Los Angeles is extremely spread out, and crossing the city at rush hour can take hours. Decide first what you want to do (beaches, film sights, shopping, nightlife), then stay close to it.
Central: best for a first visit
- West Hollywood: between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, full of restaurants and bars, home to the famous Sunset Strip. Great for first-timers and nights out.
- Hollywood: the Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and close to the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios. Suits film fans; busy and noisy.
- Fairfax District: the Original Farmers Market, The Grove shopping centre, and close to LACMA and the museums on Museum Row. Suits museum lovers and food fans.
- Beverly Hills: luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, high-end hotels and quiet, tidy streets. Suits a treat-yourself trip; expensive.
Coast: sun, sea and sunsets
- Santa Monica: a wide beach, Santa Monica Pier with its Ferris wheel, and the Third Street Promenade. Good for families and beach lovers.
- Venice Beach: a boardwalk full of street performers, a skate park, the Venice Canals and quirky shops on Abbot Kinney. A free-spirited vibe.
- Marina del Rey / Playa del Rey: a yacht harbour with many waterfront rooms, calmer than Venice and close to the airport.
- South Bay: the beach towns of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, with a relaxed pace. Suits a beach break, far from central sights.
Other areas
- Downtown LA: Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad museum, Crypto.com Arena and many historic buildings. Suits business trips or sports fans; some blocks feel empty at night, so stay alert.
- Silver Lake: a creative area with coffee shops, small bars and independent stores. Suits travellers who want a young, local feel.
- Culver City: between the centre and the beach, with lots of restaurants and the Sony Pictures studios. Handy for heading in several directions.
- LAX airport area: plenty of budget-friendly hotels, convenient for early flights or a one-night layover, but few sights nearby.
Getting around
- LA depends heavily on cars. Renting a car or using Uber/Lyft is the most common way to get around; avoid main roads during the morning and evening rush.
- The Metro B Line links Hollywood with Downtown, and the E Line links Downtown with Santa Monica, useful if you stay near those stations.
- If you rent a car, check your hotel's parking fee in advance, as many charge extra.