10 Best Neighborhoods of Los Angeles For Visitors To Stay In

Visitors and tourist arriving to Los Angeles have lots of options when choosing the best area to stay when visiting the city. Los Angeles is a sprawling city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience. Whether you're looking for beachside relaxation, cultural immersion, or a taste of the city's glamorous lifestyle, there's a perfect spot for every type of traveler in LA.

Best L.A. Neighborhoods For Tourist

Traffic Warning

Decide what you want to do when visiting the city, and then choosing the neighborhood that is centrally located to those attractions is very important for a city of this size and how horrible LA traffic is. If you choose not to plan your visit to Los Angeles in this manner, you may never want to return due to the traffic.

Lets dive into the best areas of Los Angeles to help you plan your trip.

Hollywood – Iconic and Bustling

Hollywood is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. Staying in this iconic area puts you close to famous attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Bowl. It's a bustling neighborhood full of energy, offering a mix of tourist hotspots, historic theaters, and vibrant nightlife. If you're looking to experience the quintessential LA scene, Hollywood is the place to be.

Highlights

• Vibe: Iconic, bustling, and lively.
• Good for: First-time visitors, movie buffs, and nightlife enthusiasts.
• Transport: Well-connected by Metro Red Line, buses, and close to freeways.
• Accommodation: Luxury hotels, boutique inns, and budget-friendly options.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Walking distance
• Griffith Observatory: 15 minutes by car
• Universal Studios Hollywood: 10 minutes by car

Santa Monica – Beachy and Relaxed

Santa Monica offers a laid-back beach vibe with the convenience of a bustling city. It's known for its iconic pier, beautiful sandy beaches, and vibrant shopping scene along the Third Street Promenade. Staying in Santa Monica gives you access to stunning ocean views, outdoor activities, and a variety of dining options. It's an ideal spot for those looking to combine beach relaxation with urban amenities.

Highlights

• Vibe: Beachy, relaxed, and vibrant.
• Good for: Beach lovers, families, and those seeking a coastal atmosphere.
• Transport: Accessible by car, bike, and the Metro Expo Line.
• Accommodation: Beachfront hotels, luxury resorts, and boutique inns.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Santa Monica Pier: Walking distance
• Venice Beach: 10 minutes by car
• Getty Center: 20 minutes by car

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) – Urban and Cultural

Downtown Los Angeles has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, becoming a vibrant hub of culture, art, and entertainment. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, and the historic Grand Central Market. DTLA offers a blend of modern skyscrapers, historic architecture, and a thriving food and nightlife scene. It's perfect for travelers who enjoy an urban environment with plenty to see and do.

Highlights

• Vibe: Urban, cultural, and trendy.
• Good for: Culture enthusiasts, foodies, and those who love city life.
• Transport: Well-connected by Metro lines, buses, and the Metrolink.
• Accommodation: Luxury hotels, boutique inns, and modern apartments.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• The Broad Museum: Walking distance
• LA Live / Staples Center: Walking distance
• Little Tokyo: 10 minutes by foot

West Hollywood – Trendy and Glamorous

West Hollywood (WeHo) is known for its trendy atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and celebrity sightings. It's a hotspot for shopping, dining, and entertainment, featuring the famous Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue, and a plethora of chic boutiques and bars. Staying in West Hollywood gives you access to a lively scene with plenty of stylish cafes, rooftop bars, and music venues.

Highlights

• Vibe: Trendy, glamorous, and vibrant.
• Good for: Nightlife enthusiasts, shoppers, and those looking for a stylish experience.
• Transport: Best explored on foot or by car; rideshare services are widely available.
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and stylish apartments.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Sunset Strip: Walking distance
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: 10 minutes by car
• Beverly Hills: 10 minutes by car

Beverly Hills – Luxurious and Upscale

Beverly Hills is the epitome of luxury and sophistication, known for its opulent mansions, high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive, and world-class dining. It's an ideal spot for those seeking an upscale experience in Los Angeles, offering a blend of glamour and exclusivity. While Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury, it also has charming streets and public parks, providing a quieter, more refined atmosphere.

