Where to stay for MLB games

Question

Looking for a safe place to stay, coming to LA for Angels and then Dodgers game. Look for a nice area to stay. I will have a vehicle for the weekend.

Answer

For attending both Angels and Dodgers games in Los Angeles, you’ll want to stay somewhere that balances safety, convenience, and reasonable driving access to both stadiums. Since you will have a vehicle, you have some flexibility, but traffic and parking can be considerations.

Here are some recommended areas to stay:

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): This is a central location roughly between Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium. It’s generally safe in the main tourist and hotel areas (like near the Staples Center/LA Live). From here, Dodger Stadium is about 10-15 minutes away, and Angel Stadium is roughly 30-40 minutes drive, depending on traffic. Parking is plentiful at hotels and stadiums.
Hollywood / West Hollywood: A lively area with lots of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. About 20-25 minutes to Dodger Stadium and 35-45 minutes to Angel Stadium. Safe in the main hotel corridors.
Pasadena / near Old Town Pasadena: Slightly northeast of downtown, a quiet, safe area with boutique hotels. Roughly 20 minutes to Dodger Stadium and about 40-50 minutes to Angel Stadium. Less nightlife but a calm, family-friendly environment.
Orange / Anaheim: If your priority is Angels games, staying closer to Anaheim reduces travel time to the stadium, though it’s further from Dodger Stadium (about 45-60 minutes). Safe hotel areas are plentiful near Disneyland and the Anaheim GardenWalk.

Tips for getting around and safety:

Los Angeles traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends with games. Plan your departure 45-60 minutes earlier than game time for long distances.
Major hotel areas like DTLA, Hollywood, and Anaheim are well-lit and generally safe, but always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables visible.
Consider using navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.
Parking at Dodger Stadium is large but can fill quickly; Anaheim/Angel Stadium parking is well-managed but expect game-day fees.

Overall, staying in Downtown LA gives you a central location with the best compromise for both stadiums. If your focus is mainly Angels games, Anaheim is closer and very convenient, while Hollywood provides a fun and safe touristy base. With a car, all of these are accessible, so choose based on your priorities: centrality vs. proximity vs. atmosphere.