A Day in LA

Overview

A self-contained day in Los Angeles, running roughly east to west from Griffith Observatory down to the coast at Venice. It pairs with the Highway 1 drive down from San Francisco.

Some cool things to check out

1. Griffith Observatory

Free to enter, on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Telescopes, space exhibits, and a planetarium inside; views of the city and the Hollywood Sign outside. It has appeared in many films, from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land. The trails around it are a known spot for celebrity sightings. They are exposed with little shade, so go early to beat the heat and the parking crowds. Parking at the top is paid; lower lots with the DASH shuttle cost less.

2. Hollywood Boulevard

Come down the hill to Hollywood Blvd for the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.

3. Sunset Strip

West at the end of Hollywood Blvd, cut down to Sunset Blvd. The Strip’s music and nightlife landmarks line up here: Whisky a Go Go, the Comedy Store, Chateau Marmont, and the Viper Room, once co-owned by Johnny Depp.

4. Beverly Hills

Sunset continues west into Beverly Hills: Rodeo Drive’s luxury shops and the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park. Erewhon sells expensive smoothies and is a known spot for celebrity sightings, as is the Bristol Farms grocery store.

5. Santa Monica

The road becomes Santa Monica Blvd and runs straight to Santa Monica and the coast. The Santa Monica Pier marks the end of Route 66 and has a boardwalk with a small amusement park and a Ferris wheel. From there the beach path runs south toward Venice.

6. Venice Beach

Just south of Santa Monica. The Ocean Front Walk is a busy boardwalk known for people-watching, with vendors and street performers. The Venice Skate Park sits on the sand, and Muscle Beach, the outdoor gym, is nearby. The Sidewalk Cafe on the boardwalk has patio seating along the walk.

Tips for LA

Cars: Leave nothing visible inside. Break-ins are common.

Traffic and parking: Expect heavy traffic, and parking that is limited and expensive.

Griffith: Arrive early for parking and to beat the heat.