It’s common knowledge that Los Angeles, California, is massive, and its neighborhoods are many. Claiming over 500 miles and with a population of 4 million, LA is the second-largest city in the US.
Famous for food, housing the sites of movies and films that have shaped the globe, outlandishly wealthy communities, celebrity hot spots, and a definitive version of every natural habitat you could want: desert, beaches, mountains, and canyons, LA truly has it all.
The neighborhoods of Los Angeles represent the cultural diversity and star-studded history of a city entirely unlike anywhere else in the world.
So, where do you begin?
Here’s your guide to the neighborhoods of Los Angeles:
Santa Monica
In 1875 Santa Monica was a tiny beachside town that few people would predict as growing into today’s vibrant, busy, and affluent community. Today, Santa Monica is known for its coastline, fine shopping and hotels, and open-air farmers’ market.
If you don’t want to spend an entire day here, consider seeing Santa Monica as part of a larger tour of iconic LA. I like this tour which includes Santa Monica, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.
How to spend one day in Santa Monica
- 3rd Street Promenade. Shop, watch talented street performers, snap some pics at the murals, and fill up on live music.
- The Santa Monica Pier. This place is a must-see home with the iconic carousel with hand-carved horses, a roller coaster, and carnival games.
- Surfing. This is the peak of SoCal culture! If you’re not a pro, take a surfing lesson.
Fun Fact: Popeye The Sailor was born in Santa Monica after his creator, Elize Crisler Segar, befriended Olaf Olsen, a Norwegian sailor who operated a fleet from The Pier. The first sketch for Popeye The Sailor was drawn at Olaf Olsen’s studio on Fourth Street and Broadway.
Where To Stay in Santa Monica
Venice Beach
Venice is a treat filled with palm trees, mouthwatering foodie spots, and street art! It just never disappoints- Venice Beach is exactly what you imagine Southern California to look like.
My first time in Venice, I bought my mom a painting from one of the street artists, and every time I look at it, I’m brought back to my time at the beach!
If you’re relying on public transit, take note- Venice is one of the easiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles to walk and explore without a car.
What To Do at Venice Beach
- Venice Beach Skate Park Check out the famous skatepark from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Games 1 and 2!
- The Venice Beach Boardwalk. Also known as Ocean Front Walk, is filled with custom t-shirt stands, street performers and artists, pumped-up gym-goers on Muscle Beach, and glass shops.
- Walk the Canals. Go from boho to classy beachfront chic at the Venice Beach Canals. While roaming the 3 blocks that follow the canal, expect charming historic homes and arched bridges.
- EAT! Venice Beach is known for its street food! Take a walking taste tour of Venice Beach to find hidden local gems. If you don’t have the time for a full tour, try The Rose Venice, The Sidewalk Cafe, or Cafe Gratitude (vegan!).
Where To Stay in Venice Beach
Malibu
Malibu is famous for its Mediterranean climate and unblemished coastline. Known as the “Bu” by locals, many people associate the town with celebrities and cliffside mansions.
Once owned by a single family, the land that would become Malibu was sold for 10 cents per acre and then sold again for $10 an acre. By 1969, Malibu had transformed into a cool place that everybody wanted to be seen partying at.
Eventually, famous people like Barbara Streisand and Johnny Carson moved in, and mega-mansions were built in the mountains and along the shore. Today, this neighborhood is so synonymous with celebrity homes that you can take tours of celeb mansions in Malibu.
What To Do in Malibu
- 21 Miles of Scenic Beauty Sign. Snap a pic in front of the iconic sign.
- Point Dume State Beach. Featuring headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and vast beach access, this is a great spot to watch the sunset or see whales (December to April).
- Whale Watch. Malibu is the perfect place to watch for whales (December to April).
- Getty Villa Museum. A must-see if you’re interested in Roman architecture and ancient art.
Hiking in Malibu
Malibu is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts, known for hiking and biking trails, canyon vistas, the Rock Pool‘s volcanic swimming hole, and climbing rocks.
