Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Featured Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

1 Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, know for its relaxing vibe, and 364 days of sunshine per year. Palm springs first gained national attention in the 50's as the LA getaway of choice for the Rat Pack, with celebrities like Frank Sinatra building magnificent post modern homes that help define Post-Modern Architecture. More recently, Palm Springs has seen a revival with the hip crowd seeking a weekend retreat at new hotels such as The Viceroy and The Parker. Relaxation is the central theme for Palm Springs. Biking, golf, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and tennis are popular forms of recreation, as is sitting by the pool with a cocktail.

2 Chinatown

Once an unfamiliar part of town visited by locals for their dim sum and noodle fix, LA’s Chinatown has recently gained popularity with hip events, a devout foodie following among diners seeking an authentic LA experience without the Hollywood hype. Every February for Chinese New Year in LA, crowds flood the streets for the Chinatown Lunar New Year festival. As the most popular lunar festival in Los Angeles, this event exposes the best Chinese food in LA with a Chinese cultural celebration. Food Truck pioneer Roy Choi’s brick-and-mortar shop Chego and the Chinatown Summer Nights food festival are also a big draw, and there's the rare opportunity for winter fun with an ice rink each winter. Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Betto Rodrigues

3 Downtown

Starting at the Staples Center and spreading east toward the LA River, Downtown LA is now home to some of the best restaurants in the city, nightlife and cultural destinations, and an arts district that continues to evolve. It wasn’t always this way. A large area of downtown was once mostly warehouses and cheap clothing stores, but the area is experiencing a renaissance, thanks in part to changes in the wake of large developments including the Staples Center, the architectural centerpiece Walt Disney Concert Hall and the spacious Grand Park. Downtown LA is divided by unofficial districts, each with its own distinct flavor. The southwest corner is occupied by the bustling entertainment district where crowds gather to watch sports games or concerts at the Staples Center and enjoy other nightlife entertainment at L.A. Live. The northern area is home to the financial district, the food-filled Grand Central Market and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Fans of the arts can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and El Pueblo, the city center in the 1700s, is now home to Union Station and modern bazaar Olvera Street. Chinatown is an emporium of dim sum, imports and traditional architecture in the northern-most corner of DTLA, while the eastern corner is home to the arts district, an area that maintains an underground, just-discovered charm that can’t be found anywhere else in LA. Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Songquan Deng

4 Griffith Park/Los Feliz

The Griffith Park/Los Feliz is home to several attractions popular with locals and visitors, including incredible hiking trails, the Autry Western Heritage Museum, the LA Zoo, golf courses and the Griffith Observatory. Visitors to Griffith Park can enjoy anything from concerts outside at the Greek Theatre to an adventure to the Hollywood sign or stargazing at Griffith Observatory. Los Feliz is home to laidback coffee shops and shopping and the excitement of the city continues well into the evening with shows at Rockwell Table and Stage, drinks at Messhall or Alcove’s Big Bar. Since every activity is close-by, it’s easy to spend the entire day in Los Feliz—or rent a bike in Griffith Park and explore the city on wheels. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / trekandshoot]

5 Koreatown

Koreatown is one of LA’s best-kept secrets. It’s a part of town that’s populated by native Koreans who have brought their traditional cuisine and culture with them as well as a large Latino population. This melting pot situation has yielded a few delicious results, in particular Roy Choi’s Latin-inspired Korean food truck Kogi, Guelguetza mole house and Beer Belly. Venturing away from the familiar into the vast collection of strip malls, eateries, spas and karaoke joints that make up Koreatown is intimidating to some, so most of Angelenos to be found are the locals or long-time residents in search of delicious Korean barbecue and a night of inebriated karaoke. This neighborhood is credited with having the highest concentration of bars and nightclubs in Southern California and many of these establishments are open for 24 hours. For the most part, Koreatown has managed to circumvent the tourist radar and build a unique experience in LA, one that’s both authentically Korean and a cultural mash-up.

6 Silver Lake

One of LA’s hippest neighborhoods, Silver Lake and its Sunset Junction are a plethora of small indie boutiques, including the Spice Station, the Cafecito Organico coffee roaster and Mohawk General Store. Some of the best restaurants in LA can also be found in Silver Lake, from Cliff’s Edge and Sqirl for brunch to L & E Oyster Bar for dinner. During the day, the weekend farmer’s market is abuzz with live music and local artisans while the path around Silver Lake Reservoir is brimming with runners, walkers and parents with strollers. With its numerous bars and music venues like the Thirsty Cow, Silverlake Lounge, El Cid and Red Lion Tavern, many within walking distance, the outdoor action doesn’t stop when the sun sets. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / cdrin]

7 Studio City

Studio City is divided into two main parts: the bustling strip of Ventura Boulevard with its restaurants and shops and the northern section with Universal Studios Hollywood. Named after the CBS Studio Center built in 1927, Studio City’s film industry continues to thrive at Universal Studios. Movies are frequently shot in the park’s back lot and guests have the opportunity to tour the area via tram. Adjacent to the theme park is Universal Citywalk, a lively entertainment district. The area features restaurants like the Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Saddle Ranch Chop House, the Howling Moon piano bar and the 5 Towers stage for outdoor music. While the original CBS Studios still operates as a set, show tapings and tours take place at the studio’s Beverly Hills location. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Jerome Kundrotas]

