Best area to stay.

Question

We are finishing up our baseball stadium tour so we will be going to the Dodgers and Angels games during first week of August. Have kids 18,16,12. We’ve never been to LA. Where do you suggest we stay for the week? We will have a car.

Answer

For a first-time visit to Los Angeles with teenagers and the plan to attend both Dodgers and Angels games, you’ll want a location that balances reasonable driving times to the stadiums with access to family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and a safe neighborhood. Since you’ll have a car, you have flexibility, but traffic can be heavy, so choosing a central or strategically located area is important.

Recommended Areas to Stay:

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): Central for Dodgers Stadium, about 10–15 minutes’ drive. Offers plenty of restaurants, entertainment, and the LA Live complex. Easy access to freeways for trips to Angels Stadium and other attractions, though traffic can be busy.
West Los Angeles / Century City / Santa Monica: More upscale, safe, and near the coast. About 30–40 minutes to Dodgers Stadium and 40–50 minutes to Angels Stadium. Great for beach access, shopping, and tourist attractions like the Santa Monica Pier or Getty Center.
Orange County / Anaheim: Ideal if Angels Stadium is a priority. Convenient for Angels games, Disneyland, and Southern Orange County attractions. About 45–50 minutes to Dodgers Stadium, so expect longer drives for LA games.
Koreatown / Mid-Wilshire: Roughly midway between Dodger Stadium and the coast. Very convenient for food and cultural experiences, with relatively easier access to freeways. About 15 minutes to Dodger Stadium and 45–50 minutes to Angels Stadium.

Hotel Recommendations:

Downtown LA:
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza – upscale, family-friendly, good access to attractions
- Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown LA – suite-style rooms for families, kitchenettes
Santa Monica / West LA:
- Shore Hotel – modern, close to beach and restaurants
- Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel – family-friendly, pool, walking distance to attractions
Orange County / Anaheim:
- Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground – great for families, near Disneyland
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim – suite-style, good for larger groups

Tips:

Traffic in LA is heavy, especially during rush hour (7–10am and 3–7pm). Plan travel times to stadiums accordingly.
Having a car gives you flexibility, but parking fees at both stadiums and popular attractions can be steep. Consider reserving parking in advance.
For sightseeing with teenagers, consider combining Dodgers/Angels games with visits to Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and The Getty Center.

Overall, if your priority is convenience for both stadiums and you don’t mind driving around LA traffic, staying in Downtown LA or nearby Koreatown/Mid-Wilshire offers a central base. If you prefer beach vibes and a bit more upscale, West LA/Santa Monica works. For focus on Angels Stadium, Anaheim is the best choice.

Best area to stay.

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