Parking is god awful, I'm gonna be real, but mostly is free if you can find street parking or in…read morelimited lots so it's not the biggest evil in all of LA. Lots of culture, history, and art on these streets. Love the painted stairs all around and the artwork for the local school and other various buildings. Nice to see hills and the palm trees lining them and the main road as well. Eclectic and "hipster-y" vibes and community, so you get lots of interesting community shops, businesses, and eateries, but also some really high end ones as well. I really liked the super friendly cats that came out to say hi and get some pets at a local hookah lounge and that the local school there has a community garden and chickens. Can't say it's a place I'd regularly seek out and visit, but nice to stop by here and there.

"I've been waiting…read more.. I've been waiting for this moment all my life..." Reflecting on the history of Silver Lake over the last several decades it's amazing to learn and have seen it evolve with time from days of activism in the 60s advocating for equality across the board to present with much more inclusivity. I was born in LA near LAX, but didn't truly start exploring this side of the bustling streets of Los Angeles until about 12 years ago and even in that short span. Neighborhoods have changed, new businesses have popped up and a few great long-standing ones shut their doors. If you're visiting or local walking around this little big neighborhood can be quite fun with a little of everything from cuisine to cocktails. Clothing to cars and even the occasional local events like Off Sunset recently-ish (usually early Springtime each year), a collection of vendors and businesses supporting each other as well as the city of Silver Lake... Open to all and for all much like the city itself!! Transportation of the public variety isn't too bad as local city orange Metro busses such as the 2 or 4 (which run frequently and connect to the Metro B Line aka the Red at Vermont /Santa Monica and/or Vermont/Sunset). Some streets and areas are inclined with certain residences (homes, apartments, condos, and so on) being oddly placed out of the natural foundation, but it's part of the charm much like the Micheltorena Stairs off Micheltorena Street & Sunset Blvd, which does have a metro stop of course. The education system is primarily preschool, elementary, and middle school within the area with a private school going up to 12th just beyond Los Feliz. LACC or Los Angeles City College isn't too far outside Silver Lake for high education, but I'm not sure of too many other trade, career, or college-level schooling facilities within close proximity, but we do have plenty beyond that. Silver Lake has one of the best Los Angeles Public Libraries out of any you might visit, plus it's near the Silver Lake Reservoir and other hidden gems. Some of my favorite haunts in this city are definitely Intelligentsia, Akbar, El Cid, 4100 Bar, My Vegan Gold, The Black Cat, yes... that Del Taco!, Big Mac Liquor, and the Eagle bar to name a few. The best thing/upside about Silverlake is that it's very all-inclusive and welcoming, but the down thing besides the parking is the cost of living. It's creative, artistic, and very trendy.

MALIBU PIER @ MALIBU…read more Parking is available on the street, but it does get pretty busy since this is a major tourist area. I'd recommend starting to look for street parking once you're about three minutes away. There is parking nearby, but you'll most likely have to pay for a lot or structure. I came here with my friends on a weekend, and it was very crowded. There are tons of restaurants along the pier and surrounding area, plus a lot of seagulls and pigeons everywhere. The pier itself has so much going on -- vendors selling little souvenirs like magnets, lots of people walking around, and overall just a very lively atmosphere. The weather was absolutely beautiful when we went -- super sunny and bright -- which made the experience even better. While it does get crowded and some areas feel a bit tight, that's kind of part of the charm. There's always something happening, and it feels energetic and exciting. The pier is very walkable, so I'd definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes since you'll probably be walking around for a while. One thing to note though: even if it's sunny during the day, it can get pretty chilly, especially with the ocean breeze, so make sure to bring a jacket. Overall, I'd highly recommend stopping by on a busy weekend if you want that lively, classic pier experience. It's crowded, but it's beautiful and full of energy.

What's more California than Malibu, the Malibu pier…read more.. Obviously on the fame PCH highway 1 route. And first thing that pops up, Britney Spears...lol... IYKYK. It's not a major big pier but still quite nice for a wander. Not only the pier, you also have Malibu Farms right at the entrance. Food and drinks with a beautiful view. It does get busy so parking can be a major bitch. Street parking or the lot depending on which one you find. There's a few benches along the pier. People fishing and enjoying their time. The crowd is always nice which everyone is all here for the same thing. To enjoy the pier. It's also a big tourist attraction. There's not much on it but it still an amazing place to visit. There's view on either side is beautiful but a lot has change since the fires but the beauty is still there. Down below, a good stretch of beach to enjoy. Laying out on the sand, cooling off under the pier or fishing along the sand. It's a nice place to check out if you haven't been.

It's 2026 Topanga Days. Oh how times have changed ... for the worse…read more Who actually pays an outrageous $74.00 to enter / $63.60 online? They tell you ''become a member & save". Save what, $5.00? Back in the day people were really upset to pay $25.00! Imagine a family of four going for a day out this weekend ... that's $296.00 just to get in. You wander around only to find way less vendors than ever before & too much of the same thing. No exciting surprises. No special gifts. No unusual handcrafts. Hungry? ZERO healthy food, just expensive junk food. So much for a healthy community! The only good deal is the giant lemonades over at the far end for $7, which you will need for hydration. Wait, what about the music? A few standout singers & bands but for the most part, mediocre, nothing really memorable, just background noise unless you've had plenty of alcohol & really don't care. Familiar faces from over many years are rare, as many in the community no longer show up to dance & play. HUGE disappointment - Overpriced, pure greed on the part of the Topanga Community Center (TCC), who put this on every year to fill their coffers. SMH with absolute disgust. Is anything about Topanga Days worthwhile? The random games are fun if you participate, but the best thing is the Monday early morning community carnival, but you will have to be there before 8am to witness or participate, as Topanga road is closed until late morning for the floats. Unless you're within the community, you won't get to see any of it. If/When/Until the TCC pulls themselves together, hires fresh, younger, innovative minds that actually care, quits the greed & selfishness, lowers the exorbitant entry fee, entices better vendors & memorable music artists, Topanga Days is just not worth it anymore. Very, very sad.

