L.A.’s Bright Lights: Hollywood Travel Planner

Hollywood is about 7 miles from downtown. The Metro Red Linesubway ($3 all-day subway and bus pass; www.metro.net or800/266-6883) takes roughly 20 minutes from L.A.’s UnionStation to Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

ATTRACTIONS

ArcLight Cinemas. A 21st-century movie palace, it combinesthe Cinerama Dome with smaller auditoriums and shows first-runfilms, anniversary editions, and documentaries. It’s more expensivethan the multiplex but worth it. There’s a cafe/bar on-site. Movie tickets from $11. 6360 Sunset Blvd.; www.arclightcinemas.comor 323/464-4226.

Egyptian Theatre. The original site for Hollywood premieres,the Egyptian is now home to American Cinematheque, astate-of-the-art film center. A 55-minute documentary, Forever Hollywood ($7), shows on weekends. Contact the theaterfor film schedule (movie tickets from $9). 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; www.americancinematheque.comwww.elcapitantickets.comor 800/347-6396.

El Capitan Theatre. Restored to 1920s splendor by the WaltDisney Company, it’s a classic movie shrine. Movie tickets from $11. 6838 Hollywood Blvd.;

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Most people never get beyond thehand- and footprints, but the main auditorium’s hybrid Chinese/decodecor 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 funscene at Lucky Strike Lanes (323/467-7776). Northwest corner of Hollywood Blvd. at HighlandAve.; www.hollywoodandhighland.comor 323/960-2331.

The Hollywood Museum. Big costume and memorabilia collectionin the Max Factor Building. 10-5 Thu-Sun; $15. 1660 N. Highland; www.thehollywoodmuseum.comor 323/464-7776.

Pantages Theatre. The host of the Academy Awards from 1949to ’59, the theater was renovated in 2000 and is now home totouring Broadway shows. 6233 Hollywood Blvd.; www.broadwayla.org or323/468-1770.

DINING

Musso & Frank Grill. The Hollywood icon is fabled forits martinis and old-school cuisine. $$$$; closed Sun-Mon. 6667 Hollywood Blvd.;323/467-7788.

Paladar Bistro Cubano. Outstanding Cuban cuisine in afestive, modern setting. $$$. 1651 Wilcox Ave.; 323/465-7500.

Pig’n Whistle. Old and new Hollywood converge at thisbeautifully restored spot that becomes a dance club after hours. $$. 6714 Hollywood Blvd.; 323/463-0000.

White Lotus. Fine Euro-Asian cuisine in a most happeningsetting. $$$. 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.comor 800/468-3571.

Roosevelt Hotel. Packed with history and featuring a vintageHollywood lobby, the Roosevelt has had major upgrades in recentyears. 105 rooms from $199. 7000 Hollywood Blvd.; www.hollywoodroosevelt.comor 800/950-7667.

COOL TOURS

Architecture Tours L.A. Personalized driving tours oflandmark city buildings in either a vintage Cadillac or small van. From $65. www.architecturetoursla.comor 323/464-7868.

Los Angeles Conservancy Tours. The city’s leadingpreservation organization offers weekly and monthly tours,including walking tours of the Broadway Theatre District (you cansee the Los Angeles Theatre in June). $10. www.laconservancy.orgor 213/623-2489.

Neon Cruises. From May through October 23, the Museum ofNeon Art conducts weekly three-hour tours to see the city’s richstorehouse of neon. $45. www.neonmona.org or213/489-9918.

Red Line Tours. Thorough walking tours of Hollywood,historic downtown, and contemporary downtown. $20. www.redlinetours.com or323/402-1074.