8 Anaheim

Anaheim is more than just the birthplace of the "happiest place on earth," Disneyland. Since the opening of Disneyland and its resorts in 1955, the Orange County city has been steadily developing as a destination for dining, music and sports. Not far from Disneyland is the Angel Stadium of Anaheim where baseball fans can catch a game. Steps away, the Grove of Anaheim hosts performances by all-star musicians and comedians. And while Disneyland does offer plenty of sunshine, visitors can escape into nature at the Oaks Canyon Nature. The Anaheim Packing District features unique spaces for dining and entertainment. The region’s historic Packard building and Sunkist warehouse were converted to house the Anaheim Brewery, a farmers market, and the Anaheim Packing House with gourmet grub and live music on the weekends.

9 Pasadena

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Strike up the band. This home of the Rose Bowl, rich in pageantry, tradition, and of course the annual Rose Bowl Parade, is a major area attraction like no other. The Old Town section of the city extends to both those familiar with the area and those just visiting a plethora of shopping and dining choices. From Latin fare to southern California taste quenchers, the restaurants in this area are among the best in the state. A college town air is apparent here and bar hopping along the streets of Old Town is a must do for those so inclined to partake in that scene. For those seeking a place to stay in style, some of the world's most high-end hotel chains offer part-time residence conveniently located near many of the city's prime attractions. For those looking to go the less expensive routes there are plenty of places to lay your hat for a night or more at some of the modestly, yet still quite respectable, dwellings in town. Pasadena also calls home the California Institute of Technology and NASA's very own Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is open to the public on certain select days. If art or music are your thing, then you've come to the right place. The city is quite popular with artists and connoisseurs alike as it has many galleries and museums featuring just as many styles and interpretations and claims as its very own the Art Center College of Design. Musically, some of the best Jazz in the state can be found here. A good Jazz club or bar is about as Pasadena as, well, outstanding beaches are to Santa Monica. Also home to many of the regions hottest local acts, it truly is a haven for art, technology, and culture.

10 Brentwood

Visiting Brentwood feels like stepping onto a movie set—the lawns are perfectly manicured, the houses and storefronts are beautiful and celebrities are abundant. Brentwood’s allure extends from Wilshire Boulevard to The Getty Center, perched on the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition to taking in the sweeping views and art exhibits of The Getty, residents and visitors can spend hours exploring the rest of the neighborhood. San Vicente Boulevard is the most popular area, with numerous brunch spots for leisurely dining and boutiques. The far west side of Brentwood is home to the Brentwood Country Mart, which offers high-end shopping and quality eats. Like it's counterpart Bel Air, this neighborhood is a magnet for those seeking elite real estate and is defined by the cumulative wealth of its existing residents. Several smaller districts make up the larger Brentwood area including, but not limited to, Brentwood Park, Brentwood Flats, Mountaingate, and Bundy Canyon.

11 Beverly Hills

Gucci, Prada, Versace and many other brands that stand for opulence and wealth fill the shops of Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive and the Golden Triangle. But it’s not just the shopping that draws locals and tourists to the glistening streets of one of LA’s richest neighborhoods. There’s a wealth of gardens and theaters to be enjoyed, including the Greystone Mansion, the Electric Fountain and Saban Theater. After an afternoon spent shopping, visitors can dine at one of the many delectable restaurants in Beverly Hills, from heavy-hitters like Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago to international cuisines, charming cafes and chain eateries. On an average day, celebrities, tourists and locals can be found at the various hangout spots of the famous Beverly Hills Hotel, either lounging by the pool, feasting at the historic Polo Lounge or networking at Bar Nineteen12. The playground of heiresses and the social elite, Beverly Hills is a bastion of material excess and solid gold style. Houses in the area range from the extravagant in size and splendor to the divinely elegant. Outstretched palm leaves extend their shadows over stately manors situated on some of the city's most sought after addresses. The famous Beverly Hills Hotel is a Hollywood landmark of sorts that has been seen on film, television, and thousands of postcards distributed throughout the world. Other accommodations in the area offer more affordable, yet still memorable lodging. While Beverly Hills has built the reputation of affluence and status over the years, one needn’t be a member of the social elite to enjoy the museums, art galleries and beautiful landscaping and architecture that the neighborhood has to offer. Photo by Filipe Frazao / Shutterstock

12 Hollywood

A bucket list item for the millions who visit every year, Hollywood is a strange brew of tourist traps, world-class entertainment and luxury dining. From a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or a show at the Pantages Theater to the melting pot of humanity among the costumed characters on the Walk of Fame, Hollywood is a playground filled with nostalgic, exhilarating and absurd experiences. While Hollywood and Highland is one of the most popular attractions in LA, a variety of local activities exist just beyond the tourist zone. The nearby Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts year-round outdoor movies and concerts, while up and coming comedians perform nearby comedy clubs. A day or night in Hollywood can be extravagant with box seats at the Hollywood Bowl and bottle service at night clubs or low-key with a hike at Runyon Canyon, a sunset picnic at Barnsdall Art Park or beers at a dive bar. More than the sum total of its famous landmarks, Hollywood is also home to landmark eateries, hip coffee shops and happening dinner theater scenes. This mecca of wanderlust, fantasy, and decades of celluloid whimsy is as beautiful and magical in its reality as in the wishes of millions who step into the city each year.

13 Manhattan Beach

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Similar in esthetic to neighboring Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach is another jewel along the coast of southern California. With picturesque mountaintops outlining the horizon, this has the look of summer bliss all year round. Home to high waves and level sands, botanical gardens, skate parks, and lovely picnic areas, Manhattan Beach serves as the perfect weekend getaway even if you already call the South Bay home. Chic eating establishments serving everything from tapas to chili cheeseburgers dot the many corners of this tiny coastal gem. A youthful area with much to do, Manhattan Beach lays claim to one of the funniest nights out on the town there is. A jaunt down to the neighborhood comedy club offers not only comedic treats, but much sought after eats as well. Combining the love of theater with a love for kicking back and taking in the beauty of one's natural surroundings, plays, particularly those of Shakespeare, are often performed in one of the city's many open spaces. Under the sunlit sky or under the starry night, you can find actors young and old acting out favorite scenes from a plethora of stories legendary or newly told. Another bastions of poets and painters, the city is home to a thriving art and entertainment community. There are few places in the area that match the gentleness and architectural mastery of the home designs in the area. Rentals are also in high demand as everyone who has ever been there wants to be able to call Manhattan Beach home.

14 West Hollywood

Photo by View Apart / Shutterstock Even though West Hollywood is less than three miles wide, the sheer volume of hotels, restaurants and clubs packed onto its streets makes it a world-class entertainment and nightlife destination. Historic music venues like The Troubadour, Roxy Theatre and Whiskey a Go Go line the famous Sunset Strip and they’re all within walking distance of the vibrant bar scene on Santa Monica Blvd. Popular among a hip, young and LGBTQ-friendly crowd, West Hollywood mixes new spots with long-established favorites for an atmosphere that’s fresh and continually evolving. The bottom half of WeHo is populated with bars and lounges like The Abbey and Harlowe. A few blocks north, there's the Sunset Strip with entertainment venues like The Troubadour, Viper Room, Comedy Store and Roxy Theatre. West Hollywood is also home to trendy hotel nightclubs, including Skybar at the Mondrian and The Standard’s rooftop.

15 Westwood

When most people think of Westwood, UCLA immediately comes to mind. In fact, the school and its environs offer not only a world-renowned education, but also noteworthy attractions to the public as well. The Hammer Museum on campus features art from around the country, while the Geffen Playhouse hosts concerts and Tony-award winning plays. Within walking distance of the UCLA campus is Westwood Village, a gathering spot for students and professionals. The village is a small community of boutiques and some of LA’s best restaurants like 800 Degrees Kitchen and Fundamental LA. With an equally vibrant nightlife, the neighborhood is a hub for A-list parties, from the popular lounges at the W Hotel to the Regency Theater’s red carpet movie premieres. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Katherine Welles]

16 Santa Catalina Island

An island oasis that is an easy ferry ride from Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island, or simply Catalina Island is a great place to explore. East to get to by ferry, private boat or splurge and take a helicopter. Photo Courtesy of ShutterStock and Patrick Timlin

17 Melrose

With an exciting mix of high-end designers and kitschy boutiques, Melrose Avenue is an LA fashion destination. The strip spans the four blocks between La Brea and La Cienaga and is packed with well-known stores like Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson and Diesel as well as smaller shops like Bird Boutique. Celebrities, locals and tourists alike can be found shopping at Diane Von Furstenberg and Vera Wang or dining at Hatfield’s. While the brands are on the same caliber as those found on Rodeo Drive, the atmosphere on Melrose Avenue is more laid-back and accessible to the average shopper. Melrose’s main draw may be the shopping, but visitors also come for famous bakeries and cafes like Duff Goldman’s Charm City Cakes and the large selection of teas at Urth Caffe. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Michael-John Wolfe]

18 Echo Park

Echo Park has one of the best neighborhood music scenes in LA and it's home to Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. While local and touring bands play in Echo Park at the Echo and Echoplex almost every night of the week, the neighborhood also hosts two major music festivals throughout the year: Echo Park Rising in the summer and Culture Collide in the fall. As small as the neighborhood is, it contains a vibrant vegan scene restaurants Sage, the all-vegetarian Elf Café, Kind Kreme dairy-free ice cream shop and vegan-friendly Mohawk Bend, all within walking distance of each other and the nearby music venues. Make a day of it by renting a pedal boat at Echo Park Lake and soaking in this hood's do-good, feel-good vibes. [Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Mike Liu]

Mountains and High Desert

Central LA

Ventura & Santa Barbara

The Valley & North LA

Orange County

Riverside County

San Bernadino County

South & East of LA

San Gabriel Valley

West LA & Beaches

Other neighborhoods close to Los Angeles