The Hollywood Bowl: Where Music Comes Alive

The Hollywood Bowl is something you've probably heard about your whole life if you're a music fan. Since opening its doors in 1922, this venue on Highland Avenue in Los Angeles has hosted The Beatles, The Who, The Doors, Sonny and Cher, Jimi Hendrix, Adele, Harry Connick, Jr., Elton John, Bob Dylan, Patti LaBelle, Sheryl Crow, and nearly every other important act in modern music history! As a popular venue for comedy shows, the Bowl has also hosted Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, Sebastian Maniscalco, Nate Bargatze, Jo Koy, Jim Gaffigan, and many more iconic comedians of today. In 2018, Rolling Stone named the Bowl one of the 10 best live music venues in the United States. The venue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023. Is it your turn to see this iconic amphitheater tucked into the Hollywood Hills? Here's what you need to know to plan your unforgettable visit.

Getting Tickets to See a Show at the Bowl

Are you planning to catch a show at the Bowl while visiting Los Angeles? Everything can be taken care of ahead of time online. Once you've purchased your tickets online, you can add them to your phone using Apple Wallet or Google Wallet prior to your arrival. Taking this extra step will ensure you don't run into any hiccups when trying to enter the venue for your ticketed concert or event!

Doing the Bowl Walk

Many people first visit the Bowl when they attend a live show. Grabbing tickets to an event taking place during your time in Los Angeles is one way to experience this iconic venue! However, you don't need to have tickets booked to tour the Hollywood Bowl. Admission for self-guided tours of the Bowl Walk is free all year. Perfect for all ages, these walking tours invite you to learn about the history, architecture, and natural environment of the Bowl. You can download a printable map online.

Visiting the Museum

The Hollywood Bowl Museum opened in 1984. Located at the bottom of Peppertree Lane, it is the first building you'll see upon entering the grounds from Highland Avenue. The exhibits inside the museum highlight big moments from the venue's 100-year history. The museum's operating hours change by season, so you'll want to check availability before showing up. The museum is generally closed in the hours leading up to shows.

Food and Wine

Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine is a culinary experience featuring full meals, drinks, and snacks. Visitors attending shows can enjoy supper in their box seats. If you're simply coming to enjoy the grounds, order picnic boxes to enjoy a picnic at any of the 14 beautiful picnic areas around the Bowl! Some picnic areas open four hours prior to the show. Other dining options at the Bowl include street food vendors, the Backyard, the Plaza Marketplace, South LA Cafe, Ann’s Wine Bar, and Lucques at the Circle.

Extra Things to Know When Planning Your Visit

While parking is available at the Bowl, it is extremely limited. On popular days, it can even sell out in advance. For this reason, the venue's management team recommends using public transportation on days when major events occur. Shuttle rides are available to the Bowl from four locations. Additionally, park-and-ride services are available from locations throughout Los Angeles County.

Don't Miss the Chance to Experience Music History in Los Angeles

Seeing a performance at the Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime experience connecting you with yesterday's and today's music legends! Of course, the Bowl is far from the only iconic landmark in Los Angeles. As you plan your classic SoCal getaway, add a few things to do at Santa Monica Pier to get the full Los Angeles experience!