Los Angeles rewards drivers who plan their parking. Pick up your car rental at LAX and use this easy guide to park near Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and key DTLA spots—without surprise tickets or long detours.
Griffith Observatory
Lot spaces by the Observatory fill quickly most afternoons and during sunset. Arrive early, consider ride‑shares within the park when lots are full, and never block fire lanes. Weeknights are calmer; weekends see the heaviest demand. For families, a minivan keeps gear together if you also plan a hike to the Hollywood Sign.
Getty Center
Parking is paid and connected to the hilltop tram. Keep your receipt handy if you plan to leave and return later the same day. Arrive after lunch for a smoother entry; mornings often see busier gates. Compact cars fit garages more easily, but any class works.
DTLA Staples
Downtown uses a mix of garages, surface lots, and variable‑rate street meters. Read block signs—rates and time limits shift by area. For event nights around Crypto.com Arena and the Convention Center, pre‑book a garage and allow extra time.
Quick tips to avoid tickets
- Street sweeping: Always check curb signs on side streets near museums and theaters.
- Pay by app: Many meters allow extensions from your phone—helpful during dinner or a show.
- Mind the hills: Curb your wheels on steep streets to avoid citations.
If you prefer British phrasing while browsing car hire options, Hola Car Rentals keeps totals transparent so you can focus on the sights.
Easy pick‑ups near LAX
Stick with major counters for fast service and wide fleets such as Hertz at LAX, Enterprise at LAX, or Avis at LAX. Need a roomier interior for strollers or tripods? Consider an SUV rental to make parking‑garage maneuvers easier with sensors and cameras.
FAQs
Is street parking safe at night?
Use well‑lit, attended lots near venues and keep valuables out of sight.
Do I need cash?
Most garages accept cards; meters and city lots typically take app payments.
Are EV chargers common?
They’re growing, but confirm your garage has the plug type you need before you go.
Book with Hola Car Rentals
- All‑Inclusive+ coverage with maximum liability options.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- No additional fees—clear, upfront pricing.
Park like a local: lock in the right vehicle with Hola Car Rentals and spend your time exploring, not circling.
Garages we like for DTLA visits
For museums along Grand Avenue (Broad/MOCA/Walt Disney Concert Hall), target the on‑site or adjacent structures to avoid steep street grades. For dinner in the Arts District, favor attended lots on the block rather than circling for meters. If you’re mixing business meetings and sightseeing, a reserve your vehicle in Los Angeles lets you move easily between neighborhoods.
Plan your vehicle for LA garages
Height limits vary; check posted clearance if you’re in a tall SUV with a rack. Backup cameras and parking sensors are standard on most recent fleet models and are helpful for tight turns. If you’ll shuttle colleagues, a van rental adds seats without resorting to multiple cars.
Safety reminders
Park in well‑lit structures, stow luggage before you arrive, and avoid leaving bags on seats. When attending late shows, pay before you return to your car to minimize time at kiosks. Hola Car Rentals partners with trusted brands so you get modern vehicles with strong safety tech.
Make the most of your time
Bundle sights by neighborhood to limit cross‑town drives. Griffith at sunrise, Getty after lunch, DTLA for dinner and a show is a smooth sequence with less backtracking.
