Welcome to Silverlake / Echo Park
A hip, bustling vibe personifies this charismatic Los Angeles district.
The glimmering reservoir of this community’s namesake may be the heart of this historic area. Yet, it is the vintage stores, independent eateries, and thriving music scene that renders Silverlake/Echo Park the epicenter of Los Angeles’ counterculture. Incontestably beloved by artists and hipsters, Silverlake/Echo Park is nothing short of extraordinary. Its shopping and dining venues are standouts, to be sure, but it’s also flush with ample natural beauty. Echo Park Lake, Elysian Park, and Moon Canyon Park are all nearby—and all offer a wonderful sense of serenity.
Situated between downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Los Feliz, Silverlake/Echo Park is a mecca for young urbanites and midcentury enthusiasts. Here, you will find spectacular homes designed by modernist architect Richard Neutra and the indefatigable Frank Lloyd Wright. Meanwhile, charming coffee shops, quaint cafes, and stunning street murals give the neighborhood a fun and inimitable flavor.
What to Love
- Home to one of the oldest baseball stadiums, Dodger Stadium
- Filled with effervescent, creative energy
- Suburban feel with proximity to LA
- A flourishing nightlife
- Nearly unlimited options for entertainment
Local Lifestyle
Prosperous professionals and families are continually drawn here, where they have easy access to downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale all in one. And yet, the community has maintained its bohemian pulse: its innovative and colorful environment renders it a perfect haven for every type of artist.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Silverlake/Echo Park possesses one of the more alluring stretches of bars and restaurants in Los Angeles. Defining classic LA is the matchless Bacari—a seductive venue, enhanced by strung lights, that offers stellar food and a spellbinding ambiance. A popular date night destination, its menu brims with Mediterranean specialties, including pistachio lamb kebabs and a range of delectable pasta. You can also dive deep into the community’s history at the fire station-turned-eatery that is Edendale Grill. Happy hour is especially delightful, as you can get your fill with Scrimshaw pints and Kennebec crisps.
Have a yen for Thai cuisine? Night + Market Song is the answer; here, you will be pleased with a sublime array of eats, from som tum to pad Thai. Meanwhile, the fabulously-named Mohawk Bend focuses on dishes made with fresh California ingredients—all with a spin. They’re famous for their buffalo cauliflower and a formidable menu of handcrafted and seasonal beers, just as they’re noted for their setting: the restaurant and watering hole is a former silent movie theater.
As for shopping? You won’t be disappointed with the community’s collection of unique boutiques, which offer everything from leather goods to ceramics.
Things to Do
A large part of this East Side neighborhood’s immense appeal is Silver Lake Reservoir—a sparkling lake popular for its dog park, nursery, and natural splendor. Angelenos also frequently flock to the super-quirky Silverlake Flea Market, where vendors showcase various items—from antiques to collectibles—every Saturday and Sunday.
Once the sun sets, make your way to Silverlake Lounge. Great comedy, exceptional music, and more are performed at this historic venue, which first opened its doors in 1938. More live concerts are also often relished at The Echo—a Los Angeles landmark that has featured performances by a broad range of luminaries, including Green Day, Lorde, LCD Soundsystem, Nine Inch Nails, and The Rolling Stones.
Schools
As part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, students have the opportunity to attend the following private and public institutions: