Area code 213 is one of California’s best-known telephone codes. It is closely connected with downtown Los Angeles and nearby communities. Today, it shares the same service region with area codes 323 and 738. The code is used by residents, businesses, public offices, hospitals, hotels, and schools. This guide explains its location, history, major cities, users, and dialing rules.
Where Is Area Code 213 Located?
Area code 213 serves central Los Angeles and surrounding parts of Los Angeles County in Southern California. Since the boundary between 213 and 323 was removed in 2017, both codes have been available throughout one region. Area code 738 was added as an overlay in 2024.
Some of the main cities and communities within the 213, 323, and 738 service region include:
- Los Angeles
- Alhambra
- Bell
- Beverly Hills
- Commerce
- Glendale
- Hawthorne
- Inglewood
- Montebello
- Monterey Park
- Pasadena
- West Hollywood
The region includes downtown districts, residential neighbourhoods, entertainment areas, and independent cities.
History of Area Code 213
Area code 213 was introduced in 1947 as one of California’s original three area codes. It once covered most of Southern California, but population growth and rising telephone use gradually reduced its territory.
Several codes were created from its former area, including 714 in 1951, 805 in 1957, 818 in 1984, 310 in 1991, and 323 in 1998. In 2017, the 213 and 323 boundary was removed to form an overlay. Area code 738 entered service on November 1, 2024, to provide more numbers.
Time Zone of Area Code 213
Area code 213 follows the Pacific Time Zone. It observes Pacific Standard Time during standard time and Pacific Daylight Time when daylight saving time is active.
Los Angeles is generally three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. Callers from another state or country should check the local time before calling.
Major Cities and Their Importance
1. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the largest city in the region and the place most strongly associated with 213. Its economy includes entertainment, tourism, trade, healthcare, education, technology, fashion, finance, and professional services. Downtown Los Angeles contains government offices, transport hubs, cultural venues, and major business districts.
2. Pasadena
Pasadena lies northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is known for education, scientific research, healthcare, technology, tourism, and cultural activity. The California Institute of Technology and other institutions support research, employment, and innovation.
3. Glendale
Glendale is a major commercial and residential city near Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena. Offices, retail, entertainment, healthcare, technology, restaurants, and professional services support its economy.
4. Inglewood
Inglewood is southwest of central Los Angeles and close to Los Angeles International Airport. Sports, entertainment, retail, transport, hospitality, residential communities, and small businesses contribute to its economy.
Who Uses Area Code 213?
Area code 213 is used by residents, government departments, law firms, hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, retailers, media companies, offices, and service providers. It appears on mobile phones, landlines, and internet-based telephone services.
Because of its long connection with central Los Angeles, a 213 number can give an organisation a familiar local identity.
Is Area Code 213 Running Out?
High demand for 213 and 323 numbers led to the introduction of area code 738 in November 2024. The overlay added numbering capacity without changing existing telephone numbers. New customers may receive 213, 323, or 738 numbers depending on availability and their provider.
How to Dial Area Code 213
The combined 213, 323, and 738 region uses 1 plus 10-digit dialing. Use these methods:
- Within the United States: Dial 1 + 213 + the seven-digit telephone number.
- Outside the United States: Dial +1 + 213 + the seven-digit telephone number.
- For emergency and approved short services: Dial numbers such as 911 or 811 directly.
Save the complete area code and number in contact lists, business records, websites, and automatic dialing equipment.
Final Thoughts
Area code 213 has a long history and remains closely connected with Los Angeles. Although its original territory was much larger, it now operates within a shared overlay region with 323 and 738.
The code serves downtown districts, entertainment centres, residential communities, local businesses, public offices, and nearby cities. Whether it appears on a personal call, business listing, hotel contact, or government number, 213 usually points to central Los Angeles and its surrounding communities.
