Los Angeles is the city of angels, stars, and dreams. But with over 100 neighborhoods spanning across 500 square miles, finding your slice of paradise in this iconic city can feel more like a nightmare. That’s why the party bus rental experts at Partybus.com have put together this complete guide to the best LA neighborhoods. We’ll give you the insider scoop on the coolest areas, hottest spots, and hidden gems – all so you can experience LA like a real celeb — all you need is Partybus.com to get you there with an LA bus rental!
Hollywood
No LA neighborhood guide would be complete without giving props to the iconic Hollywood. This world-famous district is home to the legendary Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held), and Sunset Strip. Whether you want to feel like a star while hitting trendy clubs and restaurants or tour studios like Paramount Pictures, Hollywood delivers an only-in-LA experience. Just be prepared for crowds, tourists, and that distinctive waft of churro and street dog. Don’t sleep on Hollywood’s residential areas either. The Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Dell, and Whitley Heights are some of the most lavish (and priciest) neighborhoods to call home. With multi-million dollar mansions and stunning city views, living among the stars will cost you. But hey, you only live once – might as well go all out!
West Hollywood (WeHo)
If Hollywood is the iconic star, then WeHo is its edgy, fashion-forward sibling. As one of the most popular LGBTQ neighborhoods in the US, West Hollywood (or WeHo for short) is a hub for incredible nightlife, dining, shopping, and culture. You’ll find the world-famous Sunset Strip, unique boutique hotels, fancy restaurants, lively bars, comedy clubs, and of course, pride parties and events year-round. WeHo is also incredibly walkable and compact at only 1.9 square miles, making it easy to hop between hot spots. During the day, WeHo Pedestrian Plaza and West Hollywood Park are perfect for people-watching or catching an outdoor concert. And at night? You’ll be living the high life on the Boystown or Santa Monica Blvd party strips!
Downtown LA (DTLA)
Once a ghost town after dark, Downtown LA (or DTLA to locals) has been revitalized into one of the hottest neighborhoods in LA. This centrally located district is a haven for young professionals, artists, and foodies alike. Upscale lofts, galleries, artisanal coffee shops, gastropubs, and trendy rooftop bars can be found around every corner. DTLA is also a major entertainment destination with venues like the STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and LA Live complex. LA sports fans can easily catch Lakers, Clippers, Kings or Sparks games during their DTLA stay. The nightlife is every bit as lit too. You’ll find everything from exclusive clubs frequented by celebs to hip underground venues hosting cutting-edge music and art shows.
Koreatown (K-Town)
For a truly unique LA experience, look no further than Koreatown – or as locals call it, “K-Town.” This dense neighborhood is like strolling through the streets of Seoul but with an LA twist. Amazing Korean BBQ joints, lively outdoor markets, relaxing bathhouses, Boba shops, and neon-lit night markets define the sights and flavors of K-Town. But K-Town offers way more than just Korean culture. It’s one of LA’s most ethnically diverse areas with an incredible mix of Central American, Mexican, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai restaurants and businesses. The area even has its own “Pequena Habana” (Little Havana) and Elysian Park with hiking trails and breathtaking city views. No matter what you’re craving, K-Town will satisfy.
Venice Beach
No area in LA embodies that classic SoCal vibe quite like Venice Beach. Originally founded as a seaside resort town in the early 1900s, Venice Beach retains its bohemian spirit and carefree atmosphere today. Spend your days strolling the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, catching street performances, shopping quirky boutiques, or skating at the one-of-a-kind Venice Beach Skate Park. And that’s just the daytime scene. At night, the hip bars, clubs, stylish hotels and restaurants along Abbott Kinney Blvd and Washington Blvd come alive. From world-famous DJ shows to underground comedy clubs to late-night taco trucks, Venice Beach’s nightlife delivers an unbeatable eclectic experience.
Santa Monica
Upscale ocean views, iconic attractions, and a great downtown area put Santa Monica at the top of many LA visitors’ wish lists – and for good reason. The city’s beautiful coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, and iconic Santa Monica Pier are attractions in themselves. But Santa Monica’s other major draw is its world-class shopping and dining along the pedestrian-friendly 3rd Street Promenade and Montana Avenue. Santa Monica has a definite upscale resort vibe despite being just 15 miles west of downtown LA. Healthy living, sustainability, and enjoying the ocean breezes is a way of life for the area’s largely affluent residents. Public transportation is abundant making Santa Monica an ideal home base for exploring LA without a car. When the beach gets tiring (if that’s even possible), local cultural attractions like Getty Villa Museum provide a perfect change of pace.
Malibu
Tucked away along the sun-drenched Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu is where LA’s elite go to escape. This exclusive, star-studded beach community is the epitome of laid-back luxury. Gated seaside mansions overlooking private coves, beachside resorts, fancy restaurants, and ritzy boutiques make up the distinctly Malibu vibe. Don’t let its glitzy reputation fool you though – Malibu still maintains a relaxed, small-town surf culture. You’re as likely to see celebs in flip-flops as you are hiking the stunning trails of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or enjoying a cocktail at an open-air wine bar. One thing’s for certain – with its natural beauty and endless miles of pristine beaches, Malibu is truly one of LA’s most breathtaking neighborhoods.
Beverly Hills
Ask anyone to name LA’s most famous neighborhood and Beverly Hills will undoubtedly top the list. This pinnacle of wealth and luxury in the middle of Los Angeles County is famously home to mansions, high-end shopping districts like Rodeo Drive, lavish hotels, and some of the best restaurants in the city. While it’s nearly impossible for the average person to afford to live in Beverly Hills, there’s still plenty to experience just by visiting. In addition to the iconic architecture and celebrity home tours, Beverly Hills offers incredible outdoor spaces like Beverly Gardens Park, scenic hiking trails, and legendary cultural attractions like the Wallis Theater. Plus, Beverly Hills is centrally located giving you easy access to many of LA’s other top neighborhoods.
Book a Party Bus Tour of LA’s Best Neighborhoods
We could go on forever detailing LA’s legendary neighborhoods – Venice, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Silverlake, Mar Vista, Culver City, and more all have something unique to offer. But here’s the deal – LA is best experienced in person and shown through a local’s eyes. That’s why booking a private tour with a Partybus.com party bus rental is a must. Our bus rentals give you a backstage pass to all the top hotspots, hidden gems, restaurants, bars, clubs and attractions in any LA neighborhood you desire. Your vehicle will keep your group entertained every mile of the way while following your custom itinerary.