Top 5 Hollywood Day Trips: Explore Beyond the Stars

So, you are visiting Hollywood and want to see more than just the Walk of Fame? Of course, that’s completely normal. A day trip from Hollywood is such a good way to broaden your California adventure and check out stuff just a short drive away. Hollywood, of course, is basically at the center of a region bursting with cool things, from beautiful beaches and interesting museums to film studios, even some pretty wild landscapes.

For instance, when I had friends come to visit a while ago, they wanted to see a film set, not to mention a chill spot where they could grab some tacos. With some basic planning, they totally got to do both! Hopefully, you get some cool trip ideas right here to craft some really wonderful memories.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie Magic Come to Life

Now, Universal Studios Hollywood is typically more than just a “day trip” in some respects; that is, you could literally spend a week checking it all out, so really think of it as an incredible option that you could even get to do in a single day. Being very close to Hollywood, it definitely gives you the feeling of being behind the scenes in cinema. With super fun rides such as the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” in addition to studio tours offering you looks at how films get made, Universal totally strikes this balance of entertainment and education.

For instance, you should see the “WaterWorld” stunt show because, honestly, it’s very thrilling, too. Basically, try arriving early to cram everything in because that gets quite crowded as the day wears on. Actually, lines tend to get longer as you get closer to midday.

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2. Santa Monica & Venice Beach: Sun, Sand, and Surf

Basically, picture yourself with your feet in the sand and ocean breezes in your hair. Could be you are on your way, seemingly. Santa Monica and Venice Beach really provide contrasting beach experiences only a short drive from Hollywood. Actually, Santa Monica has this pier that has a very vintage amusement park and a bunch of restaurants. Basically, you can spend some hours there taking walks on the beach, trying some of the neighborhood eats, too. Meanwhile, Venice Beach kind of has this totally wild and offbeat atmosphere. Maybe you’d rather see street performers, vendors, in addition to those iconic Muscle Beach gym buffs?

Honestly, you should just check out both because, seemingly, they’re just minutes away from each other. What my friends did was to first have a leisurely lunch at Santa Monica, subsequently ride a scooter down the boardwalk to Venice. As a matter of fact, those California sunsets? Completely unbeatable.

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3. Griffith Observatory: Stars Above and Stars Below

Okay, I would be shocked if I didn’t mention Griffith Observatory! Basically, its a cool place very near Hollywood with spectacular views. At the top, there’s, seemingly, no other view that really gives you as great a panorama of the LA basin and, too, the Hollywood sign as this one does. Is that something you want? You can get inside to check out a few space and science exhibits, possibly even view the planetarium show. Seemingly, this would be ideal if you are very interested in astronomy.

Too, what my visitors appreciated were just the walks you could take through Griffith Park. Really, even on a busy day, it feels a bit isolated in the midst of everything. Just remember that, by the way, parking can get, seemingly, very tricky, particularly during sunset. Consider, like your using public transportation and maybe even rideshares. As a matter of fact, if you’ve the ability to be there as dusk turns to nighttime…that is just something else.

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4. Getty Center: Art, Architecture, and Gardens

If, in a way, you want a dose of art and culture, maybe you could give the Getty Center a go. Too, it’s almost as if the collections here could totally sweep you away to other eras. As a matter of fact, you can browse European paintings, sculptures, in addition to decorative arts, all of those with beautiful views from this mountaintop campus. Too, that you get to the Getty by tram kind of sets the mood of escaping everything, too. Also, if you like gardening, there are so many gardens you could stroll around.

Honestly, my artist friend basically spent an entire day here a while ago, looking, like your really loving the Impressionist collection. I mean, is that surprising? I also really love bringing a picnic lunch because, honestly, there is, like your, seating that is great throughout the gardens, offering beautiful views to enjoy during your midday snack. The entry is gratis; is that cool or what? Basically, you just pay for parking!

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5. Pasadena: History and Charm

In a way, a visit to Pasadena feels, like your, an entirely different place compared to the LA you find closer to Hollywood, and honestly, you can basically feel the past here! Is that something you enjoy? You can see the gorgeous City Hall building and even roam around Old Pasadena to check out all of its cool stores, cool cafes, in addition to some great spots for food. Maybe, possibly, you could take a look at the Norton Simon Museum if paintings grab you at all.

So, here is a travel tip: If, like your visiting around New Years, try and visit the famous Rose Parade floats, and they do display these after the parade, too. Actually, Old Pasadena has so much personality; even after only walking it a bit, I, for one, totally fell in love! That said, just take an afternoon simply chilling and maybe grabbing a meal right here; that sounds amazing.

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Takeaways

• Universal Studios: Great for thrill rides and looks behind the camera.
• Beaches: Relax at Santa Monica or get offbeat in Venice.
• Griffith Observatory: See space exhibits, spectacular scenery, but prepare your transport arrangements!
• Getty Center: Gorgeous scenery accompanies your tour of art spanning eras.
• Pasadena: Old Town charm, museums and architectural delights just a short commute away!