Bonus 1 Best Apartments In Los Angeles
Apartments are a great choice for all those of you seeking some comfort and a homey feeling. Theyre a great choice for people who want to save some money during their stay or for those traveling in a big group that wants to stick together, for example, a family.
As I mentioned before, Los Angeles has something for everyone so, naturally, it doesnt lack tons of incredible Airbnb options either. I have selected the best apartments I could find for you down below, all sorted by price and with great reviews and all of them in Hollywood or West Hollywood:
Very Best Places In California To Visit
The State of California needs no introduction if Im honest. In fact, its possibly one of the best-known states in all of the USA. That being said, with how popular it is to explore I found it tough to narrow down the best places in California to visit on my first trip. In fact, I wanted to go everywhere.
Thats the thing with California, its got a heap of diverse landscapes, coastlines, national parks and cities that are pretty unrivalled. Think of it, in one moment you can be in the searing deserts of Death Valley, the best beaches, to skiing near Lake Tahoe.
And, of course, all finished off with a vineyard tipple in Nappa Valley before walking the Golden Gate Bridge. Well, maybe not in that order, but you get the picture.
Honestly, I really found it hard to prioritise the best places in California to visit when I first went. And truth be told, it was a good way to make me prioritise what was essential experiences for my trip to the Golden State.
Now, although you might not fit every one of the best places in California to visit on your trip, youll almost certainly return to revisit or see new spots that catch your eye. Thats why I wanted to share some of my favourite spots to see.
Take a look below at some of the best places in California to visit this year. Youll have an incredible trip.
Muir Woods National Monument
topseller / Shutterstock
The Muir Woods National Monument is home to the most beautiful redwood trees in California.
These gargantuan wonders of nature tower overhead in awe-inspiring glory, seeming to stretch on forever in their quest to touch the sky above.
Redwood trees are believed to be the tallest on the planet, and theyre not just impressive in height their width spans outwards, often reaching diameters wider than that of a car.
Trek down through the numerous trails and take in all the wooded wonder of lush, emerald greenery surrounding you a true paradise in California.
Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
You May Like: Where To Stay In Kona Big Island
Most Beautiful Places To Visit In California In Your Lifetime
Some of the most beautiful places in the US are definitely located in California!
Apart from Orange County, Santa Cruz, and San Jose, California has no shortage of incredible locations, and as such, it can be hard to figure out where to go.
With a myriad of different places to feast your eyes on, you will have no shortage of breathtaking sights to visit in California.
To help you out, here are the 50 most beautiful places in California to visit in your lifetime.
Where To Stay In South Bay
Head south of LAX and youll come to an eight-mile strip of enticing beach towns Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, part of the region known as the South Bay which are quieter, smaller and more insular than the Westside beach communities.
Manhattan Beach is a likeable place with a healthy, well-to-do air. Hermosa Beach retains a lingering bohemian feel of the Sixties and Seventies in certain spots. Redondo Beach is less inviting than its relaxed neighbours with condos and hotels lining the beachfront, and the yacht-lined Kings Harbor off limits to curious visitors.
Best for the height of luxury: The Beach House
Two-room suites with fireplaces, wet bars, balconies, hot tubs, stereos and refrigerators. Many rooms overlook the ocean.
Best for ocean views: Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club
The best choices at this suite-hotel by the ocean have hot tubs and nice views over the elite playground of King Harbor.
Also Check: Where To Stay In Nola For Mardi Gras
The Yosemite National Park
After spending 2-3 days exploring Yosemite, I can honestly say its one of my favourite national parks in the USA.
Found within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its truly one of the best places in California to visit to just escape it all.
Once youre here, head out to explore and hike towards Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley and hike up Half Dome .
On my last hike here, I headed up towards Bridalveil Falls , just make sure to prep in advance, it can get tough a few hours in.
Oh, and make sure to see the famous El Capitan too!
Perched in the southern regions of California, Joshua Tree National Park sits east of Los Angeles.
Now, one of the things that makes this place so special is its diverse ecosystems .
Without giving a big ole geography lecture, what this does is to create a totally diverse set of plants, animals and landscapes unlike anywhere else around.
Once here, make sure to explore Hidden Valley, see the totally kitsch Crochet Museum and visit Cap Rock. Its easily up there as one of the best places in California to visit.
Best Places To Stay On A California Coast Road Trip
When planning a trip to California, travelers usually place Los Angeles and San Francisco high up on the must-see list. It is possible to drive between the two cities in one grueling day, but if you do so, youll miss the worthwhile attractions of Californias Central Coast including the historic Santa Barbara Mission, the regal Hearst Castle, the invigorating Highway 1 drive through Big Sur, the informative Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the throwback fun of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The best way to break up your trip is to spend an evening in one of Californias Central Coast communities.
