Hollywood and Los Angeles

On our road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, we stopped by Hollywood and then on Venice beach before heading back to San Francisco. Although we didn't explore the city extensively, I have compiled a list of must-see attractions in Los Angeles. Let's start with Hollywood! 

Hollywood

Here are some must-see attractions in Hollywood:

• Griffith Observatory: Take in stunning views of the city and enjoy a variety of exhibits and planetarium shows.

• The Hollywood Sign: No trip to Hollywood is complete without seeing the iconic sign. You can get great views from Griffith Observatory or hike to it on one of the nearby trails. The Hollywood Sign was created in 1923 as a temporary advertising sign for a real estate development called Hollywoodland, but after the development failed, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took over its maintenance and removed the last four letters in 1949, leaving only the famous "Hollywood" sign that we know today.

• Hollywood Walk of Fame: This world-famous attraction features the stars of some of the biggest names in entertainment history.

• Universal Studios Hollywood: A must-visit attraction for movie fans, the theme park features thrilling rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of movie sets.

During our trip to Hollywood, we visited the Griffith Observatory and were impressed by the stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. From the parking, you can also start hiking up to the Hollywood Sign. However, the parking was quite pricey ($4/h) and we were tight on time, so we decided to skip the hike this time and drive closer to the sign instead. We managed to find a very good viewpoint from the Hollywood Sign nearby the Lake Hollywood park. The street going to the viewpoint is slightly uphill but still accessible for vans, and you can park on the side of the street. 

After that, we headed toward the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Avoid a headache trying to park on the same street as the Walk of Fame, but instead park in this nearby residential area, where parking is quite easy to find - you will just have to walk around 10/15 mins to the Walk of Fame. Along the way, we encountered a significant number of homeless people. Once on the Walk Of Fame, we took some photos, had an amazing burger, and then headed back. The Walk of Fame was okay, but we felt it was overhyped by the media. Overall, the only reason I would go back to Hollywood is to try out the hike up to the Hollywood Sign and enjoy the views of the city again.

Los Angeles

To be honest, we didn't spend much time exploring the city of Los Angeles. However, I'm confident that if you have a few days, there are plenty of cultural and social activities to enjoy. I came across some interesting places while browsing online that I think are worth visiting:

Museums:

1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): This museum has an extensive collection of art and artifacts from all over the world.

2. The Broad: This contemporary art museum showcases works by some of the world's most famous artists, including Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol.

3. Getty Center: The Getty Center is a stunning art museum that features an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Other activities:

4. The Grove: This outdoor shopping center has a mix of high-end shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

5. Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica Pier is a classic California destination. It features an amusement park, an aquarium, and some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean.

6. Venice Beach: This popular beach has a boardwalk with street performers, vendors, and artists, and is a great place to people-watch. 

During our trip, we visited Venice Beach, which I highly recommend experiencing the area's unique vibe, featuring extravagant yet low-key shops and a skater park. You can read more about our experience in the West Coast section of our California trip.