WALKING TOUR OF HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
The cheapest and most hassle-free way to see Hollywood is by foot and using the Metro (Subway) system.
PARKING: I suggest parking at the Universal Station for free (located at Lankershim Bl. & Universal Terrace Pky., North Hollywood 91608) and taking the subway just one stop to the Hollywood and Highland station OR park at the Hollywood & Highland complex (only $2 for 4 hours with validation, or $10 for the day).
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HOLLYWOOD and HIGHLAND COMPLEX
This complex is huge and great for kids, mainly because of the water fountain that kids love to play in (bring a towel). There is great shopping here ranging from Louis Vuitton, Coach, Victoria Secret and the Gap. There are several restaurants, like California Pizza Kitchen and Trastevere Ristorante Italiano, and quite a few quick eateries, like Baja California & Cold Stone Creamery. After wandering around this complex, head out to Hollywood Boulevard, turn right and walk to the Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATRE
Grauman's Chinese Theatre is best known for its grand movie premiers and its forecourt filled with celebrity foot and hand prints.
There are also many look-alikes in front of the theater, but please be aware that they expect to be tipped in return for a photograph.
Walk across the street to the Roosevelt Hotel.
HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL
You need to at least walk into the Roosevelt's lobby for the architecture alone! Built in 1927, this Spanish Colonial Revivalist hotel was once known as "the home of the stars." Once in the lobby, climb Shirley Temple's tiled stairway to the upstairs mezzanine, that encircles the lobby, where you will find a great exhibit on old Hollywood. There are historic photos, the original movie camera used to film "Gone With The Wind", and other Tinseltown memorabilia.
From the Roosevelt, you can either walk down Hollywood Boulevard, or take the Metro to the next station at Hollywood & Vine. If you decide to take the metro, you will miss: Musso and Frank's Grill, Egyptian Theatre, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Pig and the Whistle Pub, and a few more spots.
THE PIG'N WHISTLE PUB
The Pig'N Whistle is a great old pub with vaulted ceilings, mahongany wood work, cozy booths and pretty good fish and chips. The food is a little pricey, so if you're just passing by, a pint will do.
MUSSO and FRANK'S GRILL
This is the oldest restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. When it opened in 1919, celebrities like Mary Pickford, Orson Welles, and Ernest Hemingway frequently dined here. Historically, it's a great place to visit, but if you really want a great (and less expensive) meal, head over to to Miceli's Italian Restaurant across the street on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Las Palmas.
MICELI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Miceli's is my favorite Italian restaurant in Hollywood. It has great atmosphere, great architecture, and of course.... singing waiters!
I recommend their steamed mussels and clams, chicken marsala, shells primaveraa (for you veggie-eaters), cannelloni, linguini mussels, and of course a nice red wine with dinner.
HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a lot of fun and seems to last forever. It runs the entire length of this adventure and also extends north and south on Vine.
THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE
The Egyptian Theatre, built by Sid Grauman in 1922, was originally intended to be Spanish architecture, but was quickly changed to an Egyptian style due to the recent discovery of King Tut's tomb.
The Egyptian Theatre was restored Through the efforts of the American Cinematheque in the 90s and once again rolls out the red carpet for premiers. It is currently a non-profit film theater showcasing classic films, documentaries, independent film and world cinema.
CAPITAL RECORDS BUILDING
Continue walking East on Hollywood Boulevard until you reach Vine. At Vine turn left and just look up! The Capitol Records Building is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Hollywood.
After this, walk back to Hollywood Boulevard and continue walking East toward the Pantages Theatre.
THE PANTAGES THEATRE
The Pantages Theatre is simply beautiful. I have seen several different plays and musicals here over the years, and I just love it.
** Across the street from the Pantages Theatre is the Hollywood/Vine Subway Station. From here, you can take the metro back to your car at either Hollywood & Highland or to Universal. Or, perhaps you should venture downtown to Union Station on the Red Line.
