On my recent trip to Los Angeles, my costume designer friend, Sami, recommended an afternoon walking around Echo Park in central LA. I was like, “What? No car and walk in LA?!” Originally from New York, Sammi still loves getting lost in cool neighbourhoods even after living there for three years. Echo Park is often compared to Williamsburg and East London. The area in Los Angeles is colourful, diverse and thriving with cool shops and great eats. Sammi was also adamant that I visit the Friday farmers’ market there to fully experience the West Coast mindset. I love this so much and this is my recommendation to experience Echo Park, a hidden gem neighbourhood in Los Angeles.
Start with Brunch at the Brite Spot Diner (1918 Sunset Blvd.)
You will love the ambience of this restored classic American diner that has been opened since 1949. The crowd here is a mix of families and creative types from the fashion and entertainment industries. There is so much to choose from on the menu, with their selection of diner classics and incredible vegetarian options. Our top pick is the Sweet Potato Hash –- roasted sweet potato, caramelized onion, grilled peppers, braised greens, avocado, lime crema, eggs with soyrizo. Soyrizo? Imagine soy made to taste just like chorizo. It is heavenly. Where have I been? After your delicious meal, let’s start exploring the neighbourhood on foot.
Jump into the Los Angeles State-of-Mind at Big Bud Press (1829 Sunset Blvd.)
Besides the palm trees, California is all about colours. Your next stop is to take in the colours of the retro tees and coloured jumpsuits here in this store. This Hecho-en-LA clothing line is all about fun and bold designs for effortless style and ease. I found the perfect red jumpsuit here amidst the colour options. Don’t forget to say hello to the lovely McKenna at the store! Next up, head over to the shop where Japanese cool hunters find treasures.
Get Utilitarian Chic at C&I Clothing (1731 Sunset Blvd.)
Join the cool hunters and utility workers rummaging through the workwear selection in this tiny shop. This one-stop clothing store carries not just current designs but also rare discontinued pieces from brands such as Dickies, Ben Davis and Levi’s. What I also love about this store is the old-school complimentary on-site alterations by the owner, Yasir. He has been in the neighbourhood since the ’80s after moving here from Lebanon. Take this visit as the perfect cue to update your wardrobe with utilitarian chic. This is where I found my second jumpsuit from Dickies, a rare discontinued one from the ’90s for next to nothing.
Inspire Your Senses with Kitsch & Vintage
Your next stop is the Time Travel Mart (17141 Sunset Blvd.). Like Canada’s Drake General Store, you will find smart tees, pins, books, prints and other unexpected gifts. What is more important is the fact that space also doubles up as a literacy tutoring centre. 100% of your purchase goes to 826LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students in their writing skills as well as inspiring teachers as well. Read about this program and check out the merchandise on their website! After this stop, the next thing to do is to explore the vintage stores in the vicinity.
Vintage is next level in LA. The selection goes beyond the designer resale we see on the red carpets and reality tv shows. The quality and the range from the different eras is every stylist’s dream. If you look hard enough, you will find on-trend jackets and dresses with mega shoulder pads from the ’90s. The fashion finds are similar to the ones Balenciaga and Saint Laurent are shilling in the stores now. The stores in the area to visit are American Vintage (1707 Sunset Blvd.), Sunday’s Best Vintage (1557 Sunset Blvd.) and Lemon Frog (1202 N Alvarado St.). After getting your fashion and shopping fix, the final spot to check out is the weekly open-air market for a taste of Californian lifestyle.
Get Local at Echo Park Farmers’ Market (Logan Street at Sunset Blvd.)
Next up is the final stop on your Friday walking adventure in Los Angeles. When you walk into the Echo Park Farmers’ Market, you will be greeted by the stands selling flowers and the local produce from vegetables to fresh fruits straight from the surrounding farms. Stop and sample the fruits that are in season. Even though you are travelling, do pick up some fresh fruits to hydrate and re-energize.
To Learn About a Place, Always Taste the Food
This quickly leads to the section where you will find the local food and crafts artisans with their bread, jams, and jewellery. Sample the tasty artisan sourdough at The Healthy Bread. At the end of the market, you will find the food stands with a diverse mix of Korean, Japanese, Central and South American cuisines. I couldn’t get enough of the vegan empanadas from Komeme Vegetariano. Also, don’t forget to get the fresh churros too! The market opens from 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM every Friday, rain or shine.
If you’d rather have a more leisurely sit-down, here are two plant-based restaurant recommendations from Sammi: Sage Plant Based Bistro and Brewery (1700 Sunset Blvd )or Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Café (1800 Sunset Blvd). I have to confess, even though I was planning to eat at one of these restaurants, I had to pass because I oversampled and snacked at the market — lol.
Friday IS the Perfect Day for Walking in LA
Echo Park, Los Angeles is officially on TRRYWRLD’s list of favourite neighbourhoods as we love to explore on foot when we travel. It’s probably an east coast thing. The realness of the old and new is the perfect break from the glitz of Hollywood. Make sure you go and enjoy the vibes and mingle with the locals the next time you are in Los Angeles. Walk more and drive less. We’d love to hear about your take on Echo Park or other walkable neighbourhoods elsewhere so we can visit. Leave us your thoughts below. Plus, check out Discover Los Angeles for other cool neighbourhoods!
Looking for a unique travel experience? Try spending the day on a Trajinera in Xochimilco, Mexico City!