Where To Stay in Malibu
Brentwood
Cozy and quiet, Brentwood is one of the most wealthy Los Angeles neighborhoods… which says a lot, in one of America’s most affluent cities.
Brentwood is known for its farms, specifically cherries, corn, and peaches. Home to many A-list residents, the suburb is a well-kept secret, an oasis of (comparative) privacy.
Fun Fact: In Modern Family, one of my favorite TV shows, Jay + Gloria, live in Brentwood.
What To Do in Brentwood
- Museum Tour just for Kids (but enjoyed by all ages).
Where To Stay in Brentwood
- Club Quarters Hotel San Francisco
- Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
- Argonaut Hotel
Culver City
Originally founded as “whites-only,” Culver City has transitioned to being one of the most peaceful and diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles and the US.
Divided right down the middle, one side of Culver City is a textbook concrete jungle filled with people in suits. The other side is all about trendy restaurants, shops, and legendary film studios. Since the 20s, Culver City has been a central hub for film and television production.
Studios in Culver City
- Sony Pictures
- Columbia
- Tri-Star
- Fox
- Culver Studios
Movies that have been filmed in Culver City
- The Wizard of Oz
- Gone with the Wind
- King Kong
- Grease
- Air Force One
What To Do In Culver City
- Musuem of Jurassic Technology. If you like quirky and weird.
- Culver City Park. Adorable park with views of Culver City.
- Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. This place is seen AF. Many stars from older Hollywood rest here, like Bing Crosby and Lawrence Welk. Start by looking at the map showing where celebs are buried and the location of their graves. Always be respectful, this is a working cemetery.
Where To Stay in Culver City
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills’ zip code, 90210, is one of the most prestigious in the world.
The story of Beverly Hills is one of rags to riches, glamour, and fame- a true Hollywood romance. Beverly Hills is the iconic living (and hiding) spot of many famous people and is known for its luxury hotels and the acclaimed Rodeo Drive.
Originally a Mexican ranch where lima beans were grown, Beverly Hills was incorporated in 1914 when a group of investors failed to find oil, found water instead, and thought, ‘Guess we’ll put a town here.’
What to do in Beverly Hills
- Rodeo Drive. Snap a pic with the iconic Rodeo Drive Sign!
- The Beverly Hills Hotel. Visit the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel and stay in Bungalow 1, which Marilyn Monroe frequented.
- Take a walking or biking tour of Beverly Hills. This is one of the first things I ever did in LA, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Where To Stay in Beverly Hills
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
- Beverly Wilshire – Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel
- Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Mid City
Mid-City is a central Los Angeles neighborhood that’s mostly residential, but you’ll still find all the basic amenities, plus the LA County Museum of Art.
What to do in Mid City Los Angeles
- La Flor de Yucatan is a family-owned, full-service bakery that has been cooking in the Mid-city community since the 60s.
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western US. Look for the 10-column pillar out front, a cool photo spot, usually painted on both sides.
Where To Stay in Mid City
Hollywood
Iconic Hollywood, also called Tinseltown, LaLaLand, the Entertainment Captial of the World, or Hollyweird, is a must-see for your first time in Los Angeles. The streets of Hollywood are protected by the iconic Hollywood Sign, and this is one of the best neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles to snag photos of it.
Hollywood is where the West was won- on TV.
What to do in Hollywood
- The Hollywood Museum. Memorabilia from the history of American movies and television.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame. See what names you recognize, and be prepared to grab a ton of pics!
- TCL Chinese Theatre. Many red-carpet movie premieres happen here.
- Tour Warner Bros. Studio. Explore sets and stages, see the famous Central Perk cafe from “Friends,” and all your favorite Warner Bros. stuff.
- The Dolby Theatre. This is where The Oscars are held.
Pro Tip
If you haven’t been to LA, note that Hollywood is straight-up ghetto. The city can be unsafe at night, so make sure to get your tours done during the day!
Where To Stay in Hollywood
West Hollywood
West Hollywood, also known as WeHo, is home to the famous Sunset Strip.
Respected for its LGBTQ+ community and its massive events, West Hollywood is an LA essential. WeHo is also one of the best neighborhoods to celebrity watch in Los Angeles and is the second-best people-watching location (Venice Beach being the first).
What To Do in West Hollywood
- Chateau Marmont is more than just a hotel; it’s the classic spot to mingle with celebrities. The Chateau has been featured in movies (A Star is Born and La La Land), music, books (Dying in LA by Panic! at the Disco, Book: Last night at Chateau Marmont), and other art.
- The Viper Room is a legendary nightclub and music venue on the Sunset Strip, established in 1993 and partly owned by Johnny Depp. That same year, River Phoenix, brother of Joaquin Phoenix and actor who played in Running on Empty and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, died at the club of a drug overdose on Halloween night.
- The Whisky a Go-Go has been a significant part of Los Angeles since the 60s. This family-owned bar has played host to legends like The Doors, Janice Joplin, and Led Zeppelin. The Whiskey, as locals call it, is truly the stuff of Hollywood rock’n’roll legend and glamour. The first time I ever haunted The Whiskey a Go-Go was in 2018, and that was one of the best nights I’ve ever had in LA!
A few big events in West Hollywood
- The WeHo Pride parade is one of the biggest LGBTQ Art Festivals in the nation.
- West Hollywood is also home to an epic Halloween Carnaval!
Where To Stay in West Hollywood
Fairfax District
Fairfax has been called “the Rodeo Drive of streetwear.”
Initially the heart of LA’s Jewish community, the kosher supermarkets now share their turf with Los Angeles exclusive streetwear brands, urban art, and some of the most Instagrammed restaurants in town.
The Fairfax District is one of Los Angeles’ most eclectic neighborhoods, with over 3 miles of urbanized historical blocks.
What to do in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles
Fairfax is one of the most colorful neighborhoods to visit in Los Angeles, with tons of graffiti and murals, famous streetwear shops such as Supreme, Round Two, and Hypebeast, and stores like Gold Teeth LA one of the finest makers of grills and bling in Los Angeles.
Where To Stay in the Fairfax District
Bel Air
You know Bel Air from tv shows like The Beverly Hillbillies and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Founded in 1923, Bel Air is one of Los Angeles ‘ most affluent neighborhoods on the Westside of the city.
What to do in Bel Air
- Getty View Park. Hiking trails with elevated views of Bel Air.
- Tour Celeb Homes. The self-guided “Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour” is 2 hours long and leads you past more than 40 celebrity mansions.
Where To Stay in Bel Air
Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks is one of the least pretentious neighborhoods of Los Angeles. You go to Sherman Oaks when you want the perks of Hollywood without the crowds, traffic, or millionaire Rodeo Drive attitudes.
What to do in Sherman Oaks
- Garden Cafe. Homey charm and a lovely place to enjoy a mimosa with breakfast!
- Ventura Boulevard. Ventura is one of the oldest roads in The San Fernando Valley and has many mom-and-pop businesses like vintage shops, food joints, cafes, and spas.
- Sherman Oaks Antique Mall. You’ll find rare Victorian and Art Deco antiques.
Where To Stay in Sherman Oaks
Studio City
Known as the “Jewel of the Valley,” Studio City was born of the entertainment industry, attracting actors, musicians, and writers.
What to do in Studio City
- The Rainforest Trail. This 1-mile, narrow path in Fryman Canyon Park is stunning.
A few shows that have been filmed in Studio City
- Seinfeld
- The Mary Tyler More Show
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Where To Stay in Studio City
Los Feliz
Located on the east side of LA, this neighborhood is hipster heaven with an abundance of coffee shops, themed pubs, local breweries, craft cocktail bars, and family-owned businesses.
If tasting your way through some of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles sounds like your thing, Los Feliz is the neighborhood for you.
Disney History
Walt Disney lived in the garage of his aunt and uncle’s home in Los Feliz when he first drew Mickey Mouse and later opened his first animation studio just down the street.
What To do in Los Feliz
- Tiki-Ti Cocktail Lounge has been the spot in Los Feliz for over 60 years. Order a “Dr. Funk” or “Ray’s Mistake.”
