A Hollywood mansion has played a starring role in more than 200 films. The magnificent Greystone Mansion, built in 1928 at a cost of $3.13 million, stands quietly as most Hollywood tour busses pass it by.
The Walk of Fame and Chinese Theater draw huge crowds, but Hollywood’s true magic hides in its lesser-known spots. A $46-million mountain estate that Brad Pitt once visited and an elite magicians’ club with a $250 application fee reveal Tinseltown’s real glamor.
Let me tell you about seven amazing places that most locals haven’t heard about. These spots are far from typical tourist attractions. They’re authentic treasures where Hollywood’s story truly unfolds. A sprawling 150-acre garden sanctuary and a 22,000-square-foot book lover’s paradise inside an old bank building give visitors a peek into Hollywood’s heart that few ever experience.
The Hidden Bronson Caves: Hollywood’s Natural Film Set
Image Source: AMLI Residential
Most tourists never find one of Hollywood’s most filmed locations hidden in Griffith Park. The Bronson Caves look natural but they’re actually leftover pieces of an old quarry. These caves have appeared in hundreds of productions since the silent film era. Our hollywood bus tours give you a great way to get exclusive details about this iconic filming spot that regular visitors miss.
History of the Bronson Caves
The Bronson Caves story began in 1903 with the Union Rock Company starting a quarry, which was originally named Brush Canyon. Workers spent over two decades extracting crushed rock to build Los Angeles streets. They moved materials by electric train on the Brush Canyon Line. The quarry stopped operations in the late 1920s. This left behind a unique tunnel system that became a favorite spot for film production.
The area got its name from a nearby street and became known as Bronson Caves. This old industrial site turned into a filmmaker’s dream because it looked wild and remote but sat close to Hollywood studios. The rough remains had cave-like openings that created perfect backdrops for scenes needing remote wilderness settings.
Filmmakers love this spot because it works for so many different scenes. The main “cave” is just a short tunnel through the hill where you can see both ends in one shot. Smart camera angles and lighting have turned it into countless fictional places. The canyon looks big on screen but it’s a small v-shaped area with caves in the middle apex.
Famous Movies Shot at the Caves
The caves first showed up in Lightning Bryce in 1919 and became one of Hollywood’s favorite natural film sets. Movies of almost every type have been filmed here:
- Westerns: The Searchers (1956) with John Wayne, showing a dramatic scene where Ethan Edwards chases his niece Debbie
- Science Fiction: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), where people hide from alien pods in the cave floor
- Adventure Films: Army of Darkness (1992), which playfully uses this famous location
- Modern Blockbusters: The Scorpion King (2002) and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
The caves got really famous as the Batcave in the 1960s Batman TV series. This pop culture connection makes it a must-see stop on our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes route. Batman fans instantly recognize the tunnel entrance where the Batmobile zoomed through.
Science fiction productions loved using this location in the 1950s. The caves became countless alien planets and mysterious landscapes. Modern filmmakers still use this versatile spot, like in Palm Springs (2020) for important scenes.
Best Times to Visit for Perfect Photos
Fall and spring bring the nicest weather for exploring Bronson Caves. You’ll get the best shots and avoid crowds early in the morning or late afternoon. The cave openings look dramatic in this light. The Hollywood Sign shows up beautifully from certain spots near the caves during these times.
Small paths from the cave’s exit lead to amazing views of the Hollywood Sign and surrounding area. Photography fans can capture perfect Hollywood moments – historic caves in front with the iconic sign behind them.
You might spot celebrities around here. Brad Pitt has been seen hiking these trails. Our guides know the perfect spots and times to position you for impressive photos that show both nature and Hollywood history in one shot.
How to Access This Secret Spot
Getting to Bronson Caves isn’t hard, but our hollywood open bus tours guides make the experience much better. The caves sit near Canyon Drive’s north end in Griffith Park. First-time visitors often struggle to find the exact location without help.
Driving there yourself? Take Franklin Avenue north to Canyon Drive. Keep going until you hit a dead end and parking area by Camp Hollywoodland. The caves are less than half a mile away – just go up the road, turn right at the first chance, and climb the hill.
Anyone can handle the short, easy hike to the caves. The cave tunnel stretches about 50 feet and you can walk right through it. Unlike many Hollywood spots, it’s free to visit and dog-friendly (just keep them leashed). Bikes aren’t allowed though.
