Hollywood and Highland — officially rebranded as Ovation Hollywood in 2022 — sits at the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, an open-air complex surrounded by the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
The complex has been one of the most visited tourist destinations in Los Angeles since it opened in 2001, and it remains one of the defining anchors of Hollywood Boulevard today. Inside you’ll find more than 70 retailers, 25 restaurants, a bowling alley, and some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign you can get without leaving street level.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Hollywood and Highland: what’s inside, where to eat, how to get there, where to park, and what’s worth seeing in the surrounding area.
Ready to see more? Hollywood Bus Tours departs right on Hollywood Boulevard, taking you to Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, celebrity homes, the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica, and the best of L.A. — so you can hit all the highlights without the guesswork
What Is Hollywood and Highland (Ovation Hollywood)?
Hollywood and Highland opened in November 2001, developed by TrizecHahn on a historic site that was originally home to the famed Hollywood Hotel, a celebrity gathering place dating back to 1902. The complex was built as a joint development with the Community Redevelopment Agency, which helped fund an underground parking garage and an enhanced portal to the Metro B Line station directly below.
In 2019, real estate firms DJM Capital Partners and Gaw Capital purchased the shopping center for $325 million and began a major renovation. The Babylon-themed decor was removed, the retail and dining levels were modernized, and the complex was rebranded Ovation Hollywood in 2022. The Hollywood and Highland name has remained in wide use among locals and tourists alike.
Today the complex is a true entertainment destination spanning multiple levels of open-air pedestrian space along Hollywood Boulevard. The Dolby Theatre — home of the Academy Awards — anchors the property, and the 637-room Loews Hollywood Hotel sits within the complex. The centerpiece of the courtyard is an archway and two pillars with elephant sculptures on the capitals, inspired by the Babylon set from D.W. Griffith’s 1916 film Intolerance, and framing a direct sightline to the Hollywood Sign.
Shopping at Hollywood and Highland
Ovation Hollywood is home to more than 70 retailers spread across multiple levels of open-air shopping, making it the largest shopping center in the heart of Hollywood. The mix runs from national brands to souvenir shops, so whether you’re looking for something practical or a piece of Hollywood to take home, you’ll find it here.
Major retail tenants facing Hollywood Boulevard include Sephora, Foot Locker, and Walgreens. Hot Topic, Lucky Brand, and a range of other national names fill out the levels above, connected by escalators and open walkways that keep the space feeling airy rather than like a typical enclosed mall.
The complex is also a practical stop for visitors mid-day. Walgreens covers any essentials you might need on the go, and the souvenir shops throughout the complex carry Hollywood memorabilia ranging from Walk of Fame keepsakes to celebrity-themed gifts. If you’re spending a full day along Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood and Highland makes a natural midpoint to regroup, shop, and grab something to eat before continuing your visit.
Hours are Sunday through Thursday 10am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 9pm. Hours are subject to change, so it’s worth checking Ovation’s official site before your visit.
Where to Eat and Drink at Hollywood and Highland
Ovation Hollywood has a solid range of dining options across the complex, covering everything from quick bites to full sit-down meals. It’s one of the more convenient places to eat along Hollywood Boulevard, with enough variety to suit most budgets and group sizes.
Some of the most popular spots include:
- Hard Rock Cafe — A Hollywood Boulevard institution with classic American food, live music memorabilia, and a lively atmosphere that draws both tourists and locals.
- JINYA Ramen Express — A solid option for a quick, satisfying meal and one of the better casual dining choices in the complex.
- La Popular — Elevated Mexican food that goes well beyond typical tourist-area fare, making it one of the standout dining options on site.
- Lucky Strike — Dine while you bowl. The food is a step above typical bowling alley fare and the vibe makes it a strong choice for groups or a fun evening out.
- Dave and Busters — Food, drinks, and arcade games under one roof, making it a natural choice for families or anyone looking to extend the evening.
- The Win~Dow Burgers — A casual, quick-service burger spot that’s a local favorite and a good option when you want something simple and satisfying.
- Johnny Rockets — Classic American diner food in a retro setting, good for families and a reliable quick stop.
For a full and current list of dining options, check Ovation’s official site.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Entertainment at Ovation Hollywood goes well beyond shopping and dining. Lucky Strike anchors the complex as its main nightlife and activity venue, combining a full bowling alley with a bar and lounge that draws both locals and visitors, especially on weekend evenings.
Dave and Busters offers arcade games, sports viewing, and a full food and drinks menu — a reliable option for groups or families looking to spend a few hours without venturing far from Hollywood Boulevard.
JAPAN HOUSE LA occupies three distinct spaces in the complex — a Gallery, a Library, and a Salon — dedicated to Japanese art, design, culture, and cuisine. It’s one of the more distinctive and unexpected cultural spaces in the complex, and worth a browse even if you’re just passing through.
For film fans, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres inside the complex is a working multiplex showing current releases, separate from the historic TCL Chinese Theatre directly next door.
The Hollywood Sign View at Hollywood and Highland
One of the most practical and overlooked features of Ovation Hollywood is the direct sightline to the Hollywood Sign from the complex’s open-air courtyard. The upper levels of the complex frame the sign through the courtyard archway and two pillars with elephant sculptures on the capitals — a design inspired by the Babylon set from D.W. Griffith’s 1916 silent film Intolerance.
It’s one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign you can get from street level in central Hollywood, without hiking or driving into the hills. For visitors who want a quick, accessible photo of the sign as part of a broader day on Hollywood Boulevard, the upper terraces of Ovation Hollywood are the spot.
If you want to see the Hollywood Sign from another angle, our Half Day Best of LA Tour includes a stop at Griffith Observatory, one of the best vantage points for the sign in the entire city, with sweeping views across Los Angeles that you won’t get from street level.
The Dolby Theatre
The Dolby Theatre sits inside Ovation Hollywood and serves as the home of the Academy Awards, hosting the ceremony every year since 2002. It’s one of the most recognized entertainment venues in the world, and for many visitors to Hollywood and Highland, it’s the main draw.
The theatre is open to visitors year-round. Guided tours take you inside the auditorium, the Governors Room, and the VIP lounge — the same spaces broadcast globally every awards season. Along the grand staircase entrance, the Awards Walk features columns engraved with the name of every Best Picture winner in chronological order, a permanent record of Hollywood’s most celebrated night.
Beyond the Academy Awards, the Dolby hosts concerts, live performances, and major television productions throughout the year, making it an active venue well outside of Oscar season. For everything you need to know before you visit, our complete Dolby Theatre guide covers the history, tours, and what to expect on arrival.
Getting to Hollywood and Highland
Taking the Metro
The easiest way to reach Hollywood and Highland is the Metro B Line, which stops directly below the complex at the Hollywood/Highland station. Step off the train and you’re on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the complex right above you. It’s the most stress-free option for visitors staying anywhere along the Metro line, and it completely eliminates the parking question.
If you do decide to drive, our Hollywood Walk of Fame parking guide covers the best lots, rates, and walking distances in the area.
Driving and Parking
The underground parking garage is owned by LADOT and enters from Highland Avenue in front of the Loews Hollywood Hotel, or from Orange Court between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. Standard rates run $2.50 every 20 minutes, with a daily maximum of $25.
Validation brings the cost down significantly. Most participating shops and restaurants offer up to 2 hours for $3. Validation is available from the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Dave and Busters, Lucky Strike, Hard Rock Cafe, JAPAN HOUSE LA, and The Kookaburra Lounge. Note that the Dolby Theatre and Ray Dolby Ballroom do not validate. Valet parking is also available with a daily maximum of $35.
The garage has EV charging stations on parking level P2. Parking rates still apply during charging. For the most current parking information, check Ovation’s official site.
If you’re heading to the Hollywood Bowl after your visit, the complex is also the departure point for the Hollywood Bowl Shuttle. Park for $3 for the first 2 hours with validation, then catch the shuttle in Orange Court for $6 round-trip per person, payable to the driver.
