What place could have a more glamorous appeal than that of Hollywood? Los Angeles is the city of dreams, and rightly so! Take a stroll down Hollywood Blvd. and get star struck as you visit the monuments of legendary fame and get some star treatment yourself!
Walking down the pavement along Hollywood Blvd. is not like any leisurely stride you’ve likely taken on any other street. Over here, the pavement is every bit as interesting as the surrounding area because it is a monument. I’m talking about-you may have guessed-the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. You’ve seen it in the movies and believe it or not, get around to Hollywood Blvd. and you’ll find that it’s quite a walk that’s free for all! What could be more fun than getting lost and dizzy along the pavement looking for you favorite star’s star?
Just follow the stars (something like following the yellow brick road, yes) and you’re bound to end up at Mann’s Chinese theater. You’re bound to be familiar with the imposing, grand crimson of the temple-like façade of this legendary theater, plus this is where those famous footprints and handprints are (look for Donald Duck’s). Formerly called Grauman’s Chinese Theater, it was renamed after it was bought by Ted Mann in 1973. It used to host the Academy Awards but today, it’s a top notch movie theater that anyone can take enjoy for the price of a movie ticket. Whether you’re the quintessential movie buff or not, this place is an essential step on every Hollywood pilgrimage roster.
Today, the Academy Awards (and the American Idol finale) are hosted in a nearby venue, the equally famous Kodak Theater. Many shows and musicals are hosted here throughout the year, so if you can’t get in for the Oscars, don’t fret. Just check the show schedules when you’re planning your trip here and you might be lucky enough to enjoy a spectacular night in the hall of the stars! Adjacent to the Kodak theater is a swanky mall featuring lots and lots of designer shops and insane architecture, complete with that 60-some-foot Christmas tree that sparkles like mad during Christmas! It’s a beautiful sight to behold!
In the same street is El Capitan, Walt Disney’s legendary theater. Some argue that this is the best-preserved theater with a remarkable history of its own. Having been the venue for some of Hollywood’s pioneering plays since the 1920s, the El Capitan is still decked in all of its glittering glory today, hosting just as many productions and premiers. You’ll never mistake that glaring trademark neon sign when it’s lit up at night-it’s already quite a sight in itself. Not far away is the Egyptian Theater, which together with El Capitan and Mann’s Chinese Theater make up the trio of theaters that Grauman pioneered in the area in the 1920s. You’ll likely not miss out on this must-see, with its unmistakable Egyptian façade and exotic hieroglyphics.
If you’ve had enough of theaters, you can also swing by the equally glamorous Hollywood Wax Museum for another dose of the stars. While some of the figures are not nearly as lifelike as you’d expected them to be, it’s still makes for some good entertainment. And if at the end of the day you’ve still got an appetite worked up for museums, go to the Guinness World Records just across the street. There’s also the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium-rest assured this place will bring out the kid in you! For more star fever, drop by the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, which features more Hollywood memorabilia.
Arguably, the best time to visit Hollywood Blvd is during Christmas. The streets then are laced with blankets of light and lots of froufrou Hollywood décor featuring film reels and movie clappers. It’s a feisty mood accentuated by the shops lining the street as they also put up their share of festive décor. During the Christmas season, the blocks of shops open till late in the night and it’s a wonderful way to end a stressful day at work. The pavements are also lined with creative folk who’d give you their rendition of Tears in Heaven, dress up as Chuckie and offer to take some souvenir photos with you, and even breakdancing crews that make up for exciting night strolls down the street. Then there’s the legendary annual Christmas parade-next to Disney’s Lights and Sounds parade and the Rose Parade, this is the parade you wouldn’t want to miss out on while you’re in California!
There are so many other landmark monuments along Hollywood Blvd. There’s the Capitol Records building, that odd, cylindrical icon that’s made a cameo appearance in one too many movies. Nearby is the Pantages Theater, which hosts some of the most excellent Broadway productions this side of the coast. That aside, Hollywood Blvd. has a host of other nice bargain and specialty shops for the perennial memorabilia hunter, and more than its fair share of restaurants that can boast a nice chunk of history. Have a leisurely walk down the road and you’re bound to find a few joints where Charlie Chaplin and the rest of the Hollywood darlings and honchos used to hang out and get their steaks done.
Whatever time of the year, Hollywood Blvd. is sure to woo the giddy kid in you, movie buff or not. It’s that special, ethereal quality that makes Hollywood, well, Hollywood. At least once in your life, get over to Hollywood Blvd. and walk down the glamorous lane for a night with the stars.
