From Santa Monica to Downtown, and from the San Fernando Valley to the South Bay, there is never a shortage of activities in Los Angeles. Every neighborhood is unique in its own right: Westwood is a college town; Silver Lake caters to a hipster set, etc. There are literally hundreds of choices and areas to choose from. But if you're looking for things to do in Hollywood, here are some of the best options:
Hike -- Runyon Canyon
What makes Runyon Canyon so unique is that although you are hiking in the middle of the Hollywood Hills, you feel miles away from the busy vibe below. The views are breathtaking and once you are at the top of the mountain you have a 360-degree view of Los Angeles from the Valley, to Malibu, to Downtown LA. It is also worth noting that the park is known for having a great dog policy, as they are allowed to be off their leashes in 90 of the park's 160 acres, which is a rarity when it comes to LA hikes. So bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
Watch -- Cruise Hollywood Boulevard (Be A Tourist!)
Everyone is allowed to be a tourist once or twice in his or her own city and with the numerous attractions Hollywood offers, this city is definitely no exception. Cruise down to Hollywood Boulevard or otherwise known as the "heart" of Hollywood and go to the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. There you will find some of the most famous Hollywood tourist attractions, from the hand/footprints of your favorite stars in the courtyard of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, to its neighbor the Kodak Theatre (where the Academy Awards are often held) and the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Listen - Hollywood Bowl
Everyone must experience a concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl at least once in his or her lifetime, as it is LA's premier location for extraordinary music, film, and dance. The bowl is one of the largest natural amphitheatres in the United States and what makes this venue so special is its location. Seating is outdoors and the backdrop encompasses the Hollywood Hills. Another cool facet about the bowl is that it allows its guests to have picnics before and during the shows. Audience members can bring food and alcohol inside the venue, and enjoy it during the performances.
Eat -- Hollywood Restaurants
Not only does Hollywood offer many attractions and a wide choice of entertainment to its visitors, it also provides a great assortment of yummy restaurants as well! A few that are worth trying are Katsuya and Big Wangs. Katsuya is a classier and more intimate sushi restaurant that caters some of the best sushi in all of Los Angles. Although it can get a bit pricey, it encompasses the whole Hollywood vibe. A more casual and rowdy restaurant that serves the complete opposite spectrum of food than Katsuya, is Big Wangs. This is your classic sports bar that serves some of the best wings in all of Los Angeles and will be sure to supply a good time. Located on North Cahuenga Boulevard, this sports bar has great deals, awesome food, and is within prime walking distance to some great Hollywood bars/clubs like The Piano Bar, Blok Night Club, and The Sayers Club.
Play -- Hollywood Clubbing
If you are looking to enjoy a classic Hollywood "night out on the town", and perhaps see a few A-list stars while you're at it, then hit up Drai's Hollywood. Located on top of the swanky W Hotel, Drai's is a fairly spacious, multilevel club that brings a Vegas style debauchery to the heart of Hollywood. If you are more in the mood to enjoy some quality house music and with a large dance floor included, then Avalon will be more of your style. Located off Hollywood and Vine, Avalon has been a historic dance club hotspot since the 1920s. It's a huge venue with high ceilings and one of the only clubs in LA that doesn't close till the wee hours of the morning. A smaller and more exclusive/intimate club to hit up would be The Sayers Club located on Wilcox Avenue, right off Hollywood Boulevard. Sayers is one of the most exclusive clubs in Hollywood and gives off an old Hollywood vibe. No matter what type of mood you're in, Hollywood offers a club for every need.
By Ellie Doran, Party Earth writer.
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