Hollywood at Night

If you remember the opening scene from the film Pretty Woman, you may have an image of what Hollywood is like at night, but while some might call that film a classic, that street scene ended years ago. Today, there's a lot to see and do in Hollywood after the sun goes down. And it doesn't all involve drinking and dancing.

10 Great Things to Do in Hollywood at Night

• Go to the Movies: You might think, "how boring!" but seeing a film in one of the grand Hollywood movie palaces is worth the price of admission, no matter what's showing on the silver screen. Use your favorite movie times tool to check the Egyptian Theatre, Grauman's Chinese, - or the Cinerama Dome or Vista Theatre on Sunset Boulevard. And if you've got the kids with you, the El Capitan screens Disney films - and has a fantastic pre-movie show, too.

• Go to the Movies at Hollywood Forever: It's the liveliest cemetery around. Cinespia screens films featuring some of the old cemetery's permanent residents on summer Saturday nights. No reservations are needed and the donation/entry fee is reasonable.

• Walk on Hollywood Blvd: At night, it's neon-lit. Use this guide to find out what's where.

• Go to a Nightclub: You'll find some clubs on Hollywood Boulevard, but more over on Sunset Strip. The Visitor's Bureau Hollywood Nightclub Guide is a good place to start looking for a place that matches your party style.

• Enjoy Magic at the Castle: The Magic Castle is a professional magicians club, normally open only to its members, but we can tell you how to get in.

• Be in the Audience at Jimmy Kimmel Live: It's easy and it's free. Get tickets at 1 Iota.

• Go to the Hollywood Bowl: On a summer night, there's not much better. Use our guide to find out how to get the best seats, where to picnic and how to enjoy it to the max.

• Go Bowling: Lucky Strike Lanes at Hollywood at Highland aren't anything like the tired, old bowling alley that comes to mind, but an upscale, modernized remake.

• Cirque du Soleil IRIS: The famous troupe's resident Los Angeles company performs at the Dolby Theatre. Read our guide and review.

• Theatre: The Pantages stages the big, Broadway-style productions, but head up to the North Hollywood Arts District for edgy, little theatres with interesting productions and lower ticket prices. And we can't resist mentioning our favorite Los Angeles venue, the Fountain Theatre, a tiny venue in an unlikely spot that's attracting national attention - and for good reason.

You'll be best off to stay west of Vine Street on Hollywood Boulevard - or even better, between Highland and Orange or La Brea. To the east, there's little to interest a visitor. Over on Sunset Boulevard, if you find parking spot, just stay in it and walk - otherwise, you'll spend the whole night looking for another one.

More: Top Things to Do in Hollywood | Things to Do for Free in Hollywood