Hollywood Holidays

Hollywood holidays, as you’d expect, are ideal for film fans. This city has loads of star-studded attractions. Snap a photo by the iconic Hollywood sign, and see models of all your favourite celebs at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Make sure you also explore Hollywood Boulevard – the stars dotted along the Walk of Fame feature all sorts of big names, ranging from Fred Astaire and Julie Andrews, to Robin Williams and Kate Winslet.

You can even step into the movies themselves. Spending a day at Universal Studios or Warner Bros Studios is one of the top things to do in Hollywood. You can go behind the scenes on a detailed tour, discovering the sets and props from blockbusters like Jaws, War of the Worlds and the Harry Potter series.

Fancy some downtime after an action-packed day? Grab tickets for an event at Hollywood Bowl. This famous arena serves up a variety of shows, including sing-a-long screenings and movies in concert with a live orchestra.

Hollywood’s calendar is jam-packed with events. And they’re not small, either – Tinseltown hosts some of the most famous festivals and ceremonies in the world.
The year kicks off with the Golden Globe Awards in January, shortly followed by the biggest music awards on the planet, the Grammys. In February, all eyes turn to Hollywood for the glittering Academy Awards – better known as the Oscars. So, if you’re eager to spot some VIPs on your Hollywood holiday, it’s worth planning your trip to coincide with one of these major events.

As the weather warms up, the Hollywood festivals begin. The two-day NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival in May features theatrical shows, live music and art exhibitions, plus a great food court. Hollywood Fringe Festival takes to the stage in August, before the world’s major TV stars arrive for the Emmy Awards in September.

But if you want to experience something a little different, plan your Hollywood trip for autumn. On 1st November, the Mexican festival of Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – sees dozens of altars and thousands of revellers descend on Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It’s always a night to remember.

You’ll find lots of things to do in Hollywood. But if you fancy a change of scene, there are plenty of attractions slightly further afield which make a great day trip.

Families will love Disneyland® Park. Just a 45-minute drive southeast of Hollywood, this fantastic theme park has attractions and rides for all ages. Little ones will love Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Pirates of the Caribbean, while big kids can get their adrenaline pumping on Space Mountain and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 

Alternatively, if you’re craving some beach time, drive west to Santa Monica. This coastal city is famous for its bustling pier and fantastic surfing – but you’ll also find great places to shop and dine. Or, to see more of California, drive 90 minutes’ northwest to Santa Barbara. Nicknamed the ‘American Riviera’, this Mediterranean-style city boasts golden sands, beachfront bars and lovely Spanish architecture.

Hollywood holidays are most popular between June and August, when temperatures hover in the high-twenties. You can stroll along the sun-soaked streets and chill out at the nearby beaches. But bear in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so the main attractions can get rather crowded. If you want to avoid the rush – and still enjoy mild temperatures in the mid-twenties – it’s best to visit Hollywood in April or May. Alternatively, plan your trip for September or October. It’s still warm at this time of year, as hot air blows across from the Nevada Desert.  

If you’re keen to do some celebrity spotting, however, remember that all the major Hollywood events take place in winter. The Golden Globes, the Grammys and the Oscars all occur within the first two months of the year. And don’t be put off by the fact it’s winter. Temperatures rarely drop below 18°C and the wider area of LA is generally less busy, which means shorter queues and quieter attractions.