Los Angeles is a city built around the car, and exploring it by road offers access to cultural landmarks, neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints that highlight its diversity. Distances can be long, but a driving route makes it possible to connect Hollywood, beaches, museums, and hillside lookouts in a single trip.
Here are 11 notable stops across Los Angeles that are accessible by car. Each includes context, practical details, and what visitors can expect when planning their route.
1. Griffith Observatory
From its Art Deco domes, Griffith Observatory has inspired generations of visitors to look up. Nestled high above Los Feliz, it offers not just telescopes but sweeping vistas of Los Angeles, drawing stargazers and photographers alike.
Arriving early ensures a more relaxed experience, as parking lots fill quickly, especially on weekends and clear evenings. The walk from lower lots is part of the experience, providing changing perspectives of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Exhibits inside focus on astronomy and space science, while outdoor terraces are ideal for panoramic cityscapes at dusk. The observatory also offers knowledgeable staff-led presentations and public telescopes, making it an educational as well as scenic destination.
2. Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard remains a destination that blends celebrity history with contemporary tourism. Known for its brass stars, the Walk of Fame stretches beneath the feet of movie fans and casual visitors alike.
At the TCL Chinese Theatre, handprints and autographs of film legends are set in cement, offering a hands-on connection to cinematic history. The Dolby Theatre, host to the Academy Awards, adds prestige and architectural interest to the area.
Expect crowds, street performances, and a lively urban energy. Parking garages and metered spots are nearby, but planning for traffic delays can make the visit smoother. For those drawn to popular culture, this stretch is essential to any Los Angeles driving itinerary.
3. The Getty Center
High above the 405 freeway, The Getty Center merges contemporary design with curated gardens and art collections. Its hilltop position showcases both city and ocean, making the arrival by tram part of the visit’s allure.
Admission is free, though car travelers should budget for parking. Once inside, visitors can explore galleries featuring European paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions, all housed in luminous, light-filled spaces.
Outside, the Central Garden’s labyrinthine layout presents a living sculpture, ideal for quiet contemplation. Cafés and picnic areas are available, and the center regularly hosts guided tours, lectures, and family programs. Advance parking reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
4. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive’s three-block stretch is recognized for its high-fashion facades and luxury vehicles. The atmosphere, shaped by designer labels and careful landscaping, appeals to architecture enthusiasts as much as shoppers.
Browsing the boutiques is only part of the experience; the visual drama of window displays and artful storefronts invites admiration even from the sidewalk. Occasional public art installations and seasonal decor further enhance the setting.
Side streets offer metered parking, though rates can be high. For those interested in urban design, a stroll here reveals the careful planning behind Beverly Hills’ public spaces. Early mornings provide a quieter viewing of the area’s distinctive style.
5. Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip’s reputation was forged in the era of rock and roll, but its energy remains unmistakable today. Lined with music venues, billboards, and restaurants, the Strip is a drive that captures West Hollywood’s layered history.
By day, visitors notice the retro signage and murals that reference decades of cultural milestones. At night, illuminated marquees advertise live performances, and the sidewalks fill with concertgoers and diners.
Parking can be challenging during peak hours, with valet options common near clubs. Whether visitors stop for a show or simply drive through, the Strip offers a blend of nostalgia and contemporary nightlife. Exploring on foot reveals details often missed from the car window.
6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA stands out not just for its art collections but for its accessible outdoor installations. The Urban Light exhibit, composed of nearly 200 vintage street lamps, is among the city’s most photographed landmarks.
Inside, galleries span ancient to contemporary art from many cultures. Rotating exhibitions and interactive displays offer variety for both new and returning visitors, while open public spaces encourage lingering.
Parking is available in on-site garages for a fee, and nearby attractions such as the La Brea Tar Pits make it a convenient joint stop. LACMA’s central location on Wilshire Boulevard places it within easy reach of other museums and dining options.
7. La Brea Tar Pits
Prehistoric Los Angeles surfaces at the La Brea Tar Pits, where visitors encounter active fossil excavations in the heart of the city. Bubbling pools of asphalt preserve remnants of mammoths, saber-tooth cats, and other Ice Age animals.
The surrounding Hancock Park offers lawns, life-size animal sculptures, and pathways ideal for outdoor exploration. Observation windows into ongoing digs provide a view of paleontology in progress.
The museum contextualizes the finds, while outdoor exhibits are freely accessible. Paid parking is available onsite, and its proximity to LACMA makes for an efficient dual visit. Interpretive programs and family-friendly events are held throughout the year.
8. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier serves as the terminus of historic Route 66 and a gathering place for locals and travelers. Its amusement park, complete with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, draws visitors seeking classic coastal fun.
The pier also houses an aquarium and offers fishing opportunities, while nearby dining options feature everything from casual snacks to sit-down meals. Ocean breezes and the sound of waves add to the relaxed setting.
Several parking lots are located steps from the boardwalk, making car access straightforward. The pier’s busy atmosphere is balanced by the adjacent beach’s open sands, ideal for an afternoon break or sunset stroll.
9. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is characterized by its lively boardwalk, where street performers, artists, and vendors create a vibrant mosaic. The area is equally known for its iconic Muscle Beach gym, a local fixture since the 1930s.
Away from the crowds, the Venice Canals offer a quieter experience, reflecting the area’s original vision as a Southern California version of Venice, Italy. Small bridges, landscaped walkways, and unique homes line the canals.
Parking lots and street meters serve beachgoers, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. The neighborhood’s creative spirit is evident in its murals, skate park, and eclectic shops, making Venice a multifaceted stop for those exploring by car.
10. Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic drives define Malibu’s stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, where the road hugs bluffs and offers unobstructed Pacific views. Pullouts along the way invite pauses for photography or access to beaches like Zuma and El Matador.
Surfers and sunbathers frequent the sandy coves, while hikers access the Santa Monica Mountains via marked trailheads. Coastal vegetation and seabird activity add to the sense of immersion in the natural landscape.
Parking varies from free beach lots to paid roadside spaces. Early morning or late afternoon drives provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the journey’s visual appeal. The route supports both spontaneous detours and planned stops.
11. Griffith Park Scenic Drive
Griffith Park’s interior roads provide an escape from Los Angeles’ faster-paced thoroughfares. The drive reveals picnic areas shaded by mature trees, hiking trailheads, and the historic Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, which has delighted children since 1937.
Unlike busier attractions, these park roads offer frequent glimpses of wildlife and open green spaces. Locals often use the area for weekend gatherings or quiet walks, making it a peaceful way to conclude a day’s drive.
Parking is widely available in designated lots and on shoulders. Trails of varying difficulty are accessible from most points, and the nearby Los Angeles Zoo makes for a convenient family stop. The park’s scale allows for exploration at a personal pace.
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