Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of Los Angeles’ most fascinating cultural landmarks - a place where history, memory, and creativity blend into a uniquely Southern California experience. Founded in 1899, it sits in the heart of Hollywood and has become the final resting place for countless iconic figures from the entertainment industry. Walking its grounds, you’ll find memorials to legends like Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, and Johnny Ramone, each reflecting a piece of Hollywood’s evolving story.

What makes Hollywood Forever especially compelling is how it remains an active, vibrant part of the community. The cemetery regularly hosts outdoor film screenings on its expansive lawn, where locals and visitors gather to watch classic movies under the stars. Seasonal events, like Día de los Muertos celebrations, turn the grounds into a beautifully decorated tribute to culture, remembrance, and artistry. These gatherings help transform the cemetery into something more than a place of mourning: it becomes a living space for connection and reflection.

The landscape itself is peaceful and meticulously maintained, with palm trees, ponds, sculptures, and historic mausoleums creating an atmosphere that’s serene yet cinematic. Many visitors come simply to walk, explore the architecture, or enjoy a quiet moment amid the bustle of central Los Angeles.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery stands as a distinctive blend of legacy and life, honoring the past while embracing the present. It’s a destination where stories endure, creativity is celebrated, and the spirit of Hollywood feels very much alive.

Tail O' the Pup in Los Angeles, California

Few landmarks in Los Angeles capture the city’s playful spirit quite like Tail o’ the Pup, a giant hot dog-shaped stand that’s been part of the city’s cultural DNA since 1946. With its smiling bun and mustard-yellow details, it’s both a restaurant and a roadside monument to an era when architecture wasn’t afraid to be both literal and silly.

Tail o’ the Pup first opened its bun-shaped doors at the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, commissioned by ballroom dance stars Frank Veloz and Yolanda Casazza (known professionally as Veloz & Yolanda). They wanted something eye-catching and fun and architect Milton J. Black delivered. The result was a perfect example of what’s called “programmatic architecture”: buildings shaped like the things they sell. In the postwar boom of car culture, when every roadside stand competed for attention, Tail o’ the Pup became an instant hit.

Opening night in 1946 was pure Hollywood spectacle - spotlights, celebrities, and curious Angelenos lining up for hot dogs. Over the years, it became a go-to snack stop for movie stars, locals, and tourists alike. It even appeared in film and TV, from Columbo to countless photo shoots, solidifying its place in pop culture.

Like many icons of mid-century Los Angeles, Tail O' the Pup wasn’t immune to progress. After decades of service, it closed in 2005 when its site was slated for redevelopment. The structure was carefully dismantled and placed in storage, sparking fears that it might become another lost piece of L.A. nostalgia - and for years that was actually the case.

In 2018, the Pup was rescued and restored down to its original paint colors and neon details. Relocated to its new home at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, when it reopened in 2022, the city celebrated as if an old friend had come back to life.

Now, Tail o’ the Pup feels both retro and refreshed. The menu honors its roots with classic hot dogs and shakes, but adds modern twists. The setting is playful yet polished, with indoor and outdoor seating that nods to the old roadside stand vibe.

More than just a place to eat, the Pup stands as a symbol of L.A.’s eccentric creativity. In a city known for reinvention, its survival proves that even a giant hot dog can become timeless. 

The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, California

Located in downtown Los Angeles, California, the Last Bookstore is a giant new and used book store that banked on the idea that book shopping could be instagrammable. From inside a tunnel of vintage books to walls of book-inspired art installations, the Last Bookstore is unique in that it combines the thrill of thrifting with the curated aesthetic of a downtown gallery. Visiting this gem wasn't just fun - it was actually a great place to find some unique local resources.