Los Angeles is synonymous with movie-making however as a place, LA isn't really much to look at! I did the Warner Bros Studio Tour (which is probably the best for those interested in seeing real movie "stuff") and also had a look at Paramount Pictures where the famous Bronson Gate is. I also checked-out Hollywood Boulevard where the Chinese and Kodak Theatres are located (the latter being the current home of the Academy Awards). I didn't have time to examine the Walk Of Fame stars on the pavement in detail unfortunately. Of course I couldn't forget the famed "Hollywood" sign!

The "Hollywood" sign was erected in 1923 and originally read "Hollywoodland" to advertise real-estate development. It was only recognised as an offical Historic Monument in 1973. It's not the easiest sight to photograph because the roads in the Hollywood hills in front of the sign are a myriad of dead-ends.
A face-on view is possible from the top of North Beachwood Drive at the intersection with Glen Holly Street. Another good place to view the sign (where you can also easily park) is on Canyon Lake Drive, just past Mulholland Highway.

Paramount Pictures is one of the main studios and home to a host of films and TV series. The Bronson Gate is a familiar sight to movie-goers.

Warner Bros is probably the best-preserved Hollywood Studio (it's actually in Burbank) and it certainly has the most extensive backlot aside from Paramount Picture's huge New York set. The Studio Tour lasts over two hours and tours most areas of the Studios. We saw some TV folk (I didn't know who they were) but aside from that it was mostly the backlot. We saw the newly-built Casino entrance set for "Ocean's Thirteen" as well as their Boston Brownstone style street, New York Street, the Chicago set (used for "ER"), the Midwestern set (used for "The Gilmore Girls" and "The Dukes Of Hazzard") and a whole host of other sets. We also got onto a Soundstage (the sets used for "The Gilmore Girls") and also toured the scenic workshops.