One Day in Hollywood: A First-Timer's Guide

Visiting Los Angeles for the first time? Here is a one-day route through Hollywood, the hills, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip.

Start on Hollywood Boulevard

Begin where most visitors expect to: Hollywood Boulevard. Stroll the Walk of Fame and see the TCL Chinese Theatre up close, then cruise past the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars. Go early if you can. The boulevard is at its most photogenic, and its least crowded, in the morning.

Find a Hollywood Sign viewpoint

From Hollywood, head into the hills for a scenic viewpoint of the Hollywood Sign. The sign is best seen from the right spot at the right time, which is where local knowledge saves you a lot of wandering.

Wind through the Hollywood Hills and Laurel Canyon

Mulholland Drive, the Hollywood Hills and Laurel Canyon are where Los Angeles shows off its famous celebrity estates and its steep, leafy streets. These are private homes, so the best way to enjoy them is from the public road with a guide who knows the stories and respects residents' privacy.

Take a photo stop in Beverly Hills

In Beverly Hills, a short stop of about 15 minutes is enough to photograph the Beverly Hills Sign and browse the designer storefronts along Rodeo Drive.

Finish on the Sunset Strip

End on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, passing famous music venues, celebrity-owned hangouts and spots featured in countless films and shows.

Tips for a first visit

• Start early, before the crowds and the traffic build.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Hollywood Boulevard is a walking stop.
• Keep your plan flexible. Los Angeles distances are bigger than they look on a map.

Let someone else handle the driving

Our Top Hollywood Highlights Tour is a full-day private tour for up to 5 guests, with a fully customizable itinerary. Private transportation, bottled water, snacks and photography are included. Lunch and gratuities are not included. Interested in celebrity neighborhoods in particular? Ask us about our Hollywood Celebrity Homes & Landmarks Tour.