EAST LA Guidebook!
Neighborhoods
Of all the neighborhoods in Northeast L.A.—if not the entire city—none have changed as rapidly as Highland Park. The area started the 20th century as an artsy enclave filled with handsome Craftsman homes and ended it as a community beleaguered with gang activity. Today, lifelong citizens and, yes, gentrifiers have turned Highland Park into a pleasant place where old-school taquerias and hip new bistros coexist.
132 locals recommend
Highland Park
Of all the neighborhoods in Northeast L.A.—if not the entire city—none have changed as rapidly as Highland Park. The area started the 20th century as an artsy enclave filled with handsome Craftsman homes and ended it as a community beleaguered with gang activity. Today, lifelong citizens and, yes, gentrifiers have turned Highland Park into a pleasant place where old-school taquerias and hip new bistros coexist.
Pasadena, Los Angeles’ northeast neighbor, sits at the foot of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. Though miles from the beach, Pasadena feels like a resort town. The city is stocked with historical charm—from the shops in Old Town to the graceful Gamble House—while located only a short drive from hilly hikes and mountainous wilderness. There’s still plenty of excitement behind that relaxed disposition; after all, this is the home of the Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade.
161 locals recommend
Pasadena
Pasadena, Los Angeles’ northeast neighbor, sits at the foot of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. Though miles from the beach, Pasadena feels like a resort town. The city is stocked with historical charm—from the shops in Old Town to the graceful Gamble House—while located only a short drive from hilly hikes and mountainous wilderness. There’s still plenty of excitement behind that relaxed disposition; after all, this is the home of the Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade.
Downtown Los Angeles has been swept up in a cultural resurgence unlike any other in LA's recent history. The city center has snapped out of decades of decline and—though it's far from perfect—become a bona fide modern metropolis. Downtown is a worthwhile destination for tourists and locals alike, whether to check out the museums and cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill, restaurants and bars in the Historic Core or concerts and sporting events in South Park. Though its old, beautiful buildings and contemporary skyscrapers may never steal the global spotlight from the Venice beachfront and faded glamor of Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles is quickly becoming the city's heart.
737 locals recommend
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles has been swept up in a cultural resurgence unlike any other in LA's recent history. The city center has snapped out of decades of decline and—though it's far from perfect—become a bona fide modern metropolis. Downtown is a worthwhile destination for tourists and locals alike, whether to check out the museums and cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill, restaurants and bars in the Historic Core or concerts and sporting events in South Park. Though its old, beautiful buildings and contemporary skyscrapers may never steal the global spotlight from the Venice beachfront and faded glamor of Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles is quickly becoming the city's heart.
A diverse and low-key neighborhood in central Los Angeles, Echo Park is a secret gem that often gets passed over by its hipster neighbor, Silver Lake. This area is completely walkable and home to many prospering artists, writers, and musicians. Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio grew up here. Do we really need to know anything else?
234 locals recommend
Echo Park
1632 Echo Park AveA diverse and low-key neighborhood in central Los Angeles, Echo Park is a secret gem that often gets passed over by its hipster neighbor, Silver Lake. This area is completely walkable and home to many prospering artists, writers, and musicians. Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio grew up here. Do we really need to know anything else?
Food scene
Adorable little dinner spot with a cute outdoor space and delicious seasonal menu
102 locals recommend
Cafe Birdie
5631 N Figueroa StAdorable little dinner spot with a cute outdoor space and delicious seasonal menu
Kitchen Mouse
5904 N Figueroa StFood is to die for!
Mohawk Bend
2141 Sunset BlvdDelicious restaurant for vegans and meat lovers alike!
Swan Boat Rides!
A stunning lake that is great to walk around, people watch, or take a spin in a swan boat (they light up at night)!
563 locals recommend
Echo Park Lake
A stunning lake that is great to walk around, people watch, or take a spin in a swan boat (they light up at night)!