Highlights

• Vibe: Luxurious, upscale, and glamorous.
• Good for: Luxury travelers, shoppers, and those seeking a refined experience.
• Transport: Best explored by car; rideshare services and parking are readily available.
• Accommodation: Luxury hotels, boutique inns, and high-end vacation rentals.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Rodeo Drive: Walking distance
• The Getty Center: 20 minutes by car
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: 20 minutes by car

Venice Beach – Bohemian and Eclectic

Venice Beach is known for its bohemian spirit, artistic culture, and vibrant boardwalk. It's a unique blend of beach life and urban art scene, offering an eclectic mix of street performers, murals, and funky shops. Staying in Venice Beach gives you a laid-back vibe with easy access to the beach, the famous Venice Canals, and the lively Abbot Kinney Boulevard with its trendy boutiques and eateries.

Highlights

• Vibe: Bohemian, eclectic, and vibrant.
• Good for: Artists, beach lovers, and those seeking a unique, laid-back atmosphere.
• Transport: Accessible by car, bike, and walking; parking can be challenging.
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels, beachfront inns, and vacation rentals.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Venice Beach Boardwalk: Walking distance
• Santa Monica Pier: 10 minutes by car
• Muscle Beach: Walking distance

Santa Monica – Beachy and Relaxed

Santa Monica offers a laid-back beach vibe with the convenience of a bustling city. It's known for its iconic pier, beautiful sandy beaches, and vibrant shopping scene along the Third Street Promenade. Staying in Santa Monica gives you access to stunning ocean views, outdoor activities, and a variety of dining options. It's an ideal spot for those looking to combine beach relaxation with urban amenities.

Highlights

• Vibe: Beachy, relaxed, and vibrant.
• Good for: Beach lovers, families, and those seeking a coastal atmosphere.
• Transport: Accessible by car, bike, and the Metro Expo Line.
• Accommodation: Beachfront hotels, luxury resorts, and boutique inns.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Santa Monica Pier: Walking distance
• Venice Beach: 10 minutes by car
• Getty Center: 20 minutes by car

Silver Lake – Hip and Artsy

Silver Lake is one of LA's trendiest neighborhoods, known for its hipster vibe, indie music scene, and eclectic mix of coffee shops, vintage stores, and trendy eateries. The area is also home to the scenic Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers walking and jogging paths. It's a great spot for those who enjoy a more relaxed, artsy environment with plenty of character and charm.

Highlights

• Vibe: Hip, artsy, and eclectic.
• Good for: Young travelers, artists, and those seeking a laid-back, creative scene.
• Transport: Best explored by car; public transit options are available but limited.
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels, stylish apartments, and vacation rentals.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Griffith Observatory: 15 minutes by car
• Echo Park: 10 minutes by car
• Hollywood: 15 minutes by car

Malibu – Scenic and Luxurious

Malibu is synonymous with stunning coastal views, luxury beach houses, and a serene, laid-back atmosphere. It's a favorite spot for those looking for a more tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with beautiful beaches like Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach. Malibu offers upscale dining, boutique shopping, and easy access to outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and wine tasting.

Highlights

• Vibe: Scenic, luxurious, and tranquil.
• Good for: Couples, luxury travelers, and nature enthusiasts.
• Transport: Best explored by car; limited public transit options.
• Accommodation: Luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and beachfront vacation rentals.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Zuma Beach: Walking distance
• Malibu Pier: 15 minutes by car
• Getty Villa: 30 minutes by car

Culver City – Central and Creative

Culver City is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its thriving arts scene, film studios, and central location. It's a great base for exploring LA, offering a more relaxed, suburban feel while still being close to major attractions. The area is home to art galleries, trendy restaurants, and the historic Sony Pictures Studios, making it an excellent choice for culture enthusiasts and those seeking a more local experience.

Highlights

• Vibe: Creative, central, and relaxed.
• Good for: Culture enthusiasts, foodies, and those seeking a central location.
• Transport: Accessible by car and the Metro Expo Line.
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels, modern apartments, and budget-friendly options.

Distance to Popular Attractions:

• Sony Pictures Studios: Walking distance
• Santa Monica: 20 minutes by car
• Downtown LA: 20 minutes by car

Los Angeles offers a variety of neighborhoods, each catering to different preferences and travel styles. Whether you're in LA for the beaches, the culture, or the luxury, this city is one worth exploring so long as you do it correctly.