Our hidden gems in hollywood tour beats exploring alone. We share fascinating film history and insider stories that turn a simple cave visit into something special. Our guides know hundreds of production stories from over the decades – stuff you won’t find in any guidebook.
The Bronson Caves stop is a big deal as it means that expectations on our hollywood bus tours reviews. We’ll show you how to take photos that make your friends think you’ve found Batman’s real hideout!
Yamashiro: The Mountain Palace Above Hollywood
Image Source: yamashirohollywood.com
A century-old Japanese palace sits 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, yet many locals haven’t explored it. Yamashiro, which means “Mountain Palace” in Japanese, gives visitors a unique experience that regular Hollywood tours often skip. Our hollywood bus tours make this exclusive spot available to you. The palace reveals a hidden world of Asian-inspired architecture, carefully designed gardens, and sweeping views from the Hollywood Sign to Downtown LA.
The Historic Japanese Gardens
Yamashiro’s Japanese-style gardens have amazed visitors since 1914. Adolph Bernheimer and his landscaper Andreas Orum designed these terraced gardens. The project cost USD 2 million between 1911-1914 – that’s more than USD 46 million in today’s money!
Our expert guide will show you:
- A 600-year-old pagoda from Japan that’s California’s oldest structure
- Beautiful water features that once had tiny bronze houseboats floating in them
- Rare plants brought straight from Japan, including bonsai trees, Korean grass, Japanese pines, and creeping cypress
- A ceremonial summer house built as a rest stop for guests climbing the estate’s 300 steps
The gardens circle down the hillside in layers, with masonry and concrete walls holding them in place. The original design was even grander, with tea houses, pavilions, aviaries, and a miniature Japanese village. Our hollywood open bus tours give you plenty of time to take photos and learn about these amazing features.
Panoramic Views of Los Angeles
Yamashiro’s location high above Hollywood is just as impressive as its architecture. The restaurant’s terrace offers a complete view of Los Angeles. Clear days let you see everything from the Hollywood Sign to Griffith Park Observatory, the Sunset Strip, and Downtown LA’s distant skyscrapers.
Sunset brings magic to the view as city lights begin to twinkle below. Many guests on our hollywood bus tours say this vista tops their California trip highlights. The restaurant places dining tables to make the most of these views, creating what locals call one of Southern California’s most romantic dining spots.
Celebrity Sightings at Yamashiro
Hollywood royalty’s connection to Yamashiro started in the 1920s during its time as the exclusive “400 Club”. The guest list from October 1925’s opening party reads like a roaring twenties Hollywood dream team, with stars like Lillian Gish, Bebe Daniels, and Ramon Navarro.
Stars still flock here today. Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dolly Parton, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway have all dined here recently. Maxim’s third annual “Hot 100” party in 2002 drew Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, Benecio Del Toro, and Christina Aguilera. Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience shares amazing stories about these star-studded events.
Movie makers love Yamashiro too. Quentin Tarantino shot important Kill Bill scenes here, and Memoirs of a Geisha used it to stand in for Kyoto’s Gion district. Gone in 60 Seconds, Blind Date, and Perry Mason also filmed here.
Why Regular Tours Miss This Gem
Yamashiro stays off typical tourist routes despite its history and celebrity appeal. Regular tours stick to easy-to-reach spots on main roads, while Yamashiro needs a trip through winding Hollywood Hills streets. Many tour guides don’t know this landmark’s fascinating story either.
Our hollywood bus tours excel at showing these hidden hollywood gems others miss. While other tours pack the Walk of Fame, we take you to this mountain palace where you’ll experience:
- The Inner Courtyard with its garden center full of shaped plants, stone pools, and rare koi fish aged over 60 years
- This historic building survived anti-Japanese attacks during WWII and earned National Register of Historic Places status in 2012
- Traditional Japanese architecture meets modern LA skyline in stunning contrast
Looking for secret things to do in west hollywood? Our special stop at Yamashiro blends history, celebrity culture, and amazing views you won’t get on regular tours. Book with us at the Hollywood Visitor Center on Hollywood Boulevard to access hidden treasures that truly show Hollywood’s magic.
The Magic Castle: Hollywood’s Most Exclusive Club
Image Source: Magic Castle
A mysterious façade in the Hollywood Hills conceals an exclusive club with limited access. The Magic Castle, which serves as home to the Academy of Magical Arts, stands as one of Hollywood’s most secretive venues. Members pay a substantial $250 initiation fee plus monthly dues. Since 1963, this venue has brought together celebrities and world-class magicians.
