5 Once Upon a Time in Hollywood filming locations you can visit IRL
Turn back time and get a glimpse of old Hollywood next time you're in LA.
Cinephiles rejoice: Quentin Tarantino's long awaited ninth film is almost here. Called Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it's an ode to old Hollywood that's set in 1969 and follows movie star Rick Dalton and his stunt double in a time when the face of Hollywood is changing.
It lands in Aussie cinemas from 15 August – and even if you're not a Tarantino fan (who are you people?), then the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio AND Brad Pitt star in the film should be enough to sway your interest.
To celebrate this momentous time in cinema history, we're taking a look at five of the film's filming locations in Hollywood and where to stay and what else to visit to truly live the old Hollywood life when you're in the city.
1. Cinerama Dome
Officially opened in November 1963, the Cinerama Dome is still very much a working theatre. It seats 800 guests and is renowned for its distinct geodesic dome shape, which is comprised of 316 hexagons. Over the years, it has been renovated but still maintains its golden age of cinema look with historic loge seating and a deeply curved screen.
You'll recognise it in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (OUATIH) as the location for the premiere of the disaster film Krakatoa, East of Java.
- Stay at: The Hollywood Roosevelt. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, not minutes from the Cinerama Dome, this historic hotel dates back to 1926. During its years, it has hosted the Academy Awards as well as celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.
- Also visit: Keep the Hollywood vibe going and walk in the footsteps of the stars at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
2. Fox Bruin Theater
Now known as the Regency Bruin Theater, this is another cinema that has stood the test of Hollywood. Circa 1937, the theatre welcomed more than a handful of Fox premiers and still plays movies like a modern theatre.
Its Spanish Revival/Modern tower is a fundamental icon of the Westwood Village cityscape. Rising 170 feet (51.82 metres) above ground, its peak is branded with an art deco Fox sign that is illuminated in the evenings.
You'll recognise it as the theatre that Sharon Tate visits in OUATIH to watch herself in the movie The Wrecking Crew.
- Stay at: The Palihotel Westwood Village. Once the site of the first hotel in Westwood Village, the Palihotel is now a boutique stay boasting contemporary design and a Parisian flair.
- Also visit: UCLA. The famous university is moments from Westwood Village, has featured in movies like The Godfather and has schooled up celebs like Kay and Danielle Panabaker. Catch it on the Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
3. Casa Vega
Ever since it opened in 1956, Casa Vega has been welcoming celebrities by the truckloads. However, you'll be hard pressed to spy any because the owners are quick to respect any A-lister's privacy, discreetly ushering them in and out without a blink.
The decor is all dim lighting and rich leather booths while the cuisine is all rich fare such as Vega rib eye and chicken breast, tiger shrimp and grilled chile relleno.
It's featured in the film as one of the dining venues of the two main characters, Dalton and Booth.
- Stay at: Sportsmen's Lodge. This Studio City hotel was built in the 60s and has welcomed celebrities like Katherine Hepburn and Clark Gable.
- Also visit: The Brady Bunch House is just down the road from Casa Vega, and while you can't walk through it, fans can snap pics of it from the street.
Image: cicadaclub.com
4. Cicada Club
Walking through the glass doors of the Cicada Club is like walking back in time. Chandeliers hang high overhead and the distinct sounds of jazz music fills the air – at least on select nights.
If the setting looks familiar, then you're not mistaken. While it features in Tarantino's latest, it's perhaps best known for setting the backdrop of Pretty Woman where Vivian learns how to dine like a lady.
- Stay at: Millennium Biltmore. This historic hotel rings Hollywood glamour with its gilded walls and painted ceilings. It has hosted multiple Academy Awards and is almost a century old.
- Also visit: Historic Broadway Theatre District. At its peak, this district had 12 theatres to its name. Many still exist, such as the Theatre at Ace Hotel and Globe Theatre, and have been restored to their former glory.
Image: mrca.ca.gov
5. Puerco Canyon
Located west of Los Angeles city, the massive Cameron Nature Preserve at Puerco Canyon belongs to parkland that stretches along the coast of the state. Today, it's popular for hiking, biking and equestrian riding.
You might recognise it as the filming location for the TV series F.B.I., which is featured in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
- Stay at: Fairmont Miramar Hotel. This historic hotel in Santa Monica (around a 20-minute drive from Puerco Canyon) dates back to 1889 when it served as a private homestead. It was converted into a hotel in 1921 and has seen numerous renovations since. Greta Garbo famously lived in it for over four years.
- Also visit: The million dollar coastal homes of the stars in nearby Malibu. Skip the research and hop on the Malibu Stars Home Tour bus to see the best.