11 Best Neighborhoods To Visit in Los Angeles (From A Local’s Perspective)

As a former Los Angeles resident of 6+ years, I often get asked where to go in this bustling city for a good time.

And contrary to what all the TV shows and movies portray, not everyone’s answer is going to be West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Downtown LA. In fact, these are some of my least favorite parts of LA!

Los Angeles is a big city with lots to offer. Whether you’re into seeing all the La La Land filming spots, learning more about Hollywood movies, experiencing art, museums, nightlife, or just shopping, there’s something in LA that you’ll find super fun.

If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods to visit in LA, this post is going to be a golden nugget of useful information for you. I’ve put together a list of my favorite spots in LA. Many of these neighborhoods are overlooked by tourists who tend to favor more ‘popular’ neighborhoods that are often more talked about (Beverly Hills, Hollywood, blah blah blah).

But this list is far from that. This list includes places that locals actually like and frequent in their everyday lives. From food to nightlife and everything in between, here is my list of ‘the best’ neighborhoods in Los Angeles to visit.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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11 Best Neighborhoods To Visit in Los Angeles

1. SILVER LAKE

Known for: hip cafes, eclectic shops, down-to-earth bars, and a picturesque reservoir

The first thing that’ll come to mind in any local’s brain when Silver Lake is mentioned is the word “hipster”. Yes it’s quite hipster, but over the years, it’s become a lot more than that!

Visitors to LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood will find a unique, lively, and family-oriented community with plenty to see and do.

The sophisticatedly-hip Silver Lake neighborhood is home to a thriving arts scene, and what you’ll find is that on Sunset Blvd, the main drag of Silver Lake, the streets are lined with art galleries, murals galore, and fun boutique shops. Among some of the shops are Parachute, Wild Fang, Mohawk General Store, and more.

There are also plenty of great places to eat and drink, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes. For a great happy hour, head to Mohawk Bend for brews and pizza! For brunch, All Day Baby and Millie’s Cafe are both local favorites.

And of course, no visit to Silver Lake would be complete without taking a walk around the reservoir itself. With its picturesque setting and beautiful views, it’s no wonder that Silver Lake steals the hearts of many who visit!

2. ECHO PARK

Known for: Its namesake lake, iconic palm trees, historic charm, street art, and a diverse culinary scene.

Located adjacent to Silver Lake is Echo Park, one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles. It’s probably best known for its artistic residents and grungy hipster vibes!

You’ll find everything from stylish shops and indie boutiques to excellent restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world. Diverse is almost an understatement here.

Start your day with a coffee or pastry at one of the local cafes, such as Cafe de Leche or Cookbook Marketplace. Then, stroll through the neighborhood and check out some of the vintage stores, like Shout and About, Sunday’s Best Thrift Apparel, or Wacko Soap Factory.

Popular attractions here include Echo Park Lake (you can rent pedal boats here), the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (a totally fun and quirky activity featuring Marionette puppets), and the Echo Park Time Travel Mart (another must-visit for those of you who love kitschy attractions).

Once you’re done enjoying the quirky wonders of Echo Park, enjoy a leisurely lunch/dinner at one of Echo Park’s many eateries, such as Masa of Echo Park (Chicago-style pizza).

If you are still here during the night, you can either catch a concert or monthly dance event at The Echoplex or visit Button Mash, a vintage arcade bar known for its selection of craft beer and pan-Asian cuisine.

3. LOS FELIZ / ATWATER VILLAGE

Known for: its historic charm, tree-lined streets, Griffith Park proximity, and indie shops and eateries.

If you’re looking for unique neighborhoods to visit in Los Angeles, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Los Feliz and Atwater Village.

These two neighborhoods offer heavy doses of charm and character, with tree-lined streets, local cafes, eclectic boutiques, and a colorful community atmosphere that’s perfect for exploring on foot.

If you’re starting in Los Feliz, you cannot miss a stop at Maru Coffee–their signature drink, the Cream Top, is so delightful! For brunch, my favorite joint is Home Restaurant. It’s literally the cutest little brunch setting ever.

If you’re interested in exploring the arts scene, you can check out the galleries and performance spaces in Los Feliz. The neighborhood also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from.

Or, if you’re more into shopping and dining, you’re going to love Atwater Village. Atwater Village is known for its eclectic shops, cafes, and variety of restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the must-see Atwater Village Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday morning.

Don’t leave without grabbing a pastry or two from Proof Bakery, followed by Asian-inspired ice cream at Wanderlust Creamery!

And if you want to cross some LA sights off your bucket list, nearby here are popular tourist destinations like Griffith Park and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

4. SANTA MONICA

Known for: its iconic pier, bustling Third Street Promenade, big stretches of beach, and bike rides along the beach

Santa Monica is a must-visit neighborhood when in Los Angeles. Not only is it quintessentially LA, it’s quintessentially California! I wouldn’t necessarily get into the ocean from the beach here (there are way better beaches in LA), but the rest of the area is definitely worth exploring.

There are a few different parts of the city that make it worth visiting–downtown Santa Monica, Main Street, Third Street Promenade, and Ocean Park.

Downtown Santa Monica is the center of the action with its array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Main Street is lined with upscale shops and restaurants (they also have a great farmers market on Saturdays), while Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall where you’ll find all your favorite shops — plus street performers trying to hustle for your money!

Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and the attached Santa Monica Pier (while quite touristy) is still a destination that most tourists need to walk through once in their lives.

Since the water here isn’t the cleanest, I’d recommend skipping the beach and biking along the 22-mile Santa Monica Bike Path instead.

Other adjacent neighborhoods worth exploring include Venice Beach and Brentwood (if you love pizza, go to Brentwood for Pizzana, one of my favorite pizzerias in all of LA).

5. VENICE

Known for: its bohemian spirit, a lively boardwalk scene, street performers, eclectic shops, and the world-famous Muscle Beach.

Venice is a beachfront neighborhood in LA known for its canals, boardwalk, and oceanfront walkway. I see Venice as two main areas: the boardwalk area and the Abbot Kinney area. The two experiences are like night and day.

People know Venice for the Venice Boardwalk. You’ll find skateboarders and rollerskaters rolling around, cheesy souvenir shops, random people selling their handmade goods, boardwalk foods, and Muscle Beach here.

And let me tell you, the people here are quirky. It might be a bit grunge, but that’s just part of the experience. Papu and I even saw Arnold Schwarzenegger riding his bike here once!

While you’re in the area, do not miss a visit to Abbot Kinney. Abbot Kinney is a street in Venice known for its bougie/upscale shops and trendy restaurants. The block of Abbot Kinney Boulevard between Venice Boulevard and Main Street is especially packed with establishments to explore.

You’ll find people zooming around on e-scooters, walking their trendy dogs, and shopping for the latest fashion with their friends. You can find everything from vintage clothing stores to indie boutique shops to classy restaurants to hip coffee and matcha shops.

Not into shopping? It’s still a great place to go people-watching after you’ve observed all the quirkiness at the Venice Boardwalk! You can even pop into the infamous Erewhon and ogle at the exorbitant costs for groceries and smoothies. (Last I went, they were selling a jar of drinkable sea moss for $39. Quite a sight to see if I do say so myself.)

6. ARTS DISTRICT – DOWNTOWN LA

Downtown Los Angeles is a huge metropolis with many different neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere. There are areas of DTLA that I love, as well as areas that I completely avoid.

For those who enjoy urban exploring, the Arts District is a must-see. This little neighborhood is known for its many street murals, trendy restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

At the Arts District, you can get coffee at Blue Bottle, grab one of the many delicious pastries baked in-house at Bread Lounge, shop at the Poketo art store, browse art and homeware at Alchemy Works, and much more.

One must-visit spot is Two Bit Circus, an innovative micro-amusement park where cutting-edge technology meets old-school arcade fun. There’s a mix of virtual reality experiences, immersive games, and interactive installations that cater to all ages and interests. It’s just one of those perfect date spots in LA!

Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Wurstküche, known for its gourmet sausages and extensive beer selection, or head to Angel City Brewery for craft brews and a laid-back atmosphere.

For a dose of culture, don’t miss Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery housed in a sprawling former flour mill, showcasing works by renowned artists alongside thought-provoking exhibitions and events.

If you’re ready for cocktails at this time of day–or if you’d rather come back later in the day–do not miss EightyTwo (a super-fun nostalgic arcade bar).

7. LITTLE TOKYO – DOWNTOWN LA

History buffs and Japantown lovers will appreciate a visit to Little Tokyo.

With roots dating to the 1880s, Little Tokyo is a major cultural and civic center for Japanese Americans living in Southern California. Little Tokyo is a Downtown L.A. area of about five city blocks, and while it sounds small, it sure does pack a punch!

One of only three official Japantowns in the United States, Little Tokyo is the home of the annual Nisei Week festival and was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995.

For those looking to learn more about Japanese culture and history, a visit to the Japanese American National Museum is a must. Linger a little while in Little Tokyo and eat some truly delicious Japanese food!

The original Daikokuya ramen shop is here, as well as Fugetsu-Do, one of the finest Japanese manju / mochi artisans in Los Angeles for more than 120 years.

For one of the best sushi deals in LA, head to Sushi Gen, located in the Honda Plaza strip mall off 2nd Street. Just before 11am, you’ll find eager diners lining up for the famed Sashimi Lunch Special (for under $25!).

8. DOWNTOWN LA

Known for: its iconic skyline, cultural landmarks like The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and nightlife scene centered around the Historic Core and Arts District.

Downtown LA is a great area to explore if you’re looking for a dose of arts, culture, and food on your LA trip. Start your exploration at The Broad, a free-admission contemporary art museum showcasing works by artists like Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe or an activity centered around food, head to Grand Central Market, where you can enjoy a meal from one of the MANY bustling food stalls. Among my favorite stalls are Sticky Rice and  Tacos Tumbras a Tomas!

Whatever you do, do NOT miss the chance to follow up your meal with McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (Hint: get the cookies and cream flavor–it’ll change your tastebud’s life.)

All the eating opportunities aside, Downtown Los Angeles is also home to a number of popular museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the California Science Center (at Exposition Park). For those who enjoy classical, contemporary, and world music, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is also located here — featuring the iconic Los Angeles Philharmonic!

For a taste of LA’s history, take a stroll through Olvera Street, a historic Mexican marketplace dating back to the city’s founding.

If you enjoy museums and historical attractions, Downtown LA will take you all day, so try to allocate a good chunk of your day to this area of LA alone.

Be sure to come back after dinner (and maybe a disco nap) for some amazing nightlife opportunities! There are lots of local/monthly nightlife events happening at places like The Reserve, and spots like Clifton’s Republic and 7 Grand are worth a visit.

As you navigate downtown though, we suggest you avoid the Skid Row area, known for its high concentration of unhoused individuals and associated challenges.

9. KOREATOWN

Known for: bustling 24/7 energy, endless dining options including AYCE KBBQ and karaoke bars.

Koreatown is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles. There’s always something to do, whether you’re exploring the shops, gorging on KBBQ restaurants, or singing your heart out at a late-night karaoke bar.

Out of all there is to do in Ktown, eating is the number one thing people come to do. You can expect hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants in the area, with some of my favorites being Crab House (for raw marinated crab), Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong (great quality KBBQ), Hae Jang Chon (all-you-can-eat KBBQ), and Zzamong (for jjajangmyun and jjambong).

Next up is shopping. Koreatown is filled with shops selling everything from traditional Korean goods to Kpop shops to trendy fashion items. You can spend hours browsing the different stores, and you’re sure to find something unique.

Koreatown is also home to several museums, including the Korean American Museum and the Korean Central History Museum. These are great places to start if you want to learn more about Korean culture and history.

And if you’ve managed to stay in Ktown into the night, do not miss a chance to experience nightlife here!

There are plenty of karaoke bars and clubs to choose from, so you can sing, dance, or sip cocktails all night long. Some of the more popular spots include Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge for karaoke and Lock & Key for dancing.

10. HOLLYWOOD THAI TOWN

Known for: authentic Thai cuisine, bustling markets, and fun cultural events.

Thai Town is a much lesser-known neighborhood in Los Angeles, and one that I love so dearly! Whenever I’m in LA, I need to visit this neighborhood at least once during my trip to get my Thai food fix!

Located on Hollywood Boulevard between Western Avenue and Normandie Avenue, Thai Town is home to a diverse community of Thai Americans. Along with this thriving community is a whole collection of amazing Thai restaurants, markets, and cultural organizations.

You can literally experience the rich culture of Thailand without leaving the United States!

By far the most popular thing to do here? EAT! Among the many restaurants you’ll find, I recommend Ruen Pair, Saap Coffee Shop, Northern Thai Food Club, and Bhan Kanom Thai (for all the best grab-and-go Thai desserts you could ever hope for).

Thai Town is also home to a number of annual events, including the annual Songkran Festival (Thai New Year).

11. BEACH CITIES (MANHATTAN, HERMOSA, & REDONDO BEACH)

Known for: laid-back beach lifestyle, upscale boutiques, scenic piers, waterfront dining, water sports, and family-friendly activities.

