Each one of us has vivid images of the endless street grids of the city of Los Angeles, a network of streets and highways as vast as they are busy, used by millions of people to travel within and beyond the city limits. But some of these roads are more than just thoroughfares; they have stories to tell, host tourist attractions that have become iconic, or ascend to picturesque viewpoints. As a result, certain streets in the City of Angels have become must-see destinations among Los Angeles’ points of interest.
Want some examples? Hollywood Boulevard awaits you with not only various movie-themed attractions but also the Walk of Fame, a series of stars placed on the sidewalk to commemorate the greatest personalities of cinema and beyond. On Rodeo Drive, you can get a taste of Beverly Hills luxury as you stroll past high-fashion storefronts and the commemorative plaques of top designers (Walk of Style).
Enthusiasts of Los Angeles history won’t be able to resist the numerous reminders of a street that has now entered the collective imagination as Sunset Boulevard, with its most well-known stretch being the renowned Sunset Strip—a favorite haunt of stars within the “star system.” However, the streets of Los Angeles offer more than that; they also provide splendid views of the city’s rolling hills. These are the landscapes that Mulholland Drive, made famous by David Lynch’s film of the same name, will treat you to.
Here are the most famous streets in Los Angeles, routes that we recommend including in your visit to the city.
Contents
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Rodeo Drive
- Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Strip
- Mulholland Drive
- Olvera Street
- Melrose Avenue
- Route 66
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Our articles about the most famous streets in Los Angeles
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Walk among the Stars on Hollywood Boulevard
- Rodeo Drive Los Angeles: The High-end Shopping Street in Beverly Hills
- Visit the Iconic Sunset Strip on Sunset Boulevard
- An Itinerary along the Famous Sunset Boulevard
- Mulholland Drive: Viewpoints along the Scenic Route in the Hollywood Hills
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is the most famous street in the neighborhood of the same name and is particularly known for the Walk of Fame. In this approximately 1.2-miles stretch, the sidewalks are lined with stars bearing the names of famous personalities, and while strolling from one star to another, you can encounter a large number of colorful characters. These are usually individuals dressed up as movie stars or characters from films, offering paid photo opportunities. However, Hollywood Boulevard is also home to notable buildings, such as the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held) and the TCL Chinese Theatre, one of the city’s historic cinemas.
- Starting point: Intersection with Sunset Blvd, N Virgil Ave, Sunset Dr, Hillhurst Ave (directions)
- Ending point: Intersection with Laurel Canyon Blvd: (directions)
- Most interesting stretch: The section of the Walk of Fame, from the intersection with N Gower St (here) to the intersection with N La Brea Ave (here)
Hollywood Boulevard: The street of the Walk of Fame
Rodeo Drive
The Beverly Hills neighborhood is one of the most famous in Los Angeles, and Rodeo Drive is among the most important streets in this area. Its most renowned blocks are those teeming with luxury shops, where the world’s most famous brands line the palm-shaded avenue. It’s no coincidence that this street appears in various films, often featuring scenes of the protagonist engaging in expensive shopping sprees. Furthermore, since 2003, the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style has been established, serving as a kind of honorary recognition bestowed upon fashion and design personalities.
- Starting point: Intersection with Wilshire Blvd (directions)
- Ending point: Intersection with Sunset Blvd (directions)
- Most interesting stretch: From the intersection with Wilshire Blvd (here) to the intersection with S Santa Monica Blvd (here)
Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Strip
Sunset Boulevard is one of the major streets in Los Angeles, stretching for 21 miles. It traverses the western part of the vast metropolis, connecting the ocean coast to some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods. Driving along Sunset Boulevard allows you to pass through iconic locations and make stops at museums, theaters, parks, and other attractions. The most renowned section of this thoroughfare is the 1.4-miles stretch known as the Sunset Strip, which extends from Hollywood to Beverly Hills. Here, you’ll find a concentration of clubs and nightclubs, making it a perfect spot for nightlife enthusiasts. It’s also abundant with hotels and shops, interspersed with a variety of establishments.
