Overview
Northwest Los Angeles is a region of the city that roughly comprises the neighborhoods of East Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Elysian Park, Westlake/MacArthur Park, and the spacious Griffith Park.
17 sights · 8 things to do · 17 places to eat · 11 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Northwest
Angelino Heights
A historic neighborhood between Echo Park and Downtown which contains many Victorian residences that are nationally or locally registered as historic places.
Barnsdall Art Park
A small hill in East Hollywood with sweeping views of the neighborhood as well as an arts complex on top that serves the local community, with an art center that offers classes to adults and children, a community theater…
Echo Park
A nice lakeside park with views of the Downtown skyline. There's a major fountain at the center of the lake and paddle boats are available for a ride on the lake. The park is very popular and good for picnics, though oft…
Ennis House
Perched in the foothills of Los Feliz beneath Griffith Park on a winding residential street is this massive Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house, constructed using textile blocks reminiscent of an ancient Mayan temple. The …
MacArthur Park
(Metro: Westlake) This park has been famous for a long time, starting with Charlie Chaplin, who made several films at the lake here. Since the 1970s, it's also known for being a location where people ritualistically leav…
Griffith Observatory
A popular tourist attraction, this Art Deco landmark was built in the 1930s and has since appeared in many films, most notably Rebel Without a Cause, which is honored at the observatory with a statue of James Dean on the…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 48°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Los Angeles)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BUR Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport, Burbank — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 12 mi away. Directions
Hollywood-Burbank Airport is the closest airport to this region of Los Angeles, but Los Angeles International Airport offers the wider range of flights.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Angelino Heights, Echo Park, LA Derby Dolls
- Lunch Elf Cafe
- Afternoon Vista Hermosa Natural Park, Dodger Stadium
- Dinner Taco Zone Truck
- Evening The Short Stop
Day 2
- Morning Barnsdall Art Park, Vista Theatre, El Cid Theatre
- Lunch Palermo
- Afternoon Ennis House, Greek Theatre
- Dinner Fred 62
- Evening Ye Rustic Inn
Day 3
- Morning Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Old Los Angeles Zoo
- Lunch House of Pies
- Afternoon Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
- Dinner Figaro
- Evening The Guest House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
In East Hollywood you can find countless "pupuserias". These thick, hand-made corn tortillas come with quesillo (Salvadorean cheese), pork, chicken, rice, beans, or "queso con loroco" (cheese and vine flower bud). Just look for signs that say "pupuserias." They usually run around $1.50-2 a pupusa. A very delicious food.
East Hollywood's Little Armenia district has a few excellent cheap food options. Falafel Arax at 5101 Santa Monica Blvd has excellent Falafel and Shawerma. Sassoun Bakery, at 5114 Santa Monica has great Lahmejun (Armenia pizza), boregs, zahtar (thyme) and tahini breads. Zankou Chicken at 5065 W Sunset Blvd has popular rotiserrie chicken with great garlic sauce. Carousel at 5112 Hollywood Blvd has an amazing mezze (appetizer) selection, and great food.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The first neighborhood constructed in this part of town, Angelino Heights, was built in the late 19th century, and other neighborhoods were built in the early 20th century. Silverlake and Los Feliz contain several houses constructed by noted architects. By the 1960s, Silverlake was home to many leftist activists, particularly from the LGBT community.
For the last several decades these areas have been occupied mostly by low-income Hispanic families. Many areas had fallen into disrepair, but over the last few years skyrocketing rents and the increasing cost of living has pushed a younger population further and further east and towards Downtown. Area neighborhoods are changing rapidly, and rents are increasing to reflect this. Hip new restaurants and shopping boutiques open regularly as the property owners renovate and raise rents, pushing the immigrant communities further east and south.
Some of the steepest hills in Los Angeles are located in this part of town, with some houses and streets accessible only by stairway.
Get in
Hollywood-Burbank Airport is the closest airport to this region of Los Angeles, but Los Angeles International Airport offers the wider range of flights.
The area is roughly bounded by an inverted triangle created by the 101 freeway to the west, the 5 freeway to the east, and Griffith Park to the north, and both freeways have multiple exits into the area. The 2 freeway begins/ends in Northwest Los Angeles. Major streets that serve the area include Vermont Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
The Metro Line subway passes through East Hollywood, with stops at Hollywood & Western, Vermont & Sunset, and Vermont & Santa Monica. Continuing north on the line will take you through Hollywood and Universal City to the North Hollywood Arts District, while continuing south will take you into Koreatown and eventually Downtown LA, terminating at Union Station. Both the and Lines stop in Westlake at Westlake/McArthur Park station, along Wilshire Blvd between Downtown and Koreatown. The B and D lines connect to Union Station, served by Amtrak and Metrolink. The Metrolink's Antelope Valley and Ventura Lines, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner also stop at the Glendale train station.
