HOLLYWOOD will be swimming in sequins and screaming fans tomorrow, as silver screen royalty make their annual pilgrimage to the Academy Awards.
Held at the Dolby Theatre in the heart of Tinseltown, the glitz and glamour of the Oscars make Hollywood look as make believe as Narnia or Neverland.
Thankfully, the real La La Land is as full of movie magic as a night at the Oscars. So if you’re short on film star friends with a spare ticket, never fear — Hollywood will still have you under its spell.
Attractions Tickets Direct offers a host of unforgettable experiences for travellers looking to experience all Tinseltown has to offer, without the A-list price tag.
With so many iconic sights in Hollywood, the best way to start is to jump on a Starline tour bus.
It’s one of the easiest ways to tick off unmissable tourist spots while also being a nifty transport mode across the city and you can hop on and off the double-decker buses at any of the 100 stops on the route.
The tour lets you spot the stars of your favourite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, before stopping off for lunch at the trendy Original Farmers Market and indulging in some major retail therapy at the iconic Rodeo Drive.
Booking the Starline experience through Attractions Tickets Direct gives you more for your money, with the choice of free entry into premium attractions such as Madame Tussauds and a VIP tour of the Chinese Theatre.
Or venture further from Hollywood on one of Starline’s other routes and explore nearby Santa Monica or Venice Beach where trendy shops blend with beautiful beaches and an up-and-coming foodie scene.
If you’ve always dreamed of securing the perfect selfie at the Hollywood sign, then hiking through Griffith Park is an unforgettable way to take in the Los Angeles skyline.
Tour guides on The Hollywood Hills Guided Hike include up-and-coming actors who dish out industry secrets throughout the gentle climb that takes around 90 minutes to complete.
Taking in unbeatable views of the famous sign, the hike then concludes at the Griffith Park Observatory where movies including La La Land, The Terminator and Rebel Without A Cause have all been filmed.
True cinema buffs can’t leave Los Angeles without visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour.
The two-hour tour takes tourists into the magic of movies with the Warner Archive currently housing exhibitions on Harry Potter movies and the world of DC comics with costumes and props displayed from recent hit flicks Aquaman and Wonder Woman.
Plus a small piece of New York comes to California in a behind-the-scenes look at Central Park, the coffee shop made famous in the sitcom Friends.
Place yourself in the middle of all the action at Universal Studios Hollywood where the films come to life.
There you can find yourself face-to-face with deadly prehistoric dinosaurs at the newly opened Jurassic World ride.
Other highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or the tour of the studio’s backlot that takes in sights such as Alfred Hitchock’s office, the set of Desperate Housewives, and even the home of King Kong.
Hollywood’s food scene is dominated by street trucks and farmer markets, so you’ll have to go off shore for one of the more memorable dining experiences.
The Starlight Dinner Cruise takes passengers along the Californian coastline as they indulge in a three-course meal, with a DJ keeping the party going for hours.
Staying in the vibrant West Hollywood neighbourhood allows tourists to jump between the bustling must-see attractions of the city centre, while being able to explore the hidden gems outside of town.
The Kimpton La Peer has the distinct feel of a boutique hotel, despite being chain-owned. Its blend of modern and vintage furniture pays homage to the Hollywood glamour of the 1950s, while reflecting the property’s modern surroundings.
Those caught up in the quirky West Hollywood lifestyle can alternate between wild and well-behaved thanks to an in-room yoga mat and what must be one of the most extensive mini bars in the world.
If guests seek more luxury and comfort, then the hotel even offers a massage service, in-room hair stylist, cocktail classes, or a “bath butler” who will run your own bath. It doesn’t get much more A-list than that.
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Flights from Gatwick to LA are from £315pp return. See norwegian.com. One night room-only at the Kimpton La Peer is from £131pp based on two sharing.
OUT & ABOUT: Two-day ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood is from £83pp. LA in a Day city tour with Starline is from £62pp. Warner Bros Studios Tour Hollywood is from £44pp. Hollywood Hills guided hike is from £40pp. To book see attractiontickets.com.
MORE INFO: See visitwesthollywood.com.
