From Hollywood to the Ocean: The Ultimate LA Road Trip

Los Angeles is known for its mix of entertainment, cultural neighborhoods, and coastal scenery. A road trip within the city allows travelers to experience landmarks ranging from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Ocean, highlighting both urban icons and natural landscapes.

This route offers a practical drive through Los Angeles, with stops that showcase the city’s diversity. Each stop includes context, travel considerations, and what visitors can expect along the way.

1. Hollywood Boulevard

Even the sidewalk buzzes with anticipation on Hollywood Boulevard, where the Walk of Fame holds over 2,600 stars beneath visitors’ feet. The TCL Chinese Theatre, famous for its celebrity handprints, attracts cinephiles and casual tourists alike. On weekends, the area’s energy increases, blending street performers, souvenir shops, and film enthusiasts.

Weekday mornings offer a quieter perspective, allowing for easier photo opportunities and less crowded exploration. The Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, sits just steps away and occasionally opens its doors for guided tours. Local guides sometimes share stories behind each star, giving the stroll added context.

Parking garages are available but can fill quickly, especially during events or movie premieres. App-based parking meters line nearby streets for short visits. For those interested in cinema history, a self-guided walking route reveals movie history plaques scattered throughout the district.

2. Griffith Observatory

Atop the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory has welcomed stargazers since 1935. Crowds often gather near the iconic domes, hoping to catch both city views and celestial sights. The building’s Art Deco design has become a recognizable symbol for residents and filmmakers.

Interactive science exhibits inside invite hands-on discovery, while outside, the terraces provide panoramic views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific. On clear nights, telescopes are available for public use, drawing amateur astronomers and curious visitors alike. The grounds become especially popular around sunset.

Parking is limited close to the observatory and may require a trek uphill from lower lots. Shuttle services run regularly from the Greek Theatre. The hiking trails connecting the observatory to the park are popular among locals and tourists in comfortable walking shoes.

3. Sunset Strip, West Hollywood

Neon lights and music fill the air along the Sunset Strip, where legendary venues like Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy have hosted generations of performers. At dusk, the corridor’s famous billboards and murals create a patchwork of color above the steady traffic. Locals and visitors gather for both live acts and the people-watching experience.

The Strip’s history as a counterculture hub endures, with small comedy clubs and record stores nestled between nightlife hotspots. Sidewalk patios spill onto the street as crowds arrive for evening events. Some venues offer guided history tours detailing past performances and rock ‘n’ roll lore.

Metered street parking is available but fills quickly during show hours. Rideshare services queue nearby for late-night departures. The lively character of the Strip makes it a frequent choice for music and entertainment fans exploring Los Angeles.

4. Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Palm trees and luxury boutiques define Rodeo Drive, where window-shopping is as much a pastime as making purchases. The district’s polished storefronts reflect more than high fashion; they highlight Los Angeles’ reputation for elegance and design. Locals sometimes spot film crews capturing the iconic backdrop for international advertising campaigns.

Beyond shopping, Beverly Hills’ quiet residential streets reveal historic architecture and public parks ideal for a brief stroll. Greystone Mansion, a city-owned estate open to visitors, offers a look into Hollywood’s Golden Age with its meticulously kept gardens. Walking tours are available for those interested in architectural details and celebrity anecdotes.

Parking garages are located along the main shopping corridor, often charging by the hour. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. Nearby cafés provide shaded seating for a pause between stops.

5. The Getty Center

The Getty Center, atop the hills of Brentwood, draws art lovers with its blend of modern architecture and classic masterpieces. Richard Meier’s design uses white travertine to create sunlit walkways and open-air plazas. From the terraces, visitors overlook the city and, on clear days, the Pacific coastline.

Inside, galleries display European paintings, manuscripts, and decorative arts spanning centuries. Outside, the Central Garden’s winding paths and water features offer a peaceful break from urban movement. Guided tours discuss both the art collection and the site’s construction history.

