Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States is a sun-drenched playground where vacation rentals become the launchpad for big-city vibes, coastal escapes, and mountain retreats all in one unforgettable trip. Whether you’re chasing the glow of Hollywood, the bite of delicious street food, or a quiet chalet-style escape after a day of surfing, hiking, or museum hopping, LA offers vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit every pace and every crew. From sleek city flats to cozy chalet-style cabins tucked into the foothills, you’ll find spaces designed for connection, exploration, and truly local experiences.
Vacation rentals and chalet accommodation destinations in Los Angeles and beyond
When planning a stay in Los Angeles and the surrounding regions, it’s helpful to think in terms of experiences first, then places to rest your head. The core city of Los Angeles and most of Los Angeles County offer a spectrum of vacation rentals and holiday rentals that keep you close to beaches, culture, and iconic film locations, while the nearby mountain towns provide chalet-style accommodations perfect for weekend getaways, family trips, or a nature-filled break with friends.
Chalet-style vacation rentals aren’t limited to snow-capped peaks. You’ll find charming, timber-rich cabins and chalet-inspired homes in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu hills, and the Los Angeles foothills, providing a warm, rustic contrast to the urban energy a few miles away. For those seeking genuine chalet accommodation destinations with a touch of alpine coziness, the mountain towns within a short drive of LA—such as Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead—offer a different rhythm, yet remain within easy reach of the city’s beaches, studios, and cultural neighborhoods.
Where to stay in Los Angeles County: neighborhoods, cities, and chalet options
Los Angeles County is a mosaic of neighborhoods that each tell a distinct story. For vacation rentals and holiday rentals, you can choose a city vibe, a beach vibe, or a mountain retreat, all within easy reach of the area’s signature experiences.
City and beach hubs
- Downtown Los Angeles — Modern lofts, skyline views, and easy access to museums, theater, and dining corridors. A great base for travelers who want to be in the center of it all.
- Santa Monica and Venice Beach — Oceanfront vacation rentals, boardwalk energy, and sunset strolls along the Pier. Great for families and groups who want beach days mixed with vibrant street life.
- West Hollywood and Hollywood Hills — Sleek apartment rentals with easy access to nightlife, iconic movie locations, and scenic overlooks. Chalet-style options are available in hillside neighborhoods for those who want a mountain vibe without leaving the city limits.
- Beverly Hills and the Miracle Mile — Upscale retreats, walkable shopping, and refined dining—perfect for travelers looking for elegance and culture close to everything.
- Pasadena and surrounding foothills — A blend of historic homes, garden estates, and access to cultural institutions like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library.
Coastline to cliffside: Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains
- Malibu — Oceanfront cottages and cliffside villas along the Pacific. Ideal for surfers, hikers, and anyone craving killer coastline access.
- Santa Monica Mountains — Chalets and architectural homes tucked into the hills with stunning views, close to hiking trails and scenic drives along Mulholland and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Chalet-style and mountain escapes near LA
- Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino County) — A classic chalet destination with woodsy cabins, fireplaces, and access to alpine activities, hiking, and lakefront adventures. A true chalet accommodation destination not far from LA’s urban energy.
- Lake Arrowhead (San Bernardino County) — Another alpine retreat offering chalet rentals, cozy interiors, and waterfront vibes, perfect for a slower tempo weekend from the city.
- Wrightwood and the San Gabriel Mountains — Quieter mountain towns with cabin stays and trail access, ideal for a peaceful break and easy day trips from LA.
Family-friendly and pet-friendly stays
Many vacation rentals in LA County and the adjacent mountain towns welcome families and pets, featuring kid-friendly amenities, fenced yards, and close proximity to parks, beaches, and kid-focused attractions. When searching for a chalet-style home, filter for “family-friendly” or “pet-friendly” to find spaces that fit your crew.
Activities, experiences, and local discoveries
LA is built for experiences that bounce from outdoor adventures to immersive culture. Whether you’re seeking a high-energy day of surfing or a sunset hike followed by a food-tue feast in trendy neighborhoods, a well-located vacation rental makes every outing more convenient and more enjoyable.
Coastal adventures and beach days
- Learn to surf at Venice Beach or Santa Monica Beach with a friendly instructor, then stroll along the Third Street Promenade for shopping and street performances.
- Ride bikes along the Marvin Braude Beach Trail, passing by lifeguard towers, tide pools, and sunset silhouettes over the Pacific.
- Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard along the calm morning bays in Marina del Rey, followed by a seaside brunch.
Iconic city experiences
- Tours of the Hollywood studios, movie locations, and the star-studded curiosities that define Los Angeles cinema history.
- Explore the arts and culture districts: The Broad, LACMA, Huntington, and the Getty—great for day trips from a central LA base.
- Stroll through Grand Central Market, then taste a fusion of cultures in Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District.
Nature, hiking, and scenic overlooks
- Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory offer stargazing evenings with a view of the city lights and the Hollywood Sign.
- Runyon Canyon and the Santa Monica Mountains provide trails with panoramic city and coastline vistas—perfect for a post-vacation photo op.
- In the mountains, explore Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead trails, lakeside picnic spots, and forest scenery that contrasts beautifully with LA’s urban energy.
Food tours and local flavors
- Experience LA’s diverse culinary scene through guided food tours that highlight ethnic neighborhoods, farmers markets, and hidden-gem eateries.
- Cookouts at your vacation rental with local fresh produce from farmers markets such as Grand Central Market, Santa Monica Farmers Market, and Pasadena’s Farmers Market.
- Seasonal events and pop-ups—LA’s food culture thrives year-round, with rooftop bars, sunset sips, and coast-to-city culinary crossovers.
Family and inclusive experiences
- Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood are classic day-trip options for families, with stays that keep you close to the action.
- Kid-friendly museums, science centers, and interactive experiences are plentiful, from the California Science Center to kid-focused art studios around the city.
- Accessible travel options, inclusive neighborhoods, and a hospitality scene that welcomes diverse travelers make every stay comfortable.
Seasonal notes and smart packing for LA vacations
Los Angeles enjoys a mild, mostly sunny climate, but planning around seasons helps you choose the right vacation rentals and activities. Here are practical tips to maximize your chalet-style or city stay:
- Spring (March–May): Shoulder-season pricing can mean great deals on vacation rentals. Mild temperatures are ideal for hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and exploring outdoor markets.
- Summer (June–August): Beach days are long and lively. Book a rental close to the coast or in a mountain area for cooler evenings and easy access to outdoor concerts and beach activities.
- Fall (September–November): Still beach-friendly with fewer crowds. Great time to combine city tours with a chalet escape in the mountains for a cool-down after hot days.
- Winter (December–February): Coastal stays are milder, but mountain chalets can offer light snow in the hills around Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead for a seasonal twist.
Pack layers for cool desert evenings in the hills and sun protection for long beach days. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, bring sturdy shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a compact daypack for hikes and urban explorations alike.
Plan the perfect stay with searchandstay.com
To find the best vacation rentals, holiday rentals, chalet-style accommodations, and unique stays in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, and nearby mountain destinations, searchandstay.com is a handy resource. The site lets you compare properties by price, location, amenities, and guest reviews, helping you tailor your booking to your group’s needs and your trip’s rhythm.
Whether you crave a chic city loft in Downtown LA, a breezy beachfront condo in Santa Monica, a cozy hillside chalet near the Malibu foothills, or a family-friendly cabin in Big Bear Lake, Search and Stay aggregates diverse options. You’ll discover listings that highlight family spaces, pet-friendly homes, accessible accommodations, and unique stays that elevate your LA vacation experience.
For travelers seeking a seamless booking experience, a wide array of photos, detailed descriptions, and user reviews on searchandstay.com help you choose a vacation rental that matches your style. As you plan, consider the balance between proximity to beaches, museums, and nightlife and access to the pine-scented quiet of a mountain chalet—then lock in your dates with confidence.
Explore the area’s chalet accommodation destinations, from city-adjacent hillside homes to alpine-inspired retreats a short drive from LA. Use Search and Stay to filter for “vacation rentals” and “holiday rentals” in Los Angeles County and the surrounding mountain regions, ensuring your base is ready for every day’s adventure, meal, and memory.
When you’re ready to book, visit searchandstay.com to compare options, read guest reviews, and find the perfect space to call home during your Los Angeles getaway. The platform regularly updates with new chalet-style listings and city-center stays, making it easier than ever to plan a vacation rental that aligns with your dreams of sun, surf, and scenery.
Local tips for an inclusive and unforgettable trip
- Check parking and public transit options for urban stays, especially if your chalet or apartment is in hilly neighborhoods or near the coast where parking can be tight.
- Look for pet-friendly accommodations if you’re traveling with a furry friend, and verify guest capacity and child-friendly features if you’re visiting with kids.
- Plan buffer time between activities to enjoy spontaneous coffees, street art, or a sunset stroll along the beach or hillside trails.
- Respect local neighborhoods and environmental guidelines, especially in mountain areas where quiet hours and trail etiquette help preserve the natural beauty for everyone.
- Consider a mix of urban and mountain stays to experience the full spectrum of LA’s climate, culture, and scenery.
In summary: your LA vacation rental journey
Los Angeles offers a dynamic tapestry of experiences, with vacation rentals and holiday rentals that can completely transform how you explore this iconic region. From the glow of Hollywood and the crescent of the Santa Monica coastline to the pine-scented calm of chalet-style escapes in the nearby mountains, there is a space that matches your pace, your crew, and your vibe. The right chalet accommodation destination in Los Angeles County or the surrounding mountains can become your home base for discovery—an inviting, comfortable retreat after days filled with iconic sights, thrilling adventures, and immersive local flavors.
Whether you’re chasing a quick weekend away, a family-friendly holiday, a solo wellness retreat, or a vibrant group getaway, think in terms of experiences first, then the perfect place to rest. Los Angeles is a place where the next doorstep is a new story, and your vacation rental can be the front-row seat to it all. With searchandstay.com as a practical tool to find and compare accommodations in the area, you’ll unlock easier access to the chalet-style homes, city stays, and coastal havens that make an LA trip truly unforgettable.

