Created by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum, 6616 Sunset Blvd., offers video presentations and displays of psychiatric methods, past and present. CCHR was co-founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Dr. Thomas Szasz.
Parking and public transportation at the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
On-street, metered parking spots are available near the museum as well as parking lots near Sunset Blvd.
Best and worst time to go to the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
The museum is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic and tourism on Sunset Blvd. tends to be busier on the weekends and in the evenings.
Admission to the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
Admission to the museum is free to the general public. At the end of the self-guided tour, the receptionist at the desk will ask you to fill out a voluntary survey.
Must see/do at the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
Take advantage of the various video presentations throughout the museum. Each one offers insights into mental heath practices and procedures performed throughout the centuries. The museum also has a vast array of gadgets and devices used in the past for treating patients.
Other places to visit near the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
The museum is close to the Vine Street segment of the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the ArcLight Cinemas. The Blessed Sacrament Church, 6657 Sunset, is across the street from the museum. (This is the church where legendary crooner Bing Crosby married his first wife, Dixie Lee.) The Crossroads of the World shopping area also is nearby at 6671 Sunset Blvd.
Insider tip for visitors to the Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum
The museum offers a rather graphic look at the tools and methods of the psychiatric industry. The five-minute orientation film is even shown in a small room with padded walls. As such, the tour isn't recommended for young children.
Author's bio: Steven has contributed to Yahoo TV and is an avid reader, comic book collector and science fiction buff. Follow him on Twitter.
Unlike most wax museums, where visitors are separated from the wax figures, the Hollywood Wax Museum actually encourages people to get up close to their favorite stars' likenesses. However, unlike the high-quality dopplegangers at hands-off museums (like nearby Madame Tussauds Hollywood), it's hard to figure out who some of the Hollywood Wax Museum's figures are supposed to be without reading the signs or recognizing the movie sets.
Best and worst time to go to the Hollywood Wax Museum
The best time to visit is during September, after most tourists have gone home. The worst time is August, since crowds may prevent you from getting close to your favorite celebrity.
Must see/do at the Hollywood Wax Museum
Visitors should be sure to bring their cameras or phones (and selfie sticks), because there are plenty of photo opportunities.
It will likely scare younger children, but the dimly lit Chamber of Horrors features some very realistic movie monsters.
Slightly less scary is the wax likeness of Hugh Hefner. Visitors can even climb into bed with him.
Admission to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Admission prices are around $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Children under 5 are admitted free. The Hollywood Wax Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Parking and public transportation to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Validated parking is available about a block away in the parking structure at the Hollywood & Highland Center. It's also easy to get here via public transportation by taking the Metro Rail Red Line to the Hollywood & Highland station.
Food at the Hollywood Wax Museum
Food isn't served at the museum, but there are several restaurants a short walk away, including Mel's Drive-In, where prices range from around $10 to $30, and the historic, pricier Musso and Frank Grill (about $30 and up).
Insider tip for visitors to the Hollywood Wax Museum
Visitors can save a dollar on the admission prices by ordering tickets online.
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and lifelong Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.
As the largest natural amphitheater in the US and seasonal home of the L.A. Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl has been a Los Angeles Institution since the 20s. Tucked into the Hollywood Hills, the bowl refers to the landscape around it, not to its iconic ringed stage. The shell structure was rebuilt in 2003 and the acoustics are stunning - even with nearly 18,000 seats. It's only open from June to September, but sitting outside among the hills makes you forget you're in a city of four million people.
Parking and public transportation at The Hollywood Bowl
Parking at the Bowl itself is quite limited and prices are steep. Most spots are tandem, so you don't leave until the person in front of you does. There are also public city buses and a few nearby lots with shuttles, but one of the best options is the Park & Ride. 14 parking lots cover the L.A. metropolitan area where you can catch a bus to and from the venue. Pre-purchase tickets for a lower rate, or pay cash onsite. Check all parking options and prices.
Getting tickets at The Hollywood Bowl
Even if you go through the Hollywood Bowl website, your ticket purchase will be directed to Ticketmaster which levies a service fee. Tickets purchased at the box office are sold at face value, but popular concerts sell out quickly. Best to arrive before the box office opens on the day tickets go on sale if you want to avoid fees, but the safest bet is to purchase online.
Types of concerts at The Hollywood Bowl
The Playboy Jazz Festival is a two-day event that's been running for more than 30 years, and is one of the Bowl's most popular shows. Prefer indie world music? Local radio station KCRW puts on a great World Festival series that includes eclectic artists spanning different genres. For a more traditional experience, the Los Angeles Philharmonic graces the stage for several performances throughout the season, as do top music acts from yesterday and today (think Journey and Carrie Underwood). There are even sing-alongs to popular musicals, proving there really is something for everyone.
Other places to visit near The Hollywood Bowl
There aren't many restaurants or attractions nearby because the Bowl is kind of tucked away, but Yamashiro is worth a trip for its sweeping views and Japanese setting. Their sushi and Asian-fusion menu is pricey, but they've been in business for more than 100 years so they're doing something right. The Bowl also has several food options onsite. Choose from sit-down restaurants like The Wine Bar and Rooftop Grill or have food delivered to your box seat- if you're lucky enough to sit in one. The best option, however, is to eat at one of the picnic areas. Bring your own food or pick up provisions onsite. Picnic tables surround the parking lot and are first come, first served. Meet up with friends and don't forget the wine! Alcohol is permitted in the picnic areas and inside the amphitheater.
Where to stay near The Hollywood Bowl
There are a few hotels on Highland Ave. that are walking distance to the Bowl, but unless a concert is the only activity on your itinerary, best to stay down the hill (The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel or Loews Hollywood Hotel are good options). With a Metro Red line roundtrip ticket you can take a free shuttle from the Hollywood & Highland station, or just pay the shuttle fee if you aren't riding the Metro. It's a great way to stay in the heart of Hollywood with easy access to the Bowl. Alternatively you can pick a hotel near one of the Park & Ride locations.
Insider tip for visitors to The Hollywood Bowl
Morning rehearsals are FREE and open to the public! The Philharmonic is usually tuning up Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon during the summer season, but call 323.850.2000 for availability, including top acts. Parking is also free. Bring a pastry and a cup of coffee to enjoy the best freebie in town.
Author's bio: Shelley Graner is a Los Angeles native, food lover and travel writer who has visited more than 30 countries. She writes for various travel blogs, including her own.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is a museum dedicated to Los Angeles firefighters. The historic site was established in 1960 and was rebuilt in 2001 after suffering earthquake damage. The museum contains artifacts dating as far back as the 1800s, including an old fireboat No. 2, helmets, gear and water pumps. A fallen firefighter memorial is located in the courtyard in front of the museum. The museum is run by volunteers and is only open on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
