Guidebook for Los Angeles
Entertainment & Activities
Both an historic landmark AND a functioning modern space to take in some great first-run moves, this is where you will find hand and foot prints from stars since the Golden Age. Even R2D2 and C3PO! If you don't want to take in a movie, they give pretty amazing tours, so you can still see the amazing art deco interior and they often have actual costumes from movies on display.
1423 locals recommend
TCL Chinese Theatres
6925 Hollywood BlvdBoth an historic landmark AND a functioning modern space to take in some great first-run moves, this is where you will find hand and foot prints from stars since the Golden Age. Even R2D2 and C3PO! If you don't want to take in a movie, they give pretty amazing tours, so you can still see the amazing art deco interior and they often have actual costumes from movies on display.
Drinks & Nightlife
An old Hollywood institution. This is where the first ever Oscar after party was held and where Judy Garland celebrated her 16th birthday.
40 locals recommend
Pig ‘N Whistle
6714 Hollywood BlvdAn old Hollywood institution. This is where the first ever Oscar after party was held and where Judy Garland celebrated her 16th birthday.
Our favorite little spot to enjoy a margarita and some tacos RIGHT around the corner from our townhouse. They are super friendly, and they love our dogs! Known for Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and a lot more.
68 locals recommend
Te'Kila
6541 Hollywood BlvdOur favorite little spot to enjoy a margarita and some tacos RIGHT around the corner from our townhouse. They are super friendly, and they love our dogs! Known for Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and a lot more.
Enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel with an amazing backdrop of the city high rises. Easily accessible from the Metro -- exit 7th St./Metro Center and walk a block up to 6th Street. Try to avoid this place on late Friday and Saturday nights as it can be hard to get in if you are not an "A lister."
330 locals recommend
Standard Downtown
550 Flower StEnjoy a cocktail on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel with an amazing backdrop of the city high rises. Easily accessible from the Metro -- exit 7th St./Metro Center and walk a block up to 6th Street. Try to avoid this place on late Friday and Saturday nights as it can be hard to get in if you are not an "A lister."
A French style rooftop bar with a relaxed atmosphere and amazing views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Take the Metro from Vine St. to downtown and exit Pershing Square Station. It's right across the street at 5th and Hill Streets.
786 locals recommend
Perch
448 S Hill StA French style rooftop bar with a relaxed atmosphere and amazing views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Take the Metro from Vine St. to downtown and exit Pershing Square Station. It's right across the street at 5th and Hill Streets.
Essentials
Our go-to store for anything needed day or night. They are friendly, have self-check-out, and it's open 24 hours!
514 locals recommend
CVS
1747 N Cahuenga BlvdOur go-to store for anything needed day or night. They are friendly, have self-check-out, and it's open 24 hours!
This is our staple supermarket. Carries all the basics and has a very friendly and helpful butcher. Best of all, it's right around the corner from us.
37 locals recommend
Yucca Supermarket
1815 N Cahuenga BlvdThis is our staple supermarket. Carries all the basics and has a very friendly and helpful butcher. Best of all, it's right around the corner from us.
Our market for the items that are hard to find in other supermarkets. Prices are fantastic, they have great stuff, and it's within walking distance! Walk over to Vine St. between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.
1811 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
11976 Ventura BlvdOur market for the items that are hard to find in other supermarkets. Prices are fantastic, they have great stuff, and it's within walking distance! Walk over to Vine St. between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.
You shouldn't need dry cleaning while on holiday, but in case you do, this is where I get all of my cleaning and ironing done. Just around the corner from us. You will catch a view of the Hollywood Sign while walking over. :-)
12 locals recommend
Lido Cleaners & Laundry
1905 Wilcox AveYou shouldn't need dry cleaning while on holiday, but in case you do, this is where I get all of my cleaning and ironing done. Just around the corner from us. You will catch a view of the Hollywood Sign while walking over. :-)
Food Scene
The coffee here is good, though the service can be kind of blah. Still, it is very, very close to our house and so a quick and easy way to grab a coffee (an alternative to Starbucks).