The Mysterious Exterior
The Magic Castle sits in a Gothic Renaissance chateau that wealthy banker Rollin B. Lane built in 1909. The building’s magic lies in its clever entrance design—you won’t find any visible doors to the interior in the lobby. Visitors must say the secret phrase “open sesame” to a wise owl sculpture that reveals a hidden entrance. This architectural trick sets up the wonder that lies ahead.
The building earned landmark status in 1989 as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Its fairytale-style architecture creates an otherworldly impression with towering spinnerets, sparkling white walls, and a grand entrance.
Randy Pitchford, a grandnephew of British magician Richard Valentine Pitchford, bought the property in April 2022. Penn Jillette believes “Randy is a very special person as far as the castle is concerned… he has the means and attitude to preserve its legacy”.
Famous Magicians Who Performed Here
The Magic Castle’s history sparkles with legendary performers and celebrity magic enthusiasts:
- Hollywood Legends: Orson Welles, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, and Neil Patrick Harris (who spent six years on the AMA’s board of directors)
- Magic Royalty: David Blaine, Channing Pollock, Harry Blackstone Jr. and Sr., Dai Vernon, Penn & Teller, and Siegfried & Roy
- Celebrity Enthusiasts: Ronald Reagan, Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore, Debbie Reynolds, Hugh Hefner, and Katy Perry (who threw her 28th birthday costume party here)
Our hollywood bus tour guides tell fascinating stories about these performers that you won’t hear anywhere else. The sort of thing I love is how Johnny Carson once couldn’t enter because he didn’t meet the Castle’s strict formal evening dress code.
How to Glimpse This Secret Society
The Magic Castle clearly states it’s “an exclusive clubhouse for members and invited guests ONLY”. Yet there are three ways to experience this magical venue:
You can stay at the Magic Castle Hotel next door. The hotel, while not officially connected to the Castle, gives its guests courtesy access to the separately operated club. Our hollywood open bus tours guides can help you find this accommodation.
Another option requires knowing a member with guest passes. Members can give these passes to friends, but they’re never sold—the Castle specifically warns against buying passes online.
The third way involves booking with a valid guest pass. Each reservation requires dining at the Castle. Door charges and entrée minimums range from $25 for weekend brunch to $45 for evening visits Thursday through Sunday. The Castle maintains a strict dress code that prohibits denim, sneakers, shorts, or casual attire.
Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience stops near this exclusive venue. Our expert guides share captivating details about this mysterious club. Many hollywood bus tours reviews highlight this stop as a favorite, even though most can only view the Castle from outside.
The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard welcomes tour guests who want to learn more. Our staff can tell you about this and other hidden spots in west hollywood that most tourists never find.
The Last Bookstore: Literary Haven in an Old Bank
Image Source: Tripadvisor
A century-old bank building in downtown Los Angeles houses The Last Bookstore, California’s largest bookstore at 22,000 square feet. This amazing space turns a former bank into a book lover’s dream that regular tours often miss. Our hollywood bus tours will take you to this hidden gem where books and art come together in surprising ways.
The Famous Book Tunnels
The store’s second floor, known as “The Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore,” features its most photographed attraction – a tunnel made entirely of books. This creative masterpiece has blown up on Instagram and draws people from everywhere. Walking through this corridor feels like stepping into Hogwarts, according to many visitors.
The space also has a circular “book window” where people queue up to get their perfect shot framed by carefully placed hardcovers. Our hollywood open bus tours give you plenty of time to check out these unique spots without any rush.
Hidden Art Galleries Inside
The Spring Arts Collective sits on the mezzanine level with five art studios showing local artists’ work. The space goes beyond books and features some cool art installations:
- A book wave sculpture flows above the main floor
- The Art & Rare Books Annex holds special art and architecture books
- An old bank vault now serves as a sci-fi reading nook
People call The Fold Gallery on the second floor “a place in Los Angeles where magic still exists”. These artistic spaces host regular shows featuring unique works from LA’s creative community.
Celebrity Book Lovers Spotted Here
The Last Bookstore draws many of Hollywood’s book-loving stars. People often bump into celebrities while browsing the shelves. Stars and musicians come here to support this independent bookstore, especially during nightly events with famous author readings and Q&A sessions.
The store runs some pretty unique book clubs. They read horror (‘The Thing In The Labyrinth’), dystopian fiction (‘We’re All Gonna Die!’), and other special genres. Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience comes with great stories about the stars who love this literary landmark.
