Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Our Favorite L.A. Hotels

For luxury accommodation: The 5-star hotel The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, USA is highly rated.

• 4-star: JW Marriott (Downtown)
• 3-Oro” hotel
in Kini • For couples: Kimpton La Peer
• The Fairmont Miramar is well-suited for families. Click here for details • Beach: Shutters • Casa del Mar
• Hotel swimming pool: Beverly Hills
• Near LAX airport: Hyatt Regency
• Disneyland: JW Marriott
• Universal Studios: Hilton

a large building with palm trees and palm trees

Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is an enormous city of unique, well-defined neighborhoods that can feel like large cities themselves. And since the finest things to do in LA are spread throughout the city and its suburbs, there isn’t one best part of town to stay in. LA has neighborhoods for almost any interest, whether beaches, high-end shopping, celebrity sightings, art galleries, nightlife, or food. Accordingly, the top hotels in Los Angeles are not focused in one specific neighborhood. It’s easy to find great accommodations ranging from budget to luxury in most areas of Los Angeles.

people standing on top of a sandy beach

Downtown Los Angeles represents the historic and financial heart of the city, packed with artistic and cultural attractions, such as the renowned Grand Central Market food court, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and most of the theaters. It’s also the central hub of the city’s public transportation (including the Metro), making day trips reasonably straightforward.

Hollywood is a significant tourist hub in its own right; this is where you’ll find Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood sign, Hollywood Boulevard, and many of the nightclubs. If traveling by car, Hollywood makes for a more central location from which to explore the region.

South of Hollywood you’ll find additional neighborhoods that include Larchmont Village, Wilshire District, and the Fairfax District. In these areas, you’ll discover the Original Farmers Market,The Grove shopping center, as well as numerous streets occupied with stores and restaurants, such as Beverly Blvd, Fairfax Blvd, 3rd Street, and Melrose Blvd.

Situated west of Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood are the upscale residential zones of West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beachside communities in Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu. Renowned for nightlife and shopping opportunities with many bars and music venues, West Hollywood offers a reasonably central locale for exploring the entire city while maintaining safety. Forming its northwest boundary is the Sunset Strip, also known for evening entertainment. Beverly Hills is home to pricey hotels as expected as well as attractions such as the famed Beverly Hills Hotel and high-end shopping along Rodeo Drive, while creative neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake foster experiences immersing in the local flavor rather than sightseeing. Renowned for California beach culture, Santa Monica and Venice present ideal venues to soak up seaside living yet remain quite distant from cultural sites inland. Affluent Malibu, further west along the coastline, offers itself as a stand-alone destination, making a relaxed daytrip but too far removed from the heart of LA to serve as a base for exploring the remainder of the city.”

At the southern terminus, Long Beach and San Pedro astonish with family-friendly attractions, though the lengthy commutes from the remainder of LA are similarly tedious.

Beyond the boundaries of the primary city, Los Angeles County is a widespread metro region and incorporates numerous communities, towns, and neighborhoods. There are some locations on the eastern side of LA that are also deserving of exploration like Silverlake, a unique neighborhood understood more as an artist`s enclave with more obscure nightclubs and bars, and Los Feliz, where you’ll find the LA Zoo,Griffith Observatory, and Griffith Park. West of the Cahuenga Pass and over the hill from Hollywood you’ll find Studio City and the beginning of the San Fernando Valley or simply “the Valley,” home to the famous movie studios of Burbank and Universal City, while the San Gabriel Valley is anchored by historic Pasadena, a fun city to explore in its own right. To the south, Orange County features the ever-popular Disneyland in Anaheim.

Traditionally, driving was the most popular method for navigating LA. However, traffic congestion is routinely severe for much of the day, diminishing driving`s speed advantages. Public transportation options have fortunately grown stronger, meaning driving is no longer invariably the swiftest choice for inter-district travel. We still advise renting a car to visit outlying LA locations (the Valley, Malibu, Orange County) – vehicle rentals in LA are straightforward and cost-competitive against repeated taxi or Uber fares thanks to the city`s extensive sprawl. LA`s metro system excellently and safely serves many key areas, with Union Station in Downtown LA functioning as the central hub: the Gold Line extends to Pasadena, the Red Line runs through Hollywood, the Purple Line connects to Koreatown (near Miracle Mile), and the Expo Line reaches Exposition Park/USC, West LA and Santa Monica. Single fares are a fixed $1.75 or $7 permits day-long usage. DASH buses offer localized routes throughout Downtown LA – they presently charge no fare.

