Angels and Dodgers Games - Hotel and Transportation Advice

Question

My 15-year old son and I will be driving up from San Diego on Sunday, August 3 and going to the Angels game in Anaheim that afternoon and then the Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium on Monday night August 4. We are from Ohio and have never been to Southern California. We would like to stay in the same hotel both nights so I am looking for advice on where to stay so we can get to both stadiums easily.. Also, looking for suggestions on whether we should drive, take Uber or use public transportation to. get to the games. Thanks for any advice!

Answer

For a two-game baseball trip in Southern California involving both the Angels in Anaheim and the Dodgers in Los Angeles, it makes sense to choose a hotel that is reasonably central to both stadiums while allowing you flexibility in travel. Southern California traffic can be heavy, so location and transportation planning are key.

Hotel Location Suggestions:

Downtown Los Angeles: Staying in downtown LA positions you closer to Dodger Stadium for the Monday night game (about a 15–20 minute drive) and gives you reasonable access to Anaheim for the Sunday game (~30–40 minutes without heavy traffic, longer with traffic). Hotels in the LA Live / Financial District are convenient and have amenities suitable for families.
Near Disneyland / Anaheim: Staying in Anaheim will make the Angels game extremely convenient (walking distance or short shuttle ride), but the drive to Dodger Stadium is longer (~45–60 minutes), especially in afternoon or evening traffic. A morning drive to LA is manageable but requires planning.
Midway Option – Buena Park / Fullerton: Choosing a hotel in the northern Anaheim area, such as Buena Park or Fullerton, creates a compromise location. You are about 20–25 minutes from Angels Stadium and roughly 30–40 minutes to Dodger Stadium. This may provide the best balance between both games and reduce the risk of long traffic delays.

Transportation Considerations:

Driving: Likely the most flexible option. You can leave on your schedule and adjust for delays. Keep in mind that Southern California traffic can be heavy, especially on highways connecting LA and Orange County, so plan extra travel time.
Uber / Lyft: Convenient if you prefer not to worry about parking or driving. Prices can surge on game days, so check fares in advance. Drop-off and pick-up areas at both stadiums are clearly marked but may have long waits post-game.
Public Transportation: Limited for stadium access. Metro Rail can get you near Dodger Stadium via the Dodger Stadium Express shuttle from Union Station, but there’s no direct train from Anaheim to Dodger Stadium. For Angels Stadium, public transit options are minimal, so a car or rideshare is recommended.

Parking Notes:

Both Angels Stadium and Dodger Stadium offer on-site parking, but prices are typically $25–$40 per car and can fill quickly. Consider purchasing parking passes in advance.
Alternative parking lots or private garages near both stadiums are available, sometimes at slightly lower prices, but require walking or shuttle rides.

Suggested Plan:

Book a hotel in Buena Park / Fullerton if you want a single base for both games; it’s a reasonable midpoint.
Drive to the Angels game on Sunday afternoon. Plan to leave early to allow for traffic and parking. After the game, return to your hotel.
Drive to Dodger Stadium on Monday night. Leaving about 1–1.5 hours before game time is recommended to accommodate traffic, find parking, and get through stadium entry.
If you prefer to avoid driving at all, staying in downtown LA for Dodger access and taking a rideshare or pre-arranged shuttle to Angels Stadium could work, but may be more expensive and time-consuming due to distance and traffic.

By choosing a central location, planning extra travel time, and using a car for maximum flexibility, you can comfortably attend both games and enjoy your first Southern California baseball experience with your son.

Angels and Dodgers Games - Hotel and Transportation Advice

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