Best Photo Opportunities
Known as the “world’s most Instagrammed bookstore”, this place has endless photo spots:
The second floor’s circular book hole makes the best backdrop for unique portraits. While this installation changes now and then, our guides always know where to find it. The famous book tunnel gives you another perfect shot for social media.
The color-sorted book section creates a rainbow effect that makes beautiful pictures. Many first-time visitors miss the “books taking flight” installation, but our hidden gems in hollywood tour makes sure you see all these artistic treasures.
How Our Tour Makes This Stop Special
The Last Bookstore’s 22,000 square feet filled with quarter-million books can feel overwhelming. Our guides will help you find all the cool spots, including the mammoth head and original bank vaults with their ghost stories.
Most people rush through for quick photos, but our hollywood bus tours reviews show how we tell the whole story – from its bank building days to becoming a bookstore in 2005. We plan our visits when it’s least crowded, letting you take perfect photos without random people in your shots.
After the tour, stop by our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard. We’ll tell you about other secret things to do in west hollywood that go well with your bookstore visit. Whether you just want to browse or check out rare books worth up to $2.5 million, The Last Bookstore has something for everyone.
Pink’s Hot Dogs: The Celebrity Favorite Since 1939
Image Source: Pink’s Hot Dogs
Pink’s Hot Dogs serves more than 1,200 hot dogs each day and has been doing so for over 85 years. This culinary Hollywood landmark often gets rushed past by mainstream tours. Our hollywood bus tours make it a point to stop at this iconic stand. A small hot dog cart grew into a place that celebrities now endorse. The good news is our guides know the perfect time to visit this legendary spot without getting stuck in those famous lines on La Brea Avenue.
Famous Pink’s Orders Named After Stars
Pink’s dining room walls proudly display more than 200 signed celebrity photos. Many stars have done more than just sign autographs – they’ve created their own signature hot dogs:
- Martha Stewart Dog (USD 6.75): A 9-inch stretch dog topped with relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, and sour cream
- Drew Barrymore Dog (USD 14.95): A 12-inch jalapeño dog with mustard, chili, onions, three bacon slices, and shredded cheddar cheese[241]
- Mario Lopez Dog (USD 10.25): A 9-inch stretch dog with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, bacon bits, sour cream, and jalapeños
- The SHAQ Dog (USD 8.75): A 9-inch stretch dog with mustard, onions, chili, nacho cheese, and four onion rings that represent Shaq’s championships
The celebrity connection runs deeper than just names. Bruce Willis chose Pink’s to propose to Demi Moore. The late Orson Welles still holds the record for eating the most hot dogs in one sitting – an amazing 18 of them[241].
The Secret Menu Items
Pink’s has several off-menu items that locals know about, beyond their regular menu. Right now, these include:
- The Breakfast Burger: A morning specialty you won’t see on regular menus
- The BBQ Burger: A hidden gem worth trying
Our hollywood open bus tours guides love sharing these insider tips that aren’t in any guidebook. Many hollywood bus tours reviews mention finding these secret menu items as the best part of their experience.
Best Times to Avoid the Legendary Lines
Richard Pink, the owner, suggests these times to visit with minimal waiting:
- Weekdays: 9:30 AM to noon and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Weekends and holidays: 9:30 AM to noon
Lines usually stretch to 30-45 minutes at peak times, but they move quickly thanks to their skilled staff[234]. Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience stops here during these ideal visiting windows.
This beloved stand is one of the true hidden gems in hollywood where celebrities might be standing in line next to you – Diana Ross always waits her turn just like everyone else. As we explore secret things to do in west hollywood, we make sure you experience this authentic piece of Hollywood history without the long wait and with plenty of insider knowledge. Stop by our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard to book a tour featuring this iconic location.
Greystone Mansion: The Most Filmed Location You’ve Never Heard Of
Image Source: Wikipedia
Greystone Mansion towers over Beverly Hills from its hilltop location. This magnificent Tudor estate has appeared in more than 150 Hollywood productions, yet most visitors don’t know about it. Our hollywood bus tours will take you to this 46,000-square-foot mansion with its 55 rooms, giving you access to one of Hollywood’s most versatile filming locations.
The Mansion’s Dark History
Oil tycoon Edward Doheny built this mansion in 1928 as a gift to his son Ned. The elegant façade hides a tragic story. Ned Doheny and his secretary Hugh Plunkett died in a murder-suicide just four months after moving in. The police didn’t arrive until 2:30 AM, though the incident happened around 11:30 PM. The property became public in 1965 and turned into a park in 1971.
