No car in Los Angeles! Need advice!
 

Hi alL!

We are a group of mid-20s staying in hollywood in the later part of May for about 4 days, not planning to rent a car, and we r planning to go to these few places:

(1) Universal Studios
(2) Getty Centre
(3) Farmers Market/The Grove
(4) Griffith Park

could someone advise me on how far (travelling time) are these places from hollywood becoz it is difficult to tell from the map and what is the best way to get there? and also are these places worth to go?

and also any other places to visit and other great shopping places? not too high end! thanks loads!

Looking forward to hearing from all!

Cheers! =D

TTT

For routes and travel times via public transit, use the travel planner at www.metro.net

You can take the Red Line to universal, and busses to the others although you'll probably need to transfer to reach the Getty and Griffith Park. The travel planner will tell you how long it will take.

We also have taxis. From Hollywood it isn't too far to most of these places.

I'd also recommend a trip to downtown Los Angeles. You can reach it easily (15 minutes) using the Red Line. There are galleries, lots of sushi restaurants in Little Tokyo, a garment district, and some interesting architecture such as Disney Concert Hall and the ugly Caltrans building. Check the website www.downtownnews.com for more information.

You can get an idea of actual distances and driving times by using "get directions" on maps.google.com

Have fun.

I stayed at a place near Grauman's Chinese Theater and caught a bus right on Hollywood Blvd to get to Farmers Market/The Grove. Took about 25 minutes by bus - but drops you right outside Farmers Market.

Farmers Market was a good place to grab lunch and get some snacks to go - and a couple vendors sold interesting souvenirs, clothing, etc. The other shopping around The Grove was no great shakes - just a lot of big brand chain stores you'd find in any mall.

thanks so much! it will go a long way in helping me plan my triP! i do hope for more responses stilL!

Hi Joy

If you are looking for a more touristy way of getting around LA, there is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It's not as cheap or convenient as public transport, but it goes to many of the tourist areas and there should be some commentary. You can buy a 24 or 48 hour pass.

http://www.starlinetours.com/los-angeles-tour-1H1.asp

To get to the Getty Center by public transport see the information from their website:

"The Getty Center is served by Metro Rapid Line 761, which stops at the main gate on Sepulveda Boulevard. To find the route that is best for you, call (800) COMMUTE or (800) 252-9040 (TDD) or use the Trip Planner on www.metro.net, the Web site of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority."

I have been advised that it can take about an hour to get from Hollywood to Santa Monica by public bus.

Also check out the DASH bus routes. The rides are 25c.

http://www.ladottransit.com/dash/

There's not much of Griffith Park you can see without a car. It's huge.

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/los...iffithpark.htm

Stay in Santa Monica - great vibe - lots to do

If you stay in Santa Monica without a car, you'll need the Big Blue Bus:

http://www.bigbluebus.com/home/index.asp

Re Griffith Park.

There is a free shuttle from Hollywood to the Griffith Park Observatory on weekends only.

http://www.griffithobs.org/vshuttle.html#bus

The Metro has a bus #96 down Crystal Springs Drive which accesses the Autry museum, Zoo and Ranger Station. I believe you can rent bicyles at the Ranger Station.

Most people actual USE the park, rather than just driving through it. You don't need a car.

For the four places you name, Santa Monica makes no sense at all to me for someone needing public transportation.
I'd agree that the "Hollywood and Vine" area makes the most sense.

The bicycle rental at the Crystal Springs ranger station is only open from 2:00 pm to dusk. Cash only on weekends.

It's easy to get around and your hotel will assist you.

Universal and easy quick ride on the metro.

Griffith Observatory best on Fri or Sat when the free shuttle runs from the metro station as advised above.

Grove an easy DASH shuttle or 217 bus from outside Hollywood/Highland mall.
Getty: Walk down to Sunset Blvd and take the #2 bus heading west, but make sure the bus says UCLA or PCH on it (there is more than one #2 route). As you approach UCLA, get off in the village for lunch or shopping. (This trip is about 20-25 mins depending on traffic). After your stroll in this "Westwood" neighborhood, (take the 761 bus going in the opposite direction as the previous #2 bus) for a 7 minute ride to the entrance of the Getty.

Print your routes from mta.net if you wish, and visit the tourist center at the Kodak Theatre/Hollywood Highland mall for maps and advice.

It's not something you should worry about too much as everything you mention is quite easy. If you get disoriented as to west/east etc and which side of the street to hop the bus, just ask the other people who are waiting for the bus, or ask the driver. Look around and the mountains will usually be at the north, except for when you are at Universal.