Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
The 4 areas worth basing yourself in Los Angeles, United States — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Santa Monica.
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
Decide by trip type
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We’ll match Los Angeles’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Santa Monica
Beach, walkable, the pier.
23 km from center
#2
Hollywood
Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, the tourist core.
9.4 km from center
#3
West Hollywood
Food scene, nightlife, design district.
12 km from center
#4
Echo Park
Hip, hilly, indie food and music.
3.1 km from center
Getting around
Car is essential. Metro covers a fraction. Uber works for short hops.
Plan around traffic (avoid 7–10am and 4–7pm). Skip the 405 unless you must.