The Carson center is around 1 mile northeast of Harbor City and 2 miles south of Harbor Gateway.
One of the best times to visit Carson and Los Angeles is in the spring from March through May. The air is more breathable since excessive heat can lead to heavy smog levels, although this won't be as much of a problem if you plan on staying in Carson the entire time. Spring also helps you avoid the massive influx of tourists that descend upon Los Angeles. If you're planning on visiting any of the local attractions during your stay, you'll probably want to avoid summertime unless you don't mind crowds.
Another great season to visit Carson is in the fall from September through November. Like spring, temperatures are much more pleasant and you'll be avoiding peak tourist season. What's more, you're more likely to find discounted hotel rates, although most hotels barely budge on their rates until winter.
If you do plan on visiting Carson during the winter, be sure to pack some rain gear and an umbrella. The Los Angeles area experiences the most rainfall in January and February, which can take some visitors by surprise. As long as you avoid coming during a holiday week, you can enjoy the best hotel rates of the year from December to February. There are also plenty of events that take place during this time, including the LA Art Show and the Chinese New Year and Golden Dragon Parade.
Although summers in Los Angeles County tend to hover in the low- to mid-80s, the smog and tourist crowds never keep away visitors looking to experience LA firsthand. If you do visit during peak tourist season, be prepared to pay a premium for your hotel room, even in outlying communities like Carson. Key summer events worth experiencing include LA PRIDE, the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, and the California Gift Show.
If you plan your trip in advance, you can take advantage of money-saving discounts that help keep some of that cash in your wallet after your stay.
Most area hotels, including Best Western Plus Avita Suites, extend special rates to seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, state and federal government employees, military families, and hotel rewards members. Simply book the appropriate rate and present your valid proof of eligibility at check-in in order to save as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates. Even if you don't qualify, you may be able to save by booking multiple nights, which often comes with a 10-percent discount or more.
Many upscale properties, including Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, offer special packages that give you even more perks. For instance, booking a romance package can not only save you money, but it can include items such as a box of chocolates, sparkling wine or champagne, dinner credits for two, or a late check-out. Packages vary by hotel and tend to change seasonally, so be sure to inquire early about what's available.
Carson offers many mid-range hotels that give you the best value for your dollar. For instance, Howard Johnson Torrance is a modest roadside property offering free continental breakfast and parking. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated with homey décor and feature flat-screen TVs, seating areas, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini fridges, and microwaves. Upgraded suites add kitchenettes, and children 17 and under stay free in any room with a paying adult relative.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Carson is a modern option near the I-405 Freeway in the South Bay area. Offering easy access to the airport, the LA cruise terminal, and other major attractions, this hotel boasts an on-site casual American restaurant, a heated outdoor pool with whirlpool, a fitness center, a sports bar, free parking, a business center, and meeting space. The contemporary guest rooms feature custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add balconies or separate living areas.
Being such an ethnically diverse city, it's no surprise that Carson serves up a wide array of international cuisine sure to delight those taste buds. During your visit, be sure to enjoy a meal at R&R Soul Food on Avalon Boulevard. This informal, low-key eatery serves up Southern classics like BBQ, macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, collard greens, meatloaf, cornbread muffins, and oxtail. The portions are so huge you may want to bring a friend to help you finish off your hearty helping.
Another hole-in-the-wall option, this one in a strip mall on E Carson Street, Delia's Restaurant is a Filipino eatery serving up delicious cuisine with all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining. Enjoy Filipino classics like pork adobo, dinuguan, or something more familiar like chicken teriyaki or pork on a stick.
Lucky China on E Carson Street is a local favorite offering classic Mandarin Chinese dishes with a laidback, diner-style vibe. The service is considered some of the best in the city, and the food, which consists of ample portions, is out of this world. When you're craving some Kung Pao or other Mandarin classic, head to Lucky China.
There's plenty to love about this LA suburb. Whether you're looking for an affordable roadside hotel or an upscale accommodation, you'll find the perfect hotel in Carson to meet your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Carson, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Close to a mall.
Restaurants were close by hotel.
Area feels safe and has good shops.
Hotel was clean and accommodated my needs.
Everything we needed or wanted was available within a five min. drive.
Carson is a very overlooked area of California often underappreciated due to the proximity of Santa Monica and Los Angeles. The location to said destinations though makes it a very cost effective and gorgeously cute city that I would not mind living in.