Where to stay LA

Question

Hi, I am a single male over 40 and I have a 30hr stop over in LA. I fly into LAX from Australia on Tuesday morning and fly out from LAX on Wednesday afternoon. I'm looking for a safe place for accommodation, with Restaurants and/or Bars within walking distance. I was thinking Santa Monica, or Manhattan Beach or maybe West Hollywood? Any recommendations ?

Answer

For a 30-hour stopover in Los Angeles, your priorities of safety, convenience, and access to restaurants and bars are well-served in certain areas. Since you’re flying in and out of LAX, staying relatively close to the airport but still in a lively neighborhood is ideal.

Here are some suggested neighborhoods:

Santa Monica: Safe, walkable, and scenic with plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops along the Third Street Promenade and Ocean Avenue. The beach is within walking distance, and you can enjoy a stroll on the pier. Traffic from LAX can take around 30–40 minutes depending on the time of day.
Manhattan Beach: Quieter and upscale, with a relaxed beachfront vibe. Great for seaside walks, boutique shopping, and casual dining. Fewer nightlife options compared to Santa Monica or West Hollywood, but very safe and scenic. Around 25–30 minutes from LAX.
West Hollywood (WeHo): Vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Central location makes it convenient for exploring Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and Beverly Hills. About 40–50 minutes from LAX, depending on traffic, so plan accordingly for early morning departures.

Recommended hotels for safety and convenience:

Santa Monica: Shore Hotel, Hotel Shangri-La, or Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
Manhattan Beach: Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach or custom Airbnb options near the pier.
West Hollywood: The Jeremy West Hollywood, Dream Hollywood, or Sunset Tower Hotel.

Tips for your stopover:

Consider checking flight times and traffic patterns to/from LAX, especially if you plan to enjoy the evening before your next flight.
Use rideshare apps for convenience and safety; parking in LA can be challenging and expensive.
If you prefer a beach vibe with casual dining and short walks, Santa Monica is ideal. If nightlife and bars are more appealing, West Hollywood is better.
Manhattan Beach is best if you want a calm, scenic escape without the hustle.

Given your short stay, focusing on one neighborhood to minimize travel time is advisable. Santa Monica offers the best combination of walkability, food options, and sightseeing for a solo traveler with limited hours.