LA (Los Angeles) welcomed about 49.5 million visitors last year, while the entertainment district of Hollywood hosted about 34.5 million of them. In fact, the daily average stood at almost 95,000 people, which is a testament to its popularity. The peak periods of October and July each had more than 3 million visitors flocking to Hollywood. Even more interestingly, it’s estimated that Hollywood’s Walk of Fame draws about 10 million people annually, while the TCL Chinese Theater attracts approximately 4 million tourists.
And then there’s the Hollywood Sign, which is arguably one of the world’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks. But what many don’t know is that the beauty of Hollywood doesn’t only lie in its tourist appeal; it’s also a fantastic base to explore Los Angeles thoroughly. That explains the rising demand for furnished apartments in West Hollywood and other local stretches. People and families are extending their stays here to explore LA at their own pace. Let’s find out more about it below.
The Practical Benefits to Staying in Hollywood
There’s a lot more to staying in Hollywood than just star power; it’s also Southern California’s cultural epicenter. If you’re planning a trip to LA, Hollywood can be the ultimate base that balances unmatched connectivity with top-class dining, entertainment, and historical marvels. Here’s why:
Convenience:
- LA is known for its vast layout and heavy traffic. Hollywood helps you avoid the issue by putting you in the center of the metropolitan map.
- It’s a geographic bridge to all of LA, positioned between the Eastside, Westside, and San Fernando Valley.
- Infrastructure in Hollywood is well-equipped to absorb heavy foot traffic and tourist volumes. You’ll discover everything from luggage storage to pedestrian signage and information centers along the Hollywood Boulevard.
- The area is more walkable than most other parts of LA, helping you step out of your furnished apt in Los Angeles and immediately get around (without having to navigate complex driving and parking structures early in the morning).
Connectivity & Transit:
- One of the biggest advantages of Hollywood is its top-class public transportation network, especially the Metro B Line (Red Line).
- Cars are usually mandatory to get around in LA, although Hollywood offers a stress-free and seamless alternative. The subway has two key stations in the heart of Hollywood, namely Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Highland.
- You can easily access Universal Studios Hollywood in a single stop with the B Line North and right into the San Fernando Valley. If you’re heading south, link directly to DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles). Here you can transfer to lines going to Pasadena or Santa Monica.
- The Hollywood area is also crisscrossed by the DASH localized shuttle service and LA Metro bus routes for more affordable transit options. They are helpful in quickly reaching areas like Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Sunset Strip.
- Hollywood also offers quick access to the US-101 Freeway, helping you drive or rent a car/rideshare to get to the valleys and beaches.
Local Infrastructure & Amenities:
- Ample availability of Hollywood furnished apartments with multi-bedroom configurations, kitchens, laundry, flexible leases, and competitive rates. They are ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and business traveler.
- It’s not just apartments; travelers can also choose from famous luxury hotels, pocket-friendly hostels, and mid-tier hotels or apartments.
- Multiple grocery stores like Whole Foods Market (Santa Monica Boulevard) or Trader Joe’s (Vine Street) are easily accessible for affordable meals or snacking.
- The area is also home to 24-hour convenience stores, pharmacies, and banking centers within every few blocks.
How Hollywood Gives You the Best of LA at Your Door
Besides its practicalities, Hollywood is also the best place to experience the best that Los Angeles has to offer. When you’re setting your home base here, you get to see some of the world’s biggest landmarks within a few minutes. For starters, you can spend mornings walking along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and looking out for the stars of your favorite global superstars. The TCL Chinese Theater is right on the main strip, known for its footprints and handprints of movie icons (forecourt).
The Dolby Theater is only a short walk away from here, the permanent home to the Academy Awards. Ovation Hollywood also towers over the area (earlier Hollywood & Highland), a mega entertainment and shopping complex in its own right. In fact, you’ll discover a very famous viewing portal here that frames the Hollywood Sign perfectly.
Other Unique Experiences:
- The Hollywood Bowl is one of the legendary music venues in the area. It is a famous amphitheater in the hills where you can watch concerts under the stars.
- Watch movies at the El Capitan Theater or attend the screenings at the famous Grauman’s Egyptian Theater for a classic vibe.
- Hollywood is also a gateway to the sprawling Griffith Park. You can hike the trails from the edge of the area to reach the popular Griffith Observatory. Enjoy the amazing views of the whole LA basin from this spot.
Top-Tier Shopping & Dining:
- Hollywood fuses historic institutions with trending contemporary brands as far as its retail and dining circuit are concerned.
- Book a booth at Musso & Frank Grill for classic Hollywood glamor. It is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Hollywood, known for its martinis and steaks.
- Pink’s Hot Dogs on La Brea Avenue offers celebrity-named franks with a casual vibe, while Gwen offers a premium butcher-to-table dining experience.
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele also offers top-class authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a charming garden patio.
- If you’re into music, visit Amoeba Music on Hollywood Boulevard, the biggest independent record store in the world!
- Fashion enthusiasts will also fall in love with the curated vintage stores dotting Melrose Avenue or Flea Market events (Hollywood Independent Maker’s Market and others).
Conclusion
Hollywood’s strategic location makes it an incredible base to explore LA. Great connectivity, walkability, famous landmarks, movie history, shopping, dining, nightlife- it’s got the best of LA spread out at your fingertips. If you’re looking for top apartments for an enjoyable Hollywood stay, TheSquare is a great place to find verified listings that don’t break the bank! You’ll end up saving a lot of time and energy that would otherwise be spent in traffic gridlocks, while the added bonus is the thrilling and energetic atmosphere of possibly the world’s most glamorous location!
