The best route from Santa Monica to Hollywood (by car)?

Question

We are going to drive from Santa Monica to Hollywood (and BH) by car. Which route would be the most scenic and interesting? It is a weekend, Sat or Sun.

Answer

Driving from Santa Monica to Hollywood (with a stop through Beverly Hills) can actually be a very enjoyable and scenic trip if you choose the right route. Since it’s a weekend, traffic will still exist, but it is usually lighter than weekday rush hours, especially in the late morning or early afternoon.

Below are the best scenic and interesting options depending on what kind of experience you want—coastal feel, iconic LA streets, or luxury neighborhoods.

Most scenic “classic LA” route (recommended):

Start in Santa Monica → Take Ocean Ave → San Vicente Blvd → Sunset Blvd → Hollywood
Ocean Ave offers beautiful ocean views and palm-lined sidewalks.
San Vicente is one of the most picturesque boulevards in LA, with its wide median and old-growth coral trees.
Sunset Boulevard gives you a long, iconic drive through Brentwood, UCLA/Westwood, Beverly Hills, and into Hollywood.

This is the most atmospheric “movie-like” drive and shows you several neighborhoods in one go.

Alternative scenic route through Beverly Hills:

Santa Monica → Montana Ave → 26th St → Santa Monica Blvd → Beverly Hills (via Rodeo Dr or Beverly Dr) → Hollywood
Montana Ave is a charming, upscale Santa Monica shopping street.
Santa Monica Blvd goes straight into Beverly Hills and gives you a wide view of the city’s palm-lined streets.
Detouring through Rodeo Drive or Beverly Drive gives a classic luxury neighborhood feel.

This is an easier route with less winding and plenty of places to stop for coffee or wandering.

If you prefer scenery + celebrity neighborhoods:

Santa Monica → Wilshire Blvd → Beverly Hills → Sunset Strip → Hollywood
Wilshire Blvd takes you past Brentwood, Westwood, and the LA Country Club.
Cut up to Sunset Blvd at Beverly Hills City Hall or Rodeo Drive.
Drive through the famed Sunset Strip (Whisky a Go Go, Comedy Store, billboards, Chateau Marmont).

This is not nature-scenic, but it is very “LA scenic”—big hotels, nightlife landmarks, palm trees, and hillside homes.

If you want the fastest while still pleasant:

Take Santa Monica Blvd → La Brea or Highland → Hollywood
This is more direct.
You still pass through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and close to Melrose.
Good if you’re short on time but still want a few interesting neighborhoods.

Extra tips:

Avoid the I-10 freeway unless you’re in a hurry—it's efficient but not scenic.
Sunset Blvd is the most attractive long route, especially around mid-morning.
If you want a great Hollywood Sign view along the way, Sunset → Highland → Franklin → Beachwood Canyon is a good detour.

In summary, the best overall scenic route is Ocean Ave → San Vicente → Sunset Blvd → Hollywood. It gives you ocean views, lush boulevards, luxury neighborhoods, and the iconic Sunset Strip, all in one smooth, classic LA drive.