Los Angeles Business Travel Guide
Welcome to LA: The Ultimate Business Hub
Los Angeles (LA) is a global center of business and creativity, known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and a powerhouse in tech, aerospace, fashion, and international trade.
It’s home to major film studios in Hollywood, Silicon Beach startups in Santa Monica, Fortune 500 companies downtown, and the nation’s busiest port complex. In fact, LA ranks among the world’s leading destinations for business trips.
Whether you're here for a deal at a Hollywood studio, a tech conference in Pasadena, or a finance meeting in Century City, Los Angeles offers the infrastructure, networking, and amenities to make your business trip a success.
Did You Know? callout - According to Los Angeles tourism statistics, about 20% of LA’s visitors come for business一a significant slice of the 50 million annual travelers who fuel the city’s economy.
How to Get Around LA for Business Travelers
Los Angeles is famously car-centric, and traffic here is no joke. For business travelers, the most efficient way to get around is often by car or rideshare, as the city’s sites are spread out. Rental cars are relatively inexpensive and widely available at LAX and major hotels. If you drive:
- Plan for bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekdays from about 7–10am and 3–7pm.
- It’s wise to cluster your meetings by area and avoid crisscrossing the city during rush hour
- Use navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) to check real-time traffic—5 miles can sometimes take 45 minutes!
- For short hops in the same neighborhood, Uber and Lyft are convenient.
Public Transit: LA’s Metro is affordable ($1.75 with free transfers) and useful along key routes:
- The Metro Rail E Line (Expo) connects Downtown to Santa Monica in ~50 minutes, often quicker than driving.
- Metro subways such as the B Line link Downtown, Hollywood, and Universal City.
Importantly, coverage can be limited, trains run every 10–20 minutes, and service ends around midnight. Download the LA Metro app (app for Android) for updates.
Most business travelers combine transit with car services for speed and flexibility.
For airport transfers:
- From Los Angeles (LAX): LAX is ~15 miles from Downtown. A taxi or rideshare takes 30–45 minutes off-peak (~$50+), but over an hour in traffic. The FlyAway® Bus runs every 30 minutes to Union Station (~60 minutes, $12.75) and avoids parking stress. For Westside or Hollywood meetings, use a car service and allow extra time due to ongoing LAX construction through 2025.
- From Burbank (BUR): BUR is just 10 miles from Downtown and closer to Hollywood. Rides take ~20–40 minutes. It’s smaller, faster to navigate, and offers easy curbside pickup—use it when possible.
- From Long Beach (LGB): Ideal for southwest LA or Orange County, LGB is ~25 miles from Downtown; drive time is 30–45 minutes.
- From Ontario (ONT): 35 miles east of Downtown, ONT is best for eastern LA County or logistics areas. Otherwise, the 40+ minute drive may not be ideal.
- From John Wayne (SNA): ~40 miles from Downtown, SNA is smooth and efficient. Best for Orange County or the South Bay; less ideal for central LA due to the 45–70 minute drive.
Pro Tip: If possible, arrange airport pickup in advance (through your hotel or a car service) to save time. And whenever heading to a meeting from the airport, give yourself extra time—LA traffic is unpredictable, and “I was stuck on the 405” is a familiar refrain among visitors.
LA Business Travel Dos & Don'ts
Dos (For a Smooth Business Trip)
- Plan for Traffic: Always allow extra time. Try to group meetings by area, and pad your schedule if crossing the city—early is better than late.
- Use Rideshares & HOV Lanes: Uber/Lyft are cheaper than taxis. With a colleague, use carpool lanes; FasTrak toll access can save time (fees apply).
- Tip Well: 20% is standard at restaurants; tip valets, bellhops, and rideshare drivers too. It’s part of LA’s service culture.
- Dress Smart: Style varies by industry—casual in tech, formal in finance. Smart casual (e.g., jacket, no tie) is usually safe.
