Between Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Los Angeles - California
Hard Rock Café: 6801 Hollywood Blvd Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Beverly Hills
Description: A drive through Beverly Hills and along Rodeo Drive was also part of an L.A. must-do program in the '90s. To look in the windows of the exclusive stores and walk along the streets Julia Roberts visited in Pretty Woman . We also wanted to drive past the great mansions in Beverly Hills.
Our rating: It used to be fun, but now we wouldn't need it every time we visit L.A. again. Interests change probably also with the years. But for those who have never been to L.A., this is probably still a worthwhile destination.
Great Wall of Los Angeles
Description: The Great Wall is an art project designed by artist Judith F. Baca in 1978. It was subsequently painted by over 400 local artists. It involved painting directly on the concrete wall of Tujung Wash. As part of Los Angeles' drainage system, the Wash, and thus the mural, flooded 5 times between 1976 and 1983. In addition, sunlight and dirt attacked the colors strongly and so the mural had to be elaborately restored again in 2011.
The mural represents the history of California. It is 13ft high and almost 2756ft long. It is located in North Hollywood between Oxnard Street and Burbank Boulevard.
In 2017, it was listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places.
For the GPS: 12900 Oxnard St, North Hollywood, CA 91606
Our rating: We visited the mural in September 2019. As an artist, I am of course particularly interested in such places. It is impressive to see such a huge work of art. Who has an hour of spare time should take a look.
On the side of the road there is parking almost on the entire length. Along the mural there is a sidewalk and a strip of grass. So it is relatively easy to walk along the mural and look at the pictures.
Griffith Observatory
Description: The Griffith Observatory is located on Mount Hollywood, 984ft above the city. It is home to an observatory, a planetarium and a museum. The building was built in 1935 and is an attraction for people from all over the world. Because of its exposed location, it offers a breathtaking view onto the megacity of Los Angeles. At least on days when the smog does not impair the view too much.
Tipp: Especially in the afternoon and evening, the few parking spaces at the observatory fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to visit in the morning. Moreover, the parking spaces are free of charge in the morning. If you want to experience the sunset up here, you should come in time or use public transportation.
Our rating: We were at the observatory one morning in early September 2019. Getting a parking space directly at the observatory was no problem. The view was quite OK and so we liked the visit up here also quite well. Unfortunately, the observatory was not yet open, so we have to come again someday.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Monday closed. Tue-Fri 12am - 10pm. Sat-Sun 10am - 10pm.
Everything you need to know about a visit to Griffith Observatory can be found on the official webpage.
For the GPS: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hollywood Lake Park
Description: Hollywood Lake Park is one of the few places in the Hollywood Hills from which you can get a closer look at the Hollywood Sign. Since there is legal parking along the road here, you can also hike up to the Hollywood Sign from here. For this several miles long hike, where you can get behind the Hollywood Sign, you should not be completely unfit though.
For the GPS: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Our rating: We were here earlier in the morning in early September 2019. The parking lots were already well filled, so we recommend everyone to be here as early as possible. Since the Hollywood Sign is part of a Los Angeles visit for us, we can definitely recommend Lake Park.
Universal City und Studios
Description: First planned only as a studio tour of the film studios, it is now a large theme park with roller coasters, shows and other attractions. We visited the park in 1992, so the photos are not really up to date. The shows change regularly, but the Studio Tour is still there today.
Since all the big amusement parks in the U.S. are very popular, it may be advisable to buy the tickets in advance on the Internet. There are all kinds of variations and combinations. The entrance fee for Universal Studios starts at the moment (February 2019) at about 110$/person and day. Open to the top... Everything you need to know about a visit can be found at the official webpage.
Our rating: At the time, we thought it was great to see the sets of the movies we saw in theaters. Should we ever be in L.A. again, we can imagine a revisit. Especially the relatively newly opened Harry Potter world is appealing to us. We can definitely recommend a visit here.
In September 2019, we paid a short visit to Universal City Walk. Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit the studios itself.
Urban Light
Description: Urban Light is an installation of 202 restored streetlights. It was created in 2008 by artist Chris Bürden and is located in front of the entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Originally planned only as a temporary exhibition, the lanterns are so popular that they will probably remain here permanently for the time being.
For the GPS: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Our rating: When we first saw pictures of the installation it was clear that we would come here on our next L.A. visit. The lanterns just make a great photo motif.
The only drawback during our visit at the end of August 2019, were the many people wandering between the lanterns. So it was not possible to get photos without people on it. But that's just the way it is with very popular locations. You are not alone.
Nevertheless, we can recommend a visit. Next time we will also take time for the museum.
Walk of Fame
Description: One of the top tourist attractions is probably the Walk on Fame in Hollywood. Here you can walk in the footsteps of famous Hollywood stars and look for the star of your favorites. In front of the TCL Chinese Theater there are also the footprints and handprints of many stars.
Our rating: To get here and stroll once over Hollywood Blvd is probably a must for every L.A. visitor. It's quite nice, but having been here twice is enough for us. The only reason to come back would be to take digital photos of it.
... and that's exactly what we did in September 2019. Not much has changed since our visit 25 years ago. It's still a little bit grungy and crowded. Those who expect Hollywood glamour here will be disappointed.
Stars on the Walk of Fame
NEW !!!
Funko Hollywood
Description: Funko Pops! are collectible figurines that bring the world of pop culture to life. There's a Funko Pop to suit everyone, whether you're a fan of Fred Flintstone, Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter or Marvel. The store here in Hollywood is huge and has plenty of photo spots for Funko fans next to their favorite character.
For the GPS: 6201 Hollywood Blvd #100, Los Angeles
Our rating: Besides the Seattle headquarters, Hollywood is the only Funko store where you can design your own personal Funko. That's what we did in June 2023. Unfortunately, there was no mottled gray hair so our Funkos have become our youthful images.
