There are two meanings of Hollywood: the broader American entertainment industry and the physical neighborhood where it all began. The historic district still draws visitors with its original Walk of Fame, landmark hotels, theaters for film and live performance, and a wide range of pop‑culture attractions.
Just behind the iconic Hollywood Hills and beneath the famous Hollywood sign lies Studio City, a part of real‑life Hollywood that residents and visitors enjoy alike.
Founded in 1927 as Laurelwood, Studio City grew around the Radford Studio Center, which remains an active production facility, along with open green spaces and residential streets once home to early film stars such as Bette Davis, Tony Curtis and John Wayne. Renamed Studio City in 1941, the neighborhood still reflects its storied past, including a local walk of fame along Ventura Boulevard honoring movies and television projects made in the area. While it doesn’t draw the same heavy crowds as central Hollywood, Studio City is filled with attractions and activities that make it a lively destination.
© The Garland
Food for Thought
The Studio City Farmers Market is one of the best ways to sample local flavors, featuring produce and specialty foods from nearby farms and artisan vendors. For sit‑down meals, Ventura Boulevard hosts several long‑standing Los Angeles institutions: The Six Chow House, Laurel Tavern, Black Market Liquor Bar, LALA’s Argentine Grill and SunCafe Organic, among others. Studio City also claims a role in the city’s sushi history, with respected Japanese spots such as Teru Sushi, Daichan and Katsu‑Ya still thriving. For live music paired with dining, Vitellos, The Baked Potato and Firefly remain popular choices.
© The Garland
Beyond the Boulevard
The Sportsman’s Lodge Hotel, at the northeast corner of Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon, once offered Old Hollywood stars a nearby retreat for fishing and outdoor relaxation. Today the Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge evoke a coastal‑chic shopping experience, showcasing high‑end California boutiques. Along the Studio City–Universal City border, The Garland blends Hollywood history and contemporary hospitality; founded by 1950s actress Beverly Garland, the hotel retains a stylish link between past and present.
Ventura Boulevard is a lively place to spend a day, but nearby Tujunga Village feels like a small town within the neighborhood. Aroma Coffee and Tea serves as the community hub, drawing crowds for its café fare, baked goods and inviting indoor and outdoor seating. Quaint independent shops and a variety of eateries line the surrounding streets, offering a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
© The Garland
Nature-Made
Green spaces and hiking trails have long drawn people to Studio City and continue to be major attractions. Fryman Canyon Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, people‑watching and panoramic views along trails that are challenging yet accessible. The North Valleyheart Riverwalk runs about 1.9 miles along the north side of the Los Angeles River, where colorful murals and public art punctuate a restful riverside stroll.
Studio City combines Hollywood heritage, diverse dining, boutique shopping and accessible outdoor recreation—making it a neighborhood worth exploring for both visitors and locals.