Lodging will most likely be your biggest expense while traveling up or down the Central Coast. Spending a night in a downtown hotel adjacent to fine restaurants or in a cottage with soothing sounds of the nearby crashing sea can come with a hefty price tag, and even an inexpensive room on the California Coast can sometimes be as pricey as a high-end room in Bakersfield or Kansas City. Here are some ideas for overnight accommodations for people with all kinds of budgets. Be sure to note that all price ranges listed here are for the busy summer season, so you may be able to score a room at a much better price during the off season.
Recommended Reading: Where To Stay In West Glacier National Park
Bonus 2 Best Hotels Near Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is the main international airport of Los Angeles metropolitan area and the place where youll most probably land when you arrive in the city. The airport is located 19 miles / 30 km away from Downtown, which means around 20 minutes by car.
In case you have a very early or very late flight to Los Angeles, I advise you to book a room located as close to the airport as possible this way, you wont be in a rush to leave your hotel room in the morning and you wont have to carry your luggage downtown during the night. This can also save you quite some sleep, so Id say that in some cases this is a very good idea.
If you decide to do so, below I have found the 3 best airport hotels in Los Angeles :
- Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport Heres my recommendation for those of you that want to stay in a luxurious property close to the airport. This 4-star hotel is less than 1 km from the airport and it has tons of different rooms to choose from!
- Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX This 3-star mid-range hotel is 1.4 km from the airport and it awaits with clean and comfy rooms and very good service!
- LAX Teresa B& B For those of you that are on a budget I can recommend this nice homestay that comes with some great prices and super friendly staff. Plus, its only 2 km from the airport!
Why You Should Visit This Place
In the mood for an epic adventure, but not sure what to do in California?
Then, dont forget to put this park at the top of your list of places to see in California.
From daredevil pursuits to low-impact activities, this park offers every outdoor activity that you can think of.
Whats more, its filled with jaw-dropping sights, including extraordinary rock formations, towering waterfalls and sequoia trees.
You May Like: Good Places To Stay In Seattle
Bonus 3 Where Not To Stay In La
First of all, I want to make it clear that Los Angeles is a safe city to visit, after all, there are more than 35 million tourists going there each year! And its becoming safer and safer with each passing year. But although the city is mostly safe to visit and walk around, there are some sketchy areas that I wouldnt recommend visiting, especially at night, mostly because of the homeless people living there.
Here is the list of neighborhoods that are best avoided:
And here is the list of safe places to stay in Los Angeles:
- Any of the neighborhoods recommended in this article , except Downtown LA at night
As with any other city in this wide world, if you follow some common precaution measures such as being mindful of your belongings and surroundings at all times and avoiding the sketchy areas at night, youll surely be safe in LA!
Where To Stay In Orange County
For most visitors Orange County means Disneyland and you should only look at staying here if youre heading to the park or travelling along the coast.
Best for surf city:Huntington Surf Inn
Right on the beach and close to the pier, with nine simple but super cool rooms featuring a pop-art theme based on Southern California beach and surfing culture. Lots of pro surfers really do stay here.
Best for oceanside luxury:Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
A stunning Ritz-Carlton, this one is perhaps the best in town for its oceanside beauty . Rooms and suites are chock-full of luxury.
This feature contains affiliate links you can find out more about why weve partnered with booking.com hereDropdown content. All recommendations are editorially independent and taken from the Rough Guide to California.
Read Also: Places To Stay In Gaslamp San Diego
Venice Beach Best Place To Stay In Los Angeles On A Budget
Venice Beach is a fun and funky neighborhood located on the Pacific Ocean. West of Downtown LA, this neighborhood epitomizes California cool. Famous for its iconic beaches and bohemian atmosphere, Venice Beach is the epicenter of LAs counter-culture, hippie living and vintage vibes.
Not only is Venice Beach one of the coolest and best areas to stay in Los Angeles, but it is also my top choice for travelers on a budget. Here youll find a good selection of low-cost hostels and boutique hotels. With a wide variety of accommodations, this is where you will find great value not too far from the city.
San Luis Obispo And The Central Coast
Known as the “Happiest City in America,” San Luis Obispo delights visitors with its friendly atmosphere and interesting tourist attractions. Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 10 miles from the beach, this fun-loving college town boasts year-round sunshine, a historic Spanish mission and a weekly farmers’ market with live entertainment
Two popular beaches on the Central Coast are within a 30-minute drive from San Luis Obispo: the surfer’s favorite Pismo Beach and the more secluded and the resort-like Avila Beach which is a top destination for sunbathing, paddle-boarding, kayaking and fishing.