Entry is free, but parking incurs a daily fee and may require a short tram ride to the museum entrance. Café seating is available with views of the surrounding hills. The Getty’s reputation for conservation efforts and educational programs has made it an academic resource as well as a tourist destination.

6. Santa Monica

Bright colors and laughter fill the air at Santa Monica Pier, where families and solo travelers explore amusements above the waves. The Pacific Park Ferris wheel and vintage carousel remain focal points for classic boardwalk photos. Beneath the pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium introduces visitors to local marine life.

Just a few blocks inland, Third Street Promenade offers open-air shopping and dining, with street musicians adding a soundtrack to the stroll. Cyclists and joggers frequent the Marvin Braude Bike Trail that stretches along the coast. During summer, the area’s temperate climate draws both local residents and international tourists.

Public parking structures sit near the beach, though they can be busy on weekends. Santa Monica’s public transit hub provides connections to other coastal destinations. Early mornings tend to be the least crowded time to visit the pier and promenade.

7. Venice Beach

Venice Beach pulses with creativity, from the kinetic skate park to the artists displaying works along the boardwalk. Murals and colorful storefronts reflect a long-standing culture of self-expression. Crowds gather to watch skateboarders and street performers near the sand.

The outdoor Muscle Beach gym continues its legacy as a site for fitness displays, drawing both athletes and curious onlookers. For a quieter stroll, the Venice Canals neighborhood provides a contrast with its arched bridges and landscaped pathways. Eclectic shops and cafés line the main streets, often featuring locally produced art and goods.

Metered parking is available in lots adjacent to the beach. The area experiences its highest foot traffic during midday and weekends. Bike rentals are common for those wishing to explore the boardwalk and nearby neighborhoods at a relaxed pace.

8. Marina del Rey

Sailboats and sea breezes define the atmosphere at Marina del Rey, Southern California’s largest man-made harbor. Waterfront restaurants line the marina, offering outdoor seating with views of passing kayaks and paddleboards. The gentle hum of activity makes it a favorite for relaxed afternoons.

Boat rentals and charter services are available for those interested in exploring the open water. The area also features well-maintained bike trails that connect to adjacent beaches. Seasonal events, such as outdoor concerts and art fairs, occasionally animate the marina’s central park spaces.

Paid parking lots are accessible from all major entry points. Weekdays tend to be quieter, while weekends bring local families and tourists for waterside picnics. The harbor’s proximity to Los Angeles International Airport makes it a convenient stop for travelers with tight schedules.

9. Manhattan Beach

A sunset visit to Manhattan Beach brings a sense of calm, with surfers navigating gentle waves and locals strolling the pier. The roundhouse at the end houses a small aquarium dedicated to marine education. Residents and tourists alike enjoy beachfront volleyball or dog-walking along the sand.

The town center offers a collection of boutique shops and restaurants, many with outdoor patios overlooking the ocean. Events such as farmers’ markets and art walks bring additional activity to the area on select days. Public sculpture installations add interest to the pedestrian paths.

Parking meters and small lots are scattered throughout downtown, though spaces become scarce on sunny weekends. The beach’s proximity to Los Angeles makes it a preferred spot for those seeking a less commercial coastal experience. Early evenings often provide cooler temperatures and picturesque ocean views.

10. Palos Verdes Drive

Palos Verdes Drive winds along coastal bluffs, revealing new vistas around each bend. Point Vicente Lighthouse, still operational, stands as a navigational marker and is occasionally open for public tours. The cliffs sometimes attract birdwatchers hoping to spot migrating whales or native hawks overhead.

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park offers tide pools teeming with marine life during low tide, making it a popular spot for families and nature photographers. Picnic areas and short hiking trails provide opportunities to pause and appreciate the ocean views. On clear days, the island silhouette of Catalina rises offshore.

Roadside parking is available at designated overlooks and park entrances. The route is less traveled than other coastal highways, offering a quiet alternative for those seeking scenic landscapes. Interpretive signs along the drive highlight local geology and ecology.