The 25 Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Visitors

Breaking news: Los Angeles is big.

Anyone who’s been there knows it’s a city with many different neighborhoods, each one totally different from the next.

There are ones where you can hit the beach (Santa Monica), others where art and music are everywhere (Silver Lake), and some that are all about delicious restaurants and cool shops (Los Feliz). It’s got a mix of everything.

I’ve lived in LA for the last decade, so I’ve experienced every neighborhood in Los Angeles County in-depth.

I’m here to help visitors figure out which one might best suit them, giving the simple facts about what makes Los Angeles neighborhoods unique.

Let’s get into it.

1. Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, one of the most famous areas in the world, is the best Los Angeles neighborhood.

All within a compact area, you can visit high-end boutiques and designer stores, cafe-hop, and eat at the best restaurants in the city. It has nature, mega-mansions, and a walkable layout.

Highlights:

• The Beverly Hills Hotel and its laid-back California vibe. It’s expensive to stay, but there are a few options for visitor dining if you want to check it out. For a hotel with a better location, try Beverly Wilshire, which is on the corner of Rodeo and Wilshire.

• Walking around “The Flats,” the palm tree-lined streets loaded with mansions. Because of traffic, I avoid the main streets like Rodeo and Camden and opt for quieter ones like Alpine and Foothill.

• Dining in Beverly Hills means you can access some of the most renowned restaurants in Los Angeles, like Spago and Avra.

2. West Hollywood

Beverly Hills’ next door neighbor, West Hollywood thrives with an energetic vibe, especially along Santa Monica Boulevard, the main section.

I lived here for three years, in my mid-20s, and enjoyed the many bars, clubs, and restaurants perfect for a young community.

Highlights:

• Famous music venues like The Roxy Theatre, The Viper Room, and the Troubadour.

• For shopping, Melrose Avenue has a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage stores, and art galleries. Sunset Plaza has a few options, and it’s prettier than Melrose, but it’s smaller.

• WeHo also hosts big events throughout the year, like the LA Pride Parade and Halloween Carnaval, which are among the largest events of their kind in the US.

3. Malibu

Malibu is the ultimate beach community in Los Angeles. One main road runs through the town (the scenic PCH), so a drive-through gives you an optimal view of the Pacific coastline.

Highlights:

• Zuma Beach is the most famous beach but look at Malibu Road (behind the Ralphs) for less crowded ones.

• The trails in the Santa Monica Mountains have stunning ocean views for hikers.

• The Malibu Pier has great food and views; Malibu Farm Cafe is casual and Malibu Farm Restaurant is a bit more upscale. The restaurant has better food.

• Malibu Wines is a spacious setting with wines and food; I recommend bringing a group of friends.

4. Pasadena

Pasadena feels like you’ve left Los Angeles. Its small-town vibe feels far removed from the standard craziness in the big city.

Highlights:

• Old Pasadena is the best place for first-time visitors. It has historic buildings and great shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If it is your first time, a good rule of thumb is to remember that all of the action is below the 210 highway.

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens have a massive art collection, a rare books library, and themed gardens covering 120 acres.

• The Rose Bowl hosts events throughout the year, including the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day and a monthly flea market.

5. Studio City

The Valley side of the Hills is typically the sleepier side, but Studio City is the exception. It’s the best neighborhood in the Valley; it’s relatively small but offers the most.

Highlights:

• A TV show taping at CBS Studio Center.

• Fryman Canyon is the best hike in Studio City. It’s an easy trail with sweeping views of the Valley that can be done in 30-45 minutes.

• Ventura Boulevard runs through the heart of Studio City, where you’ll find plenty to eat and do. The intersection with the most activity is Ventura and Laurel Canyon.

• Studio City has a family-friendly side, with several parks and community events. There’s a nice, quiet park that I love on Moorpark and Laurel Canyon.

6. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the neighborhood with the best combination of beach and activities in Los Angeles. It’s popular for young professionals, which makes it one of the most high-traffic areas.

Highlights:

• Santa Monica has the biggest beaches in Los Angeles (although they can still fill up). The farther you go from the pier, the better your chance of finding a spot.

• The Santa Monica Pier has amusement park rides, an aquarium, and fishing spots.

• Third Street Promenade is an open-air shopping district with street performers and shoppers leading directly to the beach.

• My favorite part of Santa Monica is Pacific Palisades Park, especially at sunset. It’s an elevated nature walk that has views over the ocean.

7. Marina del Rey

In Marina del Rey, the focus revolves around the water. It’s small, but the marina vibe differs from any other city area. And if you’re looking to see sea lions in Los Angeles, this is your place.

Highlights:

• Fisherman’s Village is the epicenter where you can find coffee shops and restaurants.

• Renting a kayak or paddleboard is popular, with several shops along the waterfront offering hourly rentals.

• The Marina del Rey Boat Parade is an annual event (every December) where boats light up the night.

8. Downtown Los Angeles (Downtown LA)

Downtown LA is in central Los Angeles. It’s dense; anything you need is a short walk away, making it one of the most walkable areas in the city. And the Downtown restaurants put other LA areas to shame—they simply have the best.

