Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Los Angeles?
By Sarah Mejia. Updated January 2026
Famously known as the City of Stars, Los Angeles is a glamour-filled travel destination that offers far more than red carpets and movie premieres. Home to the Hollywood Hills and the Walk of Fame, visitors often feel surrounded by celebrity culture, whether attending a film screening, exploring iconic neighborhoods, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Los Angeles is rich in attractions and experiences. Travelers can tour major film studios such as Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, or Warner Bros., admire world-class museums like The Getty Center, LACMA, or The Broad, or enjoy the city’s year-round sunshine by hiking scenic trails and relaxing on its famous beaches. With its size and diversity, LA offers something for every type of traveler.
Hollywood is the best area to stay in Los Angeles, particularly for first-time visitors. As the historic heart of the entertainment industry, Hollywood is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can explore the TCL Chinese Theatre, attend a show at the Dolby Theatre, or spend a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where many of the world’s most famous films and TV shows are produced. Thanks to its popularity, Hollywood is well connected by public transport, making it easy to reach other parts of the city via the Metro.
On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Los Angeles, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
Practical Information for Visiting Los Angeles
-
Country: United States
-
State: California
-
Currency: US Dollar ($)
-
Language: English
-
Best time to visit:
- March to May and September to November for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
-
Main airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
-
Getting around: Car recommended; Metro and buses available in central areas
-
Safety: Generally safe in tourist areas; standard precautions advised, especially at night
Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Quick Overview
- Hollywood → Best for first-time visitors, attractions & nightlife
- Santa Monica → Beach, shopping & dining
- Beverly Hills → Luxury & designer shopping
- Downtown Los Angeles → Culture, museums & transport hub
- Venice Beach → Creative vibe & beachfront culture
Related destinations: San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas
Hollywood, the Best Area to Stay in Los Angeles
Tourist Attractions / Entertainment / Nightlife
Hollywood is ideal for travelers seeking a classic Los Angeles experience. Deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, this neighborhood is a hub for music, comedy, and live performances. Venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Pantages Theatre, Fonda Theatre, and Hollywood Palladium regularly host concerts, Broadway shows, and international artists.
Comedy lovers can enjoy legendary venues like the Laugh Factory, while TV fans may even attend live tapings such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! During the day, visitors often stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, searching for the stars of their favorite celebrities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Runyon Canyon offers one of the most popular urban hikes in the city. Although the trail is steep, it rewards hikers with panoramic views of Los Angeles. Other trails in the Hollywood Hills provide scenic routes with clear views of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Other Areas to Stay in Los Angeles
Santa Monica (15 miles / 24 km from Hollywood)
Beaches / Shopping / Dining
Located along a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) stretch of coastline, Santa Monica is one of the most versatile and popular areas to stay in Los Angeles. Its famous Santa Monica Pier, complete with an amusement park and Ferris wheel, is a favorite attraction both day and night.
Just a few blocks inland, the Third Street Promenade offers a pedestrian-only shopping street filled with stores, cafés, and street performers. In the evenings, restaurants and bars along Ocean Avenue and First Street provide stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
Beverly Hills (7 miles / 11 km from Hollywood)
Luxury Travelers / High-End Budgets
Synonymous with luxury, Beverly Hills offers an exclusive experience. Visitors can join guided tours of celebrity homes, stroll through manicured streets, or shop along the world-famous Rodeo Drive, lined with designer boutiques and upscale restaurants.
Those looking for free attractions can visit Beverly Gardens Park, the Beverly Hills Sign, or explore the historic Greystone Mansion. While accommodation here is among the most expensive in Los Angeles, the neighborhood offers unmatched elegance and prestige.
Downtown Los Angeles (8 miles / 13 km from Hollywood)
Culture / History / Sports
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is ideal for travelers who prefer public transport and cultural attractions. Close to Union Station, it provides excellent connections to the rest of the city. Visitors can admire architectural landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall or explore museums like The Broad and the GRAMMY Museum.
Sports fans can catch games at Dodger Stadium or Crypto.com Arena, while food lovers will enjoy nearby Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles
Venice Beach (17 miles / 27 km from Hollywood)
Culture / Creativity / Beach Life
Known for its alternative spirit, Venice Beach is filled with street performers, murals, and unique shops. The Venice Boardwalk is always lively, while the famous Muscle Beach and beachfront skate park attract athletes and spectators alike.
For a calmer experience, visitors can explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard or stroll through the scenic Venice Canals, inspired by their Italian namesake.
Related Destinations
If you are interested in where to stay in Los Angeles, you may also want to explore San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Las Vegas.
Our recommended hotels in Los Angeles
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Los AngelesNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
