Updated 4 August 2026 · zones and venues are subject to change.
For most fans, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is the best base: it's the hub where most Metro rail lines meet, so you can reach the widest range of venues without a car. If your sports cluster elsewhere, stay near that zone instead — Long Beach, Pasadena or Inglewood — and pick a place within walking distance of a rail line. Book refundable rooms early; prices rise as 2028 nears.
LA 2028 is a transit-first Games with no spectator parking at venues, so where you stay is really a question of transit access. Think "a base plus a rail line," not "a hotel next to one stadium." Here's how the main zones compare.
Best areas by zone
| Base | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown LA (DTLA) | All-round access | Rail hub; walkable to the Convention Center cluster; most connections |
| Long Beach | Water & coastal sports | Self-contained cluster: handball, water polo, rowing, sailing, climbing |
| Pasadena / Arcadia | Football finals, equestrian | Near the Rose Bowl and Santa Anita; quieter and leafy |
| Inglewood | Ceremonies, swimming, basketball | By the new stadium and arena; close to LAX |
| Santa Monica / Venice | Beach events | Coastal base for triathlon and marathon start; livelier evenings |
How to choose your base
- List the sports you have (or want) tickets for — check each one's zone in our sports directory.
- Pick the zone where most of your sessions sit.
- Search accommodation within a short walk of a Metro rail station in or near that zone.
- Favour refundable rates so you can adjust as your ticket sessions firm up.
Compare Los Angeles stays here. Booking a refundable room now and adjusting later is the low-risk way to lock in a good rate before demand peaks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking next to a single venue, then realising your other sessions are an hour away.
- Ignoring transit — a cheap room far from rail can cost you hours and taxi fares daily.
- Choosing non-refundable rates too early, before your ticket sessions are confirmed.
- Leaving it late — inventory tightens and prices climb as the Games approach.
Official & useful sources
- la28.org — official venue and zone updates
- World of Events venues & zones — what's in each zone