Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in the world – in terms of attractions and excitement as well as size. That’s why hiring a car is the best way to see exactly what the city has to offer. Everything in LA seems to have a slight coating of stardust – Hollywood's glamour rubs off on everyone, whether you’re here for business or pleasure.

The city is home to some of the most famous roads in the world. Drive down Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive in the centre and western parts of Los Angeles County and feel every bit the celebrity. Most of the Los Angeles road system involves a well-signed grid pattern of multi-lane highways, and to skip the worst of the traffic, avoid main arterial roads during peak hours.

Look out for famous road trips starting in the city, like Route 66, which heads east from LA, or Highway One, the Pacific Coast Highway, which heads north along the shoreline to San Francisco. Wherever you’re driving, the rules of the road in California are pretty much what you’d expect. You’ll drive on the right. LA city speed limits are usually 35mph but be vigilant because they can be 25mph near schools. On two-lane roads, the limit can rise to 55mph and to 65mph on multi-lane freeways.

Look out for a diamond-shape pattern, whether on the road itself or on a roadside sign. It marks a carpool lane. You’ll need at least two people in your car to drive in these at certain times (the El Monte Busway on Interstate 10 requires three people during peak hours) and you may be fined for being in this lane at the wrong time.

When it comes to parking, Los Angeles has plenty of options with multi-storey garages and around 40,000 metered spaces servicing the city. Most spaces have a time limit to help accomodate the ever-growing population, particularly around the big attractions. Always check the signs carefully to make sure you're back on time.

Whether you fancy a bit of star-spotting on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, want to take in a show at the world-famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre or shop ‘in the luxury boutiques of Rodeo Drive, you’ll find that Los Angeles is a hive of activity.

A day at the museum

If you can tear yourself away from LA’s glorious weather, the city has an extensive offering of museums and galleries. The Natural History Museum is worth a visit for its beautiful grounds and six-storey glass entrance alone, with highlights including the Gem & Mineral hall and the 3.5-acre Nature Gardens. Meanwhile, the Broad is among LA’s newest contemporary museums and is home to Eli and Edythe Broad’s collection of post-war works. The most famous sights of Los Angeles aren’t museums, of course, but it does show that, if you know where to look, there’s something for everyone somewhere in this enormous city.

Movie magic

It’s easy to enjoy that sense of glamour-by-association all around the Hollywood area, whether you’re following the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard or chatting to a potential star just waiting for their big break.

The tourist trail often starts in the north of the city, around the Hollywood Hills. If you take a tour of the homes of the rich and famous here, you may even spot celebrities. Visit the iconic Hollywood Bowl open-air venue, which has a fascinating visitor centre, or go to see a film at the historic Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. If you take a drive above the city to find the viewing spots for the world-famous ‘Hollywood’ sign, you’ll find it’s the perfect place for a picture.

Theme parks and culture

There’s a lot more to Los Angeles than movie stars, though. Two of the first cinematic theme parks, Disneyland and Universal Studios, are huge attractions here and are great family-friendly attractions. First opened in 1955, Disneyland now welcomes almost 16 million visitors every year and its themed areas, rides and the chance of photographs with the movie characters make it fun for children and adults alike.

Surfin’ USA

Southern California has a warm climate, so this is a brilliant place to explore the West Coast beach life. You may not bump into the Beach Boys surfing, but there are great sandy beaches running right down the palm-fringed Pacific shore, from the bohemian Venice Beach, to the fun of Long Beach and Newport Beach. There’s a busy port in LA too where many people enjoy boating and water sports.

Another spot to get some fresh air is the Griffin Observatory up in the mountains to the north of the city. It’s a popular spot for hiking and enjoying the impressive views over the city. You can take a drive north on the famously scenic Pacific Coast Highway – and don’t forget to keep an eye out for passing whales and dolphins.

From the dazzling lights of Hollywood to the simmering sunshine of the coastline, Los Angeles is a city like no other. And with a hire car, you'll be able to witness the changing atmospheres and cultures across LA.