So, you’ve snapped your photos on the Dolby Theatre’s glamorous steps—what’s next? Turn the corner and discover the pulse of Hollywood packed into just a few city blocks. Whether you’re chasing cinematic nostalgia, quirky museums, pop culture, or the ultimate L.A. selfie spot, there’s plenty around to make your day roll like the best kind of blockbuster. Join us for an adventure through Hollywood’s legendary streets, lively attractions, and unbeatable food stops that prove the Dolby Theatre is just the beginning of the fun.
Our favorite things to do near Dolby Theatre include:
- Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
- TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Hollywood Museum
- Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
- The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour
- Griffith Observatory Tour
- Musso & Frank Grill
- Hollywood & Highland Shopping and People-Watching
Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
Get the red carpet treatment with a firsthand peek behind L.A.’s most famous doors! The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour puts you right where the biggest names in entertainment have stood. You’ll trace the steps of stars on Oscar night, step backstage, and look out onto that instantly recognizable auditorium. Your friendly guide serves up juicy stories—like who’s tripped on those legendary steps—while showing off costumes, statues, and even some hush-hush Hollywood secrets.
The theatre’s sleek, golden interiors ooze Hollywood grandeur. You’ll wander through exclusive VIP areas and, if you time it right, may even sneak a peek at rehearsals or set-ups for a major event. Every inch is polished to perfection, but the atmosphere feels surprisingly welcoming. By the end, you’ll have pages of Hollywood history under your belt (and maybe a selfie worthy of a trophy). For movie fans, curious travelers, and anyone hungry for Hollywood’s sparkle, this tour is pure star power.
TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
Just across the plaza, you’ll spot the majestic columns and red pagoda of the TCL Chinese Theatre. This place is movie magic in real life. On a guided tour, you’ll walk through those iconic red doors and into a palace where legends come to play. Treasure quirky tales as your guide points out the walk of fame—real footprints, signatures and handprints of Hollywood giants pressed into the cement outside.
Inside, the drama continues. The opulent main auditorium is packed with ornate Chinese décor—think dragons, golden tiles, and intricate pillars. It’s dazzling, yet cozy enough that you feel the weight of a century of film premieres. Sit in the plush seats, close your eyes, and imagine the collective gasp as new blockbusters have screened here for decades. This is a history lesson and Hollywood fantasy all rolled into one.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Ready for your close-up? Madame Tussauds Hollywood lets you rub elbows with the stars… or at least strike a pose beside their strikingly lifelike wax figures. You’ll pass red velvet ropes straight into themed zones: snap a selfie with Lizzo, mug with Spider-Man, or stand tall next to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The museum is built for interaction—costumes and props are everywhere, so you can level up your photos.
The vibe is playful, energetic, and a bit wild. Each new section brings a fresh rush: there’s the A-list party room, sports superstars, music legends, and even an awards stage for your best acceptance speech. We love how everyone, from giddy kids to starstruck grandparents, finds a favorite figure. Unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch, try on, and get silly—it’s Hollywood glam, no acting required.
Hollywood Museum
Dive into the real-life history that shaped Tinseltown. The Hollywood Museum, set in Max Factor’s original art deco makeup building just off Hollywood Boulevard, is four floors of cinematic wonder. You can pore over costumes (Marilyn’s gold dress, anyone?), step inside authentic film sets, and catch a shiver in the creepy dungeon of horror movie props.
Every corner tells a story, from vintage makeup rooms for golden-age stars to interactive displays on movie technology. What makes this place special is the sheer range—you’ll find memorabilia from silent film days right up to today’s blockbusters. The museum’s richly detailed settings and passionate staff make every exhibit buzz. It’s a true Hollywood deep dive: glitter, grit, and jaw-dropping trivia at every turn.
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
Climb aboard an open-top double-decker and glide past palm-lined streets where the ultra-famous live and play! The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour is as much a joyride as it is an eye-popping sightseeing expedition. As you pass impressive mansions in Beverly Hills and sweet hillside escapes, you’ll soak up playful commentary and fun anecdotes about Hollywood’s best-known faces.
The real fun here is the mix of L.A. neighborhoods—Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and beyond—plus a slice of the city’s luxurious lifestyle. You’ll spot storied hotels, secret speakeasies, and maybe even a Rolls-Royce turning into a private driveway. The open-air views are unbeatable—film star or not, you’ll feel a little glamorous by the end.
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour
Cap off your day with a true Hollywood adventure. The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour is a guided hike that whisks you up into the hills, right behind the city’s famous white letters. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just up for a fresh-air selfie, this tour rewards you with iconic views of L.A. in every direction.
Friendly guides keep things light and fun with stories about the sign’s wild origins, film trivia, and plenty of behind-the-scenes scoop. The trail blends city buzz with wild chaparral—expect birds, breezes, and the kind of sunshine that made Hollywood shine in the first place. It’s part fitness challenge, part sightseeing, and part bragging rights—a winning combo for anyone who craves adventure.
Griffith Observatory Tour
Griffith Observatory Tour
Science buffs and view-seekers should head to the stars—literally. The Griffith Observatory Tour whisks you to L.A.’s crown, where science meets unbeatable city skylines. The building’s retro-futuristic vibe feels pulled from a classic film, with white columns and domes peeking above endless hiking trails.
Inside, hands-on exhibits make learning about space fun for the whole crew. You can peer through public telescopes, explore interactive astronomy displays, and (on clear nights) see the moon practically at arm’s length. Outside, the panorama is unbeatable: the sweep of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and endless Pacific blue. It’s a cinematic setting that brings science, beauty, and Hollywood glamour together in one dazzling package.
Musso & Frank Grill
For a real taste of Old Hollywood, nothing beats Musso & Frank Grill. This legendary steakhouse has been serving up prime rib, dry martinis, and tales taller than the building since 1919. Slide into a red leather booth and soak up an ambiance that’s equal parts retro glam and genuine warmth—a staffer might even slip you a little Hollywood gossip.
The menu is classic. We’re talking filet mignon, sand dabs, chicken à la king, and world-famous flannel cakes for dessert. The real star here is the perfectly mixed martini, poured tableside with flair. Celebrities (and their ghosts, if rumors are true!) are part of the scene, but the crowd is a welcoming blend of tourists, locals, and wannabe screen legends. It’s a delicious step back in time—and a perfect way to recharge between sightseeing stops.
Hollywood & Highland: Shop, Snap, Repeat
For a slice of modern-day Hollywood energy, hit the Hollywood & Highland complex. This open-air plaza is more than a shopping center—it’s the beating heart of touristyHollywood. Stroll past bustling shops, eclectic boutiques, and street performers all harmonizing with a constant hum of camera clicks. Shopping here is an adventure, with everything from designer labels to kitschy souvenir stands. Stop at LA-fave spots like Sweet!—a candy megastore—or pick up Hollywood merch for your friends back home.
But it’s not just retail therapy. This is also prime territory for people-watching and catching impromptu performances (drummers, magicians, and even aspiring actors working on their big break). The highlight might just be the upper-level viewing deck, where you can snap a perfect shot of the Hollywood Sign with the palm-dotted boulevard below. With buzzy eateries, coffee stops, and the occasional celeb sighting, Hollywood & Highland makes it easy to linger, explore, and soak up the electric energy of Tinseltown.
Whether you’re soaking in silver screen history, scoring star-powered selfies, or hiking into those famous hills, there’s a world of Hollywood magic waiting just steps from the Dolby Theatre. From legendary movie palaces to classic grills, each spot on our list helps you experience Los Angeles in style—one red carpet moment at a time. Happy exploring!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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