Highland Park
A vibrant, walkable LA neighborhood brimming with unique shops, delicious eats, and a lively local scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bagels and coffee buzz
Highland Park
Best Time
Bagels and coffee buzz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, walkable LA neighborhood brimming with unique shops, delicious eats, and a lively local scene.
"Highland Park is a rare gem in LA for its walkability, packed with unique shops, cafes, and eateries."
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walkability
Highland Park is super walkable! Explore shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot.
🛍️ Thrifting Adventures
Hit up Leader of the Pack, The Bearded Beagle, or Bridge Thrift for unique finds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

BELLE'S BAGELS
Bagel shop and delicatessen
Iconic spot for incredible bagels and pastrami sandwiches in a retro setting. A must-try for foodies!

HIGHLY LIKELY
Cafe
A beloved local cafe offering great coffee and a perfect spot to relax and people-watch.

HIGHLAND PARK BOWL
Bowling alley and bar
Step back in time at this classic bowling alley, perfect for a fun night out with friends.

Thrift Stores Galore
Various locations
Hunt for unique treasures at popular spots like Leader of the Pack and Bridge Thrift.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walkability
Plan for Diverse Interests
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walkability
Highland Park is super walkable! Explore shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot.
🛍️ Thrifting Adventures
Hit up Leader of the Pack, The Bearded Beagle, or Bridge Thrift for unique finds.
☕ Coffee & Bites
Grab a coffee at Highly Likely or delicious bagels from Belle's Bagels.
🎳 Fun at the Bowl
Enjoy a night of bowling and drinks at the classic Highland Park Bowl.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walkability
Highland Park is super walkable! Explore shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot.
🛍️ Thrifting Adventures
Hit up Leader of the Pack, The Bearded Beagle, or Bridge Thrift for unique finds.
☕ Coffee & Bites
Grab a coffee at Highly Likely or delicious bagels from Belle's Bagels.
🎳 Fun at the Bowl
Enjoy a night of bowling and drinks at the classic Highland Park Bowl.
🍽️ Date Night Vibes
Checker Hall offers a unique European-inspired dining experience for date nights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Highland Park for its vibrant, walkable streets, diverse culinary scene, and excellent thrift shopping opportunities. It's praised as a neighborhood with a unique character, offering a refreshing contrast to more car-centric parts of LA. Some find parking challenging and certain popular spots can get crowded, but the overall experience is highly positive.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highland Park is accessible via the Metro L Line (Gold Line) at the Highland Park station, making it easy to reach from downtown LA. Many visitors appreciate its walkability once there, reducing the need for a car.
Yes, Highland Park is known for being a very walkable neighborhood, which is a rarity in Los Angeles. You can easily explore many shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot.
Street parking can be found, but it can be competitive, especially on weekends. Some businesses may have dedicated parking lots. Consider using ride-sharing services if you're not keen on searching for parking.
For those coming from NYC, Highland Park's walkability and vibrant street life might feel familiar and appealing. It offers a good mix of nature access and urban amenities.
Highland Park is located northeast of Downtown LA and is relatively close to areas like Eagle Rock, Pasadena, and South Pasadena, making it a good base for exploring the wider region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most attractions in Highland Park, like cafes, shops, and parks, do not require tickets. However, specific venues like Highland Park Bowl might have cover charges or require reservations for certain times.
Hours vary widely. Cafes like Highly Likely typically open early, while restaurants and bars like Checker Hall have evening hours. It's best to check the specific hours for each establishment you plan to visit.
Absolutely! Exploring the diverse thrift stores, enjoying the street art, and walking through the neighborhood are all free activities. Many local parks also offer free access.
For popular spots like Checker Hall or Belle's Bagels (especially for larger groups), making a reservation is highly recommended to avoid long waits.
While Highland Park itself is a neighborhood, any public parks within it generally offer free admission. Specific park amenities might have associated costs, but general access is usually free.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Belle's Bagels for incredible deli sandwiches and bagels, Checker Hall for a unique European vibe, and various taco spots are highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
Highly Likely is a popular local cafe known for its great coffee and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a casual meet-up.
While specific vegan/vegetarian restaurants aren't highlighted, many cafes and eateries offer vegetarian options. It's always best to check menus or call ahead for specific dietary needs.
Highland Park offers a diverse culinary scene, from classic American deli fare and tacos to more unique international-inspired dining experiences.
Yes, Checker Hall is specifically mentioned as a great spot for date nights or girls' nights out due to its unique ambiance and European vibes.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
Highland Park is a thrifter's paradise! Popular spots include Leader of the Pack, The Bearded Beagle, and Bridge Thrift, offering a wide range of vintage clothing and goods.
Beyond shopping and dining, Highland Park offers unique experiences like bowling at the retro Highland Park Bowl and exploring its vibrant, walkable streets.
You'll find a mix of independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, record shops, and specialty stores, contributing to the neighborhood's unique character.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, the vibrant atmosphere of Highland Park suggests potential for live music at various bars and venues. Highland Park Bowl often features entertainment.
The neighborhood's walkability, diverse street art, unique storefronts, and photogenic cafes provide endless opportunities for content creation and photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as navigating with young children can be easier with readily available refreshments. The neighborhood's diverse food scene means you can likely find casual, kid-friendly options at many eateries.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
For couples, a date night at Checker Hall offers a unique and romantic ambiance, while a fun evening of bowling at Highland Park Bowl provides a more playful option. The abundance of thrift stores also offers a fun activity to do together, hunting for vintage treasures.
🛍️ Budget-Conscious Explorers
Enjoying the walkable streets and soaking in the neighborhood's atmosphere is completely free. While some entertainment venues like Highland Park Bowl have costs associated with them, the overall experience of exploring Highland Park can be very budget-friendly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Highland Park's Culinary Scene
For a more unique dining experience, Checker Hall is highly recommended, especially for date nights or gatherings with friends. Its European-inspired ambiance and menu create a memorable evening. Beyond these specific spots, the neighborhood is dotted with numerous taco stands and casual eateries, reflecting the vibrant culinary landscape of Los Angeles. Many content creators highlight the ease of finding great food while exploring the walkable streets.
When planning your culinary journey, remember that Highland Park is best explored on foot, allowing you to stumble upon hidden gems and enjoy the local flavors at your own pace. Checking operating hours for specific establishments is advisable, as they can vary, especially on weekends.
The Thrifting Haven of Highland Park
These thrift stores contribute significantly to the neighborhood's charm and appeal, drawing in visitors looking for sustainable fashion and one-of-a-kind items. The density of these shops makes it easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing, making Highland Park a go-to for those who love the thrill of the hunt. The walkable nature of the neighborhood further enhances the thrifting experience, allowing for seamless transitions between different stores.
For the best thrifting experience, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds, though the energy on weekends is also part of the appeal. Be prepared to spend time sifting through racks to discover those perfect pieces that tell a story.
Highland Park: A Walkable LA Neighborhood
This pedestrian-friendly environment makes it ideal for leisurely strolls, spontaneous discoveries, and a more immersive experience of the local culture. Unlike many other parts of LA, Highland Park encourages you to park your car and wander, soaking in the unique atmosphere. This is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more relaxed pace and the joy of discovering hidden gems along the way.
The concentration of businesses and points of interest within close proximity means you can easily spend a day exploring without needing to drive between locations. This makes it a more sustainable and enjoyable way to experience the neighborhood's character and charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit