Los Feliz: The Laid-Back Center of Go-Go L.A.
If we’ve absorbed one thing from our feature on Los Feliz, it’s that the neighborhood is a welcome respite from the traditional L.A. stereotype. Located in the center of all the hustle and bustle is a laid-back community that is plush with one-of-a-kind bars, diverse restaurants, “funky shops,” and awe-inducing parks. It’s named after explorer Jose Vicente Feliz, and we suggest you follow his lead…
ACRES OF EVERYTHING
At 4,310 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country – and from what we hear, certainly one of the coolest. There’s abundant hiking and equestrian trails, plus golf courses and tennis courts. Picnicking is a must, as is a visit to Griffith Park Observatory (in terms of when to go, one simply said: “Ahh…Griffith Observatory at night…”).
A SINGLE AVENUE, A WORLD OF EATS
Make your way to Hillhurst Avenue and you’ll find some of L.A.’s best cafés and restaurants. Not surprisingly there’s Mexican, Asian, etc., but we were surprised to learn some of the best Italian food is also located here. Browse through the vintage clothing stores and fun shops while you’re in this neighborhood.
DISCOVER THE ART OF DESIGN ON EVERY BLOCK
Wander anywhere through Los Feliz and you’ll discover some of Southern California’s most interesting and diverse buildings. There are two houses built by Frank Lloyd Wright, and you’ll for sure want to check out his Ennis House, featured in Blade Runner. End your exploration in the southern side of town, Los Feliz Village, where there’s a plethora of dive bars. Settle on one, and then get lost in conversation about the eclectic architecture you’ve chanced upon.
IT ALL COMES ALIVE AT NIGHT
Los Feliz—and its adjacent neighborhoods Silver Lake and Echo Park—is teeming with one-of-a-kind live music venues. You’ll find Latin dance parties, DJs, and clubs featuring cutting-edge indie rock. In the heart of Los Feliz, on Vermont Avenue, is a cluster of infamous spots for experiencing the evening in true lounge style.
You might forget while hanging out in this low-key bastion of L.A., that you are, in fact, still in L.A. Try to catch a show at the one of the many nearby historic concert venues. There’s also a lot of great museums in the area. While the Getty Center offers an astonishing view from its Brentwood hilltop, locals will tell you the La Luz De Jesus Gallery is a complete pop surrealism experience. Finally, catch a sunset on the beach – Santa Monica, Venice, or maybe even Malibu if you’re so inclined.
Finally, if these attractions haven’t already sent you packing, hopefully this will: As one wrote, “Of all the neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Los Feliz is my favorite. There are multiple bookstores, record stores, arts and crafts stores – it’s intellectual and funky at the same time!”