Hollywood Neighborhood Guide

Hollywood is LA's most famous neighborhood, but it's misunderstood. The tourist areas (Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre) are crowded and commercial. But beyond the tourist traps lies a real neighborhood with excellent dining, nightlife, and character. Locals avoid Hollywood Blvd but love the side streets.

TCL Chinese Theatre — iconic movie palace, celebrity handprints. Walk of Fame — 2,700+ stars along Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood Sign — best viewed from Griffith Observatory (not up close). Dolby Theatre — home of the Oscars, tours available. Hollywood Museum — memorabilia in the Max Factor building. See these but don't linger.

Musso & Frank — oldest restaurant in Hollywood (1919), old-school charm. Pizzeria Mozza — Mario Batali's pizza masterpiece. Providence — Michelin-starred seafood. Cactus Taqueria — great cheap tacos. Petit Trois — French bistro by Ludo Lefebvre. Thai Town (just east) — the best Thai food in America.

No Vacancy — speakeasy with Victorian-era vibes. Harvard & Stone — dive bar with live music. Dirty Laundry — basement speakeasy. Good Times at Davey Wayne's — 70s-themed bar with garage entrance. Hollywood clubs (Avalon, Sound) for dancing. The Roosevelt hotel has multiple bars worth visiting.

Metro B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine. Street parking is tough; use lots or rideshare. Hollywood is walkable along the main corridors. The Hollywood Hills above are residential and quiet — a different world. Sunset Strip is technically West Hollywood, not Hollywood.

Skip: Hollywood Wax Museum, street performers demanding tips. Do: Thai Town for authentic Thai (Jitlada, Ruen Pair). The Arclight (RIP) may reopen — check status. Hike Runyon Canyon for Hollywood views. Sunset on a weeknight is magical. Hollywood is better at night when the neon glows.