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Hollywood & Highland Shopping Complex

(website) is more than just an intersection: It is a tourist mecca, filled with stellar entertainment, dining and shopping destinations. This three-story complex offers a peek into Hollywood history, while serving as a home base for numerous entertainment industry events.

Located right in the heart of Hollywood, the bustling shopping complex has been credited for breathing new life into its surrounding areas. Built to the cost of approximately 615 million dollars, it opened its doors in 2001. The complex's courtyard was inspired by the D.W. Griffith film Intolerance, and its center boasts stunning views of the legendary Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Hills. Occupying nearly two whole blocks, Hollywood & Highland is comprised of 75 shops and restaurants, a movie theater, a nightclub, 65, 000 square feet of gathering spaces, the Loews Hollywood Hotel, TV broadcast studios and last but not least, the Dolby Theatre.

Without a doubt, the Dolby Theatre is the complex's crown jewel. The permanent home to the Academy Awards ceremonies, the theater has hosted the legendary Hollywood event since March 2002. Its grand staircase entrance showcases glass plaques for the Best Picture winners, and images of famous Oscar winners are displayed throughout the theater's four levels. In addition to the Oscars, the theater has featured many other noteworthy concerts and events, including the American Idol finales, Daytime Emmy Awards, AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards and more.

Of course, shopping is another one of the complex's main attractions, and all members of the family will find something to suit their taste thanks to its vast selection. Mainstream mall staples abound here, including Aldo, American Eagle Outfitters, BCBGMAZAZRIA, bebe, Gap, Express, GUESS, Hot Topic, Nine West, Sephora and Victoria's Secret. For those of more discerning taste, a Louis Vuitton store is also on-site. Meanwhile, children will delight in the Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio store.

Trastevere, Woodfire BBQ, and stores

As for dining, Hollywood & Highland's eateries encompass all cuisines and all price ranges. For a quick bite, options include Green Earth Cafe, Hollywood Mongolian Grill, French Crepe Company, Fresh Fire Kabob and Sun Taco. Meanwhile, the sit-down restaurants include chains like Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen and Hard Rock Cafe, as well as Trastevere Ristorante Italiano and The Grill on Hollywood, sister to the famous The Grill on the Alley of Beverly Hills. Those with a sweet tooth need not fret: There are several dessert options, such as a Beard Papa's Sweet Cafe (featuring Japanese cream puffs), Cold Stone Creamery and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.