Highlights:

• The Arts District has murals, street art, breweries, and cafes. The Urth Cafe on Hewitt St. has fantastic food and spacious seating.

• The Broad Museum has unique contemporary art exhibits. I recommend buying tickets to the Infinity Mirror Room, a 1-minute immersive room. Next door to the Broad, the Walt Disney Concert Hall has brilliant architecture and wonderful musical performances.

• The Grand Central Market is one of the best food markets in the city.

• LA Live is where the Crypto.com arena is located, along with several restaurants.

9. Hollywood

Hollywood is the most popular tourist area in Los Angeles, and for good reason. At any given moment, you’re likely to spot a tour bus passing the famous attractions.

It’s a busy area, and the appeal is mainly in what you find on Hollywood Blvd., near Highland.

Highlights:

• Hollywood Boulevard has the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater, and El Capitan Theater.

• A hike in Runyon Canyon (just above Franklin Ave.) gives panoramic views of the entire city. The hike is quick but pretty uphill. Parking is extremely difficult to find, so prepare accordingly.

• An outdoor show at the Hollywood Bowl, the best theater in Los Angeles.

• Yamashiro, a Japanese restaurant in the Hollywood Hills, has amazing food, vibes, and views. I’ve been at brunch and loved the daytime view.

10. Brentwood

Brentwood is a small neighborhood between Westwood and Santa Monica. It’s upscale and expensive, but you’ll find a wonderful selection of things to do.

Highlights:

• The Getty Center, one of the best museums in Los Angeles, has art collections and stunning gardens with views of Los Angeles. Often live music is played in the outdoor garden area.

• San Vicente Boulevard is the best walking street with the most shops and dining. I recommend Coral Tree Cafe, as it has a big menu and a large amount of seating compared to others on the street.

• The bakeries and shops in Brentwood Village are quieter than those in San Vicente. The area also has more parks, including a few dog parks.

11. Toluca Lake

Toluca Lake is a small neighborhood next to Studio City, known for its celebrity residents and tight-knit community. Because of its size, it’s easy to miss, but it’s a worthwhile stop.

Highlights:

• Riverside Drive is where the action is; Priscilla’s Coffee and Don Cuco are my top spots.

• Although it’s technically in Burbank, Warner Bros. Studio is unofficially part of Toluca Lake, just off Riverside. Book a tour to check out the sound stages and sets.

• The neighborhood’s quiet streets are perfect for evening walks, with beautiful homes adding charm to the area.

12. Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades is where the mountains meet the sea. The landscapes are stunning, and a short drive from the main street lets you easily reach the beach.

Highlights:

• The Getty Villa, to see ancient art and Roman-style gardens.

• The Village in Pacific Palisades has shopping and dining with a small-town feel, perfect for family outings. Take the chance to watch the sunset from the bluffs; it’s a memorable experience.

• Will Rogers Polo Club, where you can catch a polo game in style.

13. Burbank

Burbank is a quiet residential neighborhood in Los Angeles. However, if you go north (above Highway 5), you’ll find a charming area that’s a bit more lively.

Highlights:

• San Fernando Blvd. is the main street with the most to do, including the Burbank Town Center, a great mall with shops, dining, and a movie theater.

• Castaway is a hilltop restaurant with sweeping views of the Valley (although, slightly pricey).

• Even though I recommend staying above the 5, check out Porto’s Bakery on Magnolia if you go below it. The best empanadas in LA are there.

14. Venice

Venice is the most creative of the neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It’s where you go when you’re looking for beach, street food, and art.

Highlights:

• The Venice Beach Boardwalk is the most essential stop. Along the path, you’ll find street performers, artists, and shops. Next to the boardwalk is a huge skate park and the beach. The beach can become crowded, but fewer people go there than to Santa Monica.

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the go-to spot for dining and shopping, with trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

• My favorite spot in Venice is the Venice Canals, where you can take a peaceful walk through charming homes and bridges reminiscent of Italy.

15. Culver City

Culver City isn’t as centrally located as other areas on this list. Still, that lack of accessibility is made up for by its activities.

Highlights:

• It’s home to Culver Studios and Sony Pictures. Culver is less of an icon, whereas Sony is epic and historic. The Sony lot is smaller than other studios in Los Angeles, but worth a tour to see some of the classic sound stages.

• The downtown Culver area has seen a resurgence lately, with an influx of new restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

• The best option for a fun atmosphere is Citizen Public Market, a large collection of food joints in the center of the town. It has an excellent variety of food and drink choices.

16. Los Feliz

Los Feliz is an eclectic, walkable neighborhood that I’ve always loved to visit because of its cafe scene and bookstores (it’s a bit hipster).

Highlights:

• Vermont Avenue is the neighborhood’s center, with independent bookstores, cinemas, and cafes. Fred62 is my favorite; it’s a stylish old-school diner.

• Los Feliz is at the foot of Griffith Park, so you’re in close proximity to Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theater, and golf courses.