Recognizing the Estate in Your Favorite Films
Hollywood’s most famous descending staircase sits inside Greystone, and you’ll recognize it from:
- There Will Be Blood – The “I drink your milkshake” scene uses the mansion’s two-lane bowling alley
- The Big Lebowski – Jackie Treehorn’s mansion interior scenes
- X-Men – Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters exterior
- Spider-Man – Norman Osborn’s mansion
Our hollywood open bus tours guides know exactly how to help you spot these filming locations and appreciate your favorite movies even more.
The Gardens and Grounds Worth Learning About
Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience lets you find beautiful grounds that feature:
Paul Thiene, a renowned landscape architect, designed formal English gardens that create a European palace atmosphere rare in Los Angeles. The 18-acre property has reflecting pools, cypress-lined lanes, and terraces with fountains that offer amazing views of Beverly Hills.
Photography Tips for This Historic Site
Greystone needs permits for posed and commercial photography. Our hidden gems in hollywood tour gives you valuable information:
Non-residents pay $380/hour and can shoot between 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM daily. These permits don’t give exclusive rights to any space. Tourist photos don’t need permits, so you can still capture memories of this beautiful place.
The grand terrace staircases offer the best photo opportunities where countless stars have filmed iconic scenes. Our guides know all the secret things to do in west hollywood and which areas welcome visitors each day. Book this unique experience at our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard and see what most tourists miss.
Lake Shrine: The Peaceful Retreat of the Stars
Image Source: lakeshrine.org
A peaceful 10-acre oasis called Lake Shrine sits just 10 minutes away from Sunset Boulevard. Hollywood’s elite have found spiritual refuge here since 1950. This serene sanctuary shows visitors a contemplative side of celebrities that few people experience, unlike the lively film locations on our hollywood bus tours.
The Gandhi Memorial
Lake Shrine’s heart features the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial, the first monument built anywhere to honor Gandhi. The shrine’s opening ceremony on August 20, 1950 marked the dedication of this memorial. A brass and silver coffer inside a thousand-year-old Chinese stone sarcophagus holds a portion of Gandhi’s actual ashes. Our hollywood bus tours celebrity homes experience lets visitors see this spiritual treasure that links Hollywood with global history.
Celebrity Meditation Spots
Many stars have sought inner peace at Lake Shrine through the years. Elvis Presley built a 12-year relationship with the Fellowship’s president and called often when he needed spiritual guidance. Dennis Weaver gave monthly talks at the shrine for seventeen years while his wife played the organ. Visitors on our hidden gems in hollywood itinerary can see these meditation areas where today’s celebrities still find solace.
The Hidden Windmill Chapel
The tiny Windmill Chapel stands as Lake Shrine’s most exclusive spot, built as an exact replica of a 16th-century Dutch windmill. George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Lux Interior’s memorial services took place in this intimate space. Visitors on our hollywood open bus tours hear fascinating stories about these ceremonies that remain unknown to most people.
Capturing the Perfect Reflection Photos
Lake Shrine gives photographers unique chances to capture reflection images. One expert says, “Watch the fish and enjoy the reflections in the Lake!”. The water’s surface mirrors the lush gardens, Golden Lotus Archway, and the Mississippi-style houseboat “Adeline” perfectly. Our guides know the best spots to capture these reflections, which explains our outstanding hollywood bus tours reviews from visitors who want photographic memories of this hidden spiritual retreat.
Conclusion
Hollywood has countless hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist spots that await adventurous souls. These seven secret locations showcase Tinseltown’s true magic – from ancient caves that starred in hundreds of films to a mysterious magicians’ club where celebrities practice their illusions.
Our expert guides at Hollywood Bus Tours make these exclusive spots easy to reach. We use carefully planned routes backed by decades of local knowledge. You’ll get perfect photo spots at Yamashiro’s mountain palace and skip those legendary lines at Pink’s Hot Dogs. Plus, you’ll hear amazing stories about the stars who love these hidden landmarks.
Each location tells its own tale that adds to Hollywood’s rich story. You can walk through the same Bronson Caves where Batman’s adventures came to life. Browse rare books among celebrities at The Last Bookstore. Find your zen at Lake Shrine where Elvis looked for spiritual guidance.
Want to see the real Hollywood that most tourists miss? Stop by the Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard. Our team will help plan your perfect tour through Tinseltown’s hidden gems.