Read Also: Where To Stay In Cambridge
Redwoods National And State Parks
One of the furthest points up in California Ive been to has been Redwoods National Park. Have you heard of it? This area stretches from the ocean inland and is famed for a backpackers haven. If youre wanting to be far out in nature, I couldnt recommend it more.
Trinidad is just south of it, so you can make a home base there for day trips into the park. One sight you wont want to miss in the park is Fern Canyon. This small canyon is over forty feet tall and drenched in ferns with tumbling water.
Helpful Guides:
Beverly Hills The Best Neighborhood For Luxury
Beverly Hills is located on the West, in-between Hollywood and the coastal areas. From boutique shops to upscale restaurants, business centers, palm trees, luxurious mansions, and beautiful streets this beautiful area has it all and Im convinced youve seen at least some parts of it in tons of movies!
If youre all about luxury and designer shops, then youll love Beverly Hills. But hey, dont expect this famous neighborhood of Los Angeles to be tailored for the rich only, as everyone is welcomed and the area offers a little bit of something for everyone.
If you want to spot a celebrity during your stay in Los Angeles, trust me, Beverly Hills is THE place where its most likely to happen!
During your stay, you can explore the food places and shops near the famous Rodeo Drive, but you wont have tons of iconic landmarks and attractions for these, youll have to go to the other neighborhoods I am recommending in this post. Ah, and did I mention that Beverly Hills is one of the safest areas in the entire LA?
That being said, here are the best Beverly Hills hotels to choose from :
Don’t Miss: Where To Stay In Austin For Couples
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Continuing with our outdoor theme, Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County is another one of those incredible outdoor destinations. I was there this last year for my first time and had no idea how much there was to do.
The most famous thing is certainly a drive through the Avenue of the Giants, where some of the tallest redwood trees tower of you. There are plenty of day hikes and makes for a great family weekend trip.
Helpful Guides:A Guide to Visiting the Avenue of the Giants
Downtown La: Best For Short Trips + City Lovers
Downtown Los Angeles is a popular area to stay because its packed full of interesting attractions from Grand Central Market to Staples Center and bars, restaurants, and clubs. For that reason, it is one of the best places to stay in LA if you do not have a car.
While it is the historic heart of the city, the grand bank buildings have been turned into quirky shops and world-class restaurants. The number of skyscrapers in this neighborhood means that Downtown LA is the commercial hub of Los Angeles. This is the best place to visit if you want cool nightlife and some of the best eateries in town.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles
Pros: If youre here for a short trip, then Downtown LA is a great home base because theres a ton to do and see in the area, and you can hop over to Hollywood, the Arts District, Chinatown, and Silver Lake pretty easily. Its also relatively cheap, with a huge selection of great hotels. If youre into art and culture, this is the place to be the Broad, Staples Center, and a lot of the music venues like the Philharmonic are here.
Cons: Its very much a concrete jungle, though there are a few green spaces. Its also adjacent to Skid Row, which is infamous and not the best place to be. Parking is hard, so if you have a car youll have to pay for parking.
Downtown LA Highlights
Where to Stay in Downtown LA
If you have a car, be prepared to pay a little extra for parking every day.
The Freehand Hotel
The Hoxton
Ace Hotel LA
Read Also: Where To Stay In Puerto Vallarta With Family
Best Hotel In Venice Beach: Venice On The Beach Hotel
This charming hotel is just a short walk from Muscle Beach, the Venice Boardwalk and the neighbourhoods most famous attractions. It has a swimming pool and an outdoor terrace. Guests will enjoy relaxing in their spacious and comfortable rooms that are fitted with fans, a fridge and a private bathroom. Venice Beach is definitely amongst the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles.
Best Hostel In Venice Beach: Samesun Venice Beach
Where is the best place to stay in Los Angeles? It could be Venice Beach. A great seaside location and hip décor are just two of the reason this stylish hostel is my top choice for where to stay in Venice Beach. It has a cool common room, comfortable beds and an on-site bar and lounge. A delicious breakfast is also available to guests throughout their stay.
Don’t Miss: Best Area To Stay In Istanbul Turkey
Hollywood The Best Area To Stay In Los Angeles
There really is cinema magic on every corner when you stay in Hollywood. The first stop is Hollywood Boulevard to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Next up is a whirlwind day of sightseeing that will bring you to spots like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the Guinness World Records Museum, the Magic Castle and Ripleys Believe It or Not!
This is also a place to find tons of restaurants and souvenir shops. Whats more, big personalities and celebrity impersonators bring the streets of Hollywood to life.
In addition to some high-profile resorts, Hollywood offers a nice amount of budget motels and inns. Hollywood is one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HOLLYWOOD