Area code 213 covers downtown Los Angeles and nearby central neighborhoods. Originally covering all of Southern California, it was among the first area codes introduced in 1947. As LA expanded, 213 became more concentrated in the city's core. The code now exists in an overlay complex with 323, making ten-digit dialing necessary. Known for its ties to entertainment, tech startups, and a diverse urban population, 213 is deeply embedded in LA culture. Holding a 213 number often signals a longstanding or elite connection to the city’s historic and business districts.