Hollywood Travel Forum

We're planning on touring the walk of fame and more on a weekday morning. In a book, it was suggested to start at Gower Street. Is this a good starting point? And where and what should we look for in the way of parking if we plan to spend many hours sightseeing, lunch, etc.? Any suggestions for a not too expensive, not too cheap lunch spot in Hollywood? What sights should we not miss?

It's the first time I've heard of the Walk of Fame being in Compton. Personally, I find the most interesting section of Hollywood Blvd to be between Vine and Highland Streets. There's also a lot of parking around Hollywood and Vine. Starting at the Pantages Theatre, walk along Hollywood Blvd towards Highland Ave and you'll see a lot of attractions along the way.

For lunch, I suggest Tom Yum Thai Restaurant at Hollywood and Ivar, which is one block west of Hollywood and Vine. If you want to try something really special, go to Musso and Frank's Grill, a Hollywood landmark.

That shishmare person is definitely pulling your ear with his post about Compton. Hollywood is fine by day, can be a bit sketchy at night - I believe that when my friends and I went, we were able to find a cheap parking garage as we spent an afternoon there. In fact, you may be able to just park at Hollywood and Highland Garage (Hollywood and Highland is a shopping center), which has pretty reasonable rates. Also, be prepared that the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a long walk - wear comfy shoes! :) Unfortunately, I don't really have good suggestions for where to eat in Hollywood, but I hope you enjoy your trip!

Gower was recommended because it is where the Walk of Fame begins. You can start at Argyle, one block West, and be equally satisfied. Argyle borders The Pantages theatre and marks the beginning of the more "revitalized" and dense Hollywood experience. Perfectly safe during the day, and pretty safe at night, nowadays - littered with bar hoppers and Orange County kids trying to be glamourous.

Forget paying to park - you can park for free on Franklin, two blocks north, between Vine and Cahuenga, for free; everyday but Monday morning. And, to eat, Sharky's, at Hollywood and Cahuenga, is excellent. Fresh-mex Organic Take-Away for under ten bucks a person. Crowded and frequented by cops, who always know a good meal when they see it.

"Solar De Cahuenga" at Cahuenga and Franklin is a popular new local joint that does take-away crepes for under $10/pp, also.

By night, I can recommend Citizen Smith's on the super-hip "Cahuenga Corridor" - on Cahuenga Blvd. between Hollywood and Sunset. Make reservations. The decor is killer and the food is relatively cheap for dinner; around $15 plate.

You know the "don't miss" spots, already, I'm sure. But, if you're a record store fan, don't miss Amoeba at Sunset and Cahuenga. Rolling Stone has called it "the World's best record store". It's a destination in itself. And, though everybody sees Grauman's Chinese, the interior of the Grauman's Six, a recently built theater, is stunning - a crazy, japanimation-esque lobby - for those who like modern design.

Oh, and unless you're less-than-mobile, the WAlk of Fame is not very long.

Best,

GC

I've been able to park on Hollywood Boulevard when I've come, once on a Saturday night. Maybe I was just lucky. I know that there's a time limit though, and I've never spent more than an hour parked there. Longer, I'd say go for a garage, unless you're there early on the weekend (which is when the restrictions probably stop).
There's nothing cheap to eat around the Walk O' Fame/tourist area. There is lots of decent stuff a few blocks south along Sunset though, especially further west toward La Cienega.
The Walk of Fame is interesting, especially finding your favorite actors. Mann's (or whatever it is now) Chinese Theater is also interesting, which is where all of the famous cement writing is.
Besides some tacky tourist things, there's not a whole lot to see in Hollywood, definitely not enough to take up more than a couple of hours. But maybe that's just me.

Thanks all. We already did a little study, so the Compton bit was a wasted attempt. A little funny, though. We're not afraid of walking, so we'll check out the free parking. Looking forward to LA!

Have a great time in LA!