The 3-Day Weekend Getaway Guide to Los Angeles: Day 2

Dining, entertainment and nightlife in Tinseltown

Hollywood Sign | Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa
Hollywood Sign | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Day Two of The 3-Day Weekend Getaway Guide to Los Angeles centers on the endless entertainment options available to visitors in Hollywood.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Tower and Tropicana Pool
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Tower and Tropicana Pool  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Dream Hollywood's Highlight Room bar at night
The Highlight Room | Photo: Dream Hollywood

Stay in Style

From Downtown LA, take a short ride on the Metro B Line, exit at the Hollywood/Highland Station and check into one of the nearby hotels, such as the the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, or the family-friendly Loews Hollywood.

The Hollywood/Vine Station is the next Metro stop to the south, where options include stunning properties like the Dream Hollywood, Thompson Hollywood and Tommie Hollywood in the red-hot Vinyl District the Kimpton Everly Hotel, the sleek W Hollywood, and the funky Mama Shelter.

The Universal City Station is the next B Line stop to the north, where hotels include the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, Sheraton Universal and The Garland.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Studios Hollywood
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ | Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Hollywood
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ | Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood

Experience the Magic of Hollywood

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and there’s no better place to get the ultimate Hollywood experience than Universal Studios Hollywood, which features incredible theme park rides and shows; a real, working movie studio; and the shops, restaurants and cinemas at Universal CityWalk. Go behind the scenes and see how Hollywood movies are made on the legendary Studio Tour. Power up and experience the mind-blowing SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ then take flight at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and come face-to-face with dinosaurs on Jurassic World: The Ride.

Hollywood Bowl fireworks
Photo: Hollywood Bowl
TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood
Photo: TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX

That's Entertainment

Though you could spend the entire day at Universal Studios, there are plenty of other things to do in Hollywood, like a visit to Ovation Hollywood, located in the heart of Tinseltown. Movie fans will love touring this lively retail and entertainment complex, which is home to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre as well as the Dolby Theatre, site of the annual Academy Awards.

Experience spectacular Broadway productions at the Pantages Theatre, or watch movies in state-of-the-art cinemas at the TCL or El Capitan.

Music fans can enjoy outdoor concerts at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl and nearby Ford Theatre. Shop for new and used music at Amoeba Music, one of the best record stores in the country.

Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Get Up Close to the Stars

The Hollywood Walk of Fame features nearly 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The five-pointed stars honor the accomplishments of actors, musicians, directors, producers and others in the entertainment industry.

Hollywood Museum
Hollywood Museum

Tinseltown Culture

One of the best things to do in Hollywood is visit one of its museums, such as the amazing wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, adjacent to TCL Chinese Theatre. Located just south of Hollywood Boulevard in the historic Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum features one of the world's most extensive collections of Hollywood memorabilia. More than 10,000 authentic treasures are exhibited across four floors, including Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar honeymoon dress (worn on her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio) and Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell set from Silence of the Lambs.

The bar at Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood
The bar at Musso & Frank Grill  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Fireplace at KA'TEEN in tommie Hollywood
KA'TEEN | Photo: tommie Hollywood

Classic Menus & Celeb Hotspots

You'll find everything from classic American menus to modern restaurants in Hollywood. For a taste of Hollywood's Golden Age, Musso & Frank Grill is a must - it's Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, and as well-known as much for its legendary Martini as it is for its retro cuisine. Perched above Hollywood, the stunning Yamashiro boasts panoramic views of the city and Asian fusion cuisine. For stargazers, book a table at Beauty & Essex (it's Beyonce approved!) or TAO at the Dream Hollywood. Take a trip to the Yucatán at Ka'teen, the signature restaurant of Tommie Hollywood. At Michelin-starred restaurants the chefs are the stars, like Michael Cimarusti at Providence, Kevin Meehan at Kali and Curtis Stone at Gwen.

Theatre at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood
Black Rabbit Rose | Photo: Houston Hospitality
The bar at Scum & Villainy Cantina in Hollywood
Photo: Scum & Villainy Cantina, Facebook

Around the World in a Glass

Houston Hospitality is known for its themed bars, like Good Times at Davey Wayne's ('70s bachelor pad) and Black Rabbit Rose (magic). Another nightlife crew, 1933 Group transports guests to New Orleans at Sassafras Saloon. Mad Men fans should recognize Three Clubs, a classic lounge located a few blocks down Vine. Enjoy drinks with a view at Desert 5 Spot, the Joshua Tree inspired rooftop bar at Tommie Hollywood. Sci-fi geeks will love Scum & Villainy Cantina, which hosts trivia nights and welcomes cosplay. Charles Bukowski was a fan of The Frolic Room, a dive bar next door to the Pantages.

Bassrush presents Rusko at Academy LA
Bassrush presents Rusko | Photo: Academy LA, Facebook
Dieselboy at Respect at Station1640
Dieselboy at Respect | Photo: Station1640, Facebook

Dance the Night Away

Nightclubs in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" offer something for everyone. From world class DJs rocking massive dance floors in historic buildings, to intimate venues showcasing local talent, here are the top 10 nightclubs in Hollywood.

Day 1 | Day 2 Day 3