Las Angeles for a Day

We're going on a cruise out of CA next week and when we come back we're taking the red eye home (a 10:30pm) flight. So we have about 8-10 hours to spend in LA...any suggestions? We want to see some tourist-y stuff - Hollywood, Walk of Stars etc. and we already rented a car. We're concerned if traffic is going to be terrible on a Saturday and if we should do something closer to the airport later in the day like Marina del Ray or Playa Vista? Neither of us have ever been there...any suggestions??

Re: Las Angeles for a Day

Traffic is terrible ALL the time!

In addition to Hollywood, I would go to Santa Monica or Venice Beach (or both, they're close).

Re: Las Angeles for a Day

I've never personally driven but everytime I go there is TONS of traffic. It doesn't seem to matter what time of day it is. I feel like I'm always sitting and falling asleep in a car whenever I go.

I would leave lots of cushion time for traffic.

Re: Las Angeles for a Day

I figured I'd need to leave time for traffic, I'd love to just use public transport but we have our luggages so we have no choice but to rent a car.

Re: Las Angeles for a Day

Traffic is horrible! HORRIBLE! We went in October and couldn't believe traffic in the AM, mid afternoon, and evening.

ANyways.....I would see Santa Monic Pier/Beach, Long Beach has a very nice aquarium and cruise in the harbor.

As for the city of LA - try one of the tours (avoid VIP - we used them and the tour S U C K E D!) It was not worth the money they charged us.

Re: Las Angeles for a Day

In 8-10 hours you can get a lot done if you stay within a few areas. I would head out to Hollywood Blvd first and see the walk of stars and the chinese theater. You can get one of those star tour things there I think. Then you can head to Melrose Ave and browse the cool boutiques and have lunch. After I would hit Santa Monica and walk along the 3rd street promenade and go to the pier. If you have even more time you can go to Venice Beach, but you might be cutting it close.