See the best Southern Califonia tourist attractions in one day

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Mickey Mouse on Hollywood Boulevard. This is an article that I wanted to write for a long time. It is a bit long, maybe that’s why I took such a long time to write. However, this is our favorite Southern California tour. When we have friends and family visiting from outside of California we always take them on this tour because they get to see some of the best tourist sites in SoCal. Yeah, it’s true, this tour doesn’t include Disneyland, Universal Studios or Sea World, but those are attractions that anyone would know about. Our tour hits the best things to see in SoCal apart from amusement parks. The best thing about this tour is that it can be done in one day…a full day that is.

Hollywood for 3 hours

Getting to Hollywood

8:30pm. If you still have any energy left, continue driving on Sunset Boulevard all the way to La Brea Well it will take you about 30 minutes and you don’t have to slow down because there is not much to see on this portion. However, you won’t be able to go too fast anyway because trafic in Hollywood is pretty bad :( .

Take a left on La Brea and a right on Hollywood Boulevard and then look for public parking sign on the left right around the Hollywood Mall and the Chinese Theater. It doesn’t mean that if it’s public it’s free…it’s not, and it’s not cheap either but that’s your best bet for parking. Don’t forget to get some dinner…not on Rodeo Drive though if you want to have any money left.

Hollywood, California – The Hollywood sign seen through binoculars.
Hollywood, California - The Hollywood sign seen through binoculars.
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Things to do in Hollywood

  • Walk on Hollywood boulevard and take pictures with the “stars”
  • Admire Chinese Theater
  • Take pictures with the “movie” characters you’ll find everywhere.
  • Walk inside the Mall and go up to see the Hollywood Sign. They have even built a red carpet for you to walk on.
  • Visit the Wax Museum. It’s worth seeing…once.

Hollywood, California – Taxi drivers waiting for customers on Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood, California - Taxi drivers waiting for customers on Hollywood Boulevard.
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If you’ve done well, you should be done before midnight! It’s very easy to get to the freeway from Hollywood Boulevard. Just follow the road to Vine St and take a left. Follow the signs that will guide you to the 101 Freeway.

Conclusion

By the end of the day you will be dead tired…guaranteed. This tour is not recommended if you have small children…they will hate you for putting them through such a grueling schedule. You can break the trip into two days if you have kids. If you children are old enough they will also love this trip. There is plenty to see for everyone.

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4 Responses to “See the best Southern Califonia tourist attractions in one day”

  1. CJBrown said:

    June 20th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    Thanks for the great informative article with some very interesting ideas and points regarding the best of Southern California tourist attractions in one day trip. Amazing, I sincerely did not know or think it was possible to tour the best of Southern California tourist attraction in one day trip. With that said, this is something I’ll consider the next time I bring my family to Southern California. I must admit I find it insightful to read your article. Keep up the good work.

  2. vlad said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 12:15 am

    CJ…thanx for your note. Yep, this would make for a great day trip for your family. Yes you will be tired at the end of the day but it’s worth it. If you have more time in Southern California, you can take your time and visit more of course.

  3. Melche J Caudor said:

    April 19th, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    Will visit Santa Barbara soon. How to go to the Wineries or the other attractions?

  4. vlad said:

    May 3rd, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Wineries are a little north of Santa Barbara, even though you will be able to find a few wineries in and around Santa Barbara. The main wine producing area in California is Napa Valley which starts from around the San Luis Obispo area south and going North to around San Jose area. So look for wineries a little bit north of San Luis Obispo area…there are plenty to visit. As far as other attractions in Santa Barbara, try to visit the Court house and the tower, the pier, the Mission and walk around on State Street. It all depends on how much time you have to spend in Santa Barbara.

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