The weather conditions in Los Angeles are typically dry and sunny for most of the annual cycle. Average maximum temperatures are in the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) during the summer months and low 20s°C (low-70s°F) in winter, making it an excellent vacation spot at any time of the year. The period between mid-September through mid-October is one of the best times to find spectacular atmospheric conditions and good prices on accommodations as the summer crowds have departed. Spring is the rainiest season in Los Angeles and the most unpredictable in terms of weather, although rainfall will rarely last for over a few hours on any given day.

One factor to note when visiting Los Angeles is the importance of booking hotels early. Many sporting events, conferences, and conventions take place year-round, such as the prestigious Grammys and Academy Awards ceremonies. Reserving a hotel during these events or in the summer should be done 3 to 4 months in advance. For less busy seasons, try to make reservations at least one month before your arrival date.

Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

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Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for…

  • Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles to Stay for First Timers: Hollywood and Santa Monica
    While Los Angeles has many lodging options for first-time visitors, choosing a hotel near popular attractions makes touring the large, traffic-filled city more practical. Those wishing to experience Hollywood or the beach generally favor hotels in those areas. Guests desiring beach time often select Santa Monica, rewarded with a magnificent, public walking/biking trail stretching to hip Venice Beach with stunning sunsets daily. Santa Monica`s downtown offers cozy lodgings near excellent dining, shopping and public transportation downtown and beyond. The well-known Santa Monica Pier boasts family entertainment like a small aquarium and arcade at the terminus of venerable Route 66, famously marked at the entry. Inland lies breezy Santa Monica Place, an outdoor mall brimming with eateries and boutiques. However, touring the full scope of LA requires time and effort whether by automobile or public transit from Santa Monica

    Hollywood is another excellent location to establish your home base. Its central position means easier access to the city`s attractions (public transportation also runs here). Of course, there is the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood sign, and the crowded Hollywood Boulevard packed with famous eateries, the Walk of Fame, and family-friendly museums. It’s also near Universal Studios,Griffith Park and Observatory,Los Angeles Zoo,Paramount Studios, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, home of “movie under the stars” by Cinespia. The downside: Hollywood is easily the most touristy area in LA, and can still be a little rough around the edges at night beyond the main street.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Nightlife: Hollywood and West Hollywood
    There exists a considerable assortment of clubs and lounges spread all through Los Angeles however Hollywood and West Hollywood are the pinnacle nightlife hotspots with a wide selection of bars and music venues. Hollywood boasts a few of LA’s most iconic gathering places, like the reputable Musso & Frank Grill, the venerable Boardner’s, the trendy Burgundy Room, the notable Formosa Café and the Frolic Room (at 6245 Hollywood Blvd, the oldest dive bar in LA established in 1930). Higher end alternatives involve the fashionable bars and poolside lounges found in hotels like the W Hollywood and Hollywood Roosevelt. There’s also live comedy presented at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and Second City, and live bands at Amoeba Music and Hotel Café. Hollywood is also LA’s club hotspot with Avalon Hollywood and Sound as dependable options. Throughout the year you’ll discover live music at various clubs, thought many don`t get started until after 9:00 pm

    Just a brief taxi ride away is West Hollywood, where the legendary Sunset Strip is home to iconic live music venues like The Roxy,Whisky a Go-Go and Johnny Depp’s Viper Room (opened by Johnny Depp), with Troubador nearby, comedy clubs such as the Comedy Store, and the LGBT-friendly strip along Santa Monica Boulevard.

a large crowd of people watching a basketball gamea man flying through the air while riding a skateboard

  • Top Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Food and Fun: Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Downtown, and Silver Lake
    Discover upscale dining options in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Some establishments not to miss include Nate ‘n Al’s,Maude, and Spago in Beverly Hills. For brunch, head to The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel

    For the newest high-rated restaurants in the city, Santa Monica offers spread across the neighborhood there’s Pasjoli,Birdie G’s,Colapasta,Melisse, and Socalo. In addition to classics such as Father’s Office, and Red O from Rick Bayless. Also in Santa Monica, check out Forma.Fia is your top choice for brunch near the beach.

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    “(119)” Breidenbacher HofHotel Kö59Hotel Villa AchenbachHyatt RegencyLiving Hotel De MediciRadisson Blu Media HarbourSteigenberger ParkhotelThe Wellem

    • For a more indigenous experience with fresh local cuisine that also offers reasonable pricing, Silver Lake is recommended. Within a convenient range are All Day Baby,Dayglow, the popular Filipino bistro Spoon & Pork, and Taiwanese small plates can be found at Pine & Crane. Silver Lake is best appreciated from elsewhere, as lodging options are limited, though Silver Lake Pool & Inn provides an excellent boutique experience.

    That said, Los Angeles is known for its food, and the best restaurants are scattered throughout the city. Los Angeles has the only official Thai Town in the US, situated in East Hollywood. Nearby are the bakeries and kebabs of Little Armenia, located between Los Feliz and Silver Lake. The Fairfax area is home to one of the top delicatessens in the city, Canters, as well as the Original Farmers Market dating back to 1934 and offering over 100 specialty grocery and food kiosks.

  • Best Precinct in Los Angeles for Families: Santa Monica
    This seaside town has some great resort hotels and, of course, the very fun Santa Monica Pier. The pier has been the backdrop for numerous movies and television shows and has restaurants, street performers, and the Pacific Park amusement park which is packed with rides, games, food, and all kinds of family entertainment. At the end of the Santa Monica Pier is a marker that signifies the conclusion of the legendary American Route 66 highway. Beyond the pier is a wide stretch of beautiful sandy coastline and an excellent path for walking and cycling.
  • Most Romantic Parts of Los Angeles: Malibu and Santa Monica
    Some of the finest and most opulent hotels in the world can be found all throughout Los Angeles and can set the stage for a truly romantic getaway. Los Angeles offers a variety of romantic activities throughout the city, including attending a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, visiting the Griffith Observatory at night to gaze at the stars, taking in a sunset from the cliffs in Malibu, and brunch at the Polo Club. For a honeymoon or romantic escape, it’s difficult to outdo Malibu with its exclusive beachfront hotels, laidback vibes, and upscale restaurants like Nobu. It’s not all tremendously expensive though – enjoy sunset drinks at an ocean-facing Paradise Cove Beach Café or a view of the “Queen’s Necklace” at surf and Hawaiian-themed Duke’s Malibu. Inland there are numerous parks and trails to wander – Malibu Creek State Park contains the remains of the MAS*H TV show set – and a growing number of small wineries to sample, among them Cornell Winery & Tasting Room and Malibu Rocky Oaks. Among the most romantic hotels is the oceanfront paradise of Malibu Beach Inn, which sits on a section of the coast named Billionaire’s Beach. Santa Monica is another superb choice for a romantic getaway. Check out Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar, both ideal for strolling on the beach at sunset and enjoying candlelit, waterside dinners.

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  • Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for a Local Vibe: Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Larchmont Village, Echo Park, and Hermosa Beach
    These Los Angeles neighborhoods present an excellent chance to interact with locals and gain new cultural perspectives. Larchmont, just below Melrose Boulevard near Hancock Park, consists of a charming original shopping strip and historically significant homes. Los Feliz contains numerous vintage pubs, hip stores, and cafes along with two Frank Lloyd Wright designs. Adjacent to Los Feliz, Griffith Park offers various hiking paths, an open-air theater, and observatory. Directly east lies Silver Lake, a creative community renowned for eccentric shops, street art, handcrafted coffee, inventive restaurants, and indie music venues.

    Roughly three miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles rests Echo Park. Centered around Echo Park Lake (where swan-drawn watercraft can be rented) and a short stretch of Sunset Boulevard, it offers a relaxed atmosphere home to artists, musicians and hipsters, with reasonably priced eateries and coffee shops in relation to LA overall. Sights are limited, but Mohawk Bend warrants exploring. Lodging choices are sparse: Noon on Sunset Hill stands out amongst a diminutive selection, with downtown LA providing the closest accommodations otherwise.

