Universal Studios Hollywood

Tour the biggest back lot—and one of the nation's biggest theme parks—at Universal Studios.

With thrilling park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and L.A's best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that's fun for the whole family.

Open every day, $59-69 per person for 2 days
100 Universal Terrace Parkway, Universal City;
800-UNIVERSAL (864-8377)

Sony Pictures

See the studio lot where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land and visit TV sets such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

Sony's two-hour guided walking tour gives visitors a glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and a look at a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.

Call to reserve, Weekdays 9:30-2:30,
$28 per person
10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City;
310-244-TOUR (8687)

Egyptian Theater

The nation's first movie premiere took place at this ornate movie palace in 1922 for the film Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks in the swashbuckling lead role.

Renovated at a cost of nearly $15 million, the theater now shows avant garde films, Hollywood classics and foreign films.

6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 323-466-3456

Capitol Records Tower

This iconic pop-culture building, which resembles a stack of vinyl 45rpm records on a turntable, was the first major record company located on the West Coast.

The 13-story building opened in the 1950s and was the first circular office building in the world.

Major artists such as Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Radiohead recorded here. It's located near the famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine.

1750 Vine St., Hollywood

Greystone Mansion & Park

Dozens of movies have been filmed at this 55-room Gothic English mansion built in 1928 at a cost of $3 million, an unheard-of sum at the time.

Set on nearly 13 acres, the estate was the largest in the history of Beverly Hills.

Among the films made here were Spiderman, Ghostbusters, and There Will Be Blood. Events include guided walking tours, concerts and tea on the terrace.

905 Loma Vista, Beverly Hills, 310-285-6830

Hollywood sign

Erected in the Hollywood Hills in the 1920s to advertise a new development called Hollywoodland, this iconic 45-foot-tall sign has weathered good times and bad.

The word was shortened to Hollywood after storms raked it; a starlet jumped to her death from it in the 30s.

But the legend that it is a popular suicide spot is untrue.

A good viewpoint is at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue.

Hollywood & Vine

This Hollywood Blvd. intersection, perhaps the most famous junction in Los Angeles, earned its notoriety in the 1920s, when radio and movie-related businesses were concentrated in the area.

Budding stars hoped to be discovered while dining at nearby cafes.

Today most production facilities have moved on, but the Hollywood Walk of Fame is centered on the intersection.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

You know you've arrived when your name is embossed in brass inside a pink star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This mile-long stretch of sidewalk, known throughout the world, bears the names of over 2,400 entertainment industry VIPs spanning a century of Tinseltown history.

The Walk runs east-west along Hollywood Blvd. between Gower and LaBrea and north-south along Vine St. between Yucca St. and Sunset Blvd. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, 323-467-6412.

Universal CityWalk

Buy a vintage polo at Abercrombie & Fitch, go skydiving indoors or spend a few hours laughing in a comedy club at Universal CityWalk.

This three-block entertainment, dining and shopping promenade offers more than 30 places to eat, a 19-screen movie theatre with a eight-story-high IMAX, seven night spots and more than 30 stores.

1000 Universal Center Dr., Universal City;
800-UNIVERSAL (864-8377)

Rodeo Drive

One of the most famous shopping districts in the world doesn't disappoint. It's a glitzy retail mix with all the major players: Chanel, Armani, Prada, Dior.

And who patronizes these expensive stores? Wealthy shoppers, including a pantheon of superstars.

So don't just window-shop: Watch the sidewalks and peer inside the Ferraris. Who knows whom you might see?

Golden Triangle retail district: Santa Monica, Wilshire Boulevards and Rexford Drive Beverly Hills

Universal Studios Hollywood

Tour the biggest back lot—and one of the nation's biggest theme parks—at Universal Studios.

With thrilling park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and L.A's best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that's fun for the whole family.

Open every day, $59-$69 per person
100 Universal Terrace Parkway, Universal City;
800-UNIVERSAL (864-8377)

Hollywood Heritage Museum

Pioneer movie director Cecil B. DeMille opened the first major film company studio (later Paramount) in this building nearly 100 years ago.

The Museum features archival photographs from the silent era, movie props and other memorabilia. Also featured are historic photos and postcards of Hollywood during its heyday.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, $5 to $7 per person
2100 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 323-874-2276

Madame Tussaud's Hollywood

Attend an Oscar party, snap a photo of President Obama, have a conversation with Snoop Dog: it's all part of the scene at Madame Tussaud's Hollywood Wax museum, where 100 lifelike figures of movie stars, rock stars and other celebrities greet visitors.

Visit the Spirit of Hollywood room, where Charlie Chaplin and other historical greats perform for guests.

6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 323-798-1670

Southern California CityPass®

If your travels will take you beyond Hollywood and you’re interested in visiting all the world-class theme parks in Southern California, check out the Southern California City Pass.

With the CityPass you can visit 5 famous attractions for 1 amazing price. It includes:

• 3-Day Park Hopper® for Disneyland & Disney's California Adventure
• 2-Days Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood (if purchased here)
• 1-Day Admission to SeaWorld San Diego
• Plus 1-day at either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wild Animal Park

All with the convenience of one ticket purchase!

$229-$269 per person

Magic Castle

Conjure up an entertaining evening at The Magic Castle, a private club dedicated to the ancient art of magic.

One problem: You must be a card-carrying magician, or know one who'll vouch for you.

Psst: By spending the night at the Magic Castle Hotel, you get access to the club.

7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood; 323-851-3313 (club) or 323-851-0800 (hotel)