• The improv club Upright Citizens Brigade is just on the border of Los Feliz and Hollywood; I love to go there for good laughs and a cheap ticket (about $10ish on average).

17. Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks is a quiet residential area whose main appeal is Ventura Blvd. I lived there for a couple of years, and I’ll admit it’s not as lively as others, but drive up and down Ventura, and you’ll find wonderful shopping and dining.

Highlights:

• On Ventura, there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from, like Petit Trois (French) and Casa Vega (Mexican).

• There are a couple of malls in Sherman Oaks, the Sherman Oaks Galleria, and a Westfield. The Galleria is a few restaurants and a movie theater. The Westfield has more to offer, with a food court and a lot of shops.

• One random part of Sherman Oaks is that it has the best mini golf in Los Angeles. Check out Sherman Oaks Castle Park; the course is awesome. It also has an arcade and a batting cage.

18. North Hollywood

Just above Toluca Lake, North Hollywood is a hub for the arts and one of the trendier areas in the Valley.

If you’re looking for things to do, look no further than Lankershim Blvd., the best part of NoHo.

Highlights:

• On Lankershim, the NoHo Arts District is alive with theaters, galleries, cafes, and eclectic shops.

• Idle Hour is a fun bar with an indoor/outdoor space. It’s shaped like a wooden barrel, so it’s easy to spot as you drive by.

• NoHo loses its charm if you go north of the Arts District, so I recommend staying below Chandler Blvd.

19. Highland Park

Highland Park is a trendy and eclectic neighborhood known for its arts scene. It has fantastic galleries.

Highlights:

• York Boulevard and Figueroa Street are the most walkable parts of Highland Park, with vintage shops, unique restaurants, and bars.

• The Arroyo Seco has hiking and biking trails. It’s the best nature walk in the area.

• The Heritage Square Museum and the Los Angeles Police Museum are two museums worth visiting.

20. Glendale

Glendale is between Burbank and Pasadena, best known for its malls and well-kept neighborhoods.

Highlights:

• The Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria are the two major attractions; people from all over LA visit them. The Americana is a fancy outdoor mall, while the Galleria is a huge indoor one.

• Beyond shopping, Glendale has numerous parks and rec areas, including Brand Park, which has hiking trails and beautiful views.

• Glendale can become commercialized (it even has a few skyscrapers), so if you want something quieter, head north toward Montrose. The town’s design feels like you’re in a Colorado mountain town.

21. Koreatown

Koreatown is a small, densely populated neighborhood with fantastic 24-hour restaurants, karaoke bars, and spas.

Highlights:

• The Wiltern Theater is one of the top music and performance venues in Los Angeles. Its old-school Art Deco design makes it a unique venue.

• Korean BBQ is king here. My favorites are Hae Jang Chon and Soowon Galbi.

• Brass Monkey is the most classic karaoke bar in K-Town (near Vermont Ave.) – many celebrities have popped by, and you’ll see photos of them on the wall when you walk in.

22. Playa del Rey

Located in South Los Angeles, Playa del Rey is an area that locals often forget about. It’s a beachside community next to LAX that operates at a slower pace than Venice or Santa Monica.

Highlights:

• Dockweiler Beach is the main reason to visit Playa del Rey. The expansive sand and fire pits make it a great spot to go with a group.

• Most restaurants and bars are on the main street (Culver Blvd.), which is close to the beach.

• It’s fairly residential, so only expect a little to do outside of the beaches.

23. Silver Lake

Silver Lake is an artistic place with a young community and loads of trendy culture.

Highlights:

• Sunset Junction in Silver Lake is the walkable section, with a cluster of cafes and shops. I recently tried Tartine, which had amazing coffee and cakes.

• The Silver Lake Reservoir has easy walking and jogging paths with city views.

• Echo Park is located just next to Silver Lake, one of the most popular parks in Los Angeles County. It has paddle boating and amazing views of Downtown LA.

24. Encino

The rule of thumb in the San Fernando Valley is the further west of the 405, the less “LA” it is.

Encino is the first neighborhood west of the 405, so it’s less popular than its neighbors, Sherman Oaks and Studio City.

Highlights:

• Like Sherman Oaks and Studio City, Ventura Boulevard is the best part. The Encino version of Ventura feels more upscale than the other two.

• Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area has bike paths and golf courses. Woodley Lakes has wide fairways, so it’s easier than most in LA, but it isn’t easy to get a tee time (I would call instead of booking online).

• Encino also has a number of parks; the best is Los Encinos State Historic Park.

25. Westwood

Westwood has two parts: commercialized office buildings (below Wilshire Blvd.) and college life (above Wilshire Blvd.).

It’s home to UCLA, so if you go above Wilshire, it’s filled with college kids and Bruin blue.

Highlights:

• Westwood Village is the most walkable part of Westwood. It has shopping, dining, and entertainment options within walking distance of the campus.

• The neighborhood is also the site of the Hammer Museum, which has contemporary art. Don’t plan on spending long there; it can be done in 30-45 minutes.

• Fox Theater is on the other side of Westwood, on Pico Blvd. However, they don’t offer tours, so you’ll have to see it from the perimeter.