Visiting LA 08-13 thru 08-15 need traffic info. (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills: best time, areas)

[Jayemes]

Hello,

I'll be visiting over the weekend as part of a cross country trip from MD. Staying in El Segundo near the airport, as that was the best option I could find for the type of lodging I was looking for, but I realize it puts me at a bit of distance from all the standard stuff in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, the Getty Museum, Griffith Observatory et. al.. Understanding that traffic there can be bad, I was wondering if I could get some help with best times to drive to these areas to avoid gridlock and any alternate routes that might be helpful to know about? Thanks in advance.

[BRinSM]

you can use google maps to get an idea of freeway traffic. having said that, the freeways can be jammed at just about any hour of any day of the week. i would have a smart phone handy and adjust your routes depending on traffic. the google navigation app will usually give you multiple options if the most direct route looks slow.

[Kirk Downey]

Google Maps or other navigation is the best advice nowadays. From El Segundo take Sepulveda North to get to Santa Monica via Lincoln, 3rd Street Promenade or farther up to Malibu on PCH. Or if you want downtown LA take Sepulveda N to La Tijera N, La Cienega North to go East on Venice or Pico or Olympic into Downtown. Best Advice: Avoid the 405 at any hour between LAX and the 101 - unless you're patient and have a good iPod.