Wondering what is the best neighborhood to live in or visit Los Angeles? In this piece, I’ll be sharing my favorite places in LA and why they’re worth moving to. Even if you’re only planning on visiting the City of Angels, there are plenty of exciting places to explore! 

What I adore about Los Angeles is that you can be from anywhere and feel right at home.

The city is a delightful mix of ethnic and cultural diversity, breathtaking mountain views, eclectic restaurants, and landmark attractions. Los Angeles’s Mediterranean climate is pleasant as well, making it a lovely place for outdoorsy folks.

Besides sharing my take on the best neighborhoods in LA, I’ll be listing the best eateries to drop by for a hearty vegan meal or treat!

Top 10 Neighborhoods in LA for Newcomers and Tourists

If the question “where should I live or stay in LA?” is on your mind, I’ll help you figure out just that. This sprawling metropolis is punctuated by neighborhoods with an interesting mix of moods and influences that make them unique.

Here’s my list of the top 10 neighborhoods in Los Angeles:

Culver City

If you’re looking for an area with exciting nightlife and quaint cocktail bars, then Culver City is the place to be! In the 1920s, Metro Goldwyn Mayer first built their iconic studio, which now goes by Sony Pictures Studios. Movie classics such as Grease and The Wizard of Oz were filmed right here in Culver City. That’s how it got its nickname, The Heart of Screenland.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

• Sony Pictures Studios

• Kirk Douglas Theater

• Museum of Jurassic Technology

• Thinkspace Gallery

Los Feliz

This architecturally beautiful neighborhood is home to one of the largest parks in North America, Griffith Park. From plant communities and deep canyons to the Santa Monica Mountain range and vegetative terrain, this park is one of Los Feliz’s most fascinating attractions. Head over to Hillhurst and Vermont Avenues to explore the bustling restaurants, bars, and shops.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Berendo Stairs (to Griffith Park or Griffith Observatory)

• La Luz De Jesus Gallery

• Vista Theatre

• Autry Museum

Malibu

Looking for respite and a change of scenery along a winding, sandy coastline? Then you’re in the perfect place! Although a hotspot of celebrity homes, Malibu is a great place for regular folks to live in. You will love the relaxed vibes and charming selection of restaurants and markets. On Sundays, you can take a lovely stroll through the Malibu Farmers Market. Here you’ll find fresh, organic produce and ingredients sold by local chefs, farmers, and craftspeople.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Point Dume State Beach

• Malibu Country Mart

• Malibu Creek State Park

• Adamson House Museum

• Malibu Pier

Atwater Village

This multicultural town is fiercely independent—it supports local and small businesses and hasn’t succumbed to commercialization. You’ll find some of the best gourmet foods, artisanal coffees, thrift shops, and specialty stores. Atwater Village’s classic architecture carries an unpretentious atmosphere and has the LA River as its backdrop. This neighborhood will assuage your appetite for adventure and classic LA nightlife.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Velvet Threads

• Atwater Village Farmers Market

• Heartbeat House

• Alias Books East

• Americana at Brand

Calabasas

The city gets its name from the Spanish word Calabaza, which means pumpkin or gourd. Every year, true to its name, the suburb celebrates the annual pumpkin festival. What I love about this suburb is its laid-back vibes, striking views of the hills, and friendly locals. It is an affluent neighborhood famous for its Hidden Hills municipality, a gated community where several celebrities like Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus reside.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• The Commons at Calabasas

• Leonis Adobe Museum

• Calabasas Creekside Park

• King Gillette Ranch

• Malibu Hindu Temple

The Hollywoods

West, East, and regular Hollywood are synonymous with glitz, glam, and touristy attractions. But, the city is more than its famed reputation. It is a place where different cultures are celebrated, a sense of community is fostered, and food is anything but ordinary. Each part of Hollywood holds its charm and appeal. If you’re looking for a subdued, relaxed atmosphere, head to the East. For a livelier nightlife, the LGBTQ capital of LA, West Hollywood, will be fun to visit.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Lake Hollywood Park

• The Aline Barnsdall Hollyhock House

• Neuehouse Rooftop Cinema Club

• Garden of Oz

• Live at Sunset Marquis

Echo Park

If easy-going people, romantic boat rides, and historic grandeur are your cup of tea, then head over to Echo Park. The city is home to the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and Sunset Boulevard, an endless stretch of road flanked by diverse cafes, restaurants, and retail stores. The city’s strong Cuban influence spread far and wide after immigrants and refugees moved to Echo Park when Castro overthrew Batista in the 60s. You’ll enjoy the rich selection of Cuban food along José Martí Square.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Baxter Street Stairs

• Chavez Ravine Arboretum

• Echo Park Time Travel Mart

• Lemon Frog Shop

• Elysian Park, Wildflower Trail

Glendale

The city of Glendale comprises 34 neighborhoods that are separated by streets and mountain ridges. As the neighborhoods developed and acquired unique characters, so did Glendale. There was a time when Armenians heavily influenced the city. Despite gentrification, the city is home to several old, family-run Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants worth a visit. Scenic routes, quiet bylanes, and a diverse community are what Glendale is all about. 

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Museum of Neon Art

• Vintage Arcade Superstore

• Grand Central Air Terminal Museum

• Adams Square Mini Park

• Deukmejian Wilderness Park

Koreatown

As the name suggests, the city has the highest number of Korean residents than any other part of LA. Modern, Spanish, and Renaissance architecture mixed with Korean-style neon signs intersperse this wonderful city. So if you’re in search of a tight-knit community of local and culturally diverse people and enjoy a lively nightlife (think karaoke and dive bars), hop over to Koreatown.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Aroma Spa & Sports

• Koreatown Pavilion Garden

• Shatto 39 Lanes

• The Wiltern

• California Market (formerly known as Gaju Marketplace)

Silver Lake

Residents love Silver Lake’s low-key atmosphere, lesser jam-packed streets unlike other parts of LA, and sprawling green spaces. You will be astonished to find such a diverse mix of foods, from Taiwanese and Mediterranean to Cuban and Jewish. A stroll down Silver Lake Boulevard will leave you spoilt for choice by the eateries that dot the street. While the city has a strong hipster vibe, it is best known for its serene atmosphere, jogger-friendly routes, and infamous Music Box Steps.

Top 5 Hidden Gems

• Broome Street General Store

• Jay’s Bar

• Rockaway Records

• Silver Lake Library

• Silver Lake Farmers Market

Best Vegan Restaurants in LA

As a vegan, I’m always looking for cities that serve up the best vegan foods. LA is a fantastic place for vegans to explore a delightful spread of culturally diverse foods and local favorites. While several restaurants offer vegan options, I preferred going to eateries where everything on the menu was up for grabs.

Here’s my list of must-visit vegan restaurants in LA:

• Crossroads Kitchen, Melrose Ave

• Honeybee Burger, Vermont Ave

• Monty’s Good Burger, several outlets

• Double Zero, Venice

• Cena Vegan, N Ave 25

• Shojin, S Alameda St Suite310

• The V Tree Hollywood, Sunset Blvd

• Sugar Taco, Melrose and Sherman Oaks

• Plant Power Fast Food, Pacific Coast Hwy

• Souley Vegan, N Western Ave

• Real Food Daily, N La Cienega Blvd

• Jackfruit Cafe, West Los Angeles

• Café Gratitude, several outlets

• Chicana Vegana, E Commonwealth Ave

• Lotus Vegan, West Hollywood

• Ramen Hood, Downtown

• Dear Bella Creamery, Vine St

Los Angeles is a city waiting to be explored—so pack those bags and hit the road (or skies!).