With the best food, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a lot of things to do and see, Los Angeles is worth an extended visit. Some of the neighborhoods are glamorous, some are popular for nightlife, some for shopping, and some for families. Find which one works for you, your budget, and the purpose of your visit. Here are the 10 best picks to consider for a comfortable and memorable stay.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles?
1. West Hollywood
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, West Hollywood is easily accessible from other parts of the city. However, there are so many things to do in West Hollywood that you can spend your entire Los Angeles trip exploring this area. Do you know Los Angeles is one of the top walking cities in the world and West Hollywood is the most walkable neighborhood in the city? Explore the city on foot, enjoying the warm sunshine. Moreover, it is home to several celeb-favourite restaurants. Pretend to be a celebrity and dine at one of the most popular restaurants. Go on a guided hiking and biking tour. Pamper yourself in one of the wellness centres. Dine, drink, and enjoy your stay in West Hollywood. The most popular hotels include Ramada Plaza, Samesun, Montrose, Hotel Ziggy, West Inn, etc.
2. Downtown
Gone are the days when there weren’t enough things to do for visitors in Downtown Los Angeles. Today, it has many things of interest to tourists. The best thing is most of them are free. The area is an interesting blend of historic buildings with old architecture and modern skyscrapers. Visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall to see its unique architecture. Go to the Grand Central Market and relish popular international street food, including tacos, chop suey, chow mein, egg sandwiches, and many more. Be stunned at the infinity mirror room at the art museum. Watch classical live music performances. Take walking tours to explore the area on foot. The popular places to stay include Hotel Freehand, The Biltmore, Hotel Indigo, The Hoxton, Double Tree, etc.
3. Venice Beach
This is considered to be one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Its lively atmosphere, clean beaches, myriad of shops, diverse food options, and flourishing arts attract tourists. Take a relaxed stroll in pedestrian-only Venice Walk Streets dating back to 1900. You will have the feeling of stepping into a different era. Roam around the Venice Ocean Front Walk, bustling with shops, restaurants, and people. If you love mosaic art, the Mosaic Tile House is a must-visit attraction. Explore the serene beauty of Venice canals. Visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is famous for its galleries, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and shops. The top stay options include the Inn at Venice Beach, Regent, Hilton Garden Inn, Breeze Suits, Su Casa, etc.
Read More: Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
4. Santa Monica
With a sparkling beach on one side and majestic mountains on another side, Santa Monica is a picturesque place perfect for staying while visiting Los Angeles. You can have a spectacular view of the ocean and the mountains from Palisade Park. Get fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market. Have fun at the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. Are you a fitness freak? You will love the original Muscle Beach, where you can work out in the parallel bars, rings, swings, and uneven bars. Relax at Tongva Park. The most popular accommodations include the Shore Hotel, Ocean View Hotel, Santa Monica Hotel, Comfort Inn, etc.
5. Beverly Hills
Visitors flock to Beverly Hills because of its fantastic weather, world-famous shopping, exclusive restaurants, luxurious hotels, rejuvenating spas, green parks, and stunning arts and culture. Take a stroll on Rodeo Drive and drive along Mulholland Drive to enjoy the views of the city. Visit the architectural wonders of Beverly Hills, including Greystone Mansion, Spandena House, Spanish Colonial Revival, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, etc. Relax at the Historic Lily Pond. There are several boutique hotels and resorts to stay in the neighbourhood. The top ones include the Marriott, the Hilton, Four Seasons, SIXTY, the Maybourne, etc.
6. Malibu
It is a popular destination among tourists because of its scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and iconic attractions. It is a great spot for people who love outdoor activities. Enjoy swimming and surfing at Surfrider Beach, scuba diving and snorkeling at Point Dume State Beach, and kayaking and paddleboarding at Lagoon State Beach. Other outdoor activities to try include rock climbing, hiking, and biking. Take a stroll on the pier to see the stunning views. Malibu is also popular for wine tasting. Don’t miss it. There are plenty of hotels to stay in Malibu in all ranges. Some are Malibu Country Inn, Malibu Beach Inn, Grand Vista, etc.
7. Hollywood
It is the coolest district in Los Angeles as it is the place where movies are made. Hollywood is home to many famous attractions such as the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, the Hollywood Bowl, the Magic Castle, and many more. Universal Studios is a can’t-miss destination where you can witness the magic of movie-making and enjoy thrilling rides. The 45-foot-tall Hollywood Sign has become synonymous with Los Angeles. View it from a hiking trail, horseback, or helicopter ride. Explore the wilderness of the Runyon Canyon. Watch captivating performances at the Magic Castle. Click selfies with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds. From budget to luxurious hotels, several accommodations are waiting to welcome you. The popular ones include Hollywood Palms Inn, Hotel West Inn, the Prospect, Dream Hollywood, Hollywood Soul, etc.
8. Pasadena
If you want to have a relaxing stay, escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should plan your stay in Pasadena. Nestled at the base of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, it is known for its botanical gardens, museums, and unique architecture. This urban oasis is located ten miles away from downtown Los Angeles. Walk around the beautiful old town to eat, dine, and shop. Visit the Rose Bowl’s flea market and buy antiques, vintage clothing, and bespoke wares. Walk, bike, jog, or run around Brookside Park and enjoy the amazing views of the mountains. Book your stay in one of the top hotels, such as Green Tree, Hilton, Dena, Lincoln, Astra, and the Westin.
9. Los Feliz
It is one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles and a paradise for art and book lovers. Watching a movie from film reels without using digital technology can be nostalgic and a unique experience. Visit Barnsdall Art Park to see the awesome exhibits. Take a tour of the Hollyhock House, an architectural gem. Trek through the famous Griffith Park, have a picnic under the dense shade, and admire the rustic charm of the region. Watch a show at the Greek Theater. There is a wide range of hotels to choose from. The Cara, Los Feliz Lodge, PodShare, Rosemary, and Glendale are a few suggestions.
Read More: Best Hiking Trails Los Angeles
10. Manhattan Beach
It is the home of beach volleyball and is famous for its diverse shopping, delicious dining options, award-winning restaurants, and the pier. Visit the beach and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean. Have fun with your family and watch the glorious sunset. It is also a fabulous spot for surfing. Relax at the Sand Dune park. Walk around the clean streets and see the architecturally stunning homes. You have many staying options, from simple hotels to all-suite boutique hotels. The choice is yours. The favourite hotels in the area include Hotel Pacific, The Belamar, Springhill, Hotel Ayres, Sea View Inn, etc.
Book Hotels in Manhattan Beach
Concluding Words
If you want to feel the real Los Angeles, you should stay in the right place. Plan your stay in areas that are accessible with metros, and make sure you don’t get caught in the city’s traffic. Book your accommodation wisely before leaving for the City of Angels.
