Hollywood Bowl

Rating: 4.7 (15420 reviews) Seats: 17500
Hollywood Bowl

Iconic outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills, serving as the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1922 with a capacity of nearly 18,000.

Upcoming Shows

About

Experience the magic of live music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl, the largest natural amphitheater in the United States. Since 1922, this iconic venue has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has hosted legendary artists from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. With stunning acoustics, breathtaking hillside views, and a tradition of picnicking, the Hollywood Bowl offers an unforgettable concert experience in the heart of the Hollywood Hills.

History

The Hollywood Bowl opened in 1922 as a natural amphitheater carved into a hillside originally known as Daisy Dell in the Hollywood Hills. It has served as the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for over a century. The venue’s iconic bandshell was designed by Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright Jr.), with concentric arches gracing the site from 1929 through 2003 before being replaced with a larger shell in 2004. During World War II, the Bowl served as barracks. From 1950 to 1960, it hosted the Academy Awards. The venue has welcomed legendary performers including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, and Elton John. In 2023, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hollywood Bowl has been named Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year at the Pollstar Awards 17 times, most recently in February 2025. In November 2025, the concert stage was named after composer John Williams, the first in the venue’s 103-year history.

Seating & Venue Layout

Hollywood Bowl seating chart

The Hollywood Bowl features tiered seating across multiple sections with a capacity of approximately 17,500. The Pool Circle offers the closest seats to the stage with premium dining service. Garden Boxes provide semi-private spaces with table service, followed by Terrace Boxes with similar amenities further back. Super Seats (sections H, J1, G1) offer padded seats with backs in the promenade area. The upper sections feature traditional wooden bench seating, perfect for those on a budget. Large video screens on both sides of the stage ensure visibility from every seat. Seat cushions are available for rent at just $1 from ushers.

Location & Directions

2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Public Transportation

  • Located in the Hollywood Hills, accessible via Metro and shuttle services.
  • Free Bowl shuttle from Hollywood/Highland Metro station with valid TAP card.
  • Park & Ride buses depart every 15-20 minutes starting 2.5 hours before concerts.
  • Return shuttles begin 20 minutes after concert ends from Highland Ave hub.
  • Universal City/Studio City Metro Station offers $3 flat-rate parking with shuttle.

Parking & Transportation

  • 🅿️ On-site stacked parking available (cars blocked in until show ends)
  • 💰 Lot A (Blue): $90 valet, $55 stacked parking
  • 🚍 Park & Ride shuttle from 15+ locations ($8 advance, $12 day-of)
  • 🚇 Free shuttle from Hollywood/Highland Metro station with TAP card
  • ⛪ Hollywood United Methodist Church: $20-$60, no stacking, 10 min walk
  • ♿ ADA parking in Lots B, C, G - first come, first served with placard
  • Metro B (Red) Line to Hollywood/Highland Station - free Bowl shuttle to venue
  • Metro Bus Line 222 direct to Hollywood Bowl
  • Metro Bus Line 212 to Hollywood/Highland (1 mile walk or shuttle)
  • Park & Ride shuttles from Sylmar, Chatsworth, Lakewood, Santa Monica, Arcadia, and more

Accessibility Information

  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Elevator access
  • Assistive listening devices

Visitor Experience

  • Food & Beverage Policy: Outside food, wine, and beer permitted for LA Phil events. Picnic baskets/coolers must fit under seats (max 15x15x22 inches). No glass containers or cans. Three on-site restaurants by Chef Suzanne Goin available with reservations. Pre-order Picnic Boxes online by 6pm day before.
  • Dress Code: Casual dress code - wear whatever is comfortable. Evenings can be cool, so bring layers or a blanket. No bare feet permitted.
  • Photography Policy: Personal cameras allowed without flash. No detachable lenses, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, or recording equipment. Mobile phone use discouraged during performances.
  • Family-Friendly: Family-friendly venue for most events. Check specific show age restrictions. 14 picnic areas open up to 4 hours before concerts for family gatherings.

Nearby

Restaurants near Hollywood Bowl

To complete your theatre experience our resident foodies have handpicked a selection of restaurants near Hollywood Bowl just perfect for pre-theatre dining. Choose your restaurant from the map or list below and click to reserve your table right now!

Yamashiro Hollywood

Yamashiro Hollywood

Japanese

$$$$

4.3

0.5 mi away at 1999 N Sycamore Ave

Osteria Mozza

Osteria Mozza

Italian

$$$$

4.6

1.5 mi away at 6602 Melrose Ave

Little Dom's

Little Dom's

Italian

$$$

4.5

2.5 mi away at 2128 Hillhurst Ave

Bacari Silverlake

Bacari Silverlake

Mediterranean

$$$

4.4

3.0 mi away at 3626 W Sunset Blvd

Merois at Pendry West Hollywood

Merois at Pendry West Hollywood

Asian Fusion

$$$$

4.4

3.5 mi away at 8430 Sunset Blvd

Hotels near Hollywood Bowl

Find the perfect place to stay near Hollywood Bowl. Our curated selection of hotels offers comfort and convenience for your theatre visit.

Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

Luxury Hotel

$$$$

4.4

0.8 mi away at 1755 N Highland Ave

Kimpton Everly Hotel

Kimpton Everly Hotel

Boutique Hotel

$$$

4.2

1.0 mi away at 1800 Argyle Ave

Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Hollywood

Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Hollywood

Mid-Range Hotel

$$

4.3

0.6 mi away at 2005 N Highland Ave

The Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt

Historic Luxury Hotel

$$$$

4.2

1.2 mi away at 7000 Hollywood Blvd

Attractions near Hollywood Bowl

Discover exciting attractions and landmarks near Hollywood Bowl to make the most of your visit to the area.

Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign

Landmark

Free

4.7

1.5 mi away at Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

Observatory

Free

4.8

2.0 mi away at 2800 E Observatory Rd

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Landmark

Free

4

0.8 mi away at Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood Bowl Overlook

Hollywood Bowl Overlook

Scenic Viewpoint

Free

4.5

0.3 mi away at Mulholland Dr

Lake Hollywood Park

Lake Hollywood Park

Park

Free

4.6

1.0 mi away at 3160 Canyon Lake Dr

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do gates open?
Gates typically open 2-2.5 hours before showtime. Picnic areas may open up to 4 hours early. It’s recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before the concert to allow time for parking, shuttles, and finding your seat.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes! Outside food, wine, and beer are permitted for all LA Phil-presented events. Containers must fit under your seat (max 15x15x22 inches). No glass or aluminum cans allowed. Factory-sealed plastic bottles under 1 liter permitted. Lease events may have different policies.
How does stacked parking work?
On-site parking is stacked, meaning cars are parked in rows blocking each other. You cannot leave until all cars in front of you leave after the show, which can take 1-2 hours. Consider Park & Ride shuttles or the free Metro shuttle to avoid this.
Is the Hollywood Bowl a cashless venue?
Yes, the Hollywood Bowl is entirely cashless. Accepted payments include major credit cards and contactless options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
What should I wear to the Hollywood Bowl?
There’s no dress code - casual attire is welcome. However, evenings in the Hollywood Hills can get cool, so bring a jacket or blanket. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there’s walking involved.