HWY 1
Los Angeles/Anaheim
Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Melrose Ave, Getty Center
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Duration 6 hrs Disneyland: + 1 day Universal Studios: + 1day Distance Santa Monica – LA Kodak Theatre: 11 miles/ 18km Santa Monica - Disneyland/Anaheim: 45 miles/ 72km Santa Monica - Universal Studios: 20 miles/ 31km For L.A. first timers I put together an interesting and effective tour through the city. It covers the most important sights and visiting areas. And moreover it gives you enough time to visit Disneyland for example. |
Tour starting point: Santa Monica Instead of agonizing yourself through L.A.s highway traffic, take Ocean Avenue towards Malibu and make a right turn into San Vicente Blvd. At 26th Ave turn left and follow the street until you hit the famous Sunset Blvd. Continue on Sunset to the right towards Beverly Hills and Hollywood. This route gets you faster through the city than using HWY 10, 405 or the expressways during business hours. And much more important: the area and route is safe, which can be a big issue in some parts of L.A. Sunset Boulevard is associated with the film industry since 1911 and along your way you will pass some impressing mansions and residential areas. |
Bevor I am getting into tour details, I first have to get something off my chest. As I mentioned in the California Intro I am not a big fan of L.A., which excludes vicinities like Malibu and Santa Monica – but they don’t belong to L.A. anyways!
In my opinion you are able to explore Malibu, Santa Monica and L.A.’s neigborhood Venice within 2 days including visits to highlights such as the Getty Center.
Apart from that I would spend more vacation days along the coast south of L.A. in Orange County or San Diego.
For L.A. lovers or first-timers I listed some restaurant, entertainment and shopping tips and a city tour. If you are looking for more information I recommend Amy Westervelt’s page: http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/los-angeles-city-guide.htm.
In my opinion you are able to explore Malibu, Santa Monica and L.A.’s neigborhood Venice within 2 days including visits to highlights such as the Getty Center.
Apart from that I would spend more vacation days along the coast south of L.A. in Orange County or San Diego.
For L.A. lovers or first-timers I listed some restaurant, entertainment and shopping tips and a city tour. If you are looking for more information I recommend Amy Westervelt’s page: http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/los-angeles-city-guide.htm.
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1st stop: Beverly Hills Hotel The famous pink Beverly Hills Hotel appears after about 7 miles to your left on Sunset Blvd. It was opened in 1912 and was eversince popular with the media and film industry. Usually celebs and wannabes are meeting here with their managers and producers to discuss scripts or signing offers. You don’t have to stop here and tour the hotel. It’s only an indication where to turn right towards Rodeo Drive. Either you are making the turn in front of the hotel into N Rodeo Drive or behind into N Beverly Drive. Along this part of Sunset Blvd you will see some booths selling maps that indicate the homes of Hollywood celebrities, in case you want to do to an extensive house tour. Alternatively you can save the money for the map and drive north through Roxbury, Carolwood, Bedford, Crescent and Benedict Canyon Drive just for fun, enjoying the nice houses without knowing the owner’s name. BTW – the Bel Air Tour is not worth it since the villas are hidden behind feet high hedges so no curious tourists can take a glimpse. |
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2nd stop: Rodeo Drive, Via Rodeo
After turning into Rodeo or Beverly Drive you should decide whether you want to walk or drive along the famous shopping mile.
If you drove down Beverly Drive turn right into Santa Monica Bvld and immediately left into Rodeo Drive. Behind Santa Monica Boulevard you reached the popular part of Rodeo Drive.
Since the 1970’s famous designer opened their flagshipstores at Rodeo Drive. If you are lucky you might spot some celebs or wannabes on their shopping spree.
However, you should be aware of the fact that Rodeo Drive is in particular a tourist trail and it’s rare that celebs are crossing your way. Instead you might want to hang out along Melrose Ave or at The Grove shopping mall closeby.
Rodeo Drive merges at its end into Via Rodeo, which has a small but exquisite shopping arcade on the left that ends at Wilshire Blvd and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The hotel is famous since its façade was used for sequences in “Pretty Woman”. As soon as you are entering the lobby you will realize that it differs from the movie. No wonder, since they took those indoor shots at the Ambassador Hotel, which was demolished in 2005. Originally the hotel was located at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, but had to give way for an elementary, middle and high school.
3rd stop: Hollywood Sign
For the best view at the famous Hollywood sign I recommend driving up to Griffith Observatory and its parking lot at 2800 East Observatory Road.
