LA where to stay and how to get around
Hi, coming over in July for 4 nights and looking for advice!
Looking to do the main tourist attractions; Hollywood, Beverly Hills, beaches and any other suggestions to give my 16 year old son the best experience! I was thinking to stay around Santa Monica or Beverly Hills but given I dont plan to hire a car I'm keen to find out how easy it is to get around and where is best for restaurants etc, ideally within walking distance of our hotel.
All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
For a 4-night stay in Los Angeles in July without a car, it’s important to choose a location that offers walkability, access to public transit, and proximity to attractions and restaurants. LA is famously sprawling, so staying in the right neighborhood will make a huge difference.
Santa Monica is an excellent choice for your situation. It is walkable, has plenty of restaurants, shops, and easy access to the beach. The Third Street Promenade is pedestrian-friendly, and you can enjoy bike rentals or the beach promenade. The city also has Metro bus lines that can take you to other parts of LA, though travel times can be long.
Beverly Hills is more luxurious and central to Hollywood and nearby attractions, but it’s less walkable and has fewer budget-friendly restaurants. You would likely need to rely on rideshares or public transit to reach tourist attractions.
- Santa Monica: Walkable, beach access, Third Street Promenade, many restaurants and casual dining options, bike-friendly, some public transit.
- Beverly Hills: Upscale, iconic neighborhoods, close to Rodeo Drive, but more spread out and limited walkable options; better if you plan to take rideshares frequently.
- West Hollywood (WeHo): Centrally located, walkable streets, nightlife, restaurants, boutique shopping, and reasonable access to Hollywood and Beverly Hills via rideshare or bus.
For sightseeing with a 16-year-old, consider these options:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre for classic Hollywood experience.
- Griffith Observatory and hiking trails with great views of the Hollywood Sign.
- Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach for fun, ocean-side activities.
- Natural History Museum or California Science Center for a bit of educational fun.
- Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills if your teen is interested in celebrity spotting and luxury shopping.
Getting around without a car:
- Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are the easiest and fastest way to get around LA.
- Metro Rail has limited coverage but can be useful for Hollywood, Downtown, and Universal City. Check the Expo Line to Santa Monica from downtown.
- Bike rentals and e-scooters are widely available in Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
In summary, for a short, car-free visit with a teen, Santa Monica is the most practical base, balancing walkability, restaurants, beach access, and transit options to reach Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other attractions efficiently.
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