If you arrive at LAX and want to go 好来坞和环球影城, you can take Metro(地铁). It is very convenient. Get off at Hollywood/Highland, or vine, you can walk through the famous Hollywood Blvd..
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/LACMTA_system_map.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Metro_Rail
And you certain can take bus from or near Hollywood Blvd., to Santa Monica Beach.
http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visitors/transportation/public-transit
If you rent a car, I will recommend you go to visit Getty Museum. It is off 405fwy and free.There is a bus service(if I remember correctly), search the bus link above to find out.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/LACMTA_system_map.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Metro_Rail
And you certain can take bus from or near Hollywood Blvd., to Santa Monica Beach.
http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visitors/transportation/public-transit
If you rent a car, I will recommend you go to visit Getty Museum. It is off 405fwy and free.There is a bus service(if I remember correctly), search the bus link above to find out.