You’ve struck a pose with Beyoncé, high-fived The Rock, and strolled past superheroes galore—so what’s next? Madame Tussauds Hollywood might be the main event, but the surrounding neighborhood is packed with experiences worth sticking around for. From legendary landmarks and old-school movie theaters to quirky museums and great spots to grab a bite, there’s no shortage of fun just steps away. Whether you’re flying solo, sightseeing with the fam, or exploring with friends, this guide rounds up the best things to do near Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
📍 TCL Chinese Theatre
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 1 minute
💸 Budget: Free to explore the forecourt
You’ve probably seen it on postcards—and now you can see it in person. The TCL Chinese Theatre is more than just a gorgeous movie house with its iconic pagoda-style facade. It’s a slice of Hollywood history, known for its celebrity handprints and footprints that cover the forecourt. From Judy Garland’s slippers to the cast of Star Wars, this is where the stars have quite literally left their mark.
Swing by and compare your hands with the greats or just soak up the buzz—especially if there’s a film premiere on. And while it costs to see a movie inside, wandering the exterior and snapping a few pics is totally free. Tip: Come early in the day for lighter crowds and better photo ops.
🎥 Hollywood Walk of Fame
Address: Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Ave & Gower St, Los Angeles, CA
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: Immediate access
💸 Budget: Free
You’re already on it, but don’t forget to actually look down. The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches for over a mile in either direction and makes for a fun, free scavenger hunt. There are over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalks—honoring actors, directors, musicians, and even fictional characters like Godzilla.
Keep your eyes peeled for names you know and love, and maybe plan your route to pass by a few favorites. It’s a fun way to stroll the strip and discover bits of film and music history you didn’t even know you loved. Great for a group walk or solo wander, it’s an activity that evolves with every step.
🎬 Hollywood & Highland Complex (Now Ovation Hollywood)
Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 2 minutes
💸 Budget: Free to enter and explore
This sprawling shopping and entertainment complex is the heartbeat of Hollywood Boulevard—and it’s packed with ways to fill an hour or an afternoon. Even if you’re not here to shop, the open-air layout makes it a nice place to take a breather between sightseeing stops. There’s often live music or events going on, and the views of the Hollywood Sign from the upper level are some of the best in the area.
You’ll also find public art installations, quirky boutiques, and good people-watching spots. Want a snack? The food court has options, but even window shopping here can be fun. Plus, it’s right across the street from Madame Tussauds, making it an easy next stop.
🎭 El Capitan Theatre
Address: 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 2 minutes
💸 Budget: Free to admire from outside, ticketed for movies
El Capitan Theatre is a Hollywood treasure owned by Disney, and even if you're not catching a movie, it’s worth stopping by for the atmosphere alone. The 1920s exterior glows with neon and marquee lights, while inside you’ll find a fully restored movie palace complete with organ performances and costumed ushers.
It’s a feast for the eyes and a slice of old-school glamour. If you’re lucky, you might catch a costumed character or themed display spilling out onto the sidewalk. During major Disney releases, the theatre becomes a fan zone packed with life-sized props and photo ops—even from the outside.
🌴 Hollywood & Vine
🌴 Hollywood & Vine
Address: Intersection of Hollywood Blvd & Vine St, Los Angeles, CA
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 15 minutes or 5 minutes by Metro Red Line
💸 Budget: Free
One of the most storied intersections in Hollywood, this spot has long been synonymous with showbiz. Once the home of radio studios and glitzy nightclubs, today it’s still fun to wander, with vintage architecture and plenty of Walk of Fame stars to check out.
This is also where you’ll find the Capitol Records Building just around the corner—an architectural landmark shaped like a stack of vinyl records. Great for quick photos and a deeper dive into music history, especially for classic rock fans. Bonus: if you’re heading further into the city, Hollywood & Vine is a Red Line stop that connects you to other neighborhoods.
Hollywood Sculpture Garden
Address: 2430 Fareholm Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 10-minute drive (best by rideshare)
💸 Budget: Free, appointment required
If you’re craving a dose of peace and perspective just minutes from the buzz of Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Sculpture Garden is a hidden gem. Set in a private hillside residence, this outdoor art space is filled with colorful, thought-provoking sculptures by international artists.
It’s not walk-up accessible—you’ll need to call ahead or email to schedule a visit—but entry is free. The garden overlooks the city, offering stunning views along with its creative installations. It’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience that feels like a break from the tourist hustle.
🎶 Capitol Records Building
📍 Address: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 15 minutes
💸 Budget: Free
With its unmistakable circular design resembling a stack of vinyl records, the Capitol Records Building is a landmark that screams Hollywood history. Although it’s not open to the public for tours, the exterior alone is worth a visit.
The building’s mural by artist Richard Wyatt pays homage to legendary jazz and soul musicians like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald. There's also a commemorative star out front for The Beatles. If you’re into music history or snapping great urban photos, this spot delivers. It’s best enjoyed in the morning or early evening when the sun casts soft shadows across its curves.
🎨 Ovation Hollywood (Formerly Hollywood & Highland)
📍 Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 1 minute
💸 Budget: Free
This open-air complex is more than just a shopping center—it’s a cultural hub perched in the heart of Hollywood. It features public art, fun sculptures, and striking architecture inspired by D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance, including a dramatic Babylonian-style archway.
Wander the courtyard to discover quirky installations, street performances, and one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign you’ll find in the area. It’s free to explore, and there’s often a local event or exhibition popping up. Plus, the energy here is infectious—great for people-watching and soaking up that quintessential Hollywood vibe.
📷 Hollywood Walk of Fame
📷 Hollywood Walk of Fame
📍 Address: Stretching across Hollywood Blvd & Vine St
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: You’re already on it!
💸 Budget: Free
You can’t miss it. Literally. The Walk of Fame runs right outside Madame Tussauds, so you’ll already be wandering among its 2,700+ stars. But it’s worth slowing down to spot your favorite celeb—or the more unexpected additions like Lassie or Godzilla.
Some stars are neatly arranged outside key landmarks, while others appear outside dive bars and fast-food joints. That’s part of the fun. It’s not just a list of names; it’s a living museum of pop culture. Keep your eyes peeled—some stars are faded, others freshly polished, and each one has a story worth Googling on the go.
Hollywood Heritage Museum
📍 2100 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
🚶 15-minute walk from Madame Tussauds
💸 Budget: $7 (Free on select special events)
Tucked into the historic Lasky-DeMille Barn, the Hollywood Heritage Museum is a goldmine for film history buffs. This quiet gem tells the story of early moviemaking in LA, filled with original props, photos, and vintage equipment from Hollywood’s silent era. The museum itself sits across from the Hollywood Bowl and offers a quieter, more intimate experience than some of the louder neighbors. Check ahead for free events or open houses—they happen throughout the year and are packed with behind-the-scenes insights.
Hollywood Bowl Overlook
📍 7036 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
🚶 5-minute drive or 40-minute uphill walk
💸 Budget: Free
Ready for a panoramic view of LA that’s worth the climb (or quick ride)? Head up to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook on Mulholland Drive. It offers sweeping views of the Hollywood Bowl itself, the downtown skyline, and the winding arteries of LA sprawl. There’s something magical about standing above the buzz and taking it all in—especially around golden hour. It’s a favorite spot for photography and peaceful reflection, and unlike the crowded Griffith scene, it’s relatively low-key.
Dolby Theatre Lobby Experience
📍 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
🚶 1-minute walk from Madame Tussauds
💸 Budget: Free (Lobby access during open hours)
You may not be able to score Oscars night tickets, but you can get a peek inside the glamorous Dolby Theatre lobby. Open to the public when there are no major events or rehearsals, the grand foyer gives you a glimpse into where the stars gather. Check out the cascading staircase, award-show displays, and historic event posters lining the walls. Bonus: the Hollywood & Highland complex where it’s housed offers plenty of free window-shopping and street performer sightings.
The Writers Guild Foundation Library
📍 7000 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
🚶 12-minute drive or take Metro Bus 217 to Fairfax/3rd
💸 Budget: Free
For film lovers who care just as much about what’s on the page as what’s on screen, this public screenwriting library is a treasure. It’s packed with thousands of film and TV scripts—many with handwritten notes from the writers themselves. Whether you're a budding writer or just curious, you’ll get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that powers Hollywood. It’s a peaceful, inspiring space far removed from the hustle outside.
📷 Hollywood Sign Viewpoint from Hollywood & Highland
📷 Hollywood Sign Viewpoint from Hollywood & Highland
📍 Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🚶 Walking Distance from Madame Tussauds: 2 minutes
💸 Budget: Free
For a quick and easy Hollywood Sign photo, head into the Hollywood & Highland shopping complex. The upper levels have a viewing deck perfectly aligned with the sign in the hills behind.
It’s a great shortcut if you don’t have time to trek all the way up to the sign or Griffith Observatory. Plus, you can grab a coffee or snack while you’re there. The structure’s Babylonian-inspired columns also make it feel like a scene from a movie set.
Whether you’re wrapping up your selfie session with Hollywood royalty or just passing through the glitz and glam of the Walk of Fame, there’s no shortage of nearby fun to keep the momentum going. From old-school cinemas to hidden gardens, quirky museums to retro diners, Hollywood’s magic doesn’t stop at Madame Tussauds’ doors.
Make the most of your time in Tinseltown by mixing in a few unexpected stops—because around here, the real stars might just be the hidden gems. 🎬✨
Done with Hollywood? Head to San Diego! Check out some more of our favourite Balboa Park museums, and weigh up the pros and cons of Belmont Park vs Knott’s Soak City.
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