33 locals recommend
Rise N Grind
6501 Hollywood BlvdThe coffee here is good, though the service can be kind of blah. Still, it is very, very close to our house and so a quick and easy way to grab a coffee (an alternative to Starbucks).
Do you like Pizza? This is genuine New York style pizza and is the best in Hollywood. It's affordable and has a kitschy atmosphere. It's where we get all of our pizza! I admit I am addicted to it and probably bring some home every weekend.
84 locals recommend
Stefano's Two Guys From Italy
6705 Hollywood BlvdDo you like Pizza? This is genuine New York style pizza and is the best in Hollywood. It's affordable and has a kitschy atmosphere. It's where we get all of our pizza! I admit I am addicted to it and probably bring some home every weekend.
A very unique place...it's a diner open 24 hours but not like any you have seen before! They have a full bar and a very sleek, stylish interior. Their portions are huge, and the food is amazing. Some of the best eggs Benedict anywhere.
104 locals recommend
kitchen24
1608 N Cahuenga BlvdA very unique place...it's a diner open 24 hours but not like any you have seen before! They have a full bar and a very sleek, stylish interior. Their portions are huge, and the food is amazing. Some of the best eggs Benedict anywhere.
Only on Sunday morning and early afternoon. It's a great market with produce, crafts, and an awesome food selection. Go see Andres the Chef for some pretty amazing crepes stuffed with all kinds of goodies. They will fill you up like crazy.
242 locals recommend
Hollywood Farmers’ Market
1600 Ivar AveOnly on Sunday morning and early afternoon. It's a great market with produce, crafts, and an awesome food selection. Go see Andres the Chef for some pretty amazing crepes stuffed with all kinds of goodies. They will fill you up like crazy.
An upscale Mexican restaurant with a great bar, appetizers, and modestly priced high quality dinners. The patio is a divine place to relax with a cocktail and watch the craziness of Hollywood Boulevard go by.
42 locals recommend
Loteria Grill
4228 West Pico BoulevardAn upscale Mexican restaurant with a great bar, appetizers, and modestly priced high quality dinners. The patio is a divine place to relax with a cocktail and watch the craziness of Hollywood Boulevard go by.
An L.A. institution! Sample some soulful southern cuisine. This is THEE original Roscoe's Famously good and rightly so! Get the #13 (fried breast and a waffle) for a moderate sized taste.
164 locals recommend
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles - Hollywood
1514 N Gower StAn L.A. institution! Sample some soulful southern cuisine. This is THEE original Roscoe's Famously good and rightly so! Get the #13 (fried breast and a waffle) for a moderate sized taste.
A short cab ride fro our neighborhood, the best Italian food I've had in L.A. My guests from Italy love it (in case that says anything).
41 locals recommend
Osteria Mamma
5732 Melrose AveA short cab ride fro our neighborhood, the best Italian food I've had in L.A. My guests from Italy love it (in case that says anything).
Casual Brazilian cuisine...not like the expensive churrasquerias...close by and comfortable. There is another one in West Hollywood right across from the Abbey on Robertson.
263 locals recommend
Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine
7181 Sunset BlvdCasual Brazilian cuisine...not like the expensive churrasquerias...close by and comfortable. There is another one in West Hollywood right across from the Abbey on Robertson.
One of the BEST breakfast/Brunch spots in L.A. Go early and on a weekday if you can, because the wait for a table is always ridiculous! But, it's worth it!
212 locals recommend
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset BlvdOne of the BEST breakfast/Brunch spots in L.A. Go early and on a weekday if you can, because the wait for a table is always ridiculous! But, it's worth it!
Like nothing you've seen before. Eggs Benedicts and Bloody Maries with a hipster diner vibe. Two stops away on the Red Line...exit Susnet/Vermont and walk half a mile north on Vermont Ave. Try the Bearded Mr. Frenchie!
