Hollywood, the best area to stay in Los Angeles
Tourist Attractions / Entertainment / Nightlife
Hollywood is perfect for anyone who wants a classic movie star experience. Having deeply rooted connections to the entertainment industry, Hollywood is the ideal location for music, comedy, and live performance aficionados. Home to the Fonda Theatre, Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Palladium, and Hollywood Bowl, visitors are sure to find performances from artists big, small, and anywhere in between. If you prefer laughing to singing, there are many comedy clubs in the area like the Laugh Factory, or even the Jimmy Kimmel Live! set.
After an entertainment filled night, visitors can recharge during the day by strolling along the Walk of Fame to find the stars of their favorite celebrities or hike in Runyon Canyon. While it is a steep trail, Runyon Canyon leads to spectacular views of the city. Another popular option is to explore the different trails throughout the Hollywood Hills to enjoy the green and get an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign.
Hotels in Hollywood
Other areas to stay in LA
Santa Monica
Beaches / Shopping / Dining
A lively neighborhood on the Southern Californian Coast, Santa Monica is one of the most versatile places to stay in Los Angeles. Located within its 3.5 mile stretch of coastline is the iconic Santa Monica Pier equipped with a rollercoaster, ferris wheel, and other carnival games. Visiting the pier during the day or at night is sure to delight any visitor looking to have fun. Just 3 blocks away from the pier is 3rd Street Promenade, a closed off street where visitors can walk freely in and out of shops.
The blocks surrounding the promenade are filled with even more stores and restaurants. In the evening, this area comes alive as many bars and higher end restaurants on First Street overlook the ocean and provide their guests with a perfect view of the sun setting. This busy community has an active nightlife and commonly hosts bar crawls.
Hotels in Santa Monica
Beverly Hills
Luxury Travelers / High End Budgets
Known as the home to movie stars, a stay in Beverly Hills will truly make any visitor feel like one. Close to the mansions of celebrities, there are various bus tours that travel along the beautiful streets of Beverly Hills and point out the homes of the world’s top stars. After touring the neighborhood, visitors can continue the luxury treatment at Rodeo Drive. Here, luxury designer stores line the streets as well as boutique salons and 5 star Michelin restaurants.
A cheaper option can include spending the day at the Beverly Gardens Park to take pictures at the Beverly Hills sign, visiting the Greystone Mansion to feel like a millionaire, or sitting poolside at The Beverly Hills Hotel. A luxurious stay in this neighborhood is definitely on the higher end of a budget, but you are sure to leave feeling, looking, and dressing like your favorite stars.
Hotels in Beverly Hills
Downtown Los Angeles
History / Culture / Sports-Lovers
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is an ideal spot for visitors who want to maximize their time without a car. Close to Union Station, the metro system allow for easy travel to the outskirts of the neighborhood or the rest of the city. Visitors, however, do not have to leave DTLA to enjoy their stay. Surrounded by historical architecture, a popular activity includes walking around and admiring the buildings or newer structures like the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Art lovers also have an array of museums to choose from, such at the Broad, Grammy Museum, and the MoMA, to name a few. Sports fans can watch a baseball game at Dodger stadium or sit court side at a Lakers or Clippers game at crypto.com Arena. Foodies can also take the opportunity to visit Chinatown and Little Tokyo for authentic dishes or go to rooftop restaurants to enjoy a meal with an equally impressive view.
Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles
West Hollywood
Nightlife / Young Crowd / Hipster
A vibrant community known for its nightlife and fashion scene, West Hollywood is the trendiest neighborhood in Los Angeles. The streets are lined with restaurants ranging from fast food to those owned and operated by celebrities, so every budget can be accommodated. Aside from food, West Hollywood is known for the fashion trends that originate on Melrose Avenue. This district hosts a weekly flea market, the Melrose Trading Post, which opens its doors every Sunday.
At night, this neighborhood flourishes with brightly lit bars and clubs. The two most popular strips of bars are located on Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. A stay on Sunset Boulevard can be pricy, but is comes with amazing views of the city and offers the convenience of having shops and restaurants be walking distance. Having an optimal location within Los Angeles, public transport makes this area well connected to Hollywood, the city center, and the beaches.
Hotels in West Hollywood
Beverly Grove
Families / Shops / Dining / Art
Centrally located, Beverly Grove is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Los Angeles. Near the Grove, which is on the East side of the neighborhood, there are many shopping and dining experiences. On the Southern end, visitors can walk around the La Brea area to enjoy the museums and free art instillations open to the public, such as LACMA, the Academy Museum, and a section of the Berlin Wall. Towards the South, travelers can spend the day at the California Science Museum or watch a soccer game at the Banc of California Stadium.
To escape the city, visitors can go West towards Santa Monica, or North towards the Pacific Palisades for some hiking. Beverly Grove itself is pedestrian friendly and there is good walking access to the shopping and dining precincts. Public transportation means it is easy to get to these surrounding areas of Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
Hotels in Beverly Grove
Marina Del Rey
Waterfront / Businessmen / Relaxation / Water Sports
Next to the airport, Marina Del Rey is ideal for travelers who are only in the area for a short amount of time or want a peaceful stay. As a popular suburban neighborhood, traffic can get congested during commuting hours, making it a time commitment to get to any of the main sights. Luckily there are many fun things to do around the area. Since this area is occupied by more locals than travelers, the beaches tend to be less congested than the likes of Santa Monica and Venice.
In addition to the beaches, kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent at the marina, which is home to many seals who lounge on the docks. Another athletic excursion is to walk or cycle around the harbor on the paved paths, which provide stunning views of the ocean. Visitors looking for more entertainment can purchase theatre or sports tickets from Loyola Marymount University.
Hotels in Marina Del Rey
Westwood
Travelers on a Budget / College Culture
A lesser known gem of Los Angeles, Westwood has a lot to offer visitors on a budget. Home to UCLA, there are many cheap and free events open to the public, such as sports games, its observatory, or access to its campus which famously transforms into TV and movie sets. Outside of its neighboring campus, Westwood is home to a weekly farmers market on Thursdays and periodically hosts movie premieres at its historic Fox Theatre.
The student population means excursions in this area are cheaper than other areas in Los Angeles. Public transportation is also conveniently located throughout the neighborhood and connects to other exciting destinations such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. To the North is the famous Getty Center which grants visitors free admission and promises amazing art and views of the rest of Los Angeles. At night, visitors can head to Sawtelle for authentic Japanese food and great karaoke.
Hotels in Westwood
LAX
Travelers / Businessmen
Choosing to stay near the airport may be convenient for travelers who are only in Los Angeles for a short amount of time, as it can be a more expensive option. Since LAX is located in between suburban neighborhoods, there are less excursions for travelers, so it will take more time and money to reach the main tourist destinations. Luckily, the recently opened SoFi stadium is only 3 miles East of the airport. Here, travelers can enjoy a football game with either of the Los Angeles NFL teams: the Chargers or the Rams.
For non-sports fans, the stadium also serves as a venue for well known singers. Alternatively, directly North of the airport is a conveniently located In-N-Out, California’s famous burger establishment. Here travelers can try the food while they watch airplanes fly in and out of LAX, narrowly passing the iconic In-N-Out sign and creating the perfect picture opportunity.
Hotels in LAX
Manhattan Beach
Beach Goers / Dining / Boutiques / Marine / Life
For those looking for an ocean getaway, look no further than Manhattan Beach. Further South than Santa Monica and Venice, Manhattan Beach has substantially smaller crowds, making for an easier time finding parking and a spot to sunbathe. While enjoying the beach, travelers can walk down Manhattan Beach’s pier and visit the Roundhouse Aquarium to learn more about and observe the marine life native to the area.
Stretching alongside the beach, there is a paved sidewalk known as The Strand where visitors can walk, skate, or cycle without worrying about cars or beach goers. In addition to the spectacular water front, the downtown area is lined with trees, restaurants, and boutiques where shoppers are sure to find every sort of cuisine and store imaginable. When it comes time to leave and visit other tourist sights, you’ll find that Manhattan beach is conveniently located near the major freeways and LAX, making commutes seamless.
Hotels in Manhattan Beach
Redondo Beach
Beach Goers / Golfers / Shops / Comedy Clubs
Ideal for travelers who appreciate California’s natural diversity, Redondo Beach is the perfect destination. Located at the base of the Palos Verdes hills in the South Bay, you will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes on and off land. Here, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the stunning golf courses in Rancho Palos Verdes where the courses are built on the cliffs overlooking the water. Within Redondo beach, travelers are sure to enjoy the beaches and naturally occurring lagoons, which are ideal for weaker swimmers.
On the pier and in the downtown area, there are plenty of restaurants with fresh sea food. At an affordable price, Redondo Beach has a lot to offer its visitors, especially its location. Just a couple miles North is Hermosa Beach, where visitors can stop by the Pier Plaza to enjoy the nightlife, including The Comedy and Magic Club which features well known comedic personalities each Sunday night.
Hotels in Redondo Beach
Venice Beach
Culture and Creativity / Skaters / Sporty Crowds
Overflowing with colorful murals, unique shops, and street performers, visitors are sure to create memories in Venice Beach. Just 7 miles North of the airport, travelers looking for sunshine can skate or stroll along the Venice Boardwalk and catch the fresh ocean breeze. Intermediate or professional skaters can take their skills to the skate park on the beach and admire the view while they practice. Those looking for entertainment will discover that the boardwalk is full of street dancers, musicians, and artists that are sure to capture anyone’s attention.
Equally impressive is the strength on display at Muscle Beach. While visitors are welcome to watch, they can also participate if they feel up to the challenge. Travelers who prefer concrete over sand can spend their time on Abbot Kinney Boulevard going in and out of boutiques, bars, and restaurants; or, to put two trips into one, visit the Venice Canals to be transported to Venice, Italy.
Hotels in Venice Beach
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