310 Area Code: Los Angeles, CA | Location & Time Zone

The 310 area code serves the prestigious West Los Angeles and South Bay regions of Los Angeles County, California. This area code was established on November 2, 1991, as a split from the original 213 area code to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for telephone numbers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The 310 region encompasses some of California’s most iconic cities, from the glamorous streets of Beverly Hills to the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica.

Whether you’re looking to check current local times around the world, need specific timing tools, or want comprehensive information about this important Southern California area code, this guide provides everything you need to know about the 310 area code’s coverage, history, and calling procedures.

What is the 310 Area Code?

The 310 area code is a telephone numbering plan area serving the western and coastal regions of Los Angeles County, California. This area code covers West Los Angeles, including Santa Catalina Island, and overlays with the 424 area code. When it was established on November 2, 1991, the 310 area code became the 139th area code in service nationwide and was created specifically to relieve numbering pressure on the previously overloaded 213 area code.

The 310 area code encompasses major cities including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Torrance, Inglewood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Malibu, and the unique Santa Catalina Island. This region is renowned for its beautiful beaches, entertainment industry presence, cultural landmarks, and vibrant communities that define much of Southern California’s character.

310 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 310 area code covers several major cities in Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, West Carson, Culver City, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, Lomita, Lynwood, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, and Torrance. It also encompasses southwestern coastal and coastal-adjacent areas such as Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, as well as Santa Catalina Island.

Area Code 310 covers 23 cities and serves 1 county (Los Angeles County), with a combined population of over 10 million people when including its overlay areas. The region extends from the Pacific Ocean coastline inland to various suburban communities, making it one of the most geographically diverse and economically significant area codes in California.

Geographic Coverage Map

Area code 310 covers the Westside and South Bay regions of Los Angeles County, parts of Ventura County, and Santa Catalina Island. The area code is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Los Angeles city limits on the east, with coverage extending through the premium coastal communities and entertainment industry centers.

Time Zone Information

The 310 area code follows Pacific Time, which is UTC/GMT-8 during standard time and shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) UTC/GMT-7 during daylight saving time. This alignment with other major West Coast cities provides strategic advantages for businesses operating across the region.

310 Area Code Details

Currently, 762 prefixes are active and being assigned within the 310 area code, with 536 (70.3%) designated for landlines and 225 (29.5%) for wireless numbers. The 424 overlay was introduced on July 26, 2006, as the first overlay area code in California, requiring 10-digit dialing for all calls within the region.

History of 310 Area Code

When Was 310 Created?

The 310 area code was created on November 2, 1991, as a split from area code 213. This change was necessitated by the rapid population growth and increasing demand for telephone numbers in the Los Angeles region, as the original 213 area code numbers were becoming exhausted. The California Public Utilities Commission recognized the urgent need to accommodate the expanding telecommunications requirements of this rapidly growing metropolitan area.

Initially, the 310 area code served areas west of downtown Los Angeles, including cities like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City, as well as the coastal communities along the Pacific Ocean. This strategic division allowed the telecommunications infrastructure to better serve the distinct geographic and demographic needs of Western Los Angeles County.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

On January 25, 1997, area code 310 underwent another significant change when it was split to create area code 562 for the southeast portion of Los Angeles County and parts of Orange County. This split moved cities such as Long Beach, Whittier, and Lakewood to the newly created 562 area code.

The most recent change occurred on July 26, 2006, when area code 424 was introduced as an overlay to the remaining 310 area, marking California’s first overlay implementation. This overlay means both area codes serve the same geographic region, and 10-digit dialing (including the area code) is required for all calls.

How to Call 310 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

To dial a number within the 310 area code, you must use the format: 1 + 310 + seven-digit number. The “1” is necessary even for local calls within the 310 area code due to the overlay with 424. This 10-digit dialing requirement ensures calls are properly routed in the overlaid numbering system.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 310 number from outside the area code, use the standard long-distance format: 1-310-XXX-XXXX. This format applies whether you’re calling from elsewhere in California or from other states across the United States. Make sure to include the “1” prefix for proper call routing through the North American telephone network.

International Dialing

For international callers dialing into the 310 area code, use the format: +1-310-XXX-XXXX. The “+1” represents the United States country code, followed by the 310 area code and the seven-digit local number. International dialing procedures may vary depending on your specific country and telecommunications provider.

Nearby Area Codes

The Los Angeles metropolitan area features numerous area codes due to the region’s large population and high demand for telecommunications services. Los Angeles County has the highest concentration of area codes in the nation, with twelve total area codes serving the region. Our timer tools can help you coordinate calls across these different area codes and time zones.

Population & Demographics

The 310 area code region serves a population of over 10 million people when combined with its overlay areas. Los Angeles alone covers approximately 469 square miles and is home to nearly 3.9 million residents, with the Greater Los Angeles area being the largest metropolitan region on the West Coast.

The area’s economy is remarkably diverse, encompassing entertainment, technology, international trade, manufacturing, and tourism, making it one of the strongest regions for business and economic growth in the United States. Major employers in the region include the Los Angeles Unified School District, Kaiser Permanente, Northrop Grumman, UCLA, University of Southern California, Boeing, Bank of America, City of Los Angeles, The Walt Disney Company, and Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities does the 310 area code cover?

The 310 area code covers parts of Los Angeles, including key cities like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Torrance, Inglewood, Culver City, Gardena, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes. It’s known for its cultural landmarks and affluent neighborhoods throughout West Los Angeles and the South Bay.

When was the 310 area code established?

Area code 310 was put into service on November 2, 1991, originating from a split of the 213 area code. It was the 139th area code in service nationwide and the 12th area code established in California.

Do I need to dial 10 digits for 310 numbers?

Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 310 area code due to the 424 overlay. You must dial 1 + 310 + seven-digit number, even for local calls within the same area code.

What time zone is the 310 area code in?

The 310 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8 during Standard Time and UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time). Be mindful of time differences when making calls across different time zones.

What is the overlay area code for 310?

Area code 424 was introduced on July 26, 2006, as an overlay to area code 310. This was the first overlay implementation in California, and both area codes serve the same geographic region.

Conclusion

The 310 area code represents one of the most prestigious and recognizable telephone numbering areas in the United States, serving the heart of West Los Angeles and South Bay communities. From its establishment in 1991 through various splits and the introduction of the 424 overlay, this area code continues to serve millions of residents and businesses across some of California’s most iconic cities.

Understanding the 310 area code’s coverage, history, and dialing requirements is essential for anyone conducting business or maintaining personal connections in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. For additional timing resources and tools to help coordinate your communications across different time zones, visit our comprehensive blog guides section for more helpful information.