12 LEGENDARY Things to Do in Hollywood at Night (2025 Guide)

235

Forget the tourist guides. Hollywood after dark is when this city actually delivers on its promises. The crowds thin out, the wannabe celebs go home and the real party begins.

I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Hollywood at night, from secret rooftop bars with killer views to spots where the real stars hang out. This isn’t your standard Hollywood Boulevard guide… these are the places that make LA’s most famous neighborhood worth the hype after sunset!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this Hollywood Sign walking tour! They guide you on a 2.5-hour hike through Griffith Park to the best photo spots, plus you get panoramic views of LA, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley. The sunset timing offers perfect lighting for photos. This guided hike is absolutely a must-do on a Hollywood itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Hollywood at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Hollywood in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in this California gem after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Hollywood at night!

1. Catch live concerts at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is seriously one of the best spots to catch live music in LA, and honestly, it’s way better at night than during the day. Tickets start from as low as $10 for classical shows and run up to $50+ for big-name artists, which is actually pretty reasonable for what you get.

I went to see the LA Philharmonic here last summer and the whole vibe under the stars was incredible. The venue holds nearly 18,000 people, but it never feels too crowded since everyone brings picnics and spreads out on the lawn. You can bring your own food and wine, which saves you a ton of money compared to other concert venues.

The 2025 season runs from June through September, with everything from classical to pop to jazz. Getting there is actually easier than you’d think – take the Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland and catch the free shuttle with your Metro card. Pro tip: arrive early because parking is limited and expensive. The lawn seats are the cheapest option and the most fun since you can stretch out and really soak in the Hollywood Hills atmosphere.

2. Visit Griffith Observatory for city views and stargazing

Griffith Observatory is free to enter and open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 10 PM, weekends from 10 AM to 10 PM. The best part? You can use the telescopes for free every night they’re open, usually starting at 7 PM.

I’ve been here probably six times and it never gets old. The planetarium shows cost $10 for adults and $6 for kids, but you can only buy tickets the day of your visit. They sell tickets in blocks throughout the day, so don’t count on getting one if you show up at 9 PM.

The real magic happens when the sun goes down and the city lights come on below you. You’ll get killer views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and on clear nights you can see all the way to the ocean. The 12-inch Zeiss telescope is the most viewed telescope in the world – over 9 million people have looked through it. Fair warning though: parking is absolutely insane on weekends. I learned the hard way to either Uber or arrive super early.

• Read next: Funny Things to Do in Los Angeles

3. Hit the legendary music venues on Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is where rock and roll history actually lives and breathes. Venues like Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, and The Viper Room have landmark status now, so they’re protected from developers. Thank god, because these places are irreplaceable.

I caught a show at Whisky a Go Go last year and honestly felt like I was stepping back into the ’70s. This is where The Doors, Neil Diamond, and Guns N’ Roses got their start. The Viper Room is smaller and more intimate – perfect for discovering new bands, though it’s 21+ only.

Cover charges vary wildly depending on who’s playing, usually anywhere from $15 to $40. The Roxy tends to book bigger names so expect to pay more, but the sound quality is actually incredible. My advice? Check the lineups online and pick based on the music you want to hear, not just the venue’s reputation. The strip can get pretty crowded on weekend nights, so factor in some walking time between venues if you want to bar hop.

4. Watch movies at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre

TCL Chinese Theatre still shows all the latest movies with both standard and IMAX screenings, plus 3D options. It’s touristy as hell, but watching a movie here hits different than your average multiplex.

I saw the latest Marvel movie here and the IMAX screen is legitimately massive. Standard tickets run about $15-18, IMAX bumps it up to around $25-30. The lobby is pretty impressive with all the movie memorabilia, and you can definitely spend some time checking out the handprints and footprints in the forecourt before or after your show.

The building itself is this wild mix of Chinese architecture and Hollywood glamour that somehow works perfectly. Sure, you’ll be surrounded by tourists taking selfies, but there’s something cool about watching a movie in the same theater where so many premieres have happened. Pro tip: buy tickets online ahead of time because popular shows sell out, especially on weekend nights. The whole Hollywood Boulevard scene right outside can be a bit much, but it’s part of the experience.

5. Experience Universal Studios Hollywood after dark

Universal Studios Hollywood offers after-hours events throughout the year, with regular day tickets ranging from $77-$107 depending on the date. The park transforms completely at night, especially during special events.

I went to one of their night events last fall and it was way cooler than the daytime park. Universal Fan Fest Nights runs select nights from April through May 2025, starting at $74. Halloween Horror Nights happens September through November with tickets starting around $77 but going up to $269 for express passes.

CityWalk right outside the park is actually pretty fun for dinner and drinks before or after. The whole area has this electric vibe at night with neon lights and street performers. If you’re doing both day and night, the After 2 PM Day/Night combo tickets are a decent deal starting at $117. Just know that parking adds another $30, so factor that into your budget. The night events tend to sell out closer to the dates, so don’t wait too long to book.

6. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame at night

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has over 2,600 stars stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It’s definitely touristy, but there’s something pretty cool about seeing it all lit up at night when the crowds thin out a bit.

I walked it around 9 PM on a weeknight and actually enjoyed it way more than during the day. The street performers are still out, but it’s not the complete zoo it is at 2 PM on a Saturday. You can actually stop and read the stars without getting trampled by tour groups.

The area around the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars happen) looks pretty impressive lit up at night. Fair warning though: Hollywood Boulevard can get a little sketchy late at night, so use common sense and stick to the well-lit, busy sections. I’d recommend starting near Highland Avenue and walking west toward Vine Street. You’ll pass tons of souvenir shops and street food vendors, plus you’re close to the Metro if you need to bail. It’s free entertainment, which is rare in LA, so why not?

