A phone call from the 323 area code is more than just a call; it’s a connection to the vibrant heart of Los Angeles. This number is iconic, immediately bringing to mind images of Hollywood glamour, historic neighborhoods, and the creative energy that defines central LA. People look up this area code for many reasons.
You might be a resident trying to identify a missed call, a business owner aiming to establish a local presence, or simply someone curious about a number that popped up on your phone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 323 area code.
What Is the 323 Area Code?
The 323 area code is a telephone numbering plan area (NPA) that serves the central part of Los Angeles. It operates under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the system that governs phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1947, it’s one of California’s original area codes and has a rich history tied to the city’s explosive growth.
Today, its coverage includes famous areas like Hollywood and many of LA’s central neighborhoods. Numbers with this code work with all modern communication methods, including landlines, mobile phones, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. It’s important to remember that 323 is not a toll-free number; calls made to and from this area are standard local or long-distance calls.
Geographic Coverage
The 323 area code is synonymous with the core of Los Angeles, covering a diverse and densely populated collection of communities.
Cities and Neighborhoods
This area code serves several key locations, including parts of the city of Los Angeles itself and independent cities within LA County. Major areas include:
- Hollywood
- West Hollywood
- Glendale
- Huntington Park
- Echo Park
- Silver Lake
- Koreatown
- East Los Angeles
Read also What Is the 415 Area Code? Location, History, and Phone Lookup Guide
Notable Landmarks
Many of Los Angeles’s most famous landmarks fall within the 323 boundary, making it one of the most recognized area codes in the country. These landmarks include:
- The Hollywood Sign
- Griffith Observatory
- Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center)
- Los Angeles City Hall
Time Zone
All phone numbers associated with the 323 area code are in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This means it follows the same time observance as the rest of California.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): This is active during the fall and winter months. It is eight hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8).
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): This is active during the spring and summer. It is seven hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7).
Remember to account for Daylight Saving Time changes when calling into this region from another time zone.
Dialing Information
Due to the high demand for phone numbers in Los Angeles, the 323 area code operates under an overlay plan with the 213 area code. This means that 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls.
Local Calls
To make a call to another number within the 323 or 213 area codes, you must dial the full 10-digit number (Area Code + Phone Number). You can no longer dial just the seven-digit number for local calls.
Long-Distance Calls
When calling a 323 number from outside the Los Angeles area but within the United States, you must dial 1 + 323 + the seven-digit phone number.
International Calls
To call a 323 number from another country, you need to dial your country’s exit code, followed by 1 (the U.S. country code), then 323, and finally the seven-digit phone number.
| Type of Call | Dialing Instructions |
|---|---|
| Local Call | Dial Area Code (323 or 213) + Phone Number |
| Long-Distance (U.S.) | Dial 1 + 323 + Phone Number |
| International | Dial Exit Code + 1 + 323 + Phone Number |
History of the 323 Area Code
The story of the 323 area code reflects the incredible growth of Southern California. It was one of the three original area codes assigned to the state in 1947. Back then, the 213 area code covered all of Southern California. As the population boomed, this massive region needed to be split.
- 1947: The 213 area code is established, covering everything from Los Angeles to the Mexican border.
- 1984: The 818 area code is created for the San Fernando Valley, splitting from 213.
- 1998: The 323 area code is officially created, splitting from 213 to serve central Los Angeles areas like Hollywood. Downtown LA and its immediate surroundings kept the 213 code.
- 2017: Due to dwindling number availability, the 323 and 213 area codes were combined into an overlay plan, requiring 10-digit dialing for all local calls across both areas.
This series of splits and overlays highlights the constant demand for phone numbers in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Read also 213 Area Code – Location, History, Time Zone & Phone Lookup Guide
Business Benefits of a 323 Number
For a business, having a 323 area code phone number provides instant local credibility. It signals to customers that you are part of the central Los Angeles community, which can build trust and encourage more local engagement.
This local identity also offers SEO benefits. Search engines often prioritize businesses with local contact information in “near me” searches. A 323 number can improve your visibility for customers looking for services in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and nearby neighborhoods. This is especially valuable for the entertainment industry, tech startups, and local service providers.
You can also use vanity numbers (like 323-GO-MOVIE) to create a memorable brand or get a virtual number that forwards to your main line, allowing you to have an LA presence from anywhere.
Phone Number Lookup
If you get a call from an unfamiliar 323 number, several tools can help you perform a phone number lookup. Services like Whitepages, Truecaller, and AllAreaCodes can help you verify a caller’s identity. These lookups can often reveal whether the number belongs to a person, a business, or a known source of spam.
When using these tools, be mindful of your privacy. The best apps for LA residents are often those with strong spam-blocking features, as robocalls can be common in such a large metropolitan area.
Nearby Area Codes
The 323 area code is bordered by several other major LA codes.
- 213: Serves Downtown Los Angeles and is an overlay with 323.
- 310/424: Covers West LA and the South Bay, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Malibu.
- 818/747: Serves the San Fernando Valley, including Burbank and Glendale.
- 562: Covers Long Beach and southeastern Los Angeles County.
| Area Code | Primary Coverage | Relationship to 323 |
|---|---|---|
| 213 | Downtown Los Angeles | Overlay (shares same area) |
| 310/424 | West LA & South Bay | Adjacent (to the west) |
| 818/747 | San Fernando Valley | Adjacent (to the north) |
| 562 | Long Beach & SE LA | Adjacent (to the south) |
Scam Awareness
Because 323 is a well-known area code, scammers often use “spoofing” to make it look like their calls are coming from a local number. This trick increases the chances that you will answer. Be wary of any call that creates a sense of urgency or seems too good to be true. Common tactics include fake prize notifications, threats from supposed government agencies, and urgent requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
To protect yourself:
- Hang up on suspicious calls immediately.
- Use call-blocking apps to filter out known spam numbers.
- Report fraudulent calls to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Never give out personal or financial information over the phone.
Conclusion
The 323 area code is a powerful symbol of Los Angeles culture, history, and commerce. It represents a direct line to the creative and economic engine of the city. For residents, it’s a familiar part of daily life. For businesses, it’s a key tool for building a local identity. By understanding its coverage, history, and how to stay safe from scams, you can navigate any interaction involving this iconic number with confidence.
FAQs
Which cities and neighborhoods are covered by the 323 area code?
It covers central Los Angeles areas, including Hollywood, West Hollywood, Glendale, Huntington Park, Silver Lake, and Koreatown.
Is 323 a toll-free area code?
No, 323 is a standard local area code. Calls to and from this number may incur local or long-distance charges depending on your phone plan.
How can businesses get a 323 number?
Businesses can obtain a 323 number through VoIP service providers, which offer virtual numbers, or by contacting traditional telecom carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious call from 323?
Do not provide any personal information. Hang up and consider blocking the number. You can use a reverse phone lookup tool to investigate and report scam calls to the FCC.
Does the overlay affect dialing rules for 323?
Yes. Due to the overlay with the 213 area code, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + number) for all local calls.