    For a beach atmosphere we recommend Hermosa Beach, which still retains a bohemian 1960s’ and relaxed surfer feel despite being a relatively affluent community today. Other than wandering the pleasant boardwalk, Hermosa Beach Pier, and the beach itself, there’s not a large amount in the form of attractions, but nightlife is surprisingly good. Lighthouse Café opened as a jazz club in 1949, and there’s an extensive variety of surfer bars and dives – try Hennessey’s Tavern. Again, there’s not much diversity when it comes to lodgings here, but the best are Beach House and H2O Hermosa.

a garden with flowers and plants in front of a building

  • Best Neighborhood in Los Angeles without a Car: Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica

    • You may have heard that Los Angeles is not typically navigated on foot, but certain areas allow Exploration by other means. Along the Pacific coast, a 22-mile multi-use path spans the region from Will Rogers State Beach north of Santa Monica to Torrance County Beach further south, permitting pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the scenic seaside route. Additionally, neighborhoods like Venice and Santa Monica feature walkable designs, as does West Hollywood which Central attractions within close proximity due to its compact 1.9 square mile size. Historical Hollywood also invites self-guided Tours covering notable landmarks primarily by foot.

    Downtown LA is one of the liveliest parts of the city – and with complimentary Dash buses swiftly transporting visitors between top attractions. In addition to world-renowned museums like The Broad and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), there’s a flourishing nightlife and culinary scene, especially in Grand Central Market and amongst the galleries of the Arts District. Little Tokyo and El Pueblo are fascinating cultural pockets of Japanese and Mexican/Spanish heritage respectively, while Chinatown lies just to the north. The Jewelry and Fashion districts offer intriguing shopping spots while the Grammy Museum anchors the LA Live entertainment complex and the Crypto.com Arena is home to the Lakers.

  • The top neighborhood for shopping: West Hollywood and Venice Beach
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    • A few neighborhoods offer great shopping options in LA: Downtown (especially the Arts District, Jewelry and Fashion Districts), Rodeo Drive (for luxury brands), Santa Monica, Koreatown, Hollywood and major shopping centres like the Westfield Century City, but our favorites are West Hollywood and Venice. Situated in close proximity in and around West Hollywood is the huge Beverly Center mall with over 100 stores, The Grove outdoor shopping and entertainment district (with its popular Farmers’ Market), and Melrose Avenue, blending high-end boutiques and indie stores with a more edgy vibe.

    Along Venice`s boardwalk, visitors find everything from beach apparel and surf shops to bohemian jewelry and incense. Inland on Albert Kinney Boulevard, one of LA`s trendiest shopping enclaves is located. Several cool independent designers have boutiques in the area, such as SALT,Marine Layer, and the bags at Timbuk2.

  • Safest Areas of Los Angeles
    The most affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Hermosa Beach and West Hollywood tend to be the safest areas. Most tourist places are safe especially during the day, but normal precautions apply at night. It`s also worth noting that some parts of Hollywood and the beach cities, particularly Venice Beach, can attract unique characters
  • Unsafe Areas of Los Angeles
    Concerning safety, LA displays extremes with extremely affluent and protected areas in addition to some seedy and unsafe regions. While most of the popular neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Santa Monica are safe, LA has some hazardous areas downtown (Skid Row) nearby (South Central). Like various other cities in California, homelessness is widespread in LA, with Downtown, Hollywood, Venice, and even Santa Monica hosting substantial populations of street sleepers. As with any major city, take care, particularly at night, and don’t roam alone.

