Best town to stay to visit Universal and Dodger Stadium

Question

Looking for a good town to stay in for a short family trip to the L.A. area. Planning on going to Universal Studios and Dodger Stadium. Convenience, Safety and Cleanliness are important. Suggestions?

Answer

When your trip focuses on Universal Studios and Dodger Stadium, the key is to base yourself somewhere that gives you fast, simple access to both without dealing with heavy traffic or less convenient neighborhoods. Fortunately, several areas in Los Angeles are clean, safe, family-friendly, and located between the two destinations.

The best general strategy is to stay in the central corridor between Burbank, Universal City, and Pasadena. These areas give you easy freeway access to both attractions while avoiding downtown congestion.

Here are the top recommended towns/areas:

Burbank – This is often the #1 pick for families visiting Universal. Safe, very clean, relaxed, and extremely convenient. Many hotels are 10–15 minutes from Universal Studios and only about 20 minutes from Dodger Stadium. Magnolia Park, Downtown Burbank, and the Media District are comfortable neighborhoods with great restaurants, easy parking, and a suburban feel.
Universal City / Studio City – Staying here puts you closest to Universal Studios (sometimes walkable or a 3–5 minute drive). Studio City is safe, leafy, and filled with restaurants along Ventura Blvd. You’ll also be about 20–25 minutes from Dodger Stadium. This is ideal if Universal is your main focus and you want minimal stress.
Pasadena – A beautiful, well-kept, historic city that is popular for its safety and charm. Old Pasadena and the Playhouse District have excellent hotels, dining, and walkability. You’ll be about 20–25 minutes from Dodger Stadium and 25–30 minutes from Universal Studios. Great choice if you want a “nice town” feel that’s quieter and more polished.

If you want more options, these can also work depending on what vibe you prefer:

Glendale – A clean, family-friendly city between Burbank and Pasadena. The Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria areas offer good hotels and lots of food options. Drive times are around 15–20 minutes to Dodger Stadium and 15 minutes to Universal.
Hollywood (select areas only) – If you stay near Hollywood & Highland or north of Hollywood Blvd, you’ll be close to Universal and fairly quick to Dodger Stadium. The advantage is tourist convenience, but Hollywood is more crowded and noisy than Burbank or Pasadena. Safe enough in the right areas but less calm.
Los Feliz – A hip, charming neighborhood not far from Dodger Stadium and Griffith Park. Limited hotels, but a good location if you find a suitable one. About 20 minutes to both destinations.

If your priorities are convenience, safety, and cleanliness, the top overall pick is Burbank. It offers the best combination of family-friendly environment, easy parking, short drive times, and comfortable hotel options.

Pasadena would be the second best if you prefer a picturesque, walkable town with beautiful streets and a calmer atmosphere. Universal City/Studio City is best if Universal is your main destination and you want ultra convenience.

Best town to stay to visit Universal and Dodger Stadium

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