- Griffith Park. The park covers over 4 thousand acres, plus you can visit Griffith Observatory and see the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. From the Planetarium, you’ll get dreamy panoramics of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Fun Fact: Mickey Mouse was born in Los Feliz. The entrance of California Adventure is modeled after a 1920s version of Los Feliz.
Where To Stay in Los Feliz
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
- JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
- Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood, an IHG Hotel
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is Los Feliz’s more mature but still pretty hipster older brother. Tucked between Los Feliz and Echo Park, the ‘Lake’ is actually the local reservoir.
Known for its authentic Mexican food, breweries, quirky coffee shops, underground speakeasies, and painted staircases, Silver Lake is the ultimate hang-out spot. Expect the same people as Los Feliz, with a dash of ‘laid back.’
What to do in Silver Lake
- Silver Lake Reservoir. Great for walks and photos.
- Sunset Junction. The local shopping district. Check out GOLDEN AGE Hollywood, a thrift store packed with prime finds from the surrounding hipster ‘hoods.
- Painted stairways! Starting at the south end of the Silver Lake Reservoir, head south for about 3 minutes, and the secret stairways will reveal themselves along the road.
What To Do in Silver Lake
Echo Park
Centered around a lake and a physical park of the same name, Echo Park, a Los Angeles neighborhood, is known for its Latin influence and is popular among prospering artists, musicians, and creatives.
Close to Skid Row, Echo Park is notorious for being overrun with homeless camps, gangs, and graffiti.
These days, the neighborhood is gentrifying, with new luxury apartments and organic juice spots that didn’t exist 10 years ago.
What to do in Echo Park
- Echo Park. Echo Park is defined by blossoming lotus flowers and kickass views of downtown Los Angeles.
- Rent a Swan Boat from Echo Park.
- The Echo Park Time Travel Mart. This general store with everything you need to travel back and forth through time, enough said.
Where To Stay in Echo Park
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
- E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Koreatown
Koreatown (K-Town) is known for its nightlife and food.
Originally, this K-Town was almost exclusively for Korean immigrants. Today there are more Latinos in the area, with only about 10 % of the population of LA’s Koreatown identifying as Korean. The streets have Korean neon signs mixed with modern architecture, multi-level malls, and a mix of authentic foods from different Asian and Latin cultures.
LA’s Koreatown has over 500 food joints in less than 3 miles.
Boba tea? Yesssss. Tacos? Some of California’s finest.
Where to eat in LA’s Koreatown
Boba
Korean Food
Latin Food
Where To Stay in Korea Town
Downtown
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is a marriage of hip and historic. Gone are the days of Downtown LA being known collectively as ‘skid row.’ The two most common questions about DTLA are-
- Is Downtown LA safe? Generally, Downtown LA is considered safe during the day and is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It is NOT safe to walk at night except in large groups.
- What is Skid Row? Skid Row is an area in downtown Los Angeles known for crime, poverty, and a high population of homeless people.
What to do in Downtown LA
- Walking Food Tour. Let a guide take you through downtown’s local food scene, starting in Pershing Square.
- Explore Buildings Old and New. This tour will take you past examples of Renaissance Revival and Art Deco design, plus landmark buildings.
Where To Stay in Downtown LA
- Residence Inn Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
- JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
- Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Historic Core
Built in the early 1900s, the Historic Core is a neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles.
Here you’ll discover a massive concentration of movie palaces, large department stores, and working offices. Department stores and office buildings have been converted to apartments, making for hip urban housing.
What to do in LA’s Historic Core
- Bradbury Building. The Bradbury Building appears in mainstream entertainment such as The Unfaithful, Shockproof, D.O.A., and I, The Jury.
- Grand Central Market. First called the “Wonder Market,” it opened in 1917 as the largest public market on The Pacific Coast.
- Orpheum Theatre. This Theatre has stories, from burlesque shows with legendary Sally Rand to comedians like Jack Benny, jazz icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, and other big names like Aretha Franklin and Judy Garland.