The 13 Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Tourists

a statue of a man standing in front of a building

1. Hollywood

Hollywood is a wonderful area to lodge for initial visitors to Los Angeles – and particularly convenient if you don’t plan on renting a vehicle. This centrally located neighborhood functions as a public transportation hub, connected to the Metro system and in general, a great place for exploring the remainder of LA by automobile or public transit. Hollywood has been associated with the film industry since the 1920s, and though few movies are made here anymore, the short blocks of Hollywood Boulevard in downtown Hollywood are crammed with movie-related attractions – as well as some of the most iconic bars and dining establishments in LA. The boulevard features the embedded pink terrazzo and brass stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in addition to family-friendly favorites such as the Hollywood Wax Museum,Guinness World Record Museum, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood.The Hollywood Museum gives better sense of the neighborhood’s history, while the Dolby Theatre, part of the Hollywood & Highland Center, is where the present annual Academy Awards take place. Of the strip’s historic 1920s theaters, the best known is the Chinese Theatre, its forecourt lined with celebrity handprints and footprints in cement, though the Egyptian Theatre is equally ornate. Paramount Studios (which runs tours) and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery lie just to the south, while Hollywood Heights is to the north, and Griffith Park and the iconic Griffith Observatory loom high in the hills to the northeast – with the best perspectives of the famous Hollywood sign.

2. West Hollywood

West Hollywood, anchored by Santa Monica Boulevard between Beverly Hills and Hollywood proper, can serve as an enjoyable place to spend time despite containing few typical attractions. Spread across 1.9 square miles, one of the most walkable cities in Southern California incorporates dining spots and shops and stands out as one of LA`s premier nightlife neighborhoods. Santa Monica Boulevard is home to various gay bars, dance clubs, and boutiques. The ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives represents the largest active LGBTQ group in the US, housing the most substantial collection of publications, photographs, artworks, and personal documents of its type spanning the entire world. Sunset Strip still spotlights celebrated clubs and bars like Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room. The West Hollywood Design District features galleries, furniture fashioners and boutiques, and merges to the east with the most famous blocks of Melrose Avenue, still LA’s trendiest shopping street. The main Melrose strip runs for almost two miles from North La Brea Avenue to La Cienega Boulevard (storied Melrose Place branches off Melrose Avenue just beyond Orlando Avenue). Two blocks north of Melrose, the MAK Center for Art and Architecture stands as one of the neighborhood’s few museums. Though the area remains disconnected from the Metro system, local buses do cross West Hollywood, and it occupies a conveniently central location in which to base oneself if traveling by vehicle.

3. Beverly Hills

Known for its lavishness, the upscale shopping avenue of Rodeo Drive, and its famous 90210 postal code, Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury, renown, and wealth. The “Golden Triangle” district south of Santa Monica Boulevard is where most of the excitement occurs – north of here it’s generally residential. Other than observing some of the landmark stores, or grabbing a pricey meal or cocktail in iconic hotels like the Beverly Wilshire and Beverly Hills Hotel, there’s only a handful of attractions. The Rodeo Drive Walk of Style is a fashion version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, while the Paley Center for Media is the neighborhood’s only museum. Beverly Gardens Park contains the iconic Electric Fountain and Beverly Hills Sign. In the residential zone, one of the few estates open to the public is the shady Virginia Robinson Gardens. Not to skip dining establishments like Spago,Maude, and Tempura Endo. The Beverly Hills Trolley offers sightseers a free 40-minute ride around the main highlights; it usually departs every hour from the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way. Beverly Hills is relatively centric for exploring the city, but there’s no Underground so a car is a better choice.

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4. Downtown

The historic core of LA, Downtown is now the region’s financial and commercial center, a dense urban area surrounded by some of the city’s best cultural institutions, trendsetting restaurants, and lively bars. Thanks to initiatives like the Crypto.com Arena (home to LA sports teams the Kings, Lakers, Clippers and Sparks), LA Live complex, and ongoing construction projects, Downtown has significantly grown in recent years (though the infamous Skid Row area on the east side remains). El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the city’s reconstructed Spanish/Mexican historic district, contains many sights to see, while LA’s vibrant Chinatown lies just north. In the historic Broadway Theatre District, 12 movie palaces were built between 1910 and 1931. Additional attractions comprise the Museum of Contemporary Art,The Broad art museum, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall,Grammy Museum, and LA’s iconic Art Deco City Hall. Other districts to explore encompass Little Tokyo, the burgeoning Arts District, and the Fashion District. Downtown’s culinary offerings are equally eclectic, ranging from ramen shops to chic modern restaurants like Bestia and Grand Central Market a popular food market. Some of the oldest and most renowned restaurants in the city are situated downtown, like Philippe the Original and The Original Pantry Cafe. Staying here means being at the central hub for the Metro and city transport systems.

