes. It's not that great becasue most are behind huge walls. We did see Walt Disney's old home or at least the gate with the mickey heads. We saw landmarks from different movies and television shows. We went to the Stars walk of fame and shopping on Hollywood Blvd as well as the Chinese Theatre. We then went to lunch in Beverly HIlls and then shoppingon Rodeo Drive. At night Dh drove down Sunset Blvd, Hollywood and Vine. There is some interesting night life if you like to people watch. I can't imagine spending a week in Hollywood though. It's more of a one day sightseeing thing for Hollywood itself. There is alot that you can see outside of Hollywood , but right next to it.
The second time I went was for a bodybuilding competition held in Hollywood. We stayed at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel right next to the Chinese Theatre.
Hollywood is not that clean and i wouldn't wander far off of Hollywood Boulevard on foot.

 

[mtemm]

you might suggest that they consider a studio tour. we loved the warner bros one that we did the summer before last. we did stay one night at the resnaissance hollywood, which was a nice hotel attached to the kodak theatre. hollywood itself isn't all that impressive, although not as seedy as it seemed to be 20 years ago or so. Its really the studios that could give them a better flavor for movie/tv making.

 

[Planogirl]

We weren't all that impressed with Hollywood but I did enjoy exploring the old Roosevelt Hotel. I like old hotels and it had a lot of interesting photographs and so on.

We all enjoyed driving down Mulholland Drive. Nice views (little smog that day!) and we even got a great view of the famous sign.

 

[Tikitoi]

Thanks so much for the quick replies and I will definitely recommend the book that was mentioned. I may even just get it for myself. I think that maybe she is the type that likes to validate her life as far as "where she's been", so this will definitely give her some therapy. Thanks again.

 

[CanadianGuy]

As someone who lived in Hollywood for a number of years.. I must admit that my first mental response to this question was "Street prostitutes and Street drugs."

It can be a fun place to visit.

Rent a Car. Take the studio tours at Paramount and NBC for sure. Get tickets and go be in the audience at the Price Is Right and/or the Tonight Show. Those are relatively fun and easy.

Tapings for most other shows take HOURS and are very difficult to sit thru. Avoid those like the plague.

I enjoyed visiting the 'cemetaries of the stars' -- but I'm weird like that.

And of course, Universal Studios has some fun moments. It's no Disney.. but it's fun for sure.

J

 

[Judy from Boise]

when you are ready to put together a trip we have 4 boards devoted to planning trips to CA and the West!

 

[Tikitoi]

when you are ready to put together a trip we have 4 boards devoted to planning trips to CA and the West!

Thanks so much for the info.