- Starting point: Intersection with N Figueroa St and W Caesar Estrada Chavez Ave (directions)
- Ending point: On the ocean coast at the intersection with the Pacific Coast Hwy or Highway 1 (directions)
- Most interesting stretch: The section of the Sunset Strip, from the intersection with Crescent Heights Blvd (here) to the intersection with Sierra Dr (here)
Sunset Boulevard: Visitor’s Guide
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive is an incredibly long road, spanning a total of 54 miles. It stretches from Hollywood Hills to Malibu and alternates between a regular road, a highway, and even a dirt trail in the mountains. Along the route, there are several scenic viewpoints, and driving on this road allows you to make stops that combine nature and breathtaking views, such as the Runyon Canyon Park. Mulholland Drive has also appeared in several movies and TV series, including David Lynch’s 2001 film titled “Mulholland Drive.” A portion of this road is also popular among celebrities for their residences, and it is possible to take tours to see some of them from the outside.
- Starting point: Mulholland Drive Viaduct (directions)
- Ending point: Intersection with Hwy 1 (directions)
- Most interesting stretch: From the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook (here) to the Stone Canyon Overlook (here)
Mulholland Drive: Visitor’s Guide
Olvera Street
Olvera Street is the central street of El Pueblo, the historic district of Los Angeles. This vibrant little neighborhood revolves around Old Plaza, a square dating back to the 1820s that served as the city’s first center, where most of the social and economic life took place. From here, Olvera Street extends, offering the perfect street to purchase souvenirs related to the Mexican history of California. In fact, being here feels more like being in Mexico than in the United States. Along with souvenirs, you can also find food and traditional festivals that harken back to the Hispanic and Mexican origins of the city.
- Starting point: Old Plaza (directions)
- Ending point: Intersection with E Cesar E Chavez Ave (directions)
Olvera Street and El Pueblo: Visitor’s Guide
Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue is one of the main shopping streets in Los Angeles, with a plethora of shops lining the sidewalks of this thoroughfare. It takes its name from the city of Melrose in Massachusetts and has appeared in various films and TV shows, including the soap opera “Melrose Place.” Its most famous stretch is known as the Melrose District, where the highest concentration of shops and restaurants can be found. Many people enjoy strolling along this street to admire the murals decorating the store walls and to take photos in front of the most iconic ones. For example, the pink wall of the Paul Smith store is particularly popular for selfies. Along Melrose Avenue, you’ll also find the headquarters of Paramount Pictures.
- Starting point: Intersection with Lucille Ave (directions)
- Ending point: Intersection with N Doheny Dr and Santa Monica Blvd (directions)
Most interesting stretch: From the intersection with Fairfax Ave (here) to the intersection with Highland Ave (here)
Route 66
Route 66 is perhaps the most famous road in America. It connects Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, passing through eight states. Since Santa Monica is located on the oceanfront facing Los Angeles, it is in the final stretch of Route 66. The Santa Monica Pier marks the endpoint (or starting point, depending on how you look at it) of this iconic road, symbolizing the American on-the-road experience. In the Los Angeles area, Route 66 passes through neighborhoods like West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, coming from Pasadena, before descending to Santa Monica.
- Starting point: Chicago (directions)
- Ending point: Santa Monica (directions)
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), is a road that runs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean for a significant portion of the California coastline. It spans 655 miles, making it the longest road in California. Its most captivating stretch is the Big Sur: the central part that offers the most breathtaking landscapes. Cliffs towering over the sea, bridges, and scenic viewpoints dot the route in this section, which undoubtedly represents one of the most beautiful on-the-road experiences in America. In the Los Angeles area, it passes by famous beaches such as those in Malibu and Laguna Beach.
- Starting point: Dana Point (directions)
- Ending point: Leggett (directions)
- Most interesting stretch: From Monterey (here) to Morro Bay (here)
Pacific Coast Highway: Visitor’s Guide
Our articles about the most famous streets in Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame: Walk among the Stars on Hollywood Boulevard
Rodeo Drive Los Angeles: The High-end Shopping Street in Beverly Hills
Visit the Iconic Sunset Strip on Sunset Boulevard
An Itinerary along the Famous Sunset Boulevard
