Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Series: Spending the Day in Hollywood, a walkable guide

3.7.26

For some of us, Hollywood is a destination only suited for out-of-town visitors. If that’s your opinion, we’re willing to bet you’ve never had a day like this one. This itinerary will keep you off Hollywood Blvd (mostly) and just might change your mind.

Getting There

  • Metro: Take the B (red) train to Hollywood/Highland.
  • Driving: We recommend parking at the lot at 1617 Cosmo St. The daily rate varies but is typically between $15 and $20.

Morning

  • 9:00am: Start your day with a breakfast of champions. Head a few blocks North of the parking lot/Metro station to one of the best donuts in town, Kettle Glazed Doughnuts. Make sure to get a specialty donut, which is where they shine.
  • 9:30am: Walk back South about 13 minutes and hop over to Gower St. for a proper breakfast at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles.
  • 10:00am: Keep walking South for 14 minutes until you hit Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Start at the flower shop to grab a walking guide so you can visit stars like Judy Garland and Rudolph Valentino.
  • 11:45am: In stark contrast to the peaceful cemetery, your next stop is Axe Ventures LA, 13 minutes walking Northwest. Snag their first slot at noon and aim true for 75 minutes ($35).

Afternoon

  • 1:00pm: Another 15 minutes Northwest you’ll arrive for lunch at Superba Food + Bread. Enjoy the bread (of course) in the beautiful outdoor courtyard. 
  • 2:00pm: On the corner across the street, stop in at Memento Mori oddities shop for all your macabre needs then head a few doors down to Mad Lab, an experimental coffeeshop. Be sure to choose a kooky little menu item.
  • 2:45pm: Take your drink to go and head 18 minutes West along Sunset. You’ll pass the US’s first outdoor shopping mall, Crossroads of the World. It’s closed to the public at the moment but you’ll know it when you see it from the street.
  • 3:15pm: Head into The Hollywood Roosevelt, a 99-year-old hotel most active in Hollywood’s golden era. Admire the beautiful architecture in the lobby and public areas, which feature Hollywood history exhibits and photos. Visit the poolside Tropicana Bar for a cocktail and people watching.
  • 4:30pm: We must admit we told a little white lie in the caption. Your next two stops are on Hollywood Blvd, but they’re worth the hassle! Brave the flock of tourists to grab a sweet treat across the street at Hokey Pokey, named after its signature New Zealand flavor.
  • 5:00pm: Head East for 7 minutes - or take the 13 minute detour along Yucca if you prefer to avoid the Blvd - to Escape Hotel Hollywood. Try a room ($35-$35/p) with a few friends and see if you can beat the clock!

Evening

  • 6:15pm: We must recommend dinner at Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, Musso & Frank Grill. However, if your wallet is getting thin, turn the corner onto Cahuenga Blvd for a more affordable and equally delicious meal at Running Goose.
  • 7:15pm: Just two blocks away, head to Black Rabbit Rose for after-dinner entertainment. If you can’t get into the Magic Castle, this is a solid runner-up for a magic show (Fri/Sat at 7:30 for $55 & Thurs at 8:30 for $40).
  • 8:45pm: Just as raunchy as its name, Tramp Stamp Granny’s is a helluva good time piano bar. Do some after-dinner dancing to a live pianist (or monthly live accompanied karaoke). When you’re ready to call it a night, you’re only one block from your parking lot or 2 blocks from the Metro station.

Tips

  • Total walk time: 1h 50m + exploring the cemetery
  • This itinerary can be done Thursday-Saturday.
  • We recommend making reservations in advance for Escape Hotel Hollywood and Black Rabbit Rose.
  • If you actually are taking an out-of-towner around, do them the kindness of including the more touristy spots too - walk the walk of fame, check out the Chinese Theatre, see a show at the Pantages or Hollywood Bowl, and maybe even tour Paramount Pictures Studios.
  • If you’re doing this itinerary in summer, check the schedule for outdoor movie screenings by Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The cemetery also hosts the country’s largest Dia de Los Muertos event every November!

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