Our beloved City of Angels is 469 square miles of California’s finest landscapes, entertainment’s primary capital, one of the world’s best food scenes and more. It's big and colorful and diverse and each enclave is worth developing a deep knowledge of.
From the edge of the San Fernando Valley to the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, we unpacked it all. We gathered the best spots in Los Angeles for where to eat; where to stay; where to relax; where to shop; where to have pre-dinner drinks; where to hit the town; cultural experiences and hidden gems. Neighborhood by neighborhood, we dove into Pasadena, Silver Lake, downtown, Culver City, Venice, Malibu, Hollywood, Mid-City and West Adams, the Eastside, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades, West Hollywood, Brentwood and Westwood, Beverly Hills, the San Fernando Valley and beach cities like Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches.
Read on for the ultimate Los Angeles neighborhood guide.
See also: The Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Los Angeles
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There’s a reason Beverly Hills is a world-famous destination, and it’s not just because it’s home to the rich and famous (though it is cool to catch a celeb in their posh car trekking down Little Santa Monica Boulevard). Distinctly walkable, the affluent neighborhood is home to fashion’s biggest labels, award-winning luxury hotels and spas and some of the city’s most fun restaurants.What’s more, there’s always fun events and pop-ups going on. On your next visit, keep an eye for what is in the space at 468 N Rodeo Drive, which has been home to pop-ups by Louis Vuitton and Veuve Clicquot.
See the full guide here.
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The beaches of Los Angeles extend beyond that of Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu. Whether you’re at Playa Del Rey or Manhattan, Hermosa or Redondo Beaches, you’re guaranteed to experience the true surf culture of Southern California. What’s more, you’ll find laidback eateries, shopping and water holes with sparkling views of the sea.
See the full guide here.
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With UCLA as its pulsing heart, Westwood and Brentwood are a bountiful corner of Los Angeles. Among all the college kids and stunning homes, the university’s touch can be felt across the neighborhood by way of cultural finds like historic theaters and museums. What’s more, you’ll also find the locally loved Brentwood Country Mart.
See the full guide here.
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Culver City has had a long history as being a robust corner of Los Angeles. It is home to Sony Pictures Studios and a number of great restaurants, one of which recently received a Michelin star. It is also home to one of the world’s premier rare art book stores, a long-time karaoke bar and a store with vintage, one-of-a-kind furniture and decor you won’t find anywhere else.
See the full guide here.
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Let’s examine again the reputation that L.A. isn’t a “real city.” One could argue to just head downtown as one reason this qualification is incorrect. Downtown L.A. buzzes with the vigor of your traditional concrete jungle and features some of the city’s best restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping.
See the full guide here.
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Hollywood has long been an epicenter of Los Angeles for the way that it plays homebase (in a way) to the entertainment industry and tourism. However, a recent surge in high-profile bars and restaurants has elevated Hollywood’s status as the ultimate nightlife destination. Between the buzz of the Vinyl District and revival of Sycamore Avenue, Hollywood has become so much more than just its Walk of Fame.
See the full guide here.
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Illuminated by rolling hills and long-time hipsters, the Eastside is a vibrant place to live and visit. With Los Feliz, Highland Park, Echo Park, Griffith Park and Eagle Rock all under the umbrella, you’ve got an endless amount to do including a show at the Echoplex or The Greek, a visit to the Griffith Observatory, dining and drinking along Sunset Boulevard and more.
See the full guide here.
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Malibu takes the surf culture of Southern California to another level. A proper rendezvous from the city (or permanent hideaway for the stars), Malibu just runs slower than the rest of town. It is home to some of L.A.’s most beautiful beaches and an array of seafood cuisine that can’t be beat whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a food shack along the Pacific Coast Highway.
See the full guide here.
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In the West, especially Southern California, it can be hard to feel a sense of history. But all over Mid-City and West Adams, you’ll see its past by way of architecture. You’ll also see its future with all that it has to offer from food to nightlife to art.
See the full guide here.
See also: The Best Restaurants In Los Angeles
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Angelenos don't just flock to Pasadena to settle in the suburbs. Here, you're also among historical architecture, fantastic dining and lush gardens.
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The San Fernando Valley is about as Los Angeles as Los Angeles gets. Mom and pop donut shops are a dime a dozen; you can’t go far without seeing a taco stand and its home to Walt Disney Studios. You’ve also got a good number of full-sized parking lots, making life just a bit easier when you’re visiting all the great eateries or bars. There’s even ample parking to just gaze at the views from Mulholland Drive overlooks.
See the full guide here.
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More than just the home of the carnival-like pier, Santa Monica and the Palisades strike the perfect balance between beachside and city living. In addition to the tourist attraction-heavy boardwalk, these neighborhoods are efficient reminders of just how beautiful Southern California is each and every day. Flanked by palm trees and illuminated by a stunningly blue sky (or a creamy sherbet when the sun retreats), it always feels special to be here.
See the full guide here.
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Sure you might find a Hollywood star in a Sunset Strip hotel or high-end Hollywood bar, but Silver Lake is what attracts many Angeleno celebs with roots to plant. It’s all for good reason. Silver Lake is home to city-favorite gems like L&E Oyster Bar, Ceviche Project and All Time, in addition to L.A. plenty of hidden gems.
See the full guide here.
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Even for lifelong beachgoers, Venice is a sight to behold. There’s always something new to see or do given its historical attraction of artists, surfers and eccentrics. In recent years, it has become a central hub for Silicon Beach, meaning you'll also find plenty of entrepreneurs around town. But above all, Venice is a beach town. It’s a place to take it easy. So take a stroll down the boardwalk or through the canals and be sure to grab a burrito while you’re at it.
See the full guide here.
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With a reputation as Long Angeles’ gay mecca and longtime neighborhood for nightlife, all the fun is in West Hollywood. You can keep it swanky along the Sunset Strip (or even find a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll) or dance the night away at different spots along Santa Monica Boulevard from San Vicente to Doheny Boulevards. Whatever your choice, you’re always in for a good time.
See the full guide here.
Los Angeles is big. Whether a local or visitor, be sure you’re prepared to take on different parts of the city.
See also: The Best Bars In Los Angeles
Photography by: LeoPatrizi/ Getty Images