Another Great Event excellent music excellent Food great great people very fun Kids Zone...read more

Cool public art! The fork is separating S. Pasadena Ave and S. Saint John Ave in the City of South…read morePasadena!

This is a cool sculpture on an island among busy streets, featuring lovely trees, shrubs, and…read moregreenery. But it was hard to access, surrounded by heavy traffic on all sides this past weekend. Parking was scarce too, but we still made a quick stop to check it out after an event we attended nearby. It's basically a giant fork with a fitting name for the artwork. The creation started as a joke by artist, Ken Marshall, who gave it as a birthday gift in 2009 to Ice House comedy club founder Bob Stane. It was temporarily removed, then later reinstalled a couple years later after attaining permits, and has since, been a site for food drives/charity events as well as a tourist attraction for people like me :D

We wanted to try a new trail and took the Baxster Stairways to get to the Elysian Park Trail. Being…read moreout of shape, going up the stairs was tough but the view was amazing and it was a great way to exercise.

15 sections of stairs. I started from the bottom of the steps and the steps end at a private…read moreresidence driveway so it's a little odd. Once you walk onto the street you are above Elysian Park with a view of the Downtown LA skyline. There are no handrails here!

G'morno! So lovely to walk the Santa Monica Boardwalk when most everyone is not around Yet! Even on…read morean overcast kinda day, it is Peaceful! Enjoy the Captures! Namaste!

I visited the Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk with my boyfriend and had a really fun time. It is…read moredefinitely a classic tourist spot, but the ocean views are beautiful and the pier has over a century of history. There is a lot to do, especially for families and kids. The Ferris wheel is iconic and gives great views of the coastline, and there are plenty of fun shops and snack spots to explore. The whole area has that classic Southern California beach vibe. We enjoyed walking around, taking in the ocean breeze, and people watching. The only downside for me was seeing the large homeless population in the area. It made me a little sad because you can tell some people are really struggling. It did not ruin the visit, but it is something you notice. Overall, I would still recommend visiting if you are in Santa Monica. It is a fun place to spend a couple of hours and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

I'm a ride or die! One thing about the people in the Valley is that we've got that 818 PRIDE!…read more As kid (and young adult even) I got a lot of smack for living in the Valley but NOW, everyone who was once talking smack is moving here. Neighborhoods where you know your neighbors, parks galore, readily available parking, community events and boatloads of wonderful hidden gems. I also love to ride my bike around the Valley and there are plenty of hiking spots to explore! Great for families. People are generally more friendly than on the other side of the hill in my opinion. Yes, it gets hot, but we've got movie theatres and malls and community pools and more to cool down. The Valley will always have my heart!

It's the SFV! The…read more818 great... The valley Alicia Silverstone references as the iconic Cher Horowitz in the 90s must, Clueless! And Sun Valley (where the party was) has quite a bit Kohl's, the second location for 786 degree (super pizza) and a solid Grocery Outlet... among other hidden gems. The San Fernando Valley has got heart, charm, grit and gold... Full of kind souls... Young, beautiful, and bold and is the place I call home! I was born in Los Angeles near LAX in the city of Gardena and attended grade and some middle school all over Los Angeles county. Aside from the 1993 Northridge earthquake some of my early valley experiences were visiting friends who lived here back in the day. Venturing through Tarzana, Reseda, Van Nuys and Canoga Park (home of the famous Follow Your Heart cafe & health food store/grocer) which are also cities I've lived in since returning to LA close to 13 years ago and setting up home in one of the most laidback and still very adventurous parts of the Greater Los Angeles. There is so much history/herstory/therestory in these SFValley streets from Ventura Blvd to Rinaldi (Street)... Agoura Hills to the edge of Burbank... North Hollywood, Studio City, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Shadow Hills, Pacoima, Arleta, Valley Village, Valley Glen... Encino, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch... the cities go on!! Cinema & television studios, gorgeous murals, unique museums, a melting pot of food + beverages whether, strolling around, sitting down or pushing a grocery cart about... Markets are good and plenty. Major brands covered... Target, Del Taco, CVS, Macy's, Starbucks, AMC Theaters, 2 Bob's Big Boy, loads of gyms. Family friendly, education is plenty, lgbtq+ inclusive + lqbtq+ spaces, vegan options for days, parking pretty okay on most days... You quickly learn to navigate. We've got the 5, 118, 170, 134, 101, 210, and 405 as our major freeways. Housing of all kinds and finding something affordable is a well worth find. Apartments, Townhomes, Condos, Houses, Studios, Guest houses, Hotels, Inns, Motels, you name it... We got it! Public transportation has been improving, but definitely needs more and more tlc. The metro G (Orange) as well as B (Red) Lines run the main show, but the city busses, metro micro and LADOT Dash go beyond. Scooters and Bikes are here, just not in as many accessible places as the main city. Have a nice dinner at a great restaurant, get take out, pop into a dive bar, find that speakeasy, swirl at one of the many wine bars or wineries... Laser tag, escape an escape room, see a magic show, explore parks, gardens and trails... Ride the outdoor carousel... Plenty to do and fun people to do it with! Grateful I have so many friends who live here, with a few new ones in the area as well. Cool places to visit, but an even cooler to live in my opinion.... Then again after 13 years I'm a little bias.

I have been a wizard in this area since 2008…read more I love it all. Many people make great choices. I enjoy a good choice. Like having a choice that f del taco tacos