Southern California is infamous for its intricate network of freeways and driving in and around Hollywood will mean navigating your way through them. You can generally reach your destinations on the many of the freeways in the Los Angeles area that form concentric rings around Downtown LA. However, finding surface streets can be a better alternative to the congestion typically encountered on the freeways. For example taking Santa Monica Boulevard in either direction to destinations in Beverly Hills, Hollywood or West Hollywood can often be a better option.
Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard are the main east-west streets running through central Hollywood. The main north-south streets are La Brea Avenue, Cahuenga Boulevard, Vine Street and Gower Street. When driving the side streets of Hollywood be careful that they are often quite narrow due to curb parked cars. If looking for a space yourself, you can make use of pay parking lots. Many offer discounts or a free hour if you get your parking stub validated by a shop or restaurant that you have visited.
Sixt Tips
No trip to Hollywood is complete without a cruise along famous strips like Sunset Boulevard or Hollywood Boulevard. Another iconic street is Melrose Avenue where among the funky boutiques and stylish cafes you just might spot a celebrity or two. Other great shopping is offered at the The Grove and the Beverly Center. Or experience the world of Hollywood entertainment yourself and get tickets to a live tapping of a TV show or with a visit to Universal Studios. Of course a drive to hike up to the Hollywood sign should be on your itinerary as well as buying a star map to tour the Hollywood Hills marveling at amazing mansions of the rich and famous. Another idea is to view some real stars at the beautifully situated Griffith Park Observatory overlooking the city. Your car rental in Hollywood also gives you the chance to leave the hectic of the city behind. Cruise out of town and ride the scenic Pacific Coast Highway all the way north to San Francisco or head south to beach towns like San Diego.