Hollywood Locations Where History Was Made

Hollywood is more than just the heart of the entertainment industry; it’s home to countless iconic sites where cinematic history was made.

From legendary theaters to iconic studio lots, these places have witnessed the rise of Hollywood stars, hosted groundbreaking film premieres, and become landmarks of pop culture.

Here are some of the most famous Hollywood locations where history was made and that you can still visit today.

1. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is an architectural gem steeped in film history. Built in 1927, it hosted the first-ever Academy Awards in 1929, a private dinner ceremony attended by Hollywood’s elite.

Over the years, it has served as a home away from home for countless stars. Marilyn Monroe once lived at the hotel, and her first-ever photo shoot took place at its poolside cabana.

Today, visitors can experience the hotel's luxurious ambiance, take in the glamour of its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and imagine the Hollywood icons who once walked its halls.

2. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, now known as TCL Chinese Theatre, opened in 1927 and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks. It has hosted some of the most significant film premieres, including Star Wars in 1977 and The Dark Knight in 2008.

The theater is also known for its courtyard, where nearly 200 celebrities have left their handprints, footprints, and autographs in the cement. Seeing the prints of stars like Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, and Marilyn Monroe offers a tangible connection to Hollywood’s golden age. The theater still screens movies, giving visitors the chance to watch a film where generations of Hollywood icons have premiered their masterpieces.

3. Paramount Pictures Studios

Paramount Pictures Studios, the only major film studio still located in Hollywood, has been in operation since 1912 and continues to be a bustling hub of filmmaking. The studio has produced some of cinema’s most beloved films, including The Godfather and Sunset Boulevard.

Visitors can take guided tours through iconic sets and sound stages, see historic buildings where legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock worked, and learn about the studio’s rich history in television and film production.

Paramount’s New York Street backlot is especially famous, as it has been featured in countless movies, making it a must-see for film buffs.

4. The Hollywood Sign

While not a traditional film location, the Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable symbols of the entertainment industry.

• Originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a housing development called “Hollywoodland,” the sign has since become synonymous with the movie business.
• Over the decades, it has appeared in countless films, often as a backdrop in scenes capturing the allure of Los Angeles.
• A hike to the sign offers breathtaking views of Hollywood, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Hollywood history up close.

5. El Capitan Theatre

Opened in 1926, El Capitan Theatre began as a live performance venue but transitioned to a movie theater in 1941 with the world premiere of Citizen Kane. Over the years, El Capitan has hosted premieres for Disney films, including The Little Mermaid and Toy Story, and remains a popular spot for major Disney releases.

With its lavish interior and a meticulously restored Wurlitzer organ, the theater preserves the classic movie-going experience. Watching a film here provides a unique glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age.

6. Sunset Gower Studios

Originally Columbia Pictures, Sunset Gower Studios is another Hollywood landmark with deep roots in entertainment history.

• This lot was the birthplace of many legendary films from the 1930s and ’40s, such as It Happened One Night.
• Although Columbia moved to a larger location, the studios remain active, now producing major television shows and films.
• Touring the studios offers a fascinating look at Hollywood’s evolution, as the studio combines historical soundstages with state-of-the-art production facilities.

7. The Formosa Café

Located near the Warner Bros. lot, The Formosa Café has been a favorite haunt of Hollywood’s biggest stars since 1939. Legends like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley dined here, and it even served as a backdrop for scenes in the 1997 film L.A. Confidential.

Recently renovated, the café preserves its old Hollywood charm with red booths, vintage décor, and walls covered in celebrity photos. For fans of Hollywood history, The Formosa is an atmospheric spot to grab a meal and immerse yourself in the era of classic film stars.

8. Musso & Frank Grill

As Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, Musso & Frank Grill has been serving patrons since 1919.

This restaurant was a favorite among authors and actors alike, with regulars including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Charlie Chaplin. Its history-rich atmosphere makes it a living time capsule of Hollywood’s golden age.

Dining here offers the unique chance to experience a piece of Hollywood history while enjoying classic American fare.

A Glimpse into Hollywood’s Glamorous Past

These Hollywood locations have seen the highs and lows of Tinseltown, preserving a piece of film history that visitors can still experience today.

From iconic theaters to studios that have produced the world’s greatest films, Hollywood is filled with landmarks that reflect the evolution of cinema. Whether you’re a movie buff, a history lover, or just curious, exploring these locations offers a glimpse into the magic and legacy of Hollywood.