Lots of frequent Metro bus lines serve the area as well, in particular the 2 and 4 along Sunset Blvd out of Downtown LA, with the 2 continuing along Sunset through Hollywood while the 4 splits off along Santa Monica Blvd. Less frequent but also useful routes include the 180/217 along Los Feliz Blvd between Hollywood and Glendale, and the 296 along Crystal Springs Drive through Griffith Park. LADOT's DASH service operates a set of local shuttle routes, including a daily route to Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theater from the Vermont & Sunset Red Line station.
Get around
Major streets in this region include:
- 3rd Street: Runs east-west between Beverly Hills and Downtown. Served frequently by Metro Lines 16 and 316
- Alvarado Street: Runs north-south between Pico-Union and Elysian Heights. Served frequently by Metro Lines 2 and 93
- Beverly Boulevard: Runs east-west between West Hollywood and Downtown. Served frequently by Metro Line 14
- Echo Park Avenue: Runs north-south in Echo Park. Served frequently by the Pico Union/Echo Park DASH.
- Hyperion Avenue: Runs north-south roughly along the border between Silverlake and Los Feliz
- Los Feliz Boulevard: Runs east-west through Los Feliz and Atwater Village. Served frequently by Lines 180 and 217.
- Glendale Boulevard: Runs east-west in Echo Park and Silverlake. Served by Line 92.
- Riverside Drive Runs northwest-southeast between Griffith Park and Cypress Park, parallel to I-5 and the LA River. Served by Line 296.
- Silverlake Boulevard: Runs through Silverlake.
- Sunset Boulevard: Runs east-west between West LA and Downtown. Served frequently by Metro Lines 2 and 4.
- Temple Street: Runs east parallel to the 101 freeway in the Rampart District. Served by Metro Line 10
- Wilshire Boulevard: Runs east-west between Santa Monica and Downtown. Served frequently by Metro Lines 20, 720, and the Metro Purple Line
See
See Angelino Heights
A historic neighborhood between Echo Park and Downtown which contains many Victorian residences that are nationally or locally registered as historic places.
See Barnsdall Art Park (Metro: Vermont/Sunset)
A small hill in East Hollywood with sweeping views of the neighborhood as well as an arts complex on top that serves the local community, with an art center that offers classes to adults and children, a community theater, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, which holds changing exhibits of art from local artists, and Hollyhock House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is open to the public. Hollyhock House is one of eight buildings by Wright to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
See Echo Park
A nice lakeside park with views of the Downtown skyline. There's a major fountain at the center of the lake and paddle boats are available for a ride on the lake. The park is very popular and good for picnics, though often crowded. It has also been featured in various media: film buffs may recognize the lake from a scene in Chinatown, while OK Go fans might recognize the park as the setting for their time-lapse music video for the song End Love. The surrounding area is a hub for underground/indie culture and houses a number of venues.
See Ennis House
Perched in the foothills of Los Feliz beneath Griffith Park on a winding residential street is this massive Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house, constructed using textile blocks reminiscent of an ancient Mayan temple. The building is notable for its use as a filming location, appearing in numerous films and television shows including the 1959 House on Haunted Hill, the mansion in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and most notably in Blade Runner, as well as numerous commercials, fashion shoots, and music videos. Unfortunately, the house is only open for tours a handful of days each year, but both sides of its impressive exterior can easily be viewed from the street.
See MacArthur Park
(Metro: Westlake) This park has been famous for a long time, starting with Charlie Chaplin, who made several films at the lake here. Since the 1970s, it's also known for being a location where people ritualistically leave cakes out in the rain. In the 90s its reputation was tainted by violence and drug use, but the park has been cleaned up over the last few years, and is once again a decent place to visit. Take a paddle boat out on the small lake or watch one of the ever-present soccer matches.
See Music Box Steps
A public staircase that was the setting of the 1932 Laurel and Hardy short film The Music Box, a slapstick flick where Laurel and Hardy try to move a piano up the steep steps to wacky results. Today it's a scenic walk through a pleasant neighborhood.
See Vista Hermosa Natural Park
10.5-acre urban natural park developed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, LAUSD and the City of LA. Walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannahs, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground nestled between Downtown LA and some of LA's most densely-populated neighborhoods.
Griffith Park
A large municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains above Los Feliz, Griffith Park covers 4,210 acres of land, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America. It has been referred to as the "Central Park of Los Angeles," but is much larger and with a much more untamed, rugged character. Griffith is a great place for hikes, picnics or hanging around with friends, with great views of the city. One of the main hiking trails is located on Bronson Avenue; the street ends at the trailhead.
Despite the vastness of the park, Griffith Park's primary attractions lie along its edges. The iconic Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theatre (see below under Do) sit on the southern edge of the park, perched above the Los Feliz neighborhood. Most of the other attractions are located along Crystal Springs Drive on the eastern side of the park, many of which are geared towards kids, including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, a miniature railroad, a carousel, recreational facilities, and a Christmas light display in December (expect heavy traffic). A pair of railroad museums sit along Zoo Drive on the northern edge of the park. An equestrian center sits at the very northern edge of the park in Burbank.
See Griffith Observatory
A popular tourist attraction, this Art Deco landmark was built in the 1930s and has since appeared in many films, most notably Rebel Without a Cause, which is honored at the observatory with a statue of James Dean on the grounds. The outside offers a beautiful panorama of the city of Los Angeles, which is especially stunning at night, as well as some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign. Inside is an extensive array of space- and science-related displays, including a Foucault pendulum and a Tesla coil. The planetarium shows are entertaining, with a live narrator.
See Bronson Cave
A popular spot for film buffs, this former rock quarry consists of a short man-made tunnel through the hillside that was quickly embraced as a filming location once the quarry ceased operations in the 1920s. Since then, many television shows and low-budget sci-fi and Western films have been shot here, given its remote, craggy appearance and easy accessibility to Hollywood. Besides its portrayal as the entrance to the Batcave in the 1960s Batman series, you may have seen it in The A-Team, the original Star Trek series, Bonanza, The Lone Ranger television series, or perhaps one of the countless B-films from the 1950s and 60s that made use of it.
See Autry Museum of the American West
A combination art/history museum, with continuing and changing exhibitions of art from the American West, a major collection of Native American art, and historical artifacts of the West, including a permanent firearms gallery. A unique highlight of the museum is an exhibit on cowboys in popular culture, with many costumes and film props from popular Westerns and their Hollywood stars.
See Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A classic zoo at the northern end of Griffith Park. Popular exhibits include a chimpanzee complex, a gorilla area, a large elephant complex, a newly built rainforest exhibit, a reptile house, and a children's zoo. There's also a few animal shows, including a bird show, elephant training, and a rhino feeding; check the website for times.
See Old Los Angeles Zoo
Before the current zoo was built in 1966, this spot a couple of miles to the south had served as Los Angeles' zoo since 1912, built at a time when small iron bar cages were common in zoos. Today, the rusting cages and stone grotto enclosures are still standing and are open for exploration alongside a picnic area, making this a popular spot for urban explorers. However, the cages are now closed off with iron bars.
See Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
Run by a local group of railroad enthusiasts, this museum is essentially a large scale model railroad, with miniature train rides for children and a few historic train cars. Most notable among the historic exhibits is the actual workshop owned by Walt Disney that he used to make his backyard model railroad (only open on the third Sunday of each month, when volunteers from a local historical society are available).
Do
Do Dodger Stadium
Who wouldn't want to grab a Dodger Dog and enjoy watching a game of baseball? Built by evicting and displacing an entire neighborhood of Chavez Ravine, this venerable stadium, in the hills north of Downtown near Echo Park, opened in 1962 and is home to Major League Baseball's 6 time world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. For $35 you can get all-you-can-eat hot dogs, sodas, and nachos at the Right Field Pavilion. Behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark are available at 10AM, 11:30AM, and 1PM on days when there isn't an afternoon Dodgers game.
Do El Cid Theatre
Built around turn of the century and, after several reincarnations, offers one of the only dinner theater options left in Los Angeles. The menu is heavily Spanish and the shows differ depending on the night and range from flamenco performances to tongue-in-cheek burlesque.
Do Los Angeles River
While it's in the process of a long restoration, the section of the Los Angeles River past Northwest L.A. is actually already open as a recreation zone, with a soft-bottomed bed that supports trees and wildlife. A bike path runs along the western bank of the river between Riverside Drive at the north end of Griffith Park and the neighborhood of Elysian Valley, better known to locals as Frogtown, an up-and-coming area that has been the subject of much interest lately with the restoration of the river. Pocket parks dot the banks and there are opportunities for kayaking along this stretch of river. On summer weekends, the Friends of the Los Angeles River operates The Frog Spot on the bike path in Frogtown, with various vendors, live music, and plenty of river-based outdoor activities.