155 locals recommend
Fred 62
1850 N Vermont AveLike nothing you've seen before. Eggs Benedicts and Bloody Maries with a hipster diner vibe. Two stops away on the Red Line...exit Susnet/Vermont and walk half a mile north on Vermont Ave. Try the Bearded Mr. Frenchie!
The BEST burgers in Hollywood. These things are incredible, and they have the most amazing beer selection to go with it. Try the onion rings...they're incredible.
167 locals recommend
Stout Burgers & Beers
1544 N Cahuenga BlvdThe BEST burgers in Hollywood. These things are incredible, and they have the most amazing beer selection to go with it. Try the onion rings...they're incredible.
A fairly new casual burger place with counter service right near the Vine St Metro Station. Good burgers and sweet potato fries with friendly service. And, they serve beer! You can sit out side and watch the Boulevard go by while chowing down.
61 locals recommend
Umami Burger Hollywood
1520 North Cahuenga BoulevardA fairly new casual burger place with counter service right near the Vine St Metro Station. Good burgers and sweet potato fries with friendly service. And, they serve beer! You can sit out side and watch the Boulevard go by while chowing down.
Their focus is coffee, but they have a pretty good food menu as well. Fantastic large patio far west at the La Brea Avenue end of the Boulevard. Great for sitting and relaxing a bit away from the crowds. Try the breakfast burrito. It's awesome.
68 locals recommend
Tiago Coffee Bar + Kitchen
7080 Hollywood BlvdTheir focus is coffee, but they have a pretty good food menu as well. Fantastic large patio far west at the La Brea Avenue end of the Boulevard. Great for sitting and relaxing a bit away from the crowds. Try the breakfast burrito. It's awesome.
Best sushi in Hollywood and walking distance from us. Just up on Franklin at Highland Avenue. Friendly spot, reasonable prices and a good selection of yummy Japanese delicacies.
26 locals recommend
Shintaro Restaurant
1900 N Highland AveBest sushi in Hollywood and walking distance from us. Just up on Franklin at Highland Avenue. Friendly spot, reasonable prices and a good selection of yummy Japanese delicacies.
An L.A. Institution. If you want to eat and drink like a local, take a taxi over her to Beverly and La Brea and have a "scratch" margarita and anything from the great selection of fattening Mexican combos. Campy and festive atmosphere.
72 locals recommend
El Coyote
7312 Beverly BlvdAn L.A. Institution. If you want to eat and drink like a local, take a taxi over her to Beverly and La Brea and have a "scratch" margarita and anything from the great selection of fattening Mexican combos. Campy and festive atmosphere.
A fabulous West Hollywood brunch spot with pretty amazing pancakes. Take a taxi over to Santa Monica Boulevard and Kings Rd.
132 locals recommend
Hugo's Restaurant
8401 Santa Monica BlvdA fabulous West Hollywood brunch spot with pretty amazing pancakes. Take a taxi over to Santa Monica Boulevard and Kings Rd.
A hidden gem that is famous to L.A. locals but not well known to tourists. Small relaxing spot in what is otherwise a residential neighborhood about a mile south of us. Known for their "crack" bacon.
33 locals recommend
Grub
6500 Seward StA hidden gem that is famous to L.A. locals but not well known to tourists. Small relaxing spot in what is otherwise a residential neighborhood about a mile south of us. Known for their "crack" bacon.
Want to spot some celebrities having brunch? This is the place. Amazing spot for brunch and accessible by Metro. Exit Sunset/Vermont, and walk about half a mile over to Hillhurst Avenue just north of Hollywood Boulevard.
168 locals recommend
Home
1760 Hillhurst AveWant to spot some celebrities having brunch? This is the place. Amazing spot for brunch and accessible by Metro. Exit Sunset/Vermont, and walk about half a mile over to Hillhurst Avenue just north of Hollywood Boulevard.
Campy delicious fun with drag queens a short taxi ride from us is Hamburger Mary's on Santa Monica Blvd. just east of West Hollywood City Hall. The drinks are strong, and the burgers are HUGE. And, if you go at the right times, you may be treated to some drag shows or karaoke.
