LA Guide | Green Sea Shells

LOS ANGELES
TRAVEL & WELLNESS GUIDE

Where to Stay in Los Angeles:
The Best Neighborhoods for Every Kind of Traveler

MANHATTAN BEACH & SOUTH BAY

Best for: Family-friendly beaches, local markets, and relaxed attractions.

South Bay towns like Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, and Redondo feel more intimate than the sprawl of greater LA. Manhattan’s pier is as photogenic as it gets, Hermosa brings live music and beach volleyball, and Redondo has a classic harbor with paddleboard rentals. Hotels range from sleek boutiques to casual beachside inns.

This is the part of LA where life slows down—morning surf, sunset strolls, and neighborhood cafés set the rhythm. Attractions lean local, from farmers markets to breweries, and the wellness comes naturally through outdoor movement and a strong sense of community by the coast.

SANTA MONICA & VENICE

Best for: Ocean views, active mornings, and iconic attractions.

Santa Monica has it all: wide beaches, the famous pier, and a buzzing downtown for shopping and dining. Venice next door is more eclectic, with its colorful boardwalk and Abbot Kinney’s boutiques.

Both are ideal for travelers who want to start the day with yoga on the sand, bike The Strand, and end with a Pacific sunset. The wellness here is built into daily life—fresh air, movement, and coastal calm—balanced by must-see sights like Muscle Beach and the Third Street Promenade.

WESTWOOD & UCLA

Best for: Museums, leafy streets, and a quieter base near attractions.

Westwood offers a balance of culture and calm. Anchored by UCLA and the Hammer Museum, it blends academic energy with neighborhood ease.

Stays here put you close to Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, but evenings feel slower—think cafés, cinemas, and casual dining.

It’s a smart base if you want to see LA’s major attractions while enjoying a gentler pace, with wellness woven in through green campus quads and walkable residential streets.

DOWNTOWN LA & THE ARTS DISTRICT

Best for: Museums, culture, and rooftop energy.

Downtown LA has reinvented itself as the city’s cultural core. Stay here and you’ll be steps from The Broad, MOCA, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with Little Tokyo and Grand Central Market nearby.

The Arts District adds murals, indie galleries, and modern cafés. Days are filled with art and architecture; nights bring rooftop dining and skyline views. Wellness here means stimulation—creative spaces, walkable blocks, and a chance to see LA’s energy up close.

MALIBU

Best for: Secluded stays, ocean views, and outdoor escapes.

Just up the coast, Malibu feels like an LA getaway. Its beaches—Zuma, El Matador—are among the city’s most famous, while the Getty Villa adds a cultural touch.

Hotels and inns often double as retreats, with spas and wellness programs set against ocean backdrops.

Hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains complete the picture: movement, nature, and calm all within reach.

Malibu is where you go when you want LA close by, but not all around you.

BEVERLY HILLS & WEST HOLLYWOOD

Best for: Shopping, nightlife, and stylish indulgence.

Beverly Hills is LA’s signature luxury address, with palm-lined boulevards, Rodeo Drive shopping, and iconic hotels. West Hollywood brings trendier energy: comedy clubs, live music, and rooftop lounges.

Together, they showcase LA’s glamorous side. Attractions here are about lifestyle as much as landmarks. Wellness comes in the form of boutique fitness studios, vegan cafés, and hotel spas where self-care is part of the scene.

LONG BEACH

Best for: Waterfront culture, family trips, and a walkable downtown.

Long Beach blends coastal ease with urban flavor. Attractions include the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and a shoreline that invites biking and strolling. Its compact downtown makes it one of LA’s most walkable bases, with hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues clustered together.

For families, Long Beach also works as a smart coastal base for Disneyland—Anaheim is just a half-hour drive inland. The wellness here is in the rhythm of the harbor: ocean breezes, casual dining, and an easy pace that balances theme park days with seaside downtime.

THE VALLEY (Studio City / Sherman Oaks)

Best for: Family-friendly stays, theme parks, and a quieter pace.

North of the Hollywood Hills, the Valley offers space and convenience. Studio City and Sherman Oaks make a comfortable base with local dining and weekly farmers markets.

Universal Studios Hollywood is just minutes away, and Griffith Park’s trails are within reach. Stays here often mean better value and more room to spread out.

It’s the right choice if you want quick access to attractions by day and calmer evenings at night.

The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles:
From Beaches to Hidden Corners

The Ultimate Los Angeles Travel Guide

A Day in Venice, California: Sun, Fun, and Flavor by the Sea

A Guide to Visiting University of California, Los Angeles & Westwood: Where to Eat, Explore & stay near UCLA

Marina del Rey: A Destination Defined by the Ocean's Rhythm

Santa Monica, CA: Your Guide to the Best Attractions, Activities, and Hotels

Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles for Any Special Occasion: Love Is in the Air

Looking for romantic ideas in LA? Here are a few unforgettable experiences to share with your love!

16 Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Los Angeles

Explore LA's most Instagram-worthy spots, from iconic landmarks to stunning city views.

Los Angeles Arts District Murals: A Guide to Exploring Street Art in DTLA

From colorful murals to open-studio lofts, the Arts District is one of LA’s most creative neighborhoods. Here’s how to see it — with directions, cafés, and insider tips.