Do Silver Lake Reservoir
A scenic lake encircled by a nice walking and jogging path. Just over 2 miles long, it offers a beautiful way to get outdoors.
Do Philosophical Research Society
Founded by occultist Manly P. Hall, PRS describes itself as "a repository of multicultural wisdom sources and a center of learning." The organization operates a bookstore, event space, and Hall's collection also formed the basis for the PRS library of approximately 30,000 volumes, which is accessible to the public. PRS hosts a variety of eclectic events, from lectures and film screenings, to game nights and tarot readings.
Buy
Shop Los Feliz Village
A hip and trendy strip of N Vermont Ave, with shops such as Other Wild, The Bell Jar and Squaresville. Great coffee at Bru and novelty, old timey pie/shakes at House of Pies.
Shop Sunset Junction
Has long been known for cheap furniture and antique shops, and now is home to several trendy clothing stores and some good restaurants and cafés. It's also the center of a summertime street fair of the same name known for its indie rock shows.
Shop The Time Travel Store
Apparel, supplies, and sundries for the discriminating time traveler. You got your canned Mammoth Chunks, your robot repair parts, and the ever-popular Viking Odorant. (All proceeds from sales go towards the shop's real reason for being: the 826LA writing workshop program for school-age students.) There's another location in Mar Vista.
Eat
In East Hollywood you can find countless "pupuserias". These thick, hand-made corn tortillas come with quesillo (Salvadorean cheese), pork, chicken, rice, beans, or "queso con loroco" (cheese and vine flower bud). Just look for signs that say "pupuserias." They usually run around $1.50-2 a pupusa. A very delicious food.
East Hollywood's Little Armenia district has a few excellent cheap food options. Falafel Arax at 5101 Santa Monica Blvd has excellent Falafel and Shawerma. Sassoun Bakery, at 5114 Santa Monica has great Lahmejun (Armenia pizza), boregs, zahtar (thyme) and tahini breads. Zankou Chicken at 5065 W Sunset Blvd has popular rotiserrie chicken with great garlic sauce. Carousel at 5112 Hollywood Blvd has an amazing mezze (appetizer) selection, and great food.
Budget
Eat Falafel Arax
Hole in the wall with what many consider the best falafel and best shawerma sandwiches in Los Angeles. An institution among Armenians.
Eat Sassoun Bakery
Incredibly good Lahmejun (a super thin crust Armenian meat pizza - under a dollar), plus great boreg and zahtar bread. Have a tahini bread for dessert.
Eat Carousel Restaurant
Truly fantastic Arabic and Armenian food for cheap. The mezzes (appetizers) alone can make an amazing meal.
Eat El Taurino
Utterly delicious and authentic Mexican fast food for those on a budget, and a favorite hangout of the locals. In a lower-income neighborhood on the corner of Olympic & Hoover; a good place to eat if passing near USC. Looks questionable from the outside, but don't let that deceive you; El Taurino is the real deal.
Eat Fred 62
This hipster diner features a diverse range of foods from Udon to mac and cheese balls, with Thai cobb salad and chicken pot pie in between. Their Bearded Frenchy (french toast covered with corn flakes and then deep fried) are a late night/early breakfast favorite for stoners or sweet tooths alike. Most menu items end with $.62.
Eat House of Pies
A diner in the extremely hip Los Feliz/Silverlake district where you're likely to see and be snubbed by the stars of your favorite up-and-coming indie bands. Has a huge selection of delicious pies along with a typical diner menu. Sandwiches and breakfast items are great, too. Anything else can be hit or miss.
Eat Langer's Deli (Metro: Westlake)
Known citywide for its pastrami sandwiches and other deli delights.
Eat Mama's Hot Tamales (Metro: Westlake)
A good selection of tamales and other Mexican food. Visit their carts along the sidewalks around MacArthur Park on the weekends.
Eat Original Tommy's
A Los Angeles landmark since 1946, Tommy's is a can't-miss for any hamburger lover. Although they have 30 locations across Souther California, you cannot miss the atmosphere of the 1st Tommy's (especially late at night on weekends). Serving hamburgers, French fries, hot dogs, and tamales with their "secret blend" of chili you will always find a line for food at all hours, especially late night/early mornings.
Eat Pho Café
Great for cheap cold or hot Vietnamese noodles in a hip atmosphere. Also try the Vietnamese iced coffees. There's no sign, it's in the middle of a strip mall, a few doors to the left of Rambutan Thai restaurant.