84 locals recommend
Hamburger Mary's
8288 Santa Monica BlvdCampy delicious fun with drag queens a short taxi ride from us is Hamburger Mary's on Santa Monica Blvd. just east of West Hollywood City Hall. The drinks are strong, and the burgers are HUGE. And, if you go at the right times, you may be treated to some drag shows or karaoke.
Really good Thai/Vietnamese fusion just steps away from our house over on Cahuenga Blvd. I recommend the duck curry or the pineapple fried rice.
39 locals recommend
It's Pho
1821 N Cahuenga BlvdReally good Thai/Vietnamese fusion just steps away from our house over on Cahuenga Blvd. I recommend the duck curry or the pineapple fried rice.
This is a different kind of farmers market...a permanent one that is open every day of the week with every kind of food imaginable (including a Cajun/Creole counter that is really authentic). Gets really crowded at lunch time on weekends, and in the evenings, you can often catch live music. A short taxi ride away at Third and Fairfax near CBS studios and right next the shopping of the Grove.
819 locals recommend
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StThis is a different kind of farmers market...a permanent one that is open every day of the week with every kind of food imaginable (including a Cajun/Creole counter that is really authentic). Gets really crowded at lunch time on weekends, and in the evenings, you can often catch live music. A short taxi ride away at Third and Fairfax near CBS studios and right next the shopping of the Grove.
Arts & Culture
If you come to Hollywood during the summer, you MUST try and take in a show here. A unique venue that seats 18,000 people, It's just an incredible experience and within walking distance of us! It's the outdoor summer home of the L.A. Philharmonic, but they show all sorts of theater productions, jazz concerts, rock concerts, world music, and anything you can imagine. Don't miss this place. Pack a bottle of wine and a picnic and get ready for an incredible experience.
1407 locals recommend
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Hollywood Bowl RdIf you come to Hollywood during the summer, you MUST try and take in a show here. A unique venue that seats 18,000 people, It's just an incredible experience and within walking distance of us! It's the outdoor summer home of the L.A. Philharmonic, but they show all sorts of theater productions, jazz concerts, rock concerts, world music, and anything you can imagine. Don't miss this place. Pack a bottle of wine and a picnic and get ready for an incredible experience.
I believe the Getty center is the best attraction in all of the Los Angeles area. An incredible art collection including some original impressionist paintings like Money and Renoir. Aside from outstanding art collection, it's worth a trip just to see the architecture of the buildings, the gardens, and views of the Santa Monica Bay. Nestled in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, I recommend taking a taxi to parking level 1, and then a computerized tram will take you to the pavilions of the Getty Center.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrI believe the Getty center is the best attraction in all of the Los Angeles area. An incredible art collection including some original impressionist paintings like Money and Renoir. Aside from outstanding art collection, it's worth a trip just to see the architecture of the buildings, the gardens, and views of the Santa Monica Bay. Nestled in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, I recommend taking a taxi to parking level 1, and then a computerized tram will take you to the pavilions of the Getty Center.
You know those famous lamp posts on Wilshire Boulevard you always see in photographs? This is where they are. LACMA always has interesting exhibits and is closer to us than the Getty Center or museums of Exposition Park. A short taxi ride south to Wilshire and Fairfax will get you there.
3162 locals recommend
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdYou know those famous lamp posts on Wilshire Boulevard you always see in photographs? This is where they are. LACMA always has interesting exhibits and is closer to us than the Getty Center or museums of Exposition Park. A short taxi ride south to Wilshire and Fairfax will get you there.
Parks & Nature
This is my "church" every Sunday! A giant park with hiking trails ranging from easy to intense and you can hike with your dog off leash! Best of all? You can walk there from our house! (Note it is closed through July 2016 for a water project...which I am so bummed about!)
2445 locals recommend
Runyon Canyon Park
2000 N Fuller AveThis is my "church" every Sunday! A giant park with hiking trails ranging from easy to intense and you can hike with your dog off leash! Best of all? You can walk there from our house! (Note it is closed through July 2016 for a water project...which I am so bummed about!)
