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Los Angeles is Southern California’s biggest city and one of the most vibrant and dynamic destinations in North America. Known for its glamorous Hollywood entertainment scene and trendy Downtown district, it has a diverse population and attracts a huge variety of different tourists and travelers.
If you’re planning a visit to the city of Los Angeles, you might be wondering where to stay. LA is notoriously expensive, so it’s important to do plenty of research before booking accommodation, particularly if you’re working with a tight budget. Thankfully, Los Angeles County is comprised of hundreds of neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere, benefits, and price point.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Los Angeles neighborhoods for visitors. Here, we’ll describe their pros and cons to help you decide which part of LA County to call home during your visit.
Hollywood for First-Time Visitors
Highlights: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, TCL Chinese Theater, Madame Tussauds
Hollywood is arguably LA’s best-known neighborhood. The world-famous Universal Studios are here, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. The Hollywood Hills is a luxurious area scattered with huge mansions, many of which are home to famous celebrities.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Hollywood to suit a range of tastes and budgets. First-time visitors appreciate its central location and proximity to key sights. Plus, the Hollywood & Highland Station allows easy access to Downtown LA via the Metro Red Line.
West Hollywood for Vibrant Nightlife
Highlights: Sunset Strip, The Comedy Store, Melrose Avenue, Chateau Marmont
Known by locals as WeHo, West Hollywood is a trendy area bordering the Hollywood Hills and upper Melrose Avenue. This is an excellent base for those who want the best of LA’s nightlife, and it also offers convenient access to Downtown LA and Beverly Hills.
The Sunset Strip is an iconic portion of Sunset Boulevard in WeHo and is renowned for live entertainment. Santa Monica Boulevard also has some fantastic nightlife and is a hub for LA’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Santa Monica for Family Vacations
Highlights: Santa Monica State Beach, Pacific Park, Palisades Park, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica is a world-famous beach enclave renowned for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a safe and laid-back area that’s perfect for sunbathing and taking a relaxing stroll along the promenade. Views of the sunset on Santa Monica Pier are out of this world, too.
This is a very safe area of LA that suits families incredibly well. Accommodation options can be expensive, but the Pacific Ocean views from beachfront hotels make the price tag worth it. Transport links are limited, but if you rent a car you’ll have no trouble getting around.
Beverly Hills for Ultimate Luxury
Highlights: Rodeo Drive, Echo Park
Beverly Hills is home to some of LA’s most expensive properties, so stay here if you’re looking for a luxurious vacation. The area has lots of luxury designer stores and gourmet restaurants, but also plenty of green, leafy areas if you need a break from hectic LA life.
Some of the world’s most exclusive boutique hotels can be found in Beverly Hills, and the experience they provide is unparalleled. Luxury doesn’t come cheap, so prepare yourself for very high prices here.
Downtown Los Angeles for Business Travel
Highlights: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, The Bradbury Building, The Broad, Chinatown
Downtown LA is the heart of the city, both historically and financially. This is the central business district (CBD), but popular attractions include the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There’s also a trendy art scene, so look out for festivals and exhibits during your visit.
Downtown is a convenient area for business travelers to stay, thanks to its close proximity to LAX Airport. There’s a great range of accommodation options here too, so it’s well suited to smaller budgets. The area isn’t safe for extensive walking, particularly after dark, so do take care if you choose to stay here. Thankfully, public transport in Downtown LA is frequent and reliable.
Beverly Grove and Fairfax for a Friendly Atmosphere
Highlights: The Grove, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Beverly Center, Page Museum
Beverly Grove and Fairfax District is an eclectic neighborhood that blends old and new. It has a diverse population, having once been considered the heart of the Jewish community in LA. The palm tree-lined streets are home to a variety of shops, bakeries, eateries, trendy movie theaters, art galleries, and a flea market, so there’s plenty for tourists to do.
