What Area Code Is 310? Location, Cities, and History
The 310 area code serves the western and southwestern parts of Los Angeles County in California. It covers the Westside and the South Bay. It was created in 1991 and now shares its territory with area code 424.
This article explains where area code 310 is, which cities use it, how to dial it, and how to spot a suspicious call.
- CaliforniaLos Angeles County
- Pacific TimePST / PDT
- 1991Split from 213
- 424Overlay code
Where Is Area Code 310 Located?
Area code 310 is located in Southern California and serves parts of Los Angeles County, including coastal communities and areas west and southwest of central Los Angeles.
The region includes residential neighborhoods, business districts, shopping areas, and coastal communities. The 310 area code is commonly used by individuals and companies across the Los Angeles region for everyday calls and business communications.
The 310 area code location in California includes parts of the following areas:
- Los Angeles Westside
- South Bay
- Santa Monica Bay communities
- Coastal areas near Malibu
The 310 area code does not cover every part of each city in its service region. Some neighborhoods may use a different area code, depending on their location and telephone service.
Also, a 310 number does not guarantee that the caller is currently in California, as people can keep their phone numbers after moving elsewhere. People can retain numbers when moving, and caller ID information can be spoofed.
What Cities Use Area Code 310?
Several cities and communities in the Los Angeles region use area code 310. These include well-known coastal communities and cities with residential and commercial districts.
Examples include:
- Santa Monica: A coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles.
- Beverly Hills: A city known for its residential areas, shopping, and entertainment industry connections.
- Torrance: A city in the South Bay area.
- Malibu: A coastal community northwest of Santa Monica.
- Inglewood: A city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
- Hawthorne: A city in the South Bay region.
- Redondo Beach: A coastal city in the South Bay.
- Manhattan Beach: A beach community in southwestern Los Angeles County.
- El Segundo: A city near Los Angeles International Airport.
- Culver City: A city west of central Los Angeles.
- Gardena: A city in the South Bay area.
- Los Angeles: Some parts of the city are served by 310.
However, coverage can vary within a city, so a city's name alone does not establish whether a particular address uses 310.
If you need to verify a specific number or location, consult an authoritative area-code reference or your telephone service provider.
What Time Zone Is Area Code 310 In?
Area code 310 follows Pacific Time, the time zone used in Los Angeles and much of California.
The region observes daylight saving time, so its UTC offset changes during the year.
| Period | Time Zone | UTC Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Standard time | Pacific Standard Time (PST) | UTC−8 |
| Daylight saving time | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) | UTC−7 |
A 310 phone number does not always mean its owner still lives in California. If someone relocates to another state but keeps their original number, they will follow the local time zone of their current location rather than Pacific Time.
What Is the Difference Between Area Codes 310 and 424?
Area codes 310 and 424 serve the same general geographic region in Southern California. The 424 area code was introduced as an overlay to provide additional telephone numbers for the region.
An overlay allows new numbers to use a different area code without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.
Both codes are legitimate California area codes. The area code alone does not tell you whether a call is personal, professional, or suspicious.
History of Area Code 310
Area code 310 was created in 1991 when it was split from area code 213. The change provided additional telephone numbering resources for the Los Angeles region.
The history of the region includes two important developments:
- 1991: Area code 310 was created from a geographic split of area code 213.
- 1997: Area code 562 was created through a split of the 310 numbering area.
- 2006: Area code 424 entered service as an overlay for the 310 region.
These changes helped provide additional telephone numbers as demand for numbering resources increased.
Today, 310 and 424 serve the same general region. Existing customers can generally keep their assigned numbers when new area codes are introduced.
How to Dial a 310 Number?
To call a 310 number, use the appropriate dialing format for your location. In the United States, the standard format includes the area code and the seven-digit local number.
i. Calling From Within the United States
For a number with the illustrative format 310-555-0123, dial:
1-310-555-0123
For local calls in the 310/424 overlay region, the applicable dialing plan requires the area code. NANPA's dialing plan specifies 1 plus the ten-digit number for local calls in this overlay region.
ii. Calling From Another Country
If you are calling a 310 number from outside the United States, use the international format:
+1 310 XXX XXXX
Here is what each part means:
- + represents the international dialing prefix on supported phones.
- 1 is the country code for the United States and other countries in the North American Numbering Plan.
- 310 is the area code.
- The remaining seven digits identify the subscriber's number.
International calling requirements and charges depend on your phone provider and calling plan.
Is Area Code 310 a Scam?
No. Area code 310 is a legitimate California area code. However, scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make an incoming call appear to come from a 310 number.
A call from this area code could come from a person, business, customer service department, telemarketing service, or scammer. You cannot determine whether a call is safe based on the area code alone.
If a caller claims to represent your bank or another organization, contact that organization through a trusted number rather than relying on the incoming caller ID.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 310 Area Code
Is Area Code 310 Toll-Free?
No. The 310 area code is a geographic telephone area code for California, not a toll-free code.
Do I Have to Dial the Area Code for Local Calls in 310?
Yes. The 310/424 overlay region uses ten-digit dialing, and the applicable dialing plan specifies 1 plus the ten-digit number for local calls.
Which Area Code Split From 310?
Area code 562 was created through a split of the 310 numbering area in 1997. Area code 310 itself was originally created from area code 213 in 1991. These are separate historical changes.
What is the Cost to Call on 310 area code numbers?
Call costs money depending on your phone plan, the destination, and the type of call.
Final Summary
The 310 area code serves parts of the Los Angeles region in Southern California. It covers communities such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Torrance, and Malibu, although coverage can vary within individual cities.
The area code follows Pacific Time and shares its general service region with overlay code 424. It was created from area code 213 in 1991, and area code 562 was later created through a split of the 310 numbering area.
If you receive a call from a 310 number, remember that the area code identifies the number's assigned region, not necessarily the caller's current location. Verify unfamiliar callers with a reverse phone lookup before sharing personal information or responding to requests for money.