What’s Around the Complex
Hollywood and Highland sits at the most concentrated stretch of iconic landmarks on Hollywood Blvd, making it a natural base for exploring the surrounding area on foot.
Our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Hollywood Boulevard is a great way to take it all in at your own pace, with professionally narrated stories available in 11 languages for just $9, or free with any Hollywood Bus Tours booking.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Directly adjacent to the complex on Hollywood Boulevard, the TCL Chinese Theatre is one of the most photographed landmarks in Los Angeles. The famous forecourt out front holds over 200 celebrity handprints, footprints, and signatures pressed into cement — from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to the cast of the Avengers. The theatre opened in 1927 and continues to host major film premieres today.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs directly outside the complex along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, stretching 1.3 miles with more than 2,700 coral-pink terrazzo stars honoring legends across film, television, music, radio, and live theatre. It draws around 10 million visitors a year and is completely free to explore.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Directly across Hollywood Boulevard from the complex, the Hollywood Roosevelt has been standing at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard since 1927. It hosted the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 and remains one of the most historic hotels in Los Angeles. The lobby is open to the public and worth a look even if you’re not staying there.
El Capitan Theatre
A short walk from the complex, El Capitan is one of the last surviving movie palaces from old Hollywood still operating as a working cinema. Built in 1926 and restored by Disney in the early 1990s, it hosts premieres, classic screenings, and live pre-show entertainment in a beautifully preserved interior.
Hollywood Visitor Center
Located at 7044 Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Visitor Center is the best starting point for any visit to Hollywood Boulevard. Stop in for local recommendations, tour bookings, and everything you need to make the most of your time in the area — including our full range of Hollywood Bus Tours.
Seeing More of Hollywood and Los Angeles
Hollywood and Highland covers a lot of ground, but it’s only one piece of what makes Los Angeles worth visiting. The real Hollywood extends well beyond the boulevard — into the hills, through Beverly Hills, along the Sunset Strip, and all the way out to the coast.
We depart right on Hollywood Boulevard, and our tours are designed to take you through the best of it all with a local driver-guide who knows the stories behind every stop.
Our Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Celebrity Homes Tour covers the Hollywood Hills, Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and real celebrity homes in a two-hour open-air experience.
For a deeper dive into the city, our Half Day Best of LA Tour adds Griffith Observatory, the Farmers Market, The Grove, and Santa Monica across a full 5.5 hours.
Both tours depart from 7044 Hollywood Boulevard, just down the street from Ovation Hollywood. Browse all available tours and departure times to find your perfect tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollywood and Highland
Is Hollywood and Highland the same as Ovation Hollywood?
Yes. Hollywood and Highland was officially rebranded as Ovation Hollywood in 2022 following a major renovation. Both names refer to the same open-air shopping and entertainment complex at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.
Is it free to visit Hollywood and Highland?
Yes. The complex is free to enter and explore. Individual shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues have their own pricing, and parking fees apply if you drive.
What time does Hollywood and Highland open?
Ovation Hollywood is open Sunday through Thursday 10am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 9pm. Individual restaurant and retail hours may vary.
Where do I park at Hollywood and Highland?
The underground parking garage enters from Highland Avenue in front of the Loews Hollywood Hotel, or from Orange Court between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. Validation is available from most shops and restaurants. Our Hollywood Walk of Fame parking guide covers all the best options in the area.
Is the Dolby Theatre inside Hollywood and Highland?
Yes. The Dolby Theatre is anchored inside Ovation Hollywood and is open for guided tours year-round. It has hosted the Academy Awards every year since 2002.
How do I get to Hollywood and Highland by Metro?
Take the Metro B Line to the Hollywood/Highland station, which sits directly below the complex. It’s the easiest and most direct way to arrive without dealing with parking or traffic.
Is Hollywood and Highland worth visiting?
If you’re spending time on Hollywood Boulevard, the complex is a practical and central stop — especially for the Hollywood Sign view from the courtyard, the Dolby Theatre, dining, and its proximity to the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
