Where to stay in Los Angeles: the best areas for your trip

In short: Los Angeles is huge: choose your area based on your plans. For the beach and an easy first visit, Santa Monica; for atmosphere, Venice; for film sights, Hollywood or West Hollywood; for museums, Downtown; for Disneyland, Anaheim. Plan on a car or ride-hailing apps.

Understanding Los Angeles in two minutes

Los Angeles is a patchwork of neighbourhoods and cities linked by freeways. To the west, on the Pacific, are Santa Monica and Venice. In the middle lie Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood, below the hills and Griffith Observatory. To the east is Downtown and its museums; to the north-east, Pasadena. To the south-east, Anaheim and Disneyland. Distances are counted in travel time, which varies a lot with traffic.

The right area for your trip

First visit and beach: Santa Monica

The pier, the beach, the promenade and the shopping streets: Santa Monica is pleasant, easy-going and linked to Downtown by light rail. Ideal for families or a first visit.

Atmosphere: Venice

The boardwalk, its street performers and skaters, and the Venice canals: a bohemian vibe by the ocean. Some streets are less pleasant at night: read recent reviews about the area.

Film sights: Hollywood

The Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre and views of the Hollywood sign: the area is central for sightseeing, but Hollywood Boulevard is busy and sometimes unappealing at night. The streets higher up are quieter.

Nightlife and elegance: West Hollywood and Beverly Hills

West Hollywood packs restaurants, bars and music venues along Sunset Boulevard. Upscale, quiet Beverly Hills offers luxury shopping around Rodeo Drive.

Museums and shows: Downtown

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad museum, the Arts District and the big sports and concert arenas: Downtown is handy for culture and events. Some parts are less pleasant at night: choose your hotel carefully.

Calm and families: Pasadena

At the foot of the mountains, Pasadena is residential, elegant and peaceful, with museums and gardens.

Disneyland: Anaheim

For one or more days at the park, hotels in Anaheim, close to Disneyland, save you long drives.

Getting to Los Angeles

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), shuttles and public transport serve several areas, but a rental car or ride-hailing apps are often more practical. For timetables and fares, check the official websites. A private transfer takes you straight to your hotel.

Our booking tips

1. Choose based on your plans: switching areas mid-trip (beach, then Hollywood) saves long drives.
2. Check parking: it’s often charged at hotels, on top of the room rate.
3. Look at the total price: taxes and resort fees are sometimes added to the displayed rate.
4. Read recent reviews about the street around the hotel.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

For the rest of your trip (San Francisco, the coast road, the national parks), see our guide Travel in the United States. The areas and useful services are on our Los Angeles page.