While the Beach Cities of LA’s South Bay are not known for crowd-drawing tourist attractions, there are some really fun and underrated things to do here!

From watching comedy shows to surfing, driving Porsches to playing beach volleyball with locals, there’s a whole lot the whole to enjoy.

Of course, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the beach towns of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach alone. Each of these towns offers quite a different atmosphere from the next.

They’re all filled to the brim with great restaurants/bars, specialty boutiques, surf shops, acai bowl/smoothie joints, and they each have their own piers!

Looking to spend some time outside? The Strand, officially known as the Marvin Braude Trail is a 22-mile bike path that extends almost the full length of Santa Monica to the South Bay. You can take on the whole path if you’re an avid cyclist, but most people enjoy The Strand with a light walk or jog, or leisurely bike ride!

Lastly, how could I mention “beach cities” without mentioning the beach? Specifically, Manhattan Beach has an amazing beach that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing. This is my all-time favorite beach in the Los Angeles area because the waves are calm for swimming and the water is actually clean!

Read More: 28 Fun Things To Do In The South Bay Los Angeles, California

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Consider The Go City Los Angeles Pass

If you’re going to be going all over LA and doing a good amount of sightseeing, consider getting Go City’s Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. This easy-to-use mobile attraction pass really helps travelers see a lot of LA in a really short amount of time, and it’ll help you save a ton of money!

The Go City Los Angeles Pass is a digital attraction pass that provides easy access and admission to some of LA’s most popular museums and excursions. With certain excursions, you’re even able to skip the line, saving you both money and time.

There are two types of passes–the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass.

The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is really great for travelers who want to see as much as possible while they’re in LA.

With the All-Inclusive Pass, you can choose between a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day pass that will grant you free admission to 35+ parks, museums, and attractions throughout LA and even other parts of Southern California. You can visit literally as many attractions as you can fit into each day!

The pass includes admission to the following heavy-hitters:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Hollywood (Retail: $144)
• Knott’s Berry Farm (Retail: $99)
• Six Flags Magic Mountain (Retail: $92)
• Warner Bros Studio Tour (Retail: $73)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour (Retail: $52)
• Hollywood Sign Tour (Retail: $55)
• Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour (Retail: $25)
• Guided Celebrity Bike Tour (Retail: $75)
• Whale + Dolphin Watching in Newport Beach (Retail: $60)
• Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour (Retail: $35)
• SoFi Stadium Tour (Retail: $44)

And even some awesome attractions in the San Diego area:

• San Diego Zoo (Retail: $74)
• LEGOLAND California (Retail: $117)

If you don’t plan on visiting a ton of different attractions, Go City also has an Explorer Pass which will still save you a lot of money. With the Explorer Pass, you’ll pay one flat fee for a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass.

You’ll then have 60 days to use the Explorer Pass on whichever attractions you’d like. There is also no need to pick attractions ahead of time, so you’ll have the flexibility to choose attractions as you go.

You can buy the pass on Go City’s official website here.

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Where to Stay in Los Angeles, CA

I’ve noticed that when I type in “Los Angeles” into various hotel search sites, they often show hotels in Downtown LA first. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the atmosphere of Downtown LA (plus there is hardly any parking in this area of LA), so I’m going to be providing a few other neighborhood recommendations.

If the main objective of your LA trip is to explore museums, eat at popular restaurants, or go to rooftop bars, then sure–Downtown LA could be right for you. You’d be in the middle of a ton of great restaurants, museums, and bars.

However, I like the ambiance in the following neighborhoods more: Santa Monica, Venice / Culver City, and Northeast LA.

There’s just more parking, more space, and less noise overall. Here are some of the hippest places to stay in each of the neighborhoods above!

Santa Monica / Westwood ($$$)

• Luxury Hotel Option: Ambrose Hotel
• Design Hotel Option: Viceroy Santa Monica
• Mid-priced Hotel Option: Sonder at FOUND Santa Monica

Venice / Culver City ($$)

• Luxury Boutique Hotel Option: Palihotel Westwood Village
• Mid-priced Hotel Option: Mayumi
• Design Bed and Breakfast: Venice Beach House 

Hollywood / Northeast LA ($$$)

• Luxury Hotel Option: Silver Lake Pool & Inn
• Design Hotel Option: Dream Hollywood

Downtown LA ($$$)

• Luxury Hotel Option: The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles L.A. Live
• Design Hotel Option: The Hoxton, Downtown LA
• Design Hotel Option: Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt

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