7. See comedy shows at The Groundlings Theatre

The Groundlings has been doing improv and sketch comedy for over 50 years at their theater on Melrose Avenue, with shows typically on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM. This place is legitimately where tons of Saturday Night Live cast members got their start.

I caught their main company show a few months ago and was honestly impressed by how tight their improv was. Alumni include Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow, and Kristen Wiig. The theater only seats about 100 people, so every show feels intimate and you can actually see the performers’ expressions.

Tickets are pretty affordable, especially for LA standards. The shows run about 90 minutes with a mix of sketches and improv games. Sometimes you’ll catch company members who are between TV gigs, so the talent level can be surprisingly high. They also have Sunday Company shows featuring advanced students, which are cheaper but still really entertaining. The Melrose Avenue location means you can grab dinner nearby before the show – lots of good options within walking distance.

8. Drive through the Hollywood Hills for scenic views

The Hollywood Hills at night offer some of the best views of Los Angeles you’ll get without hiking. I usually start on Sunset Boulevard and wind my way up through Laurel Canyon or Coldwater Canyon – the city lights spread out below you like a giant circuit board.

Mulholland Drive is the classic route, and honestly, it delivers on the hype. You can pull over at various overlooks and see everything from downtown LA to the ocean on clear nights. The Hollywood Sign looks pretty cool lit up, though you can’t get super close to it by car. My favorite spot is probably the overlook near Fryman Canyon – it’s not as crowded as some of the others.

Fair warning: the roads can be narrow and winding, so don’t attempt this if you’re not comfortable with mountain driving. I’ve seen way too many people trying to take selfies while driving up there. Also, some of the residential areas don’t appreciate tourists, so be respectful and don’t linger too long in front of people’s houses. Gas up beforehand because you won’t find stations up in the hills, and bring a jacket – it gets surprisingly chilly up there even in summer.

9. Catch a movie at El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan Theatre specializes in Disney movies with live pre-show entertainment, organ performances, and character appearances. It’s definitely geared toward families, but the theater itself is pretty spectacular even if you’re just there for the architecture.

I went to see a Disney movie there with my niece and was honestly blown away by the whole production. The theater has this amazing Art Deco interior with golden accents and original 1926 details. Before the movie starts, they usually have some kind of live entertainment – could be a guy playing the massive Wurlitzer organ or character meet-and-greets.

The sound system is legitimately impressive, and they often do special screenings with added effects or special presentations. It’s more expensive than a regular movie theater, but you’re paying for the experience. Hollywood Boulevard right outside can be chaos, but the theater itself feels like stepping into old Hollywood glamour. If you’re not into Disney movies, it might not be worth it, but for families or anyone who appreciates movie history, it’s actually pretty cool.

10. Dine and shop at Ovation Hollywood

Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland) is this big complex with restaurants, shops, and regular live performances. It’s basically a mall, but the location and views make it worth checking out, especially at night.

I usually end up here when I’m killing time before a show or movie nearby. The food court has decent options and the sit-down restaurants on the upper levels have pretty good views of the Hollywood Hills and Hollywood Sign. The shopping is mostly chain stores, but it’s convenient if you need something.

The real draw is the location – you’re right next to the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood/Highland Metro station. They host events and performances regularly, so there’s usually something happening in the courtyard area. It’s not the most exciting destination on its own, but it’s a solid place to grab food and drinks if you’re already in the area. The escalators up to the upper levels give you some nice photo ops of Hollywood Boulevard spread out below.

• Read next: Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles

11. Visit the Museum of Illusions on Hollywood Boulevard

The World of Illusions on Hollywood Boulevard includes four experiences: Museum of Illusions, Giant’s House, Upside Down House, and Smash It, open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. It’s basically Instagram bait, but honestly, it’s more fun than I expected.

I went with friends and we spent about an hour taking ridiculous photos. Most people spend 45-60 minutes there, and the VIP experience includes a professional photographer who’ll edit your photos and send them within hours. The Smash It experience costs an extra $20 per person where you get to decorate and smash plates, which is oddly therapeutic.

The illusions only really work in photos, not when you’re looking at them in person, which some people find disappointing. Tickets can be pricey – around $30 per person for basic admission – but if you’re already on Hollywood Boulevard and want something different to do, it’s decent entertainment. The upside-down house is probably the coolest part, and the giant furniture in the Giant’s House makes for some funny pictures. Just don’t go in expecting mind-blowing illusions – think of it as an interactive photo studio and you’ll have a good time.

12. Take a night helicopter tour over Hollywood and the city lights

If you want a seriously unforgettable view of LA, book a night helicopter tour over Hollywood for a jaw-dropping look at the city lit up from above. This 30-minute flight with a local pilot takes you past the glowing Hollywood Sign, the twinkling Downtown skyline, the Sunset Strip, and even down toward SoFi Stadium depending on your route.

Available via GetYourGuide, the tour includes live commentary and a chance to snap skyline photos that beat anything from ground level. You’ll fly in a Robinson R44 with large windows, so visibility is excellent whether you’re seated up front or in the back.

Flights take off from Van Nuys Airport, and the whole experience—including safety briefing—takes about 1 hour total. I did this for a birthday surprise and seeing LA sparkle beneath us was honestly one of the coolest travel moments I’ve ever had. Tours start around $195 per person, and while that’s not cheap, the views and the feeling of flying past the Hollywood Sign at night are absolutely worth it. Dress in layers and bring your phone fully charged. It’s cinematic, romantic, and totally bucket-list worthy!