Where to stay/no car

Question

Hi all, was wondering if anyone could help.

Where would be the best place/location to stay when we are not going to be driving or hiring a car? We will be relying on public transport. Don't have a massive budget but willing to up it if location makes sense. We may arrive at LAX or Burbank airport. We are staying for three nights.

I see everything is spread out in LA! The things we want to see/do include:

Hollywood walk of fame

Chinese Theatre

The Abbey

Griffith Observatory

Universal Studios

Rodeo Drive

Grand Central market

Santa Monica Pier

Venice beach

Amongst other things, should time allow!

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

Answer

Los Angeles is notoriously spread out, so staying without a car can be challenging. However, with careful planning, you can base yourself in a well-connected neighborhood and rely on public transit, rideshares, and walking for shorter distances.

Best Areas to Stay Without a Car:

Hollywood / Hollywood Blvd: Central for tourists, close to Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, and easy access to the Metro Red Line. Good for nightlife and dining options. Bus or Metro can take you to Universal Studios and downtown LA.
Downtown LA (DTLA): Ideal if you want proximity to Grand Central Market, The Broad, and the Arts District. Metro lines run from here to Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Union Station for Burbank or LAX connections. Walkable neighborhoods and lots of public transport options.
Santa Monica / Venice Beach: Perfect for beach access, walking along the pier, and Venice canals. Expensive compared to DTLA or Hollywood, but the area is very walkable, and the Expo Metro Line connects to downtown LA.
Koreatown: Centrally located with lots of restaurants and nightlife, near Wilshire Blvd. Metro lines and buses are convenient to downtown, Hollywood, and LACMA/Mid-Wilshire attractions.

Transit Tips:

Metro Red Line is key: runs from Downtown LA to Hollywood/Universal City. Good for seeing Hollywood attractions and reaching Universal Studios.
Metro Expo Line connects downtown to Santa Monica; combine with buses or rideshares for Venice Beach.
Uber/Lyft can fill gaps where transit is sparse; budget for a few rides per day, especially for Griffith Observatory or Rodeo Drive.
Check bus schedules: Metro Local and Rapid buses supplement the rail system for areas not directly on the train line.

Recommended Strategy:

Stay 2 nights in Hollywood or DTLA to focus on city attractions, Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Grand Central Market, and Universal Studios.
Consider 1 night in Santa Monica or Venice if you want a beach experience without long transit.
Use early mornings for Griffith Observatory or Universal Studios to avoid heavy traffic and crowds.

Overall, Hollywood or DTLA provides the best balance of access, affordability, and proximity to major attractions for travelers without a car. Santa Monica or Venice is better if beach time is a priority, but transportation to other attractions will require planning.