Eat Taco Zone Truck
One of the best taco trucks on the east side, with delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd, and there usually is, but the homemade salsas alone are well worth it. Opens most evenings around 8-8:30PM.
Eat Yai
By general learned agreement, the most authentic Thai food in the States can be found at "the Thai restaurant behind the 7-11 on Hollywood Boulevard by the 101." That's how it is known. If you are not from L.A., this can also serve as an introduction to L.A.-style directions. The Pad Thai here is light and perfumed and the curries hot enough to kill. And by authentic, that's exactly what is meant...don't expect any catering to tastes here.
Mid-range
Eat Elf Cafe
Excellent vegetarian food in a teeny and suitably hip setting.
Eat Figaro
Simple French food in a pretty cafe setting with outdoor dining as well. Great place to have a drink and watch people walk by.
Eat Gingergrass
Excellent Vietnamese food with good vegetarian options.
Eat Palermo
Popular "old school" Italian restaurant in Los Feliz Village, next to Fred 62. Best known for its pizza.
Eat Same Same Thai
Delicious Thai food, moody atmosphere, really popular and open late on weekends.
Splurge
Drink
Cafés
Drink Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea
Popular Silverlake cafe, and part of a now global chain. It's prime location and free wifi keep the limited seating pretty full.
Bars
Drink 4100 Bar
Once a leather daddy bar, this has turned into one of the newer hip bars in the area.
Drink Akbar
It's long been popular with a mixed crowd for its decent drinks and good jukebox. The hot and sweaty dance club in the back room brings in the hip gay crowd.
Drink El Cid
Very mediocre Mexican food and tapas, but more popular for the rock/punk shows that it hosts at night.
Drink Gold Room
Divey bar with a mix of Echo Park hipsters and Latino immigrants. The interior looks like the inside of a limo from the 80s. On certain nights they offer $5 beer+tequila shot specials.
Drink The Guest House
Former coffee house turned beer and cocktail sipping place.
Drink Red Lion Tavern
Kitchy Bavarian-style pub that serves sausages and steins of German beer. Downstairs is darker and more mellow; upstairs is more raucous with a great outdoor patio. Large enough that it's good for long, private conversations.
Drink The Short Stop
Once popular with off-duty cops, the Echo Park trendophiles have taken it over in the last few years. One of the best jukeboxes in the city with a variety from rock, current/classic hip-hop, 80s, Hi-NrG, country, etc. The bar is owned by Greg Dulli, former lead singer of the Afghan Whigs and now The Twilight Singers.
Drink Tiki Ti
"Tiki-tastic" this tiny tiki bar is full of all the fun and booze a tiki bar should have.
Drink Ye Rustic Inn
Friendly Los Feliz dive bar with strong drinks and a good mix of people. They also have a pretty solid food menu with tasty wings. Can get loud and crowded on weekends.
Drink Black Cat
Upscale American gastropub in a historic location related to the LGBTQ civil rights movement.
Sleep
There's a surprising lack of decent hotel accommodation in the area, but downtown has a handful and is a short drive away.
Go next
- Downtown L.A. - Located to the southeast of Northwest LA, Downtown Los Angeles has been revitalize, and is now home to the impressive architecture of Disney Concert Hall, sporting and concert events at Staples Center, and a variety of dining and lodging options.
- Wilshire District - Located to the southwest of Northwest LA, the Wilshire district is home to Koreatown, as well as attractions that include the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Peterson Auto Museum, and the world-famous La Brea Tar Pits.
- Hollywood - Bordering Northwest LA to the west, the epicenter of the motion picture industry is a must-see for almost every visitor to L.A.
- Burbank - Northwest LA's northern neighbor is the "Media Capital of the World", home to the studios of Warner Brothers and Disney.
- Glendale - The third largest city in Los Angeles County is notable for the influence of Armenians on its food and culture, and also for the massive Forest Lawn Cemetery where a multitude of Hollywood stars are interred, including Walt Disney and Jimmy Stewart. The city is located to the north of Northwest LA.
- East L.A. - The Eastside of LA is home to several neighborhoods that date back as far as the late 19th century and includes Heritage Square, a historic collection of old buildings moved from other parts of LA. The Eastside is east of Northwest LA.
Nearby
West Hollywood
City / town · 40 listings · 5 mi away
Universal City
City / town · 6 mi away
Glendale
City / town · 27 listings · 7 mi away
South Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
Beverly Hills
City / town · 32 listings · 7 mi away
Burbank
City / town · 32 listings · 7 mi away
Huntington Park
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Alhambra
City / town · 11 listings · 8 mi away
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