This blog post was updated on March 20, 2023.

When Los Angeles comes to mind, it’s almost impossible not to think about celebrities. From maps of the stars’ homes to the seemingly endless Walk of Fame, this city is very much synonymous with the rich and famous.

Those who want to experience the allure of this happening town could just hang out at the usual spots like Rodeo Drive. Then again, a more iconic Hollywood experience lurks beyond at sites like the graves of old starlets and inside 1920s structures. So before you start spotting celebrities in Los Angeles, come with us and taste a bit of history and oodles of glamor.

Crash at the Roosevelt Hotel

Aside from being the location where numerous Hollywood stories — both famous and notorious — have taken place, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is the birthplace of the Academy Awards. The 1927 building exudes old Hollywood with its vintage neon signage and Art Deco exterior.

Even if you can’t stay here, travelers to Los Angeles should at least pop into the lobby to see this Hollywood staple. Host to poolside parties and the Marilyn Monroe Suite, the Roosevelt Hotel is considered an architectural highlight in Los Angeles. A number of movies have been filmed here, including Almost Famous.

Go on Location to LA’s Famous Film Settings

Los Angeles is teeming with familiar TV and movie settings, some of which you’ve probably seen on the small or big screen. You can take your own movie and TV tour of the city, beginning at Downtown L.A.’s Union Station. The spacious concourse has appeared in the films The Dark Knight Rises, Pearl Harbor, and The Italian Job. Continue on to the L.A. City Hall where scenes from movies like L.A. Confidential and TV shows like Alias were filmed.

Be sure to step inside the Bradbury Building’s atrium and iron-caged elevator, seen in Chinatown and Blade Runner. If you’d rather leave the touring up to someone else, tours of some of Los Angeles’ most famous studios — including Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio, and Paramount Studios — are offered.

Attend a Film at the Egyptian Theater

Movie premieres are seemingly an everyday occurrence in Los Angeles. But they all began at the Egyptian Theater. The landmark Hollywood Theater is where Sid Grauman staged the first Hollywood premiere. Today, the refurbished 1923 building plays classic films, documentaries, independent films, and world cinema. It’s also home to American Cinematheque, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the American cinema.

You may also like: Four Fun and Free Museums to Visit in Los Angeles

Pay Respects to Departed Celebrities

A different way of feeling close to the celebrities of classic Hollywood is to visit their final resting places. Throughout the Los Angeles area, six public cemeteries hold the likes of legendary actors, writers, and artists. Visit the small Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park and you’ll be able to pay your respects to Truman Capote, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe. Monroe’s grave is marked by those infamous lipstick prints. Other greats such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable are also buried in Los Angeles.

Shop at the Brentwood Country Mart

A wholesome atmosphere and high-end shopping opportunities await you at Brentwood Country Mart. If you dream of spotting celebrities in Los Angeles, Ben Affleck, Reese Witherspoon, and supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio are among the many VIPs known to frequent the Mart. Brentwood Country Mart looks like a giant red barn adorned with white trim, paying homage to a bygone era. The Mart’s quaint ambiance is further highlighted by classic attractions like pony rides, picnic benches, and outdoor movie nights.

While Brentwood Country Mart has a family-friendly atmosphere, you’ll also find fine dining and luxury boutiques. These premium shops are a major selling point for celebrities. And you’ll have a good chance of spotting your favorite celebs as you browse through racks of exclusive clothing.

Browse the Shelves at Huntington Library

Huntington Library is one of the most beautiful locations in the state of California. It contains not only a library, but also a botanical garden and museum. Huntington’s cultural significance has led to it being a major stopping point for celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Ron Howard. If you have a passion for literature, you’ll enjoy perusing the immense book and manuscript collection. Art lovers will adore the center’s many galleries, which include both paintings and sculptures.

If you’re looking to spot your favorite celebrity, however, you should mostly focus on touring the library’s gardens. They span over 120 acres and feature plants from every corner of the world. Huntington Library’s gardens have become such an important part of California culture that they’ve been featured in numerous films, including Bridesmaids and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Sip on a Latte at Urth Caffe

Urth Caffe is frequented by some of the most famous celebrities. Urth Caffe rose to its own heralded fame as a major shooting location for the HBO series Entourage. Since then, they’ve opened up four locations throughout Los Angeles. And, it’s now a popular stop for celebrities like Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Urth offers a wide variety of popular drinks loved by the rich and famous. Urth offers organic coffee, matcha green tea lattes, vegan desserts, and other baked goods. Of all the branches in the city, the Melrose Avenue location offers the best chance to spot your favorite celebrity. One of the best parts about eating at Urth is irs outdoor patio, where you can chill out with a drink in hand and wait for stars to stop by.

Jog a Lap Around Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular spots to get a glimpse of celebrities in Los Angeles looking to get a bit of exercise. Natalie Portman, Channing Tatum, and Charlize Theron are among the most well-known stars of stage and screen who frequent the Canyon. Runyon Canyon’s great natural beauty is one of the many reasons celebrities visit so often.

Comprising 160 acres, Runyon Canyon rests on the eastern fringes of the Santa Monica Mountains. One main path loops around the park. Smaller hiking trails spread throughout the property, giving you ample opportunity to come across a celebrity getting in their daily jog. Since most celebrities like to exercise incognito in a baseball hat and sunglasses, experts suggest bringing your own pair of shades so you can get a better look at who might be jogging beside you.

Know of any other notable star-studded venues to check out while in L.A? Tell us about them in the comments.