I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of five fun things you can do in Hollywood for times when you want to do something other than play spikeball at the DRC.
It’s no secret that Hollywood holds the key to many unique and iconic places. Below are just a few of them that I recommend.
Chinese Theater
As perhaps one of Hollywood’s ‒nay the world’s‒ most iconic staples, I can’t leave the Chinese Theater off this list. Not only is the theater a beautiful place to watch a movie (with adult general admission tickets for $16 and adult IMAX tickets for $21), it is also the home to the most prominent red carpet movie premieres and special events. It’s where Hollywood’s biggest stars come to watch their movies and where a select few have been invited to leave their mark (or rather handprints and footprints) in Hollywood. This exclusive society is known as the Forecourt of the Stars (I am personally awaiting the installation of the Avengers handprints).
If your favorite star doesn’t have their handprints cemented in front of the Chinese Theater, you might be able to find their spot just a few feet back, on the sidewalk where the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars are scattered.
If you’re lucky, you might catch some of your favorite stars in person, or rather, their costumed impersonators. Just make sure you bring some cash for a tip.
Even if you aren’t able to catch a movie at the Chinese Theater, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore some of its other treasures.
The theater is located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood.
Escape Hotel
Escape rooms are a great way to challenge your brain, your teamwork skills, and gear up for the upcoming spooky season! Escape Hotel, located in the heart of Hollywood, offers a unique experience where every suite in the “hotel” is a different escape room. The 1930s themed eerie hotel is the world’s largest escape venue according to Escape Hotel’s website, offering 12 different rooms including Circus, Slaughter and Witchcraft, to name a few. Each room ranges in difficulty from two stars to seven stars. The price of the tickets depends on which room you choose.
You will have just one hour to escape your frightening fate by using exciting props, tools, clues, locks and other objects. While you wait for your game to start, guests are welcome to take photos at the photobooth, play with the props and board games in the lobby, and have some snacks at the café.
It is an incredibly fun and challenging experience. Will you be brave enough to check-in?
Escape Hotel is located at 6633 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles.
Jimmy Kimmel Live
If you’re anything like me, you love Jimmy Fallon, and have always wanted to see one of his shows live. Unfortunately, Fallon’s studio is located in New York. Luckily, Hollywood has the next best thing: Jimmy Kimmel Live. Anyone can get tickets to be an audience member for the great price of FREE on 1iota.com! (You can also get a number of other free tickets for shows on this site, not just for Kimmel).
The entire experience will take about three hours, but the show itself runs about one to two hours long. The show recommends arriving 30-45 minutes early, just to be safe. The show is 18+, so make sure to bring a valid ID. Other requirements can be found on the website.
The studio is located on Hollywood Blvd., so it is in a prime location to wander around and see the sites before or after the show.
Kimmel’s studio is located at 6840 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles.
Randy’s Donuts
The entrance to Randy’s Donuts in Hollywood, with a casual Superman passing by.
Randy’s Donuts is one of the most recognizable donut shops in the world, especially in Los Angeles. The delicious hand-made donuts have been stealing hearts and filling bellies for nearly 60 years. The original Randy’s Donuts, located in Inglewood, CA, is marked by a huge donut balancing on the rooftop. You might recognize it from the countless television and movie appearances it has made, including “Iron Man 2” and “2012”.
The entrance to Randy’s Donuts in Hollywood, with a casual Superman passing by. Photo by Cheyenne Jimenez.
If you aren’t willing to make the drive to Inglewood, there is a small Randy’s Donuts tucked away on Hollywood Blvd. While it may not be the original location, the donuts are just as flavorful. You may even be able to run into Superman while you’re there…
Randy’s Donuts is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd Suite 1A, in Hollywood.
Museum of Selfies
For those of you who are taking a trip down to Hollywood for the sole reason of taking a good Instagram picture, and The Broad has too long of a wait time, take a drive down to The Museum of Selfies. Each room is uniquely designed to be as Instagram-worthy as possible.
It is an interactive experience where you can walk through different installments and snap a picture. There is everything from an emoji ball pit to a recreation of Van Gogh’s bedroom to a real life Game of Thrones iron throne. General admission for adults is $25.
The museum is located at 6757 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles.
And there you have it! Enjoy spending your time in Hollywood and exploring a few of it’s treasures.