First timer to LA, better place to stay: Venice vs. Mid-Wilshire area? (Santa Monica: best neighborhoods, rentals)

[Shaolin Shadowboxing]

i have found two great Airbnb rentals. One in Venice and one in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood, a 10-minute walk to the Farmer's Market, Grove, etc.

we'll have a car and parking in either will not be an issue.

both places are very nice with the one in Wilshire being slightly cheaper.

your thoughts?

[K 22]

I'd go for the Mid-Wilshire spot personally. You're in walking distance to a lot of spots.

[PDF]

Go with Mid-Wilshire. Much better area and it puts you in a more central location.

[Cream1]

I'd rather stay at the beach. Probably because McMalls don't appeal to me.

[Shaolin Shadowboxing]

hmmm ok. 2 vs 1 so far.

[BRinSM]

i would go with the beach since you'll have a car. even with a car, don't be afraid to use uber for shorter trips since those drivers will be more familiar with the area and will relieve you of the headache of having to deal with parking.

[afdinatl]

I stayed on Wilshire and it the best part is it being near the subway station so you can travel throughout LA without driving

[jessemh431]

When are you coming? Because if the Mid-Wilshire doesn't have A/C and you're coming during a hot month, I'd go for Venice. If it has A/C or you're coming during a cooler month, I'd say Mid-Wilshire. You're closer to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Universal Studios/City Walk, Downtown LA, and The Grove and Fairfax being right there is a benefit. Most LA museums are in that area too. Museum Row is right on Wilshire probably near where that Airbnb is. Mid Wilshire will let you take advantage of public transit too so that you don't have to pay for parking and fight traffic everywhere you go. It's one of the best neighborhoods for public transit in LA, if not the best.

Venice puts you closer to Santa Monica and LAX, and obviously easier access to the beach and Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu. But farther from a lot of other tourist places.

[Statz2k10]

I vote Wilshire. It's more centrally located and that can be a big time saver in terms of traffic etc. I guess a lot depends on what you want to do though. If you plan on doing a lot around Downtown or Hollywood Venice will be a time waster to and from those places if you hit traffic (which is likely).

[Shaolin Shadowboxing]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

When are you coming? Because if the Mid-Wilshire doesn't have A/C and you're coming during a hot month, I'd go for Venice. If it has A/C or you're coming during a cooler month, I'd say Mid-Wilshire. You're closer to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Universal Studios/City Walk, Downtown LA, and The Grove and Fairfax being right there is a benefit. Most LA museums are in that area too. Museum Row is right on Wilshire probably near where that Airbnb is. Mid Wilshire will let you take advantage of public transit too so that you don't have to pay for parking and fight traffic everywhere you go. It's one of the best neighborhoods for public transit in LA, if not the best.

Venice puts you closer to Santa Monica and LAX, and obviously easier access to the beach and Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu. But farther from a lot of other tourist places.

mid August. the property in mid-Wilshire has AC and free parking included.

here are the two to compare:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1971521

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15440