LA where to stay and how to get around

Question

Hi, coming over in July for 4 nights and looking for advice!

Looking to do the main tourist attractions; Hollywood, Beverly Hills, beaches and any other suggestions to give my 16 year old son the best experience! I was thinking to stay around Santa Monica or Beverly Hills but given I dont plan to hire a car I'm keen to find out how easy it is to get around and where is best for restaurants etc, ideally within walking distance of our hotel.

All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Answer

For a 4-night stay in Los Angeles without a car, your choice of location is crucial. Santa Monica is generally the most convenient for walking access to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Beverly Hills is more upscale and central to Hollywood attractions, but less walkable to public transit options.

Here are some thoughts on where to stay and getting around:

Santa Monica: Excellent for walking, beaches, and restaurants. You’ll have easy access to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Plenty of casual and upscale dining within a few blocks.
West Hollywood/Beverly Hills: Close to Hollywood attractions, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and nightlife. Walking is fine within the neighborhood, but public transit is limited for getting to beaches or farther attractions.
Downtown LA: Offers access to museums, Grand Central Market, and some nightlife. Less convenient for beaches, but Metro can help.

Getting around without a car:

Public Transit: Metro buses and Metro Rail cover a lot of LA but are limited for direct routes to beaches. Santa Monica is well connected to the Expo Line, which can take you to Downtown LA.
Rideshares/Taxis: Lyft or Uber are the most convenient way to reach Hollywood attractions, Beverly Hills, or further areas. Expect some wait times and traffic delays.
Biking/Scooters: Santa Monica has bike and e-scooter rentals which are great for short trips along the beach or nearby neighborhoods.

Suggested attractions for a 16-year-old and general sightseeing:

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood sign
Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive for sightseeing and photos
Optional: Universal Studios or Warner Bros Studio Tour if you want a theme park/film experience

Dining suggestions within walking distance depend on your hotel location, but Santa Monica offers a mix of casual, family-friendly spots and trendy restaurants. Beverly Hills has a higher-end dining scene.

In summary, for ease without a car, Santa Monica is the top pick for your stay. You can combine walking, rideshares, and limited public transit to access Hollywood and other attractions. If your focus is Hollywood attractions more than the beach, then West Hollywood/Beverly Hills is a better compromise, but you’ll rely more on rideshares.

LA where to stay and how to get around

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions