Carson had humble beginnings as a Los Angeles suburb overrun with junkyards and landfills. The city was incorporated in 1968, but had been a neglected area up until that point, consisting of mostly agricultural and industrial pursuits. Oil also played a big part in the area's early history. Following Carson's incorporation, the city was slowly revitalized, forming into what we now know today as a vibrant, ethnically diverse community offering a convenient location, colorful hillside flowers, a 2,450-seat velodrome, and California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Whatever your reasons for visiting this exciting city, it's important to plan your trip carefully so you can take advantage of everything Carson has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Carson, CA
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.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Carson, CA:
Carson, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Carson, CA. Browse these illustrations to calculate the best months to book in Carson throughout the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Carson, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $148.96
If you're looking for a higher end hotel in the Carson area, you have several unique choices.
Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach is an upscale four-star property less than 5 miles from South Coast Botanic Garden. The site features an American restaurant, a wine bar, an indoor/outdoor pool, a Zen garden, a fitness room, fire pits, a patio with cabanas, a business center, and 20 meeting rooms, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
The casual guest rooms feature work desks, coffee makers, available Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels. Club-level rooms provide access to the club lounge, which serves a free continental breakfast and evening appetizers daily. Upgrading to a suite will also get you a separate living area with a pullout sofa bed and a balcony.
Best Western Plus Avita Suites is another smart option offering a range of guest amenities. Located within walking distance of Del Amo Fashion Center, this hotel features modern studios and one-bedroom suites with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, work desks, and sofas. Some even feature separate living areas. Additional guest amenities include a fully cooked breakfast, large-vehicle parking, business centers, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Set just 15 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway – Torrance is a contemporary four-star property with an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a 24-our business center, event space, and paid parking. Rooms offer mini fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs with cable, high-pressure showerheads, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded suites add separate living areas and sofa beds.
Affordable Hotel Options in Carson, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $121.64
Finding a budget-friendly hotel in the Carson area is easier than you might think — you just have to know where to look.
Dynasty Inn Gardena is convenient to both the Roadium Open Air Market and the Hustler Casino. A low-rise budget hotel, Dynasty Inn Gardena offers internal corridors, free parking, and complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms are basic but feature cable television, free Wi-Fi internet access, mini fridges, seating areas with coffee tables, and optional whirlpool tubs.
Carson's Motel 6 is an unpretentious option 8.6 miles from Redondo Beach and less than 2 miles from the International Printing Museum. The property features an on-site coin laundry for guest use, a year-round outdoor pool, free morning coffee, truck parking, a banquet hall, a business center, and meeting rooms. Guest rooms feature granite countertops, wood floors, and colorful décor, as well as expanded cable TV. Children 17 and under also stay free with an adult relative.
Econo Lodge Carson near StubHub Center is a modest hotel close to California State University and the Links at Victoria Golf Course. Guest rooms are straightforward, but offer microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, wall-mounted flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi access. Upgraded rooms add additional sitting areas and whirlpool tubs. Large-vehicle parking is complimentary, as is the continental breakfast.