This neighborhood is ideal for those looking for a central location that isn’t too busy. The area is very walkable, it has a friendly atmosphere, and it has some good boutique accommodation options suitable for a range of budgets.
Venice Beach for Tight Budgets
Highlights: Muscle Beach, Venice Canals
For those on a budget, Venice Beach is a good choice. Accommodation is a little more affordable, and there’s great variety when it comes to finding casual dining. The area is mostly walkable but you’ll need a car to reach other parts of LA.
Venice Beach is home to Muscle Beach, where people flock to work out, and is generally considered a hub for sports and exercise. The basketball, handball, tennis, and paddle tennis courts here are handy for staying active during your vacation and are also ideal for people-watching if you’re not the sporty type. There’s a cool, bohemian atmosphere at Venice Beach, as well as pretty coastal views, making it a great option for new and returning visitors.
Westchester for Short Stays
Highlights: Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester Park, Ballona Wetlands Trail
Westchester is just north of LAX Airport, making it a good choice for very short stays in LA. It’s a quiet suburban area with excellent access to pretty beach communities like Playa del Rey, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Marina del Rey.
Hotels here are reasonably priced and of reliable quality. Be sure to hire a car to make the most of the nearby 105 and 405 freeways, which connect the area to the rest of LA.
Westwood for Nightlife and Art
Highlights: Hammer Museum, UCLA
Westwood is the home of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It has a young, trendy yet luxurious atmosphere thanks to its close proximity to West Hollywood.
If you want to stay in a lively area with interesting culture and good nightlife, Westwood is a great choice. However, it can be pricey and you’ll need a car to get around other parts of the city.
Silver Lake for Authentic LA Vibes
Highlights: Dodger Stadium, Silver Lake Reservoir
Moderate real estate prices, cool restaurants, and fun nightlife make Silver Lake a popular area with LA locals. It’s a fashionable neighborhood with a mellow atmosphere, and is also very scenic thanks to its hilly landscape, narrow roads, and the Silver Lake Reservoir that gave the area its name.
Hollywood and Downtown are both easily accessible from Silver Lake. So, if you want to stay in a beautiful area close to the heart of LA, this is a good choice.
South Bay for Long Layovers
Highlights: Roundhouse Aquarium, Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum
South Bay is home to gorgeous beaches, excellent restaurants, and great hotel options. It’s a good base for those who want to hit the waves on Hermosa Beach, which is one of the city’s best spots for surfing. For a more laid-back option, Redondo Beach is also nearby and is better for sunbathing and spotting wildlife.
Due to its convenient access to LAX Airport, South Bay is the ideal base for people spending a few days in LA before their travels take them elsewhere. It has a laid-back atmosphere, and it only takes around 40 minutes to reach Downtown LA by car from here.
Koreatown for Foodies
Highlights: Park’s BBQ, Guelaguetza, Wi Spa
Koreatown blends historic art deco architecture with slick modern developments, making it one of the most exciting neighborhoods in LA. It’s packed full of high-quality eateries and bars — many of which are located along Wilshire Boulevard.
There’s also thriving nightlife in Koreatown, so this is the place to be if you want to be in a buzzing atmosphere. Even if you don’t stay in this thriving neighborhood, be sure to visit it during your trip.
Bel Air & Hollywood Hills for Couples
Highlights: Mulholland Drive, Stone Canyon Reservoir, Getty View Park
Bel Air is an affluent community nestled in the Hollywood Hills. It offers peace and quiet among beautiful scenery and has convenient access to the rugged wilds of the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Accommodation here is expensive, but it’s worth it if you want a luxurious and private experience. Bel Air suits couples looking for a romantic getaway, but be sure to rent a car to get around.
Los Feliz for a Cozy Atmosphere
Highlights: Griffith Park, Vista Theatre, Barnsdall Art Park, La Luz de Jesus
Situated alongside the renowned Griffith Park, Los Feliz has an evergreen hillside along one edge and a cozy atmosphere. It’s quieter and more casual than nearby Hollywood and Silver Lake.
Los Feliz is scattered with bookshops, independent stores, and relaxed bars and cafes. It makes a chilled base if you’re looking for a holiday rental as opposed to a hotel, and is perfect if you don’t want to be too far away from Hollywood.
Burbank for Affordable Accommodation
Highlights: Warner Bros. Studio, Magnolia Park, Martial Arts History Museum
Burbank is at the eastern edge of the San Fernando Valley. As the home of several film company headquarters, it’s a popular residential area for those in the movie and TV industry.
This neighborhood is a great place to find affordable accommodation. It offers easy access to Hollywood and Downtown, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking in Griffith Park. Nearby Glendale is also worth considering.
Malibu for Luxury Beach Breaks
Highlights: Malibu Pier, Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu is 20 miles along the coast from Santa Monica on Highway 1. Although it’s not technically in Los Angeles, it can make a brilliant base for those who want to relax by the beach and enjoy a luxurious vacation.
You’ll need a car to get around the Malibu area and to travel into LA for sightseeing. The drive along Highway 1 offers incredible views of the coastline and ocean, so it’s a journey you won’t mind making.
Brentwood for a Slow Pace
Highlights: The Getty Center
Nestled between Westwood and Santa Monica is Brentwood, a beautiful and affluent neighborhood that’s dotted with chic boutiques and trendy restaurants. The Getty Center — a hub of art and architecture and a popular tourist attraction — is also situated here.
Brentwood is a tranquil area with beautiful views of the Santa Monica mountains. There are limited hotel and guesthouse options here, so look outside the neighborhood’s official borders to find a peaceful play to stay nearby.
Pasadena for Chilled-Out Fun
Highlights: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena Flea Market, Eaton Canyon, Gamble House, Los Angeles County Arboretum
Pasadena is a calm environment that feels incredibly safe. It’s home to Cal Tech, Pasadena City College, and the Art Center College of Design, which means it has a high population of students. This gives it a fun and youthful atmosphere.
If you want to be away from the bustling city but with easy access to Downtown and Hollywood, Pasadena is a good option. It’s a great place for families to stay, and there are plenty of activities within a walkable distance.
Culver City for Trendy Travelers
Highlights: The Wende Museum, Baldwin Hills, Sony Pictures Studio
Just 10 minutes from Downtown, Culver City is a trendy and affordable base from which to explore LA. It’s also just 10 minutes from both Santa Monica and Marina del Rey for when you want a beach day.
Culver City has a rich filmmaking history and is a hub for businesses and young professionals. It has recently been revitalized by the opening of a slew of new boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants, so now is a fantastic time to visit.
Studio City for Hikers and Foodies
Highlights: Coldwater Canyon Open Space, Longridge Park, Dixie Canyon Park, Ventura Boulevard
Studio City is considered the Beverly Hills of San Fernando Valley, thanks to its beautiful parks and hiking trails, high-quality restaurants, and boutique shops. It has excellent nightlife with fun bars and gastropubs, and it’s home to some of California’s best sushi restaurants on Ventura Boulevard’s Sushi Row.
If you want a beautiful setting with plenty of hiking trails and great dining options, Studio City is a great base. Plus, it’s close to Hollywood, where all the action is.
Sherman Oaks for Small-Town Charm
Highlights: Westfield Fashion Square, Deervale-Stone Canyon Park, Fossil Ridge Park
Sherman Oaks is a quiet suburb popular with families. There’s lots of green space here; broad boulevards and timeless architecture give it a feeling of old LA. It’s also a great spot for shopping, thanks to its many high-end boutiques and malls.
For a small-town atmosphere with the convenience of the city, stay in Sherman Oaks. It’s northwest of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but its location at the convergence of freeways 101 and 405 makes it commutable to various parts of LA.
Find Your Favorite LA Neighborhood
Now you’ve got to grips with the best neighborhoods in LA for tourists; you can decide where in this lively city to stay to make the most of your trip.
Featured Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