The largest urban park in the USA. Contains the iconic Griffith Observatory, which is worth a visit, endless hiking trails with 360 degree views of the city, and of course, the Hollywood Sign.
898 locals recommend
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs DriveThe largest urban park in the USA. Contains the iconic Griffith Observatory, which is worth a visit, endless hiking trails with 360 degree views of the city, and of course, the Hollywood Sign.
Sightseeing
A unique and educational experience in Griffith Park. A quick drive from our place, it offers great views of the city, and lots of good info about our galaxy. (My nephews love it here.) Best of all...it's free.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdA unique and educational experience in Griffith Park. A quick drive from our place, it offers great views of the city, and lots of good info about our galaxy. (My nephews love it here.) Best of all...it's free.
Only one metro stop away from us at Hollywood/Western you will find authentic Thai culture with tons of food and stores. Thai Patio is one of our mainstays with live music on the weekends! It's a little off the beaten path and so a great place to get away from the tourists and get some great Asian cuisine any time of the day or night.
43 locals recommend
Thai Town
Only one metro stop away from us at Hollywood/Western you will find authentic Thai culture with tons of food and stores. Thai Patio is one of our mainstays with live music on the weekends! It's a little off the beaten path and so a great place to get away from the tourists and get some great Asian cuisine any time of the day or night.
Part of the 'Pueblo de Los Angeles' the oldest part of the city celebrates Mexican culture with restaurants, shops, and piñatas everywhere. Accessible by metro if you take the Red Line all the way to Union Station (which is a site in and of itself) and then walk across Alameda Street from the front of the station and you are there.
412 locals recommend
Olvera Street
Olvera StreetPart of the 'Pueblo de Los Angeles' the oldest part of the city celebrates Mexican culture with restaurants, shops, and piñatas everywhere. Accessible by metro if you take the Red Line all the way to Union Station (which is a site in and of itself) and then walk across Alameda Street from the front of the station and you are there.
If you want to see L.A. beaches, this is the most entertaining. The quirky, hipster atmosphere, "medical" marijuana shops, the famous muscle beach, and just...the PEOPLE. About a 30 minute taxi ride from us, or you can take the Metro all the way to Santa Monica Pier on the Expo line from downtown, and it's a short taxi south from there (or walk or rent a bike if you want to get some exercise).
1387 locals recommend
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkIf you want to see L.A. beaches, this is the most entertaining. The quirky, hipster atmosphere, "medical" marijuana shops, the famous muscle beach, and just...the PEOPLE. About a 30 minute taxi ride from us, or you can take the Metro all the way to Santa Monica Pier on the Expo line from downtown, and it's a short taxi south from there (or walk or rent a bike if you want to get some exercise).
You've seen it a million times in TV and movies, and it's more beautiful in person. And, now, you can get there by Metro! Take the Expo line from Downtown all the way to the end, and you are there in the Heart of Santa Monica.
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierYou've seen it a million times in TV and movies, and it's more beautiful in person. And, now, you can get there by Metro! Take the Expo line from Downtown all the way to the end, and you are there in the Heart of Santa Monica.
This doesn't really need an explanation, as it's almost right outside our door. We are positioned right about in the center of the famous Walk of Fame, with stars depicting 'stars' of stage, screen, TV, radio, and music stretching from the west at La Brea Ave. to the east at Vine St. Most of the newer celebrities' stars or located out in front of the Chinese and Dolby theaters near Hollywood and Highland.
1913 locals recommend
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
6255 Sunset BlvdThis doesn't really need an explanation, as it's almost right outside our door. We are positioned right about in the center of the famous Walk of Fame, with stars depicting 'stars' of stage, screen, TV, radio, and music stretching from the west at La Brea Ave. to the east at Vine St. Most of the newer celebrities' stars or located out in front of the Chinese and Dolby theaters near Hollywood and Highland.