From Rodeo Drive follow Historic Route 66 to the north (right turn) until North Western Ave (about 6 miles) where you have to turn left. North Western Ave merges into Feliz Blvd from where you have to turn left immediately into Fern Dell Drive.
Follow Fern Dell Drive, which becomes Western Canyon Road until you reached the observatory (about 3.6 miles). Admission and access road are free of charge. The best view is from the northern side of the parking lot.
While other tourists are driving up Mullholland Drive you will have this parking lot almost for yourself. Furthermore you don’t have to worry that someone is breaking into your car, which happens quite often on Mullholland Drive!
4th stop: Walk of Fame/Grauman’s Chinese Theatre/ Kodak Theatre
Returning to civilization take the same way back but make a right turn from N Western Ave into Hollywood Boulevard.
Since parking can be complicated around the Walk of Fame, I recommend entering the parking garage of Hollywood & Highland Center shopping mall at the Kodak Theatre. Up to 4 hours are only $2 and the access ramps are located on your way at Highland Ave or Orange Ave (to your right driving along Hollywood Blvd).
Both sidewalks at this part of Hollywood Boulevard are lined with the Walk-of-fame stars. Each star category has a different symbol, e.g.: a camera for film, a television for TV or a record for Music.
If you want to see all stars you have to cover the area between Gower and La Brea Street (Eastern and Eestern end) and Vine Street/Sunset Boulevard and Vine/Yucca Street (Southern and Northern end).
The first stars were awarded in 1958 and until today so many stars were added that the original one-lined star row had to be extended into a two-line row. Along the busy part of Hollywood Boulevard you will see many street performers being disguised as famous Hollywood stars. They are earning their money by posing for pictures and it’s hard to outdistance them since they are following you down the street.
Next to the performers many dubious tour guides will approach you with private tours offers. Be suspicious and careful since they are not licensed and could try to rob you. If you are interested in guided tours through the city talk to your hotel since they usually are working with trustworthy companies.
Anyways, during your stay in Hollywood you are going to realize that this area is not glamourous at all but run down and shabby.
Left of Kodak Theatre is the Chinese Theatre, a movie theatre. It opened its doors in 1927 and belongs to the most famous L.A. sights today. Accordingly it is packed with tourists.
A pity since it’s hard to look at the hand and footprints eternalized by stars in front of the theatre’s entrance. You will recognize the theatre easily since its facade is striking and decorated with pagodas and Asian sculptures.
Maybe you are running into a movie premiere because the Chinese Theatre is frequently booked for special events.
The Kodak Theatre next to the Chinese Theatre is the Oscar venue since 2002. Without the red carpet and the press attendance it is hard to tell where the red carpet is set up each March. The theatre is one of the largest event venues in the US and next to the Oscars used for other award shows, music concerts or symphonies.
5th stop: Melrose Avenue
A nice area for having a lunch break is Melrose Avenue. Small and outlandish stores and different restaurants characterize the street, which is a local hangout.
Along the Western part of Melrose Ave you have luxurious and hip designer stores, while the Eastern part is known for New Wave and Punk shops.
Melrose Ave is quite popular with celebrities and wannabes, in particular on Saturdays it’s packed.
If the name Melrose Avenue rings a bell, you might know it from the TV show “Melrose Place”. If you were or still are a fan you will find their favorite bar Shooters alias Fellini’s at 6810 Melrose Avenue. The show’s apartment complex is located in Loz Feliz at 4616 Greenwood Place.
The real Melrose Place on the other hand goes off at Orlando Avenue and Melrose Ave and is known for expensive antique shops.
From the parking garage at Kodak Theatre you have to follow Highland Avenue to the south down to Melrose Ave (4th bigger intersection). The most interesting part with all the shops, and restaurants is located to your right between Highland Ave and LaCienega Blvd.
South of Melrose Avenue is another shopping paradise called The Grove. The outdoor mall was built next to the old L.A. Farmers Market and is known for the high frequency of celebs. In particular the restaurants and the movie theatre is popular with them.
The complex itself looks like a small, classy European town and holds 50 stores (189 The Grove Drive/ 3rd Street und Fairfax Avenue): http://www.thegrovela.com/
For the shopping addicts amongst you that cannot get enough, there is another big mall at La Cienega Blvd and Beverly Bvld: The Beverly Center. For a change an indoor mall with as little as 160 shops. 8500 Beverly Bouleverd, http://www.beverlycenter.com/
6th stop: Getty Center
After exploring Hollywood’s hustle and bustle I recommend to relax and reload your batteries at a museum. One of the nicest is the Getty Center in Brentwood. It is located west of Bel Air and settled in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The museum’s access road is located off HWY 405, but I would drive through the city to avoid ending up in 405’s common traffic. From Melrose Ave take San Vincente Bvld to the north and turn right into Sunset Blvd. Follow the road until you approach the HWY 405 highway bridge. In front to your right turn into N Sepulva Blvd which is leading you directly to the center’s parking structure.
From The Grove follow 3rd Street to the west until San Vincente Bvld and follow the description above.
In case you approaching the museum over HWY 405 make sure you are driving northbound on the highway since there is only one museum access at N Sepulva Road.
Coming from the north you have to make a u-turn, drive back to finally take the right exit. The admission is free but you have to pay for parking. The center is open daily until 5:30pm, except for Saturdays when it’s closing at 9pm.
Next to paintings, sculptures and photographs from the 19th and 20th century, the architecture, gardens and the view towards Downtown L. A. are amazing. From the parking garage a tram is taking you up the mountain and to the complex.
The permanent and temporary exhibitions are split over five pavillons. The garden and vantage points over L.A. are located behind the pavilions. The view’s quality depends on weather and air quality. Most of the time the skyscrapers are covered in the pall of smog, affecting the view.
To return to Santa Monica take HWY 405 and exit at San Vincente Bvld or Santa Monica Freeway.
A nice location to enjoy the sunset before dinner I is Palisades Park in Santa Monica or the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop bar in Venice.
Add-ons:
Disneyland/ Universal Studios
Next to all sights in L.A. and its vicinity you have several theme and amusement parks. In particular Disneyland and Universal Studios are interesting. Both parks are located outside L.A. and Santa Monica.
If you are planning to visit one of the parks or both reserve an accommodation close to the parks for the night. This saves you time, if you intend to continue your roadtrip the next day.
Disneyland - https://disneyland.disney.go.com
Disneyland in Anaheim opened the doors in 1955 and is the only Disney Park that was personally planned by Walt Disney.
To fund his idea, Walt Disney created a specifc TV show for the TV channel ABC called “Disneyland” and requested park investements in return. This smart move brought in parts of the necessary $17 Million Dollars funding.
In 1990, the park was remodeled and turned into a resort. The company added hotels, another park called Disney’s California Adventure Park and a Downtown District outside both parks with restaurants, merchandise stores and other shops.
For each park you will need one full day. If time is the key, the following info might help with your decision.
Disneyland Park is the typical comic world of Mickey and Donald and other Disney movie and character themes. It includes attractions such as small rollercoasters and wild water slides. Disney’s Adventure Park is concentrating on the theme of California with bigger fun fair attractions, such as a ferris wheel, rollercoasters, a haunted house.
Coming here during the week you have to calculate at least a 20-minute waiting time per attraction, this increases during the weekend. To avoid the lines should take advantage of the fast passes. These free passes are available at small ticket machines in front of each single attraction. The pass enables you to pass the waiting line at a specific time printed on the pass.
To be up to date regarding the current waiting lines, attraction closure due to failures/maintenance etc. download the Disney apps to your smart phone, e.g. MouseWait.
Disneyland Park
The Disneyland Park is divided into different worlds called “lands”. Main Street connects all lands and is also the venue for the Disney Parade at night.
“Adventureland” is held in a jungle theme and features attractions such as ‘Indiana Jones’, a rollercoaster or the ‘Jungle Cruise’, a funny boat trip through the rain forest.
“Frontierland” and ”Critter Country” have a Wild West theme with attractions like the ‘Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’ (a small rollercoaster) or ‘Splash Mountain’, a wild water slide. In between you have the New Orleans Square a copy of the French Quarter. Next door is a haunted house and ‘Pirates of the Carribean’, another wild water slide.
“Mickey’s Toontown” and “Fantasyland” are more focused on smaller children, except the ‘Matterhorn Bobsleds’, which are a special fun for grown ups.
If you are planning to do the ‘Small World’ be prepared. You are finally trapped over 3 minutes in a world of dolls singing an infinite loop of a children song.
Last but not least “Tommorrowland” is a land of the future and holds attractions like ‘Space Mountain’, a galaxy rollercoaster and the ‘Star Wars Tour’ in which you are speeding through the galaxy with a space shuttle.
Besides this small selection of attraction you have plenty other choices.
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Disney’s California Adventure Park has four areas, which are reflecting specific themes as well.
“Paradise Pier” is a typical fun fair with a ferris wheel (‘Mickey’s Fun Wheel’), rollercoaster (‘California Screamin’) and other attractions.
“Hollywood Pictures Backlot” guides you through Disney movie sets and features attractions such as the ‘Twilight Zone House of Terror’ where you explore the hotel in a misfunctioning elevator.
In the area of “Golden State” you will experience an animated volplane ride over California (‘Soarin’ Over California’) or at ‘Grizzly River Run’ you are riding through canyons in a rafting boat.
At “A bug’s land” you will feel like an insect because everything around you is giant. Some of the attractions in bug’s land are ‘Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train’, a train taking you through a bug’s life or ‘Flik’s Flyers’, a carousel. It might be that these rides are more attractive to small children than teenager or grown-ups.
You definitely should attend the Disney Parade and fireworks at night. In Disneyland Park all famous characters are singing and dancing down Main Street and towards the castle, while the Adventure Park closes the day with a Pixar Parade showing parts of the movies and all characters.
If you want to have dinner afterwards you have several restaurants in Downtown Disney and even more along Katella Ave around the Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor shopping mall.
Hotels close to the parks are listed in the HWY 1 hotel section.
Disneyland/ Universal Studios
Next to all sights in L.A. and its vicinity you have several theme and amusement parks. In particular Disneyland and Universal Studios are interesting. Both parks are located outside L.A. and Santa Monica.
If you are planning to visit one of the parks or both reserve an accommodation close to the parks for the night. This saves you time, if you intend to continue your roadtrip the next day.
Disneyland - https://disneyland.disney.go.com
Disneyland in Anaheim opened the doors in 1955 and is the only Disney Park that was personally planned by Walt Disney.
To fund his idea, Walt Disney created a specifc TV show for the TV channel ABC called “Disneyland” and requested park investements in return. This smart move brought in parts of the necessary $17 Million Dollars funding.
In 1990, the park was remodeled and turned into a resort. The company added hotels, another park called Disney’s California Adventure Park and a Downtown District outside both parks with restaurants, merchandise stores and other shops.
For each park you will need one full day. If time is the key, the following info might help with your decision.
Disneyland Park is the typical comic world of Mickey and Donald and other Disney movie and character themes. It includes attractions such as small rollercoasters and wild water slides. Disney’s Adventure Park is concentrating on the theme of California with bigger fun fair attractions, such as a ferris wheel, rollercoasters, a haunted house.
Coming here during the week you have to calculate at least a 20-minute waiting time per attraction, this increases during the weekend. To avoid the lines should take advantage of the fast passes. These free passes are available at small ticket machines in front of each single attraction. The pass enables you to pass the waiting line at a specific time printed on the pass.
To be up to date regarding the current waiting lines, attraction closure due to failures/maintenance etc. download the Disney apps to your smart phone, e.g. MouseWait.
Disneyland Park
The Disneyland Park is divided into different worlds called “lands”. Main Street connects all lands and is also the venue for the Disney Parade at night.
“Adventureland” is held in a jungle theme and features attractions such as ‘Indiana Jones’, a rollercoaster or the ‘Jungle Cruise’, a funny boat trip through the rain forest.
“Frontierland” and ”Critter Country” have a Wild West theme with attractions like the ‘Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’ (a small rollercoaster) or ‘Splash Mountain’, a wild water slide. In between you have the New Orleans Square a copy of the French Quarter. Next door is a haunted house and ‘Pirates of the Carribean’, another wild water slide.
“Mickey’s Toontown” and “Fantasyland” are more focused on smaller children, except the ‘Matterhorn Bobsleds’, which are a special fun for grown ups.
If you are planning to do the ‘Small World’ be prepared. You are finally trapped over 3 minutes in a world of dolls singing an infinite loop of a children song.
Last but not least “Tommorrowland” is a land of the future and holds attractions like ‘Space Mountain’, a galaxy rollercoaster and the ‘Star Wars Tour’ in which you are speeding through the galaxy with a space shuttle.
Besides this small selection of attraction you have plenty other choices.
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Disney’s California Adventure Park has four areas, which are reflecting specific themes as well.
“Paradise Pier” is a typical fun fair with a ferris wheel (‘Mickey’s Fun Wheel’), rollercoaster (‘California Screamin’) and other attractions.
“Hollywood Pictures Backlot” guides you through Disney movie sets and features attractions such as the ‘Twilight Zone House of Terror’ where you explore the hotel in a misfunctioning elevator.
In the area of “Golden State” you will experience an animated volplane ride over California (‘Soarin’ Over California’) or at ‘Grizzly River Run’ you are riding through canyons in a rafting boat.
At “A bug’s land” you will feel like an insect because everything around you is giant. Some of the attractions in bug’s land are ‘Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train’, a train taking you through a bug’s life or ‘Flik’s Flyers’, a carousel. It might be that these rides are more attractive to small children than teenager or grown-ups.
You definitely should attend the Disney Parade and fireworks at night. In Disneyland Park all famous characters are singing and dancing down Main Street and towards the castle, while the Adventure Park closes the day with a Pixar Parade showing parts of the movies and all characters.
If you want to have dinner afterwards you have several restaurants in Downtown Disney and even more along Katella Ave around the Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor shopping mall.
Hotels close to the parks are listed in the HWY 1 hotel section.
Universal Studios - http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com
A must do for movie fans! During your visit you are exploring movie sets and attractions and can attend studio tours, where you are able to look behind the scenes of famous movies. During the tour you will gain insider knowledge about the stunt’s tricks and special effects.
Similar to Disneyland allow a whole day for this trip, since you have to wait in line as well, if you are not purchasing the fast pass tickets. (Please note: compared to Disney you have to pay extra for the passes.)
During the time of silent movies, Universal studios offered tours for the public to explain how film production works. In 1964 an entertainment and theme park was added to the center of Hollywoods movie industry. Since its opening huge parts of the park were destroyed different fires and many attractions had to be re-built or replaced. E.g. the last fire in 2008 completely destroyed “King Kong World”, which recently was renovated.
The grounds are divided in two levels and connected with starways. To see most attractions during your visit the information desk team helps you to customize your visit with tours and attractions that are matching your time frame and interests. You will approach the counter after you entered the park on the upper level.
Attractions on the upper level:
The Simpson’s Ride – animated rollercoaster ride through the Simpson’s comic world.
Shrek 4D – 4D Shrek movie screening with moving seats and special effects, such as water, wind or mist.
Waterworld – Stunt show based on the 90’s movie. Make sure you are sitting in the back rows if you want to stay dry.
Special Effects Studio Tour – The studio’s special effects team unveils their tricks and secrets.
Attractions on the lower level:
Revenge of the Mummy – 45 mph rollercoaster ride through a scary temple.
Terminator 3D: 3D film screening.
The general studio tour through the movie sets is included in the entrance fee und leads you through the rebuilt King Kong World, the Wisteria Lane known from Desperate Housewives, through Psycho’s Bates Motel and shows special effects of Fast & Furious.
Hotels in the park’s vicinity are listed in the HWY 1 hotel section.
A must do for movie fans! During your visit you are exploring movie sets and attractions and can attend studio tours, where you are able to look behind the scenes of famous movies. During the tour you will gain insider knowledge about the stunt’s tricks and special effects.
Similar to Disneyland allow a whole day for this trip, since you have to wait in line as well, if you are not purchasing the fast pass tickets. (Please note: compared to Disney you have to pay extra for the passes.)
During the time of silent movies, Universal studios offered tours for the public to explain how film production works. In 1964 an entertainment and theme park was added to the center of Hollywoods movie industry. Since its opening huge parts of the park were destroyed different fires and many attractions had to be re-built or replaced. E.g. the last fire in 2008 completely destroyed “King Kong World”, which recently was renovated.
The grounds are divided in two levels and connected with starways. To see most attractions during your visit the information desk team helps you to customize your visit with tours and attractions that are matching your time frame and interests. You will approach the counter after you entered the park on the upper level.
Attractions on the upper level:
The Simpson’s Ride – animated rollercoaster ride through the Simpson’s comic world.
Shrek 4D – 4D Shrek movie screening with moving seats and special effects, such as water, wind or mist.
Waterworld – Stunt show based on the 90’s movie. Make sure you are sitting in the back rows if you want to stay dry.
Special Effects Studio Tour – The studio’s special effects team unveils their tricks and secrets.
Attractions on the lower level:
Revenge of the Mummy – 45 mph rollercoaster ride through a scary temple.
Terminator 3D: 3D film screening.
The general studio tour through the movie sets is included in the entrance fee und leads you through the rebuilt King Kong World, the Wisteria Lane known from Desperate Housewives, through Psycho’s Bates Motel and shows special effects of Fast & Furious.
Hotels in the park’s vicinity are listed in the HWY 1 hotel section.