It can be iffy. The area has a mixed reputation and incidents have happed. Be very aware of your surroundings, other people, and what is happening.

Actually, the Hollywood Bowl is an LA County Park. So you can go and walk the area. It is easier in the mornings, there will security and lots of people getting ready for that evenings concert. The museum is rather small, but there are interactive exhibits and recordings you can listen to. So you can spend as little or as much time as you like. September will be hot, so mornings are good walking time for the Bowl. You are totally exposed to the bright sun, wear protection. Parking is plentiful and it is free on the grounds. There will attendants to tell you where to go. Enjoy the day.

We go an hour before. But after the new renovations, there are plenty of place to picnic. Skip the benches on the pathway up and enter the venue. That way you beat the lines which can get long the closer it gets to show time. There are maybe 7 or 8 picnic spots on different levels of the venue with nice tables etc. You can take alcohol in if it's an official Hollywood bowl event. If it is a "leased" event, you can't. The website will tell you which is which. When we go to the classical nights over the summer, it is easy to move down. Because the bowl is huge (17000) and it rarely fills up. For bigger concerts it gets full and it's harder to move.

We didn't have a garden box but I'm sure it will hold your weight. Have a great time, it's a wonderful venue.

The Pasadena one is next to City Hall. If you buy a ticket for the bus it should tell you also. They have maps of each location on the hollywood Bowl bus website too.

Every seat is amazing! We were sitting up higher! Yes, some people stood around us but mostly we're sitting! Lower level seats looked a bit more alive! I was also attending more of a Jazz artist! I think you'll love the experience overall! The outside venue is just spectacular! Cheers~Tiffanie