- The Last Bookstore. If you love the smell of books, The Last Bookstore is essential.
- This tour focuses on the development of LA’s Historic Core.
Where To Stay in LA’s Historic Core
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
- The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
The Arts District
The Arts District is the creative hub of Downtown LA.
Once a vineyard, then a center for the railroad industry, The Arts District is one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Full of warehouses and former factories reimagined into live-work lofts and upscale condos, LA’s Arts District bursts with street murals, graffiti, and art galleries.
What to do in LA’s Arts District
- Row DTLA. The former manufacturing facility was reimagined into a mega center with food, shopping, and art spaces.
- Bodega. A shoe shop concealed speakeasy-style behind a fake loading dock.
Where To Stay in LA’s Arts District
Central Business District
As the economic and financial hub of the West Coast, the Central District is made up of services, including banking, law, accounting, engineering, and architecture.
What to do in LA’s Central Business District
- Dorothy Chandler Pavillion is a lovely venue with curving stairways and dazzling chandeliers.
- Pershing Square is a lively park in the center of Downtown LA, with both paved and grassy areas.
- Art. The Museum of Contemporary Art and The Board Museum are in the CBD. The Board Museum is home to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, something to be felt not seen.
Where To Stay in The Central District
- The Hollywood Roosevelt
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame, an IHG Hotel
- Sheraton Universal Hotel
Pasadena
The Pasadena neighborhood is the perfect mix of luscious Los Angeles landscapes and historic charm, nicknamed the “Crown of the Valley.”
Tiny alleyways that inspire curiosity, rustic brick storefronts, and hints of Pasadena’s original business district blend together to make the neighborhood’s boutiques, galleries, and theatres unlike anything else in Los Angeles.
Pasadena‘s Central Districts
- Old Pasadena (Old Pas) is 22 blocks of restored 19th and 20th-century architecture.
- Civic Center holds photo-worthy Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean Revival landmarks. This is also where you’ll find the Convention Center.
- Playhouse Village is the art hub of Pasadena, a bullseye for independent shops and small businesses.
What to do in Pasadena
- Fork in the Road. This 18-foot fork is worth a photo!
Where To Stay in Pasadena
- Hilton Pasadena
- Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Frequently asked questions
What’s it like living in Los Angeles?
Endless entertainment, beautiful beaches, fine dining, historic sites, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the West- that’s what it’s like living in LA!
If you’re considering moving to Los Angeles, check out NeighborWho’s guide to living in the city.
What is the most prestigious neighborhood in Los Angeles?
The most prestigious neighborhoods of Los Angeles are Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Holmby Hills. However, pretty much any area of LA can be considered prestigious, as the city consistently ranks as one of the most expensive.
Why do celebrities live in LA?
Many celebrities flock to Los Angeles because they work in the entertainment business, and LA is close to movie production and casting. These studios include Culver Studios, Paramount Pictures, Raleigh Studios, Sony Studios, and Twentieth Century Fox (plus many more).
What area of LA do celebrities live in?
Celebrities commonly live in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Hollywood Hills; however, they are scattered throughout Los Angeles’ neighborhoods.
Why is Los Angeles so expensive?
Los Angeles is expensive for so many reasons. The ocean, mountains, forests, hills, and canyons are world-class, and there is little to no room for expanding the LA area, which drives up the cost of living.
With Hollywood being the center for entertainment, many rich and famous people live in LA, raising prices. Silicon Valley has produced some of the largest companies, and those high-demand jobs create high-paying jobs that squeeze out the average employee in the housing market.
What is Dogtown?
Santa Monica first became known as ‘Dogtown’ to the teenage surf and skate team that helped shape skateboarding into what it is today.
Annnd Lords of Dogtown is, of course, the epic skateboarding movie <3
What are The Bird Streets?
The Bird Streets are within Hollywood Hills, a district known for luxury homes with incredible panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Not far from major studios and entertainment, The Bird Streets are filled with celebrity houses.
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Ready for your next adventure after visiting LA? Check out other neighborhood and city guides on the blog.