- Book Private Spaces: For quiet or confidential meetings, reserve hotel meeting rooms (e.g., Conrad LA).
- Network Socially: LA blends business and social life. Say yes to events and follow up with a digital business card or LinkedIn.
Don'ts (Avoid These Business Faux Pas)
- Don’t Misjudge Distance: LA is vast—a 10-mile trip can take an hour. Always check drive times.
- Don’t Expect Street Cabs: Taxis are rare. Use Uber/Lyft or have your hotel call a car.
- Don’t Jaywalk: It’s enforced in some areas. Stick to crosswalks—drivers often aren’t expecting pedestrians.
- Don’t Book Tight Cross-Town Meetings: Leave 1–2 hours between meetings if travel is involved.
- Don’t Arrive Too Early: Showing up 30+ minutes ahead can be disruptive—wait nearby if you’re early.
- Don’t Skip Parking Validation: Many garages charge $20–$40. Ask about validation to avoid surprise fees.
- Don’t Rely on LA Stereotypes: Not everyone works in Hollywood. Avoid clichés—keep it professional.
Did You Know? Top LA restaurants often book weeks ahead—last-minute tables at spots like Nobu Malibu or Bestia are rare. Eater LA reports many now require advance reservations and even deposits. Plan client dinners early.
Best LA Neighborhoods for Business Travelers
Where you stay can shape your trip. Here are our top picks based on business needs:
- Downtown LA (DTLA): Ideal for meetings in the Financial District, law firms, or conventions. Walkable, with top hotels (InterContinental, Conrad) and plenty of dining options.
- Century City & Westwood: Great for finance, consulting, and entertainment law. Near UCLA and westside firms, with upscale hotels like the Fairmont Century Plaza.
- Santa Monica: Perfect for tech/media in “Silicon Beach.” Walkable, scenic, and relaxed, with co-working spaces and client-friendly restaurants.
- Hollywood & West Hollywood: Best for entertainment pros. Close to studios, with boutique hotels and after-hours networking spots. Traffic-heavy, but manageable if you’re staying local.
- Pasadena/Glendale: Quieter and well-suited for aerospace or media. Old Town Pasadena offers charm and freeway access; Burbank/Glendale house companies like Disney and ServiceTitan.
Top Restaurants & Networking Spots
Client Meetings
- Spago Beverly Hills – Wolfgang Puck’s flagship; a legendary, discreet power-dining spot perfect for high-stakes client dinners.
- Providence (Hollywood) – Now 3 Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability; ideal for private, detail‑oriented business meals. Book well in advance.
- 71Above (Downtown LA) – Elevated modern American dining with stunning city views; wow clients and book a quiet table.
Networking Cocktails
- Perch (Downtown LA) – Rooftop bistro with skyline views; buzzing with after-work professionals and casual mixers.
- The Tower Bar (West Hollywood) – Exclusive and elegant; a favorite for quiet drinks with industry insiders and dealmakers.
- The Bungalow (Santa Monica) – Beachy, laid-back spot for post-meeting drinks with media, tech, and creative types.
Team Dinners
- Park’s BBQ (Koreatown) – Classic Korean BBQ; interactive, upbeat, and perfect for bonding over grilled short ribs.
- Bestia (Arts District) – Trendy Italian with shareable plates; loud, lively, and made for team celebrations.
- Musso & Frank Grill (Hollywood) – Old Hollywood steakhouse charm; hearty fare and history for a memorable team night.
Quick Coffee Meetings
- Bluestone Lane – An Aussie-inspired café with great coffee and calm vibes; ideal for quick, casual catch-ups.
- Verve Coffee (DTLA/WeHo) – Spacious, stylish, and conversation-friendly; a go-to for creative professionals.
- La La Land Kind Café (Santa Monica) — Bright, minimalist café with plenty of seating—great for relaxed one-on-ones or quick business convos.
Did You Know? Many LA restaurants accommodate business meals—quiet tables, faster service, and more—if you mention it’s a client meeting when booking.
