Local Gems: Meet the Hollywoods

Local Gems: Meet the Hollywoods

CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods Local Gems Blog

Join us for the third CicLAvia Sunday of the 2026 season—and our 67th CicLAvia Sunday since 2010! CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods is happening on Sunday, July 19th, from 9am to 4pm!

This marks the fourth time that CicLAvia has produced Meet the Hollywoods (with previous events in 2019, 2022, and 2024). This 6.6 mile route passes through the historic heart of the movie industry and brings together the vibrant communities of the Hollywood area for an amazing car-free day of fun!

Check out our Interactive Digital Map to plan out your day, and keep in mind that CicLAvia is not a race. Enjoy the event at your own pace, snap some photos, and learn some history with us.

This Local Gems post was compiled by guest writer John Perry, a local transportation advocate. You can see more of his work at his website, Transiting Los Angeles, where you’ll find local guides and videos about LA transit.


West Hollywood

An independent city, West Hollywood (or WeHo for short) is famous for the Sunset Strip and for being one of the most important centers of LGBTQ+ culture in the entire country. Pride is evident everywhere you look, from rainbow flags to LGBTQ-oriented businesses. On the eastern side of WeHo, between Fairfax and La Brea, is a prominent Russian-speaking community, with several Russian delis, grocers, a bookstore, and a Russian language library along the route.

Santa Monica Boulevard follows the route of a streetcar line from the 1890s, with a railyard built near the intersection with San Vicente Blvd, where Metro’s Division 7 bus yard sits now. In the 1930s, Santa Monica Blvd was designated as a portion of Route 66, and you will still find allusions to the famous highway throughout town. Today, the stretch of this busy road through WeHo is lined with shady trees, lots of nightlife, great places to eat, and many specialty shops to explore.

West Hollywood Park

West Hollywood Park
647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Just downhill on San Vicente Blvd from the western end of the route is this large, green space. In the park, you’ll find expansive lawns, a playground, and a popular dog park, as well as an expansive recreation center and the West Hollywood Library on the southern edge of the park. The park is also home to STORIES, a memorial to victims of the AIDS epidemic.

Pacific Design Center

Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Across San Vicente from the park, the Pacific Design Center is a massive complex devoted to interior design, with dozens of showrooms showcasing work from professional architects, interior designers, decorators, and more. Each of the three buildings—Red, Green, and Blue—is clad in reflective glass of its respective color, with Center Blue often referred to as the “Blue Whale” for its enormous size.

Plummer Park

Plummer Park
7377 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

On the eastern side of WeHo, this narrow park stretches north from the route and offers a calm respite from the bustle of Santa Monica Blvd. The park was built on the homestead of Captain Eugene Plummer, a ranchero who lived long enough to be regarded as “the last of the dons” in a rapidly growing Los Angeles. Plummer Park was established in the 1930s as a New Deal project, with a community hall built in Spanish Revival design to reflect the park’s link to its Mexican rancho past. Every Monday, the Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market takes place in the park

The Lot at Formosa

The Lot at Formosa
1041 N Formosa Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Along the southern side of Santa Monica Blvd between Plummer Park and La Brea Ave is this historic studio lot dating back to the earliest days of Hollywood. Originally built in 1912, the lot was acquired by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and dubbed Pickford–Fairbanks Studios, producing blockbusters such as Robin Hood (1922) and The Thief of Bagdad (1924). The lot was later renamed United Artists Studio and then Samuel Goldwyn Studios, producing famous movies like Guys and Dolls (1955), Some Like It Hot (1959), and West Side Story (1961). The lot still functions as a working studio today, with sound stages and production facilities. A public artwork, “Back Lot” by Michael McMillen, faces Santa Monica Blvd and commemorates the history of the site—be sure to peek inside the garage next to the sculptures.

West Hollywood Urban Art Collection Throughout West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood maintains a robust public art program, with sculptures, mosaics, and murals throughout town. In addition to Michael McMillen’s Back Lot (mentioned above), a couple highlights along the route are Scott Froschauer’s Relax UR OK and ONE LOVE. These large neon signs stand in the median of Santa Monica Blvd at Holloway Drive and act as a playful subversion of typical roadway signage. Further west at Palms Avenue are Peter Shire’s Murano and Rockin’ Angel, two colorful sculptures standing tall above the road. Given their placement in the median of a normally busy roadway, CicLAvia offers the unique opportunity to safely view these artworks up-close!


Hollywood 

L.A.’s most well-known neighborhood is the historic heart of the motion picture industry, once home to many of its most famous studios. It was an association so strong that the name of the neighborhood came to represent the film industry at large. Many of the biggest entertainment companies still have their offices in Hollywood, and showbusiness still defines life in the neighborhood, from movie premieres on Hollywood Blvd to conversations you may overhear in a local coffee shop.

Hollywood/Highland Metro Station
Details of Underground Girl by Sheila Klein. Photos courtesy of Metro Art

Hollywood/Highland Metro Station
6815 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Riders disembarking from the B Line here are greeted by high, curving ceilings and the sculptural forms of Sheila Klein’s Underground Girl. Structural supports line the telescoping tunnels and steel, flower-like sculptures extend out from the support columns, giving the impression of being inside the skeleton of a giant creature. The work takes inspiration from Hollywood set design. At the station exit, ceiling trusses hold up theater lights. 

Walk of Fame

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Ave and Gower St, and Vine St between Yucca St and Sunset Blvd

A popular Los Angeles tourist attraction, the Hollywood Walk of Fame receives millions of visitors every year. It is made up of over 2,800 stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Blvd and Vine St, each bearing the name of an iconic figure from the entertainment industry. Many stars are clustered around Highland and Vine, although many others are situated next to businesses or landmarks of personal significance to that honoree.

TCL Chinese Theatre

TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opened in 1927 by Sid Grauman, the Chinese Theatre is an iconic landmark and arguably the most recognizable movie theater on the planet. Lavishly built, the theater sports a massive pagoda with traditional Chinese ornamentation covering the exterior, including two authentic Ming dynasty stone lions. The forecourt outside holds numerous celebrity handprints and autographs.

Ovation Hollywood

Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Just off the intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, this massive shopping center holds five floors of shops, restaurants, and offices. At the center of the mall is a large courtyard sporting a tall archway, which holds observation decks with views of the Hollywood Sign. Within the complex is the Dolby Theatre, which has been the primary venue for the Academy Awards since its opening in 2001.

JAPAN HOUSE

JAPAN HOUSE
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Located inside Ovation Hollywood, JAPAN HOUSE is a cultural center developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese culture across the world. On the 2nd floor of the mall is the shop and gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting aspects of Japanese culture. Currently on view is “WASHOKU | Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine,” exploring the history, artistry, and cultural significance of Japanese cuisine. Up on the 5th floor is the center’s library and salon, which offers free WiFi and complimentary green tea.

El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Across the street from the Chinese Theatre, El Capitan is a historic movie palace from 1926 that sports lavish architecture and a pipe organ. The theater was notable for hosting the world premiere of Citizen Kane in 1941, and served as the flagship theater of Paramount Pictures for many years. It was purchased by Disney in the 1980s and has since become their flagship theater, hosting many premieres of Disney films and housing a Disney Store. 

Next door is the former Hollywood Masonic Temple. It was converted into a theater and incorporated into the El Capitan, which hosts the ABC late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! On the sidewalk outside, you’ll find many Walk of Fame stars specific to Disney characters.

Egyptian Theatre

Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Dating back to 1922, the Egyptian was opened by showman Sid Grauman prior to his opening of the more famous Chinese Theatre. It was built in an Egyptian theme to capitalize on public fascination with the recent discovery of King Tut’s tomb. The theater was purchased by Netflix in 2020 and recently restored, with programming shared by Netflix and American Cinematheque. The Egyptian is temporarily closed, but there is a Netflix store on the premises displaying props from recent productions.

Hollywood Farmer's Market

Hollywood Farmers’ Market
1600 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opening with the call of a bugle, the Hollywood Farmers’ Market is the largest in Los Angeles. It covers two blocks of Ivar Ave and two blocks of Selma Ave, as well as an artisan alley on Cosmo St. The market hosts over 150 farmers, producers, food vendors, and artisans, with a wide variety of seasonal produce and culinary styles to sample from. Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm, the market serves as a beloved meeting space for the Hollywood community.

Hollywood/Vine Metro Station
Details of Hooray for Hollywood by Gilbert “Magu” Lujan. Photos courtesy of Metro Art

Hollywood/Vine Metro Station
6250 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Hollywood/Vine Station has some of the most whimsical art in the Metro system. Designed by Gilbert “Magu” Lujan in collaboration with the station architects, Hooray for Hollywood is an unabashed celebration of Hollywood history. The ceiling above the platform is covered in authentic film reels, while two original 1930s film projectors sit on view just upstairs from the platform. The passageway out of the station resembles an ancient temple, evoking the grandeur and fantasy of Hollywood’s classic themed movie palaces. As passengers exit the station, they’ll pass by 240 hand-glazed art tiles on the walls depicting Lujan’s anthropomorphic characters in scenes from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Capital Records Building

Capitol Records Building
1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Built in 1956, the building serves as recording studios and headquarters for the music label Capitol Records. This tower was the first circular office building in the world when completed. Although not intended by the architect, many have noted that the building resembles a stack of records on a turntable. On the sidewalk outside are many Walk of Fame stars for famous musicians, including each member of The Beatles.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Directly across the street from the entrance to the Hollywood/Vine Station, the Pantages was the last of Hollywood’s movie palaces when it opened in 1930. The building is an Art Deco masterpiece, with an iconic marquee sign outside and stunning architecture inside. The theater was designed to accommodate vaudeville performances as well as films. It hosted the Academy Awards in the 1950s. Today, the Pantages is a prominent venue for live stage and Broadway productions.

Ameoba Music

Amoeba Music
6200 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

On the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Argyle Ave is an independent music store that is a major destination for fans of physical media. Inside, you’ll find a massive selection of music and movies, with new and used DVDs, CDs, and vinyl LPs, as well as merch, posters, vinyl accessories, and books about music. Amoeba also regularly hosts free live shows and events.


East Hollywood

East Hollywood

Situated east of the 101, East Hollywood is among the City’s densest and most diverse neighborhoods. Along this stretch of the route, you’ll find ethnic enclaves, numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, alongside a mix of old housing stock alongside new construction. South of Hollywood Blvd is Little Armenia, with a number of Armenian restaurants and bakeries. Along Hollywood Blvd between Western and Normandie Avenues is Thai Town, where you’ll find many Thai restaurants, supermarkets, nail salons, and tea shops. At the entrances to Thai Town, you may notice statues of apsonsi, a mythical half-human, half-lion protector from Thai folklore.

Hollywood/Western Metro Station
Details of Untitled by May Sun. Photos courtesy of Metro Art

Hollywood/Western Metro Station
5450 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Artist May Sun’s Untitled pays homage to the history and immigrant heritage of East Hollywood. The floors and walls of the station are covered in colorful tiles, with cultural symbols and text embedded throughout. Along the passageway leading inside are wall panels depicting fossils that were excavated during construction of the station, as well as historic photographs of transit workers throughout Hollywood history. Be sure to look up as you descend the stairs to the platform, where you’ll see sculptural replicas of two Pacific Electric Red Cars protruding from the wall.

Hollywood & Western Building

Hollywood & Western Building
5504 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

On the southwest corner of the intersection, this prominent Art Deco building was once one of the most prestigious addresses in Hollywood. Developed by Louis B. Mayer and opened in 1928 as an office building, it was the first location of both the Motion Picture Association of America and of Central Casting. Today, it has been converted into affordable housing.

Barnsdall Art Park

Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Perched atop a hill in the middle of East Hollywood, Barnsdall Park is an art and cultural center managed by the City of Los Angeles. Among its attractions are the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, featuring the work of emerging and underrepresented artists, as well as an art center that offers affordable classes for both adults and children. The crown jewel of the park is the Hollyhock House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house named for the hollyhock-inspired motifs in its design. The house is open for tours and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in Los Angeles. The park offers marvelous views of Hollywood and the Westside from the lawns on the top, making it a scenic spot for a picnic.

La Luz de Jesus Gallery / Wacko / Soap Plant

La Luz de Jesus Gallery / Wacko / Soap Plant
4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Walking into this eclectic spot feels like entering a kaleidoscope, with bright colors and dazzling signs everywhere. Inside, you’ll find the La Luz de Jesus Gallery, which showcases post-pop and underground art exhibitions that rotate monthly. Among the exhibits on display on CicLAvia Sunday will be FUTBOL! FUTBOL!! FUTBOL!!!, a solo exhibition of the work of Mexican artist and animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, celebrating fútbol and the culture that surrounds it. Connected to the gallery is the Wacko/Soap Plant, a gift shop that offers a wide range of novelty products, from pop culture ephemera and toys to niche literature.

Vista Theatre

Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Situated across the street from the eastern end of the route, the Vista is a historic single-screen movie theater built in 1923. The theater was designed in Spanish Revival style on the outside with Egyptian motifs inside. Additionally, you’ll see handprints from notable Hollywood figures in the sidewalk out front. Before the Vista was built, this was the site of the infamous Babylon set from D. W. Griffith's Intolerance (1916), which sat abandoned and deteriorating for several years after the film was released. The Vista is currently owned by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and screens new releases and classic movies exclusively on film rather than on digital projectors.

Vermont/Sunset Metro Station
Details of Ecliptic/Illume by Michael Davis. Photos courtesy of Metro Art

Vermont/Sunset Metro Station
1500 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

A couple blocks from the eastern end of the route sits Vermont/Sunset Station, with the multiple hospitals and Griffith Observatory visible from the station entrance. Michael Davis’s Ecliptic/Illume features iconography of both astronomy and medicine, with celestial orbits, medical symbols, and images of microscopic life forms embedded in the floor and walls. Above the platform, a star chart maps the earth's placement in the universe, and throughout the station are design flourishes that evoke 1950s Sci-Fi.

 


We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods on July 19! Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss out on updates and information about future programs.

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Photos courtesy of: John Perry, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Hollywood Farmers’ Market