Chavez Ravine isn't really "downtown." But you still may want to stay "Downtown" if you have extra time to explore and because it is close to the shuttle. Plus there ARE tons of trendy new restaurants..although for the most part it isn't somewhere I personally would walk at night, it's fine during the week. If changing hotels eats up a lot of time, and it's just for a night, it's probably a wash.

Thanks, everyone, I appreciate the help.

Just stay downtown, or silverlake, or hollywood. Being physically near the stadium isn't going to make any difference. There are no hotels at the stadium, as it is all by itself in a residential area at the top of a hill. Nothing there.

Do be advised that DTLA is a toilet and rife with homeless people and the smell of urine. But if you just go your hotel and back you'll be fine.

If you're going to be at the game during any daylight hours, sit on the 3rd base side -- or you will roast ;)

>>If you're going to be at the game during any daylight hours, sit on the 3rd base side -- or you will roast ;) <<

Big ditto on that

There are parts of Downtown LA that are loaded with homeless, among them Skid Row to the east and the Westlake area near MacArthur Park. But there’s no reason whatever to venture to the former, and the only reason to venture to the latter area is for a quick pastrami sandwich at Langer’s. I spent a day-plus sightseeing in Downtown and didn’t experience the toilet type situation described by ibobi, except on my brief trip to Langer’s.

To be fair, there are scads of homeless throughout LA. San Francisco and San Diego, too.

"Do be advised that DTLA is a toilet and rife with homeless people and the smell of urine. But if you just go your hotel and back you'll be fine."

Obviously you haven't visited downtown L.A. in about three decades.

((H))

Thanks for the heads up on Dodgers seating; we're going at night so should be comfortable temps.

"Do be advised that DTLA is a toilet and rife with homeless people and the smell of urine."

I find it interesting that ibobi is tagged a Fodor's "Administrator," which by his/her definition is a "community manager." ibobi's posts are mostly on forum technical issues and rarely actual travel advice. Probably better that way....

Considering that you represent a travel forum, I think that comment is a) not truthful and b) rude. Pretty sure the businesses and restaurants in DTLA would think that too.

I agree socaltraveler. Will we be banned for calling it out?

So now the important question, what's your favorite thing to eat at the game?

https://la.eater.com/2018/3/29/17175...dium-best-food

Personally, I don't like spending an inning (or more) chasing down a specific option. If it's near my seat and looks good, I'll give it a try. Otherwise, I go old school with a Dodger Dog.

You can also bring takeout food into the stadium. A few nearby, although not all are convenient unless you're driving to the game:

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-food-...rk-los-angeles

I usually stick with a Dodger Dog, make sure it is grilled though. Last time I bought one from a place close to my seat it was steamed instead. Yuck!

Dodger dogs sound perfect - thanks for the tip on getting the grilled ones! I didn't know they would allow you to bring food in, that's great. I guess we can bring in bottles of water too and save some $.

From the Dodger Stadium A to Z Guide: “Food Brought into Dodger Stadium. Food is permitted from outside the stadium provided it is not in bottles, cans, coolers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory sealed plastic bottles of water and other non-alcoholic beverages of 1 liter or less are permitted.”

Thanks for the details, socal. I'm also eyeing the carne asada fries. I love carne asada. Does the Dodger dog only come in that gigantic size? Looks like enough for two to share.

One size Dodger dog. At least the last time we were there. We no longer live 10 minutes from the stadium, more like 400 miles away. Looking forward to a game in August.