5. Venice Beach

Remaining here primarily revolves around the coast – there are also a few sights, quality dining, and plenty of shopping offered, but the expansive sand strip and renowned walkway draw most visitors. Measuring 2.5 miles, the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is best explored on foot while taking in the eccentric individuals and stores complete with tattoo studios, cannabis outlets, street vendors, and a variety of street performers. The Skate Dance Plaza and the open-air gym known as Muscle Beach, full of bodybuilders and beachgoers, are two of the most iconic areas here. The principal strip concludes at the towering 1300-foot long Venice Pier and locally celebrated Hinano Café. Inland, Windward Avenue serves as Venice’s primary road, home to the Venice Sign. Windward Avenue transitions into Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a mile-long stretch of shops that incorporates superb second-hand stores, eateries, coffee shops, antique stores, and galleries. The 3-star and 4-star hotels can be quite expensive in Venice Beach and one must head to neighboring Marina Del Rey for a 5-Star hotel experience. It’s an easy two-mile walk between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, but numerous buses also connect the two on Main Street (bus #1). Parts of Venice can be unsafe after dark, and strolling on the beach at night is illegal in many areas.

6. Santa Monica

This beach city offers excellent shopping, dining, and several family-friendly attractions including an amusement park on the pier, a celebrated beach, and Palisades Park Cliffsides that overlook the coastline. Close to the pier is Santa Monica`s version of Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym established in the 1930s. Activities like biking, skating, and surfing are popular things to try when visiting. Santa Monica extends beyond just the beach, farther inland. Just from the coast is Santa Monica Place, an open-air shopping center filled with eateries and quality boutique stores. Pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade is one of LA’s most frequented shopping strips, while Main Street to the south similarly has restaurants and stores. The California Heritage Museum is also along here. Head a bit more inland, roughly 3 miles, to Montana Avenue, and from 7th to the 17th Streets there are over 150 shops, boutiques, and dining establishments. Just north of Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades is home to the Eames House,Will Rogers State Historic Park, and the Getty Villa, filled with Greek and Roman antiquities. Santa Monica connects to the Metro system, but exploring the rest of the city from here can be time-consuming – it`s not best suited for touring all of LA, though Malibu, The Getty, Westwood, and Beverly Hills are relatively nearby.

a house that has a motorcycle parked in front of it

7. Malibu

Though located some 12 miles (19 km) west along the coast from Santa Monica, Malibu is consistently associated with LA, with its secluded estates often frequented by movie stars and celebrities. It’s primarily known for its beaches, especially Zuma Beach,Leo Carrillo State Park, and Malibu Lagoon State Beach (also known as Surfrider Beach). The iconic 1905 Malibu Pier is one of the most notable attractions in the city. Inland, Malibu Creek State Park contains remnants of the set for the hit TV show MAS*H. There are some good hiking trails and waterfalls deeper inland. Two of the most popular are Solstice Canyon and Escondido Canyon Park. While in Malibu, visit the Spanish Revival–style Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum. There are many excellent restaurants in Malibu with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. A few worth checking out are Nobu,Mastro’s Ocean Club, and Duke’s.Malibu Farm Restaurant is a top pick for breakfast and brunch. Malibu is best seen as an expensive beach getaway – there aren’t an abundance of lodging options, and even the 2 and 3-star hotels tend to be quite pricey due to the location. Day-trips are relatively straightforward by vehicle from other parts of LA; Malibu is not a recommended base for exploring the city, though.

8. Miracle Mile (Central LA)

The area known as Miracle Mile centers along a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and Highland avenues (also referred to as Mid-Wilshire), in the core of Los Angeles. The name references its Art Deco peak in the 1930s, when it experienced a property boom (the El Rey Theatre is a good illustration). Today it’s most recognized for the attractions lining “Museum Row”, especially the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and newly constructed Academy Museum. Prehistoric history is highlighted at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, while the Petersen Automotive Museum is housed in striking contemporary premises, a red box wrapped in curving steel ribbons. Finally, there’s the Craft Contemporary, the former Craft and Folk Art Museum. Accommodation options are few here – most folks visit from elsewhere (Hollywood, West Hollywood or Downtown LA are most convenient).

9. San Pedro

The rough waterside community of San Pedro is regularly overlooked by travelers, though it offers numerous top-notch attractions. Once completely working-class, San Pedro has been gentrifying in recent years, with a new coastal development and public marketplace anticipated to debut in the next few years near the historic San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant. All the primary attractions lie on the ocean: Los Angeles Maritime Museum,Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and the SS Lane Victory. To the south, Point Fermin Park is southernmost point in LA, featuring Point Fermin Lighthouse and Fort MacArthur Museum, with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium nearby. The free San Pedro Downtown Trolley connects most of the area’s significant attractions (every 25min; Sat & Sun noon–6pm). Accommodation here predominantly comprises low-cost motels. Links with the rest of the city are not the best, so it`s not recommended as a base without renting a vehicle.

10. Long Beach

The port city of Long Beach, 25 miles south of Downtown LA is certainly worth visiting with outstanding restaurants, a pleasant beach area, and a scattering of attractions, including the permanently docked Queen Mary cruise liner from 1967. Other highlights involve the Aquarium of the Pacific,Long Beach Museum of Art, the Museum of Latin American Art, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum in the East Village Arts District. Additionally, staying here means easy access to seasonal (November – March) whale watching trips and to the idyllic Catalina Island. Two large shopping centers, the central Promenade and harborfront Shoreline Village, attract both local and traveling patrons. Long Beach connects to the Metro system, however the prolonged distances involved prohibit it from being a prime base for exploring the rest of LA.

11. Pasadena

Set about 12 miles north of Downtown LA, historic Pasadena is well known primarily for hosting its annual Rose Bowl Game and Tournament of Roses Parade, as well as being home to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). For visitors, its major appeal lies in the assortment of charming old structures, restaurants and shops in Old Pasadena, along with a scattering of intriguing museums and galleries. Highlights incorporate the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the artwork displayed at the Norton Simon Museum, the Pasadena Museum of History, and Gamble House, an Arts and Crafts-style masterwork. Three miles southeast of Old Pasadena lies the Huntington Library and its remarkable art collection and botanical gardens. Pasadena is linked to the Metro system – it makes a agreeable base for trips further into Southern California and the nearby mountains, but it’s not so convenient for city access beyond Downtown LA.

12. Burbank & the Valley

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13. Anaheim

Opening over 65 years ago, the highly popular American theme park Disneyland dominates much of the city of Anaheim, located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Most lodging in the area caters to Disneyland visitors, although the similarly family-friendly attractions Knott`s Berry Farm and Adventure City are also relatively nearby. Downtown Anaheim itself does not offer much, though newer developments like the Anaheim Packing District food court and craft breweries such as Unsung Brewing Company have emerged. Public transportation between Anaheim and the rest of the Greater Los Angeles area can be time-consuming, with driving marginally faster. Staying in Anaheim mainly centers around visiting Disneyland.

More L.A. Neighborhoods

With additional time these neighborhoods are also worthy of exploring:

• Koreatown in Central LA is one of the city’s most dynamic Asian neighborhoods, with a scattering mainly of moderately high-quality hotels. Our preferred choice is Hotel Normandie.

The Exposition Park area and the University of Southern California (USC) house several excellent museums that are worth visiting: the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County ( Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County), the California African American Museum ( California African American Museum), the California Science Center ( California Science Center), and the USC Fisher Museum of Art ( USC Fisher Museum of Art). However, we do not recommend staying in this area, as it is best visited from Downtown LA either by vehicle or public transportation.

– Walking around Westwood Village and UCLA is enjoyable, with the Hammer Museum being a major attraction. The best hotel located here is the Palihotel Westwood Village, but staying in Westwood may be less practical for exploring the rest of the city

At the Hotel Bel-Air, one of LA’s most famous neighborhoods, Bel-Air, derives much recognition from the television program The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, similar to various other influential elements, but like most of the affluent territories situated in the Hollywood Hills/Santa Monica Mountains area, there isn’t too much to see here. The luxurious Hotel Bel-Air represents about the only location for lodging. The most well-known attraction amidst the foothills exists as Mulholland Drive, a scenic route best experienced by vehicle.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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