Los Angeles in 1 Day for Seniors - Start at Yamashiro Gardens (intro)
In Collaboration with Tripvia Tours. Updated on February 10, 2026.
Self-guided smartphone audio tour narrated by three podcasters. A 1.5-mile walking route along Hollywood Blvd with 16 points of interest (Magic Castle, Hollywood Roosevelt, Madame Tussauds, TCL Chinese Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, Musso & Frank Grill, Boardner's and more). GPS map directs you and commentary auto-plays as you approach each stop. Download on Wi‑Fi before starting; tour is yours to use
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Tripvia Tours, inspired by the tour Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Start at Yamashiro Gardens (intro)
- The Magic Castle (7001 Franklin Ave)
- Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- TCL Chinese Theatre (Grauman's)
- Egyptian Theatre and classic movie palaces
- Musso & Frank Grill (historic Hollywood restaurant)
- Boardner's and celebrity bar haunts
Itinerary
Day 1
Listen to a group of three podcasters turned ghostly tour guides through your smartphone! With 16 points of interest on this 1.5 mile tour, you'll visit a number of famous locations and hear about the history behind Hollywood Blvd's haunted locations and lost souls. Haunted highlights include the Knickerbocker, Hollywood Pacific & Pantages Theatres, Boardner's by La Belle and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play. The tour also comes with a fun location based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and tap your guess at the answer. Keep the professional tour guide experience, ditch the crowded tour groups, tight schedules and high prices. It’s yours! Enjoy anytime, not just on your booking date. Stop & start anywhere along route. Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour to.
Start — Yamashiro (intro)
Meeting/start point: begin at Yamashiro Gardens area. Download and test the audio here if you haven't already; tour begins along N Sycamore Ave and heads toward Hollywood Blvd.
Tips from local experts:
- Download the tour audio on Wi‑Fi before you start; the tour does not require data after download.
- Yamashiro has level sidewalks leading toward the main viewpoint; use benches near the entrance if you need to sit while starting.
- Charge your device fully and bring headphones; there are limited public power outlets in this immediate area.
Day 1
We'll tell you why this castle describes itself as the "most unusual private club in the world" and who, after dying in 1932, is still entertaining the guests with piano tunes!
The Magic Castle
Audio commentary about the Magic Castle and its ghost stories; stop briefly to view the exterior and hear the history.
Tips from local experts:
- The Magic Castle's façade is best viewed from the sidewalk on Franklin Ave; avoid blocking any private driveway entrances.
- If you need a restroom, use facilities at nearby public venues along Franklin Ave or at Hollywood Blvd junctions—plan a short walk.
- Keep your volume moderate; the area is residential near the club and has limited late-night lighting.
Day 1
You'll see the boutique hotel and we'll tell you about its history as the oldest continually operating hotel in Los Angeles and its ghosts!
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (exterior)
Audio segment covers the Roosevelt's century of history and reported hauntings; view the hotel exterior and nearby palm-lined boulevard.
Tips from local experts:
- The hotel entrance is on Hollywood Blvd; if you need seating, the Roosevelt lobby has public areas but may have limited access after hours.
- Cross Hollywood Blvd at marked crosswalks; traffic is busy in the evening—use signal lights.
- If mobility is a concern, note the sidewalk in front of the hotel is level with curb cuts at intersections.
Day 1
We'll tell who's ghost has been reported to haunt Madame Tussauds along with the wax figurines of famous celebrities.
Madame Tussauds (exterior)
Short commentary on Madame Tussauds and reports of strange occurrences around wax figures; view the attraction exterior on Hollywood Blvd.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is an exterior viewing point; if you plan to enter the attraction later, check opening hours separately—today's tour does not require entry.
- Sidewalks here are wide and typically level—good for mobility aids; use curb cuts at intersections when crossing.
- Keep personal belongings secure; Hollywood Blvd is a high-footfall area in the evening.
Day 1
As you walk into the theatre courtyard we'll tell you about some of the theatre's history and of course it's ghosts!
TCL Chinese Theatre (Grauman's Chinese)
Audio commentary as you approach the theatre courtyard about its history and reported spectral visitors.
Tips from local experts:
- The forecourt area where handprints are located can be crowded; stand to the sidewalk edge for commentary if mobility seating is needed.
- Benches and raised curbs nearby can serve as short rest stops; avoid stepping into the forecourt if there is an event.
- Street lighting is strong here; if you prefer quieter listening, step slightly north or south along the sidewalk for less noise.
Day 1
Here, we'll tell you about the Hollywood's first famous heartthrob who is reported to be seen around this area.
Hollywood Walk of Fame (local star area)
Brief stop to listen about early Hollywood heartthrobs and reported sightings along the Walk of Fame.
Tips from local experts:
- Sidewalk tiles can be slightly uneven; watch your step and use available benches at storefronts to rest between stops.
- This area is pedestrian-heavy—stay close to the curb side away from tour group bottlenecks if you need space.
- If you require a restroom, head to a nearby hotel lobby along Hollywood Blvd; many provide public facilities in the evening.
Day 1
We'll tell you about another famous wax museum with ghostly patrons wandering around!
Hollywood Wax Museum (exterior)
Audio piece on the wax museum and the stories of haunted patrons; exterior viewing on Hollywood Blvd.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an exterior listening stop—if you want to enter the museum later, check hours separately as entries are optional.
- Sidewalks are wide here; find a lamppost or bench to steady yourself while listening.
- Keep crowds in mind when choosing a spot; step slightly away from the curb to avoid traffic noise during the commentary.
Day 1
Grauman's Egyptian Theatre. We'll tell you about the fascination with non-American cultures and the ghostly patrons that fill the halls of this Hollywood classic.
The Egyptian Theatre (exterior)
Commentary on the Egyptian Theatre's history, architectural features, and ghost stories as you pass the façade.
Tips from local experts:
- The Egyptian Theatre façade is well lit; stand near the theatre entrance if you need visual reference points while listening.
- There are curb cuts and ramps at nearby intersections for easier access if you use a mobility aid.
- If a performance is scheduled, sidewalks can become busier—step to the side to maintain safe distance from crowds.
Day 1
We'll tell you about the ghostly history of this 100 year old grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood!
Musso & Frank Grill (exterior)
Audio commentary about Musso & Frank Grill's century-long history and associated ghosts; view the restaurant exterior on Hollywood Blvd.
Tips from local experts:
- Musso & Frank is a historic site—if you plan to dine later, reservations are recommended but not required for this audio tour.
- There are benches and short ledges near storefronts for short rests; use them as needed between stops.
- Sidewalks can be tight here; keep your group single-file if mobility aids are present.
Day 1
Vogue Theatre. You'll hear a little bit about the Vogue Theatre's history at least two ghosts who haven't left.
Vogue Theatre (local exterior)
Short history and ghost stories related to the Vogue Theatre and nearby venues; exterior viewing while on the boulevard.
Tips from local experts:
- The Vogue Theatre frontage is best observed from the sidewalk; use nearby café seating if you need to rest.
- Lighting is adequate at night here; keep an eye on the kerb when stepping off the pavement.
- If sidewalks are crowded, step into a storefront arcade (when open) for a quieter spot to listen.
Day 1
We'll tell you about the trouble actors had in finding housing back in the Golden Era of Hollywood and how some, once found, have never left!
Hollywood Blvd (actors' housing segment)
Audio segment describing historic actors' boarding houses and reports of former residents who 'never left'.
Tips from local experts:
- This is primarily a listening stop while walking slowly along the boulevard; pause on benches or at shopfronts if you need a break.
- Many building entrances are private—do not attempt to enter residential lobbies during the tour.
- If you use a mobility aid, stay on the main sidewalk where curb ramps are available at intersections.
Day 1
We'll introduce you to the four Warner brothers, their film and theatre history and the one brother who is said to still be around and "frustrated".
Hollywood Blvd (Warner brothers segment)
Audio story about the Warner brothers and the local theatre history tied to their legacy.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is narrative-focused; choose a well-lit, level stretch of sidewalk to pause and listen comfortably.
- If you need to sit, public benches and hotel lobby seats are within a short walk along Hollywood Blvd.
- Cross Hollywood Blvd only at marked crosswalks; evening traffic can be dense here.
Day 1
As you go a little off Hollywood Boulevard, we'll tell you about this celebrity favorite bar and its regular ghostly clientele.
Boardner's by La Belle (exterior)
Commentary about Boardner's bar, its celebrity history, and reported ghostly regulars as you pass on N Cherokee Ave.
Tips from local experts:
- Boardner's entrance is on N Cherokee Ave—stand on the sidewalk and avoid blocking the doorway while listening.
- If you wish to enter later, the venue can be crowded; for this audio tour, exterior viewing is sufficient.
- Street lighting here is good; if you prefer quieter listening, cross to the opposite sidewalk where pedestrian flow is lighter.
Day 1
As you stroll along Hollywood and Vine we'll tell you about the famous star who is said to still sit on a bench waiting for the bus to go to work.
Hollywood & Vine (intersection segment)
Audio vignette about a famous star's bench and local legends as you pass the Hollywood & Vine intersection.
Tips from local experts:
- Hollywood & Vine is a busy intersection—stand on the corner well off the roadway while listening.
- There are transit stops nearby if you prefer a short seated break; check schedules independently if using public transit afterward.
- Street lighting and crosswalk signals operate on timers—allow extra time crossing with mobility aids.
Day 1
We'll tell you why this theatre is referred to as the "last true movie palace" and who loved it so much he still returns after death.
Pantages Theatre (movie palace segment)
Audio commentary on the Pantages as a classic movie palace and associated tales of a returning patron.
Tips from local experts:
- The Pantages marquee is well lit—use it as a landmark for orientation while following the route.
- If you need seating, the theatre's front area often has temporary benches during events; otherwise use nearby café seating.
- Sidewalks on Hollywood Blvd between venues are mostly level; choose curb ramps at intersections for easier crossings.
Day 1
You'll pass by and can spend as much time here as you like.
Final stretch — Hollywood Blvd (wrap-up)
Final audio wrap-up and optional trivia summary as the tour passes back along Hollywood Blvd; feel free to stop at any recommended venue afterwards.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this final stop to check your downloaded content or replay any segment you enjoyed—audio can be replayed offline.
- If you need assistance after the tour, nearby hotel lobbies and visitor centers along Hollywood Blvd are staffed in the evening.
- Plan your onward transit before finishing: Hollywood Blvd has multiple transit and rideshare pickup points nearby.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 8 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 16 |
| Total Places | 16 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Nightlife |
