Hollywood is about 7 miles from downtown. The Metro Red Line subway ($3 all-day subway and bus pass; www.metro.net or 800/266-6883) takes roughly 20 minutes from L.A.'s Union Station to Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
ATTRACTIONS
ArcLight Cinemas. A 21st-century movie palace, it combines the Cinerama Dome with smaller auditoriums and shows first-run films, anniversary editions, and documentaries. It's more expensive than the multiplex but worth it. There's a cafe/bar on-site. Movie tickets from $11. 6360 Sunset Blvd.; www.arclightcinemas.com or 323/464-4226.
Egyptian Theatre. The original site for Hollywood premieres, the Egyptian is now home to American Cinematheque, a state-of-the-art film center. A 55-minute documentary, Forever Hollywood ($7), shows on weekends. Contact the theater for film schedule (movie tickets from $9). 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; www.americancinematheque.com www.elcapitantickets.com or 800/347-6396.
El Capitan Theatre. Restored to 1920s splendor by the Walt Disney Company, it's a classic movie shrine. Movie tickets from $11. 6838 Hollywood Blvd.;
Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Most people never get beyond the hand- and footprints, but the main auditorium's hybrid Chinese/deco decor is spectacular too. Call for information on daily tours ($10). Movie tickets from $11. 6925 Hollywood Blvd.; 323/461-3331.
Hollywood + Highland Shopping and Entertainment Center. Megacomplex includes shopping, restaurants, and the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards; theater tours are offered daily ($15, $10 ages 4-11). It's great for people-watching, and there's a fun scene at Lucky Strike Lanes (323/467-7776). Northwest corner of Hollywood Blvd. at Highland Ave.; www.hollywoodandhighland.com or 323/960-2331.
The Hollywood Museum. Big costume and memorabilia collection in the Max Factor Building. 10-5 Thu-Sun; $15. 1660 N. Highland; www.thehollywoodmuseum.com or 323/464-7776.
Pantages Theatre. The host of the Academy Awards from 1949 to '59, the theater was renovated in 2000 and is now home to touring Broadway shows. 6233 Hollywood Blvd.; www.broadwayla.org or 323/468-1770.
DINING
Musso & Frank Grill. The Hollywood icon is fabled for its martinis and old-school cuisine. $$$$; closed Sun-Mon. 6667 Hollywood Blvd.; 323/467-7788.
Paladar Bistro Cubano. Outstanding Cuban cuisine in a festive, modern setting. $$$. 1651 Wilcox Ave.; 323/465-7500.
Pig'n Whistle. Old and new Hollywood converge at this beautifully restored spot that becomes a dance club after hours. $$. 6714 Hollywood Blvd.; 323/463-0000.
White Lotus. Fine Euro-Asian cuisine in a most happening setting. $$$. Closed Sun- Mon. 1743 N. Cahuenga; 323/463-0060.
LODGING
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. Part of the Hollywood + Highland center. 637 rooms from $179. 1755 N. Highland; www.renaissancehollywood.com or 800/468-3571.
Roosevelt Hotel. Packed with history and featuring a vintage Hollywood lobby, the Roosevelt has had major upgrades in recent years. 105 rooms from $199. 7000 Hollywood Blvd.; www.hollywoodroosevelt.com or 800/950-7667.
COOL TOURS
Architecture Tours L.A. Personalized driving tours of landmark city buildings in either a vintage Cadillac or small van. From $65. www.architecturetoursla.com or 323/464-7868.
Los Angeles Conservancy Tours. The city's leading preservation organization offers weekly and monthly tours, including walking tours of the Broadway Theatre District (you can see the Los Angeles Theatre in June). $10. www.laconservancy.org or 213/623-2489.
Neon Cruises. From May through October 23, the Museum of Neon Art conducts weekly three-hour tours to see the city's rich storehouse of neon. $45. www.neonmona.org or 213/489-9918.
Red Line Tours. Thorough walking tours of Hollywood, historic downtown, and contemporary downtown. $20. www.redlinetours.com or 323/402-1074.
