Los Angeles is the heart of the Western entertainment industry and a dream destination for movie lovers. From iconic film studios to historic theatres and film-centric museums, the city offers many attractions celebrating cinema's magic. Here are the top seven places every movie enthusiast should visit in Los Angeles.
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic sidewalk, stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, honours entertainment industry stars with over 2,600 brass stars embedded into pink terrazzo tiles. Movie lovers can find their favourite actors, directors and producers immortalised here. The nearby TCL Chinese Theatre is also a must-see where you can admire the handprints and footprints of numerous film legends.
For an immersive movie experience, head to Universal Studios Hollywood. This world-famous theme park and working film studio offers thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. Take the Studio Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at real film sets, sound stages and special effects. Highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World – The Ride and the Fast & Furious – Supercharged attraction. Don't forget to explore the Universal CityWalk, an entertainment complex with shops, restaurants and live performances.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood provides a fascinating glimpse into filmmaking. This guided tour takes you through the backlots and sound stages where some of your favourite movies and TV shows were filmed. You'll see iconic sets from classics like "Friends," "The Big Bang Theory," and the "Batman" series. The tour also includes visiting the Prop Department and the Archive, where you can view costumes, props and memorabilia from Warner Bros.'s extensive film library. The DC Universe and Wizarding World exhibit are particularly popular among fans.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a must-visit for any movie aficionado. Opened in 2021, this museum celebrates the art and science of filmmaking with a vast collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits and film screenings. Highlights include the iconic ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," the original R2-D2 model from "Star Wars," and the dramatic spherical David Geffen Theater. The museum's galleries explore the history of cinema, the creative process, and the impact of movies on culture and society.
The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park offers stunning views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Movie lovers will recognise this landmark from numerous films, including "Rebel Without a Cause," "La La Land" and "Terminator." The observatory features exhibits on astronomy and space exploration, but the real draw for film fans is the surrounding park. Griffith Park is a backdrop for many movies and TV shows, making it a great place to explore and imagine your favourite scenes.
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is more than just a final resting place; it's a historic site where you can pay tribute to some of the greatest stars of the silver screen. The cemetery is the burial place of icons like Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland and Douglas Fairbanks. It also hosts Cinespia, a popular outdoor movie screening series on the cemetery grounds. Watching classic films under the stars surrounded by the graves of Hollywood legends offers a unique and memorable movie-watching experience.
Located in the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum houses an extensive collection of movie memorabilia, props, costumes and photographs. With over 10,000 exhibits, it comprehensively looks at Hollywood's golden age and beyond. Highlights include the original jail cell set from "The Silence of the Lambs," Marilyn Monroe's personal belongings and costumes from modern blockbusters. The museum's four floors are dedicated to preserving the history of Hollywood, making it a treasure trove for any movie lover.