Los Angeles Scenic Drives

Top 3 Scenic Drives

California is well known for its array of scenic attractions and destinations whether they are natural or man-made. However when it comes to Los Angeles, 'scenic' here means 'where the scene is at', at least for the purpose of these drives!

One of the best ways to get to know Los Angeles is by exploring its streets and when the sun sets, L.A. comes to life in a new way so you can get a feel of just how much of a bustling city L.A. truly is. You’ll be driving past countless hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping hot spots, museums, historical architecture and of course, streets filled with both locals and visitors alike. So buckle your seats and get ready to cruise along the streets of Los Angeles!

Sunset Strip

Crescent Heights Boulevard to Doheny Drive

Duration: Approx. 1.6 Miles – 8 minutes

Situated in the western side of Hollywood, the Sunset Strip is well known for its multiple personalities and for its reputation of night-life hotspot which it definitely upholds. In a matter of blocks, you’ll be seeing an array of venues ranging from trendy boutiques, hotels, high end restaurants, cowboy saloons, tattoo parlours and an endless amount of billboards covering the sides of buildings – you will definitely find a setting to suit your style and mood!

The Strip is decked with fancy hotels with rooftop bars such the SkyBar and the Tower Bar, grunge rock clubs featuring live music at Whisky A Go Go and the Viper Room, and comedy bars such as the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory. Don’t miss one of L.A.’s most renowned independent book stores, Book Soup which is filled with shelves covering all walls with over 60,000 titles.

Hollywood Boulevard

L.A. Brea Avenue to Vine Street

Duration: Approx. 1 Mile – 6 minutes

Hollywood Boulevard, a stretch of road that holds a large amount of significance for the Los Angeles’ film and entertainment industry, is filled with famous landmarks, museums, and other iconic attractions. Until today it is still one of the most popular tourist attractions as a result of the highly reputable Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Roosevelt hotel houses the Hollywood & Highland which is a large shopping and entertainment complex which features the Dolby Theatre (the home of the Oscars®). Here you will also find the TCL Chinese Theatre, where there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family – featuring your favourite super heroes and movie characters! Keep an eye out for the hand and footprints of celebrities while you’re here!

This strip of road is not only buzzing with life during the day, but is one of L.A.’s bustling night-life hotspots. Long queues fill the streets as eager locals and tourists waiting to enter. Stroll through the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a chance to spot one of your favourite celebrities or stars. No matter what activity you take part in, you will get a true taste of Hollywood here.

Wilshire Boulevard

Downtown L.A. to Pacific Coast Highway

Duration: Approx. 16 Miles – 45 minutes

Wilshire Boulevard is the perfect route taking you from downtown Los Angeles, through some of the oldest and tallest skyscrapers, ending at breathtaking views from the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica. This 16 mile (26km) strip of road will lead you on an adventurous trail of the city’s cultural, historic and architectural roots- it’s no wonder Wilshire is known as the ‘backbone’ of L.A.

Driving down some of L.A.’s most populated road, Wilshire will allow you to experience the 20th centuries architectural styles through its distinctive neighbourhoods and suburbia, ranging from Victorian, to Gothic to Art Deco. You’ll notice that each suburb has its own personality and ambiance to it. Westlake and Koreatown are filled with the hustle and bustle; Miracle Mile is blessed with sleek condos, Beverly Hills the hub of shopping, and the Museum Row the cultural gem of the town.

With such diversity you will have plenty of opportunities to experience different activities and events. Get up close to a saber-toothed cat at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, or visit The Wiltern theatres; view works of art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Hammer Museum, or you could simply stroll through Westwood Village.

*The content in this road trip has been provided by Discover Los Angeles.

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