From celebrity sightings in Hollywood to amazing views in the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles has so much to offer visitors, and it doesn’t have to break your budget. Still not convinced? In our new travel series: SIXTy Bucks and a Full Tank of Gas, we gave two friends a BMW X7 and $60 and challenged them to find an epic L.A. adventure. Were they up for the challenge?
Start your L.A. Day Trip
Stop 1 : Pinata District
SIXT Rent-a-car LAX > Pinata District. 17.7 miles
Don’t let the name of the district fool you – there’s way more here than just piñatas. Located around East Olympic Boulevard and South Central Avenue, the Pinata District is somewhat of a hidden gem in L.A. and is loaded with toys, games, candy, and some of the most amazing street food L.A. has to offer.
Stop 2 : Griffith Observatory
Pinata District > Griffith Observatory. 11.3 miles
Looking to win on Instagram? Head up into the Hollywood hills for a breathtaking view of the city at the Griffith Observatory. The only thing that beats this view, is the fact that admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always free.
Stop 3 : Hollywood Boulevard
Griffith Observatory > Hollywood Boulevard. 4.3 miles
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in Los Angeles. It is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood and some of the best people-watching on the West Coast.
Stop 4 : Mural Mile
Hollywood Boulevard > Mural Mile. 13.7 miles
You don’t need to stand in line at a museum to see great art. The Mural Mile features more than 50 stunning murals in a three-mile radius surrounding Pacoima City Hall in The San Fernando Valley. What started as an individual art project by local artists in 2012 has grown into a thriving art scene with international acclaim.
Stop 4 : The Rock Store
Mural Mile > The Rock Store. 32.1 miles
People who love driving, love the Rock Store. Nestled along the famous Mulholland Highway, this restaurant attracts hundreds of motorcycle and car enthusiasts every day and is a great place to grab some lunch and take in everyone and everything happening around you.
Stop 5 : Topanga Beach, Malibu
The Rock Store > Topanga Beach, Malibu. 23.1 miles
Surf’s up! Stretching more than 27 miles, the scenic beauty of the Malibu coastline is home to many celebrities and is where you go to see surfers. The coast of Malibu was the world’s first surf reserve and bore witness to how the sport changed through time. So, what better place to get off the road and into a wetsuit?
Stop 6 : Pacific Coast Highway
Topanga Beach, Malibu > Pacific Coast Highway. 0.1 miles
Start heading back to downtown L.A. using one of the most famous highways in the US. The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, stretches out along the entire California coast from north to south and offers stunning views the entire way.
Stop 7 : Santa Monica Pier
Topanga Beach, Malibu > Santa Monica Pier. 6 miles
Parking will cost you ($14), but you can’t beat the funnel cake at the Santa Monica Pier. Over 100 years old, the large double-jointed pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica features amusement park rides and midway games, and is a great place to end the day.
Stop 8 : SIXT Rent a Car LAX
Santa Monica Pier > SIXT Rent a Car LAX. 12.3 miles
Ready to Start Your Own L.A. Road Trip?
First, you’ll need a sweet rental. SIXT has multiple L.A. locations including LAX and a new office downtown, and don’t forget you can skip the counter and use the app to search for cars and make reservations. Get the app here.
