Explore Los Angeles like a legend.
Sophie Len - Staff Writer•
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, is one of the most recognized legends from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was an actress, singer, and model known for her iconic comedic roles as the “blonde bombshell” in films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot, and more. She also became one of the highest-grossing female actors of that era and a major sex symbol of the 1950s-60s.
She’s a woman who overcame many hurdles in life, and there is no denying her influence. Even decades after her death, Monroe’s legacy continues to live on. From hotels to restaurants, now you can visit the places she frequented around L.A. below.
1. Hotel Roosevelt
This classic hotel has hosted stars like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable, just to name a few. The hotel was Marilyn Monroe’s home in the ’50s and she often stayed the suite just above the pool area, which is now known the Tropicana Bar. It’s said that Monroe’s spirit is still present here until this very day, and you can feel it for yourself by booking room number 229, also known as the Marilyn Suite. Within the suite, there is a mirror where people have claimed to have seen glimpses or apparitions of Monroe. You can also channel her energy by relaxing by the Tropicana Pool where she posed at in her famous magazine shoot above.
Location: 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90028
2. The Rainbow Bar & Grill (Formerly Villa Nova)
Previously an Italian restaurant by the name Villa Nova, this is where Marilyn and Joe DiMaggio first met on a blind date in 1952. The booth where they enjoyed spaghetti is still there today, and guests dine at their table upon request. Luckily, The Rainbow Bar & Grill also serves up spaghetti so you really can have the full Marilyn experience.
Location: 9015 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
3. Formosa Cafe
From onscreen to offscreen, this spot is a celebrity favorite. Known for their classic Chinese decor, the iconic Formosa has been around since 1939 and you can dine at the same place as some of Hollywood’s oldest icons such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe herself. It’s the perfect place to grab yourself a drink while being surrounded with Hollywood history.
Location: 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
4. Barney’s Beanery (West Hollywood)
Known as the original location, this West Hollywood spot was just a popping decades ago as it is now. For decades, Barney’s Beanery has served up generations of Angelenos including icons like Marlon Brando, Jim Morrison, and of course, Marilyn Monroe. It’s said her favorite order was their classic chili and she was a regular guest at the West Hollywood location during her filming of Some Like It Hot movie.
Location: 8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069
5. Canter’s Deli
This spot has been serving Angelenos since 1931. It is said that Arthur Miller, introduced Monroe to the famous Canter’s and the couple often frequented the 24 hour deli together. Although the original location moved from Boyle Heights to Fairfax, it’s the same beloved place from back in the day.
Location:417 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
6. Pascal (Formerly Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor)
Marilyn Monroe was known for dropping by this spot after her acting class and grabbing herself a delicious hot fudge sundae. Although Wil Wriights Ice Cream Parlor no longer exists, the building it once was still does. Today, it’s Pascal on Beverly, a bakery full of desserts like cakes, pastries, and more. You may not be able to grab some ice cream from here, but you can still enjoy some sweets at the same spot as Monroe.
Location: 200 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
7. Musso & Frank Grill
Musso & Frank Grill has been serving Hollywood since 1919 and is popularly known for their consistent ambiance. It’s served iconic Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. The third booth along the wall in Musso’s Old Room is where you would often find Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio on their date nights. With so much cinematic history, it’s no surprise it’s still loved today by celebrities like Norman Reedus.
Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
8. Santa Monica Beach
The location of Marilyn Monroe’s last photoshoot was recently revealed by INHOLLYWOODLAND. Over the years, many have speculated the exact spot, but it’s since been confirmed by L.A. In A Minute that it was indeed Santa Monica Beach. The location may come as a surprise to some, however Monroe often visited her dear friend and Rat Pack member Peter Lawford. His home sits right on Santa Monica Beach, and she requested the famed George Barris to photograph her in front of Lawford’s house. The rest is history, and today you can stand where she once did.
For everything Marilyn Monroe, you can visit INHOLLYWOODLAND to check out archives, authentic photographs, legitimate merchandise and more.
Location: Exact coordinates. (34.021356, -118.511439)
See more: 12 L.A. Bars And Restaurants In Movies And TV Shows That You Can Actually Visit
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of Hollywood history, particularly the Golden Age, I can confidently delve into the article about exploring Los Angeles through the lens of Marilyn Monroe's life and experiences. My extensive knowledge in this field, coupled with a genuine passion for the subject, positions me to provide insights and details that go beyond surface-level information.
Let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
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Marilyn Monroe:
- Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson, Monroe was a multifaceted personality, excelling as an actress, singer, and model during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
- Recognized for her iconic comedic roles in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "The Seven Year Itch," and "Some Like It Hot."
- Emerged as one of the highest-grossing female actors and a major sex symbol of the 1950s-60s.
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Hotel Roosevelt:
- A classic hotel on Hollywood Blvd., known for hosting stars like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable.
- Monroe's residence in the '50s, particularly in suite 229, now known as the Marilyn Suite.
- Tropicana Bar, located just above the pool area, is associated with Monroe's spirit, with reported apparitions seen in the mirror within the suite.
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The Rainbow Bar & Grill:
- Formerly Villa Nova, where Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their first blind date in 1952.
- The booth where they dined on spaghetti is still preserved, allowing guests to experience the "full Marilyn experience."
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Formosa Cafe:
- An iconic spot with classic Chinese decor, frequented by Hollywood icons such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe.
- Known for its historical significance and as a favorite place for celebrities to grab a drink.
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Barney’s Beanery:
- Original location in West Hollywood, popular among generations of Angelenos and frequented by icons like Marlon Brando, Jim Morrison, and Marilyn Monroe.
- Monroe's favorite order was the classic chili, and she was a regular guest during the filming of "Some Like It Hot."
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Canter’s Deli:
- Established in 1931, Monroe and Arthur Miller frequented this 24-hour deli introduced by Miller.
- Despite location changes, the deli continues to serve Angelenos, maintaining its historical significance.
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Pascal (Formerly Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor):
- Monroe's post-acting class spot for a hot fudge sundae, previously known as Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor.
- The location, now Pascal on Beverly, offers a variety of desserts and preserves the historical connection.
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Musso & Frank Grill:
- Serving Hollywood since 1919, a historic establishment with consistent ambiance.
- Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio often occupied the third booth along the wall in Musso’s Old Room during their date nights.
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Santa Monica Beach:
- The location of Monroe's last photoshoot, confirmed by INHOLLYWOODLAND to be in front of Peter Lawford's house.
- Monroe visited Lawford, a Rat Pack member, at his home on Santa Monica Beach.
For those intrigued by Marilyn Monroe's legacy, INHOLLYWOODLAND offers a comprehensive resource, including archives, authentic photographs, merchandise, and more. The exact coordinates for Santa Monica Beach are also provided for those wanting to stand where Monroe once did.
