can i do this all in a day?

Question

Santa Monica Pier, Venice boardwalk and canals, then to walk of fame, beverly hills sign, a drive down Rodeo and hollywood sign at Lake Hollywood? Can this all be done in a whole day? I have a rental car. Can anyone give me the order to see these things? It would be a Saturday. Thanks

Answer

Yes, it is possible to see all of these LA highlights in a single day with a rental car, but it will be a full day and you should plan for traffic, especially since it’s a Saturday. Prioritize the spots you really want to stop and take photos at, and know that some views (like the Hollywood Sign) are best from a distance unless you plan a short hike or drive up Lake Hollywood Drive.

Here’s a suggested order to optimize your route and minimize backtracking:

Start in Santa Monica: Begin early at Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the beach, iconic pier, and maybe grab breakfast. Early morning helps beat the crowds.
Venice Beach & Canals: From Santa Monica, drive south along the coast to Venice Boardwalk. Walk along the boardwalk, then explore the Venice Canals for photos. This is a short visit but worth it.
Hollywood & Walk of Fame: Drive northeast to Hollywood Blvd. Park nearby and stroll along the Walk of Fame. You can also see the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre if you want.
Beverly Hills Sign: From Hollywood, head west to Beverly Hills Park to see the Beverly Hills sign. This is a quick stop and great for photos.
Rodeo Drive: Just a short drive from the sign, take a slow drive or quick walk along Rodeo Drive to see the luxury shops and atmosphere.
Hollywood Sign (Lake Hollywood viewpoint): Finish with a drive up to Lake Hollywood Drive for one of the best close-up views of the Hollywood Sign. It’s especially nice around late afternoon when the lighting is good for photos.

Additional Tips:

Start early, ideally around 8:00 AM, to make the most of daylight and lighter traffic.
Expect parking to be tricky in Venice and Hollywood; using paid lots may save time and stress.
LA traffic can be heavy mid-morning and late afternoon, so allow extra travel time between stops.
Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen since you’ll be outside quite a bit.

Overall, this itinerary is doable in a day, but be prepared for a lot of driving and some quick stops rather than lingering at each location.