I will be staying for 2 nights in Hollywood this week. It is my first trip to California, and I've never seen the Pacific Ocean. I will have a rental car. What is a good drive to view the ocean and then go to the beach to watch the sunset in the nearby area? Thanks!

pacific coast highway up to Malibu maybe?

Straight west on Santa Monica or Wilshire Blvds to Santa Monica. Park near the pier; plenty of beach, sunset, restaurants... whatever you need. Remember the sun sets early (right around rush hour) so plan accordingly.

Yes, Gardyloo is right, of course. I was actually going to suggest the Beach Cities, but traffic is such a drag. However, if you feel up to the drive through the mean LA traffic, HB, MB and RB will be worth it. Compared to SM, they are a lot more picturesque..a lot friendlier to navigate than Malibu. If you do go, I would suggest you head out there in the early afternoon: take the 405 south and get off at Culver Blvd. Follow it until you reach Vista Del Mar (goes along the water's edge, behind LAX). You can watch the sunset from the pier in upscale Manhattan Beach (a cute, laid-back town where many sporty celebs hide out, including a bunch of famous hockey players, plus Tiger Woods, and lately Anna Kornikova, who just bought a home there). Walking along the Strand (the boardwalk) to Hermosa Beach you'll have a stunningly beautiful view of the entire bay. Or you can continue driving all the way down Manhattan Ave/Hermosa Ave to Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, where you'll find lots of cozy restaurants, boutiques and bars, with a less commercialized feel than SM.

Easiest would be to drive north from LAX airport along the coast on your day of arrival.

You are in luck--California is on fire again and the sunsets have been spectacular. Get to Venice Blvd, head west and Venice Blvd will dead end at Venice Pier. Walk out onto the pier and enjoy the view. Then either head into the Marina or Abbott Kinney Blvd for dinner.