Los Angeles is an unusual case. It lacks an efficient and centralized public transportation system, it’s eerily flat in parts. It’s one of the only cities you can drive for an hour and still be surrounded. Aside from its reputation as an industry city teeming with vanity, LA is a prime setting for a summer trip. But its unwieldy city borders intimidate locals and tourists alike.
Here I consolidate the neighborhoods of Los Angeles into five main regions. These five are perhaps the most popular spots, but gems are hidden in every corner of the city. Use this guide as a breakdown for the kinds of vibes and attractions available throughout the diverse Los Angeles.
The Valley
It’s impossible to avoid reference to “The Valley” in proximity to anything related to California. Notably, there are two significant valleys in California: the Central Valley, and the San Fernando Valley. We are discussing the latter. Largely suburban, it’s easy to write off. But being a Valley Girl myself, it has its pleasant pockets. Balboa Park is a sweet springtime hangout, hosting an authentically curated Japanese garden. The stretch of Ventura Boulevard is apt for a window-shopping stroll. Visit Abraham’s Bagels for the best homemade cream cheese, or Barnes & Noble’s unique movie theater-turned-bookstore, Bookstar. Come here for a low-key experience, or on your way to hikes in the Hollywood Hills.
East LA
This region houses the Los Feliz-Silverlake-Echo Park trifecta. Do I dare suggest that Los Feliz is LA’s Williamsburg? No, because LA and New York City are completely different places with their own glorious offerings. They eed not be compared any more than they have been. That being said, that comparison is how I describe the vibes to anyone on the east coast. While the City of Angels has a reputation of not being pedestrian friendly, these are streets with strong perusing potential. Blossoming trees line the sidewalks and make for idyllic sunny walks. Go further eastward for Tiki-ti, supposedly one of the oldest tiki bars in LA. For dessert, the coveted twenty-four hour establishment House of Pies is fitting for melancholy moments, and the pies are no joke. With its hilly, winding roads, there are countless quirky haunts to discover. This is the neighborhood for hip window-shopping and people-watching.
West Hollywood & Hollywood
Angelinos, I hear you. West Hollywood is technically its own municipality and is not part of LA proper. But, it is surrounded on all sides by the sprawling city, and it is clearly included in its cultural sphere. West Hollywood, or WeHo, is famous for its bright LGBTQ+ community. Its vibrant nightlife is not to be missed. The area also has a rich rock n’ roll history. Iconic venues like Whiskey A Go Go and The Viper Room are must-see spots for rock enthusiasts. Check out indie bookstore Book Soup for a vast collection of film, television, and music related titles. Traveling west towards Fairfax gives one the privilege of dining at Canter’s, a beloved jewel among delicatessens. The WeHo/Hollywood/Beverly Hills part of town is for anyone seeking that classic LA glamour.
Downtown
Most cities are sought after for their downtown districts. LA is not one of them. This is in part because “downtown” is a relatively new area in the city. But this neighborhood is ideal for those wanting a traditional urban environment. Little Tokyo is a charming promenade with hundreds of spots to pick up Japanese paraphernalia or cuisine. The arts district is quickly becoming a new hot-spot for youngsters as new breweries and artsy bookshops crop up. Cole’s Bar remains an iconic LA stop, next to the three-story nightclub Clifton’s Republic. Visitors be warned–LA’s activity is not concentrated to its downtown area, distinguishing it from other cities. Just a hair south you’ll stumble upon Exposition Park, home to the LA Natural History Museum and the Science Center.
Westside
The west side of Los Angeles is diverse. It’s also probably what people imagine when LA comes to mind. Palm trees, beaches, sunshine. Venice Beach and its boardwalk are famous for such sights. The nearby Culver City offers a kitschy shopping street and the peculiar Museum of Jurassic Technology. What you see is largely what you get; come here for a breezy, coastal experience.
Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown
These, rather large, areas fill in the gaps between the westside, Hollywood, and East LA. It’s an eclectic patchwork of an energetic youth and confident maturity. While not quite as vertical as downtown, these neighborhoods are considered Central LA. You can find a similarly urban, more traditional city layout. As one might expect, there are dozens of famed Korean barbecue eateries and a handful of lively karaoke joints. Central LA has its own nightlife scene, with 80’s speakeasy Breakroom ’86 a popular locale for dancing. For more educational experiences, the La Brea Tar Pits and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures cover different eras in LA history.
Los Angeles is best explored with a general plan in mind. Planning activities within one area on a given day will help avoid burning time in the infamous LA traffic. Despite its uncommon configuration, LA is an ideal playground for an active or restful holiday.