Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and where you base yourself will shape how much of it you actually see. The city spreads from the Pacific coast through the Los Angeles Basin, over the Santa Monica Mountains and north into the San Fernando Valley, so distances between areas are real and traffic is a constant factor in any plan.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between the sightseeing hubs of Hollywood and the Sunset Strip, the business and cultural core of Downtown, the polished streets of Beverly Hills, the beach cities of Santa Monica and Venice, and quieter alternatives such as Pasadena, Burbank and Long Beach. This guide covers which areas suit which kind of trip, and what to expect from each.
Best areas to stay in Los Angeles
1. Hollywood and the Sunset Strip
These are the most popular areas for visitors who want to sightsee and be close to the version of Los Angeles they already know from film and television. You will find a wide range of accommodation here, from budget options to higher-end places.
This area suits first-time visitors who want to be near the classic sights. It is one of the most convenient bases for a short trip built around sightseeing.
2. Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown has long been popular with the business crowd, and it is receiving a makeover with newer hotels drawing a younger, trendier crowd. It is also evolving as a cultural center, with a major showcase of architecture designed by Frank Gehry.
It suits travellers who want a central base with a growing hotel scene and easy access to the city's core. If you plan to move around the city, check how your accommodation handles parking before you arrive.
3. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills has some of the nicest hotels in the city, and prices reflect its reputation. It suits visitors who want a polished, upscale base and are prepared to pay for it.
Expect higher rates than most other areas. It works well if your plans centre on the west side of the city rather than on Downtown or the Valley.
4. Santa Monica and Venice
These are the choices for sun and sand seekers. Both put you on the coast, with beach access and a different pace from the inland districts.
They suit visitors who want the ocean as part of the trip rather than a day excursion. Be aware that staying on the coast puts you some distance from inland sights, so plan your transport accordingly.
5. Pasadena
To the northeast of Downtown, Pasadena is a peaceful and leafy city. It is a good alternative base that is still close to many major attractions.
It suits travellers who prefer a calmer setting while keeping reasonable access to the city's sights. It is a practical option if you have a car.
6. Burbank
Burbank has many places to stay that are convenient to the Valley. It suits visitors whose plans focus on the San Fernando Valley rather than the central city or the coast.
Consider it if your itinerary leans toward the Valley side of the metropolitan area.
7. Long Beach
Long Beach offers plenty of cheaper accommodations on the south side of the city. It suits budget-conscious travellers who do not mind being away from the central districts.
It is a practical base if you are watching costs and are prepared to travel to reach the main sights.
8. Suburbs near LAX
If you are in town for only a day or two, staying in one of the suburbs near LAX can make sense. These areas suit short-stay and transit-focused travellers rather than those planning a full sightseeing itinerary.
This is a convenient choice when your priority is the airport rather than the city itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and cheaper accommodations, with Long Beach noted for plenty of cheaper options on the south side of the city.
- Mid-range: apartment-hotel crash pads and a broad range of standard hotels spread across the main visitor areas.
- Splurge: some of the most opulent and expensive hotels in the world, with Beverly Hills holding some of the nicest hotels in the city and prices to match its reputation.
Best area for a first visit
Hollywood and the Sunset Strip are the most popular choice for first-time visitors who want to sightsee and be close to the Los Angeles they picture before arriving. The area gives you a familiar frame of reference and a wide spread of accommodation. If your trip is built around business or the city's cultural core instead, Downtown is the stronger base.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Los Angeles?
A car opens up a world of options in Southern California, but check the parking arrangement at your accommodation before you arrive. Where you stay will have a lot to do with which areas you plan to visit and how you intend to get there.
Which area is best if I want to be near the beach?
Sun and sand seekers should head to Santa Monica or Venice. Both put you on the coast, though they are some distance from the inland sights.
Where can I find cheaper accommodation?
Long Beach offers plenty of cheaper accommodations on the south side of the city. Budget hostels also exist across Los Angeles, and the suburbs near LAX are worth considering for very short stays.
Is Downtown a good base for a visitor?
Downtown has long been popular with the business crowd and is receiving a makeover with newer hotels drawing a hipper crowd. It is also evolving as a cultural center, which makes it a reasonable base for visitors interested in the city's core.
Compare live prices for your chosen area with the booking tools on this page before you commit.