Los Angeles is one of the great cities of the world. It’s famous for Hollywood and the film industry, of course, but it’s also a global centre for many things, like music, IT, science and arts.
This sunny urban sprawl is an immense melting pot of cultures and creativity, stretching from the sandy Pacific coast beaches to the hazy mountains in the distance. LA is one of the most enormous metropolitan areas in the world, which is why having a hire car from LA airport is such a help.
California cool and the Coast
From LAX, you’ll be starting your explorations in the west of Los Angeles. This is where many of the best-known sights are. Drive up the coast via the bohemian centre of alternative culture at Venice Beach and carry on to see the fabulous beach-houses of the stars along Malibu Beach. In the hills behind you can find a billionaire’s extraordinary personal art collection at the Getty Villa.
If you head south you can drive to the more rugged Rancho Palos Verdes headland, a popular spot for Angelinos to spot whales and dolphins. Further south is the seaside fun of Long Beach.
You can’t help feeling a little like a movie star yourself as you cruise the wide straight sunny boulevards lined with palm trees. Names like Sunset Boulevard, Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard ring out memories from scores of films and TV shows.
Head inland
For a taste of the glitz and glamour of the film industry, you'll find Hollywood just to the north of downtown LA. Cruise around here to find the celebrity bars and trendy restaurants of Sunset Boulevard, the classy boutiques on Rodeo Drive and the quirky independent shops of Melrose Avenue. It’s hard to resist a drive into the hills to find the world-famous Hollywood sign to take a selfie with and not far away is Hollywood Bowl, one of the iconic open-air performance venues.
In the far east
You’ll start to realise just how big LA is when you drive to the Disneyland Resort in the east of the city. The wonderful family-friendly theme park was the original and is still of world-class attractions. You’ll see, however, that it is a 35-miles drive from LAX, so sit back and enjoy the drive.
And when you’re out east you find plenty of other sights too, like the Chino Hills State Park, a glorious patch of open countryside giving you a rare chance to escape the city and go hiking and picnicking. Nearby, Castle Park is a traditional amusement park with an old-fashioned carnival atmosphere and games. It’s a great place to take the kids and enjoy a classic American hot dog.
Make the most of your time here with Los Angeles Airport car hire from Hertz.