The 310 area code is a well-known telephone code in California, particularly recognized for covering Los Angeles’ affluent and iconic regions. From the glamour of Beverly Hills to the sunny shores of Santa Monica, the 310 area code is deeply embedded in the culture of Southern California. In this guide, we will explore the history of the 310 area code, its geographical significance, how to dial it, and its importance for businesses in the region.
What Is the 310 Area Code?
The 310 area code is a telephone area code in California that serves some of the most prestigious regions of Los Angeles County. This area code was introduced in 1991 as a split from the 213 area code due to increasing demand for phone numbers in Los Angeles. Today, the 310 area code covers the Westside and South Bay regions of Los Angeles, including famous neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, and parts of the South Bay.
Due to its association with some of the most famous neighborhoods in the United States, the 310 area code has become a symbol of status and wealth. It’s often featured in movies, television shows, and pop culture, symbolizing the high life of Southern California.
History of the 310 Area Code
The 310 area code came into existence on November 2, 1991, when the 213 area code was split due to a significant increase in the population and demand for phone numbers in Los Angeles. At its inception, the 310 area code covered much of the western and southern parts of Los Angeles County. The decision to split the 213 area code was part of a broader effort to accommodate the fast-growing Los Angeles area, which had been experiencing rapid population growth and economic development.
Further Changes and Overlays
As demand for new numbers in the 310 area code continued to rise, it became necessary to introduce an overlay code. In 1999, the 424 area code was introduced to overlay the 310 area code, meaning that both area codes cover the same geographical regions. This solution allowed for more phone numbers to be available in the 310 region without needing to split the area code again.
Today, the 310 area code remains highly recognizable and is used by individuals and businesses alike, while the 424 overlay serves as an alternative code for new numbers in the same region.
Geographical Scope of the 310 Area Code
The 310 area code covers several of the most famous and affluent neighborhoods and cities in Los Angeles County. These areas include Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, and many of the beach communities along the coast. The geographical scope of the 310 area code adds to its prestige, as it encompasses the Westside and South Bay areas of Los Angeles, which are well-known for their scenic beauty and luxurious lifestyles.
Table: Breakdown of the 310 Area Code Region
| Area | Area Code | Description |
| Beverly Hills | 310 | Iconic for luxury and high-end living |
| Santa Monica | 310 | Coastal city known for its beach culture |
| Malibu | 310 | Upscale beach community, home to celebrities |
| Manhattan Beach | 310 | Exclusive beach town in the South Bay |
| Redondo Beach | 310 | Popular beach area in Southern California |
| West Los Angeles | 310 | Urban area with shopping and business hubs |
The areas covered by the 310 area code represent some of the most desirable places to live and work in Los Angeles County, making it a highly sought-after code for businesses and individuals alike.
How to Dial the 310 Area Code
Dialing the 310 area code is straightforward, whether you’re calling from within the US or internationally. Depending on your location, the process will vary slightly.
Dialing from the US
- Local Calls: To dial a 310 number from within the area, simply dial the 10-digit number, including the area code (310), followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., 310-123-4567).
- Long-Distance Calls: If you’re calling a 310 number from outside the area but within the US, dial 1 (the US country code), followed by the 310 area code and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-310-123-4567).
Dialing from Abroad
When dialing the 310 area code from another country, you will need to include the international dialing code for the United States (+1), followed by the area code and the local number. The format looks like this:
- Dial +1 310 followed by the 7-digit number (e.g., +1 310 123 4567).
This format ensures your call reaches the correct recipient in the 310 area code region, regardless of where you’re calling from.
Also Read: 341 Area Code
Importance of the 310 Area Code for Businesses
For businesses operating in Los Angeles, particularly in the upscale regions covered by the 310 area code, having a number with this area code can be an advantage. The 310 area code is associated with prestige, wealth, and success, making it a valuable asset for businesses looking to build trust and establish a strong presence in the region.
Benefits for Businesses Using the 310 Area Code:
- Brand Credibility: A 310 area code can help a business appear more established and reputable, particularly when targeting high-income clients in the Los Angeles area.
- Local Appeal: Many customers prefer doing business with companies that have a local presence. A phone number with a 310 area code immediately signals that a business is part of the Los Angeles community.
- Exclusive Association: Given that the 310 area code is linked to upscale neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, businesses with a 310 number may benefit from being associated with these prestigious areas.
In an increasingly digital world, even businesses outside of Los Angeles can acquire a 310 area code through VoIP services, allowing them to build a local presence without needing to be physically located in Southern California.
The Future of the 310 Area Code
As the population in Los Angeles continues to grow, the demand for new phone numbers in the 310 area code remains high. Although the 424 overlay was introduced to help meet this demand, there may be further changes to the region’s area codes in the future. However, the historical and cultural significance of the 310 area code ensures that it will remain a key identifier for the Westside and South Bay areas of Los Angeles.
Looking forward, as telecommunications evolve and more people rely on mobile phones and internet-based communication, the 310 area code may become more symbolic than functional. Still, it will continue to be an essential part of Southern California’s identity.
FAQs About the 310 Area Code
What cities are covered by the 310 area code?
The 310 area code serves cities such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County.
Is the 310 area code still in use?
Yes, the 310 area code is still in use, although it is now overlaid by the 424 area code to provide additional numbers for the same region.
How do I call a number with a 310 area code from outside the United States?
To call a number with a 310 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the country code for the US), followed by 310 and the 7-digit local number.
Can businesses outside of California get a 310 area code?
Yes, businesses outside of California can acquire a 310 area code through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a local presence in Los Angeles.
Why was the 424 area code introduced?
The 424 area code was introduced as an overlay to the 310 area code in 1999 to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in the Los Angeles area.
The 310 area code is more than just a set of numbers; it represents the lifestyle, culture, and prestige of Los Angeles’ most iconic neighborhoods. From the upscale homes of Beverly Hills to the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, the 310 area code is deeply embedded in Southern California’s identity. For businesses, having a 310 number can enhance credibility and local appeal, while for residents, it remains a symbol of belonging to one of the most desirable places in the world.
Whether you’re dialing from within the United States or abroad, understanding the 310 area code and its significance will ensure effective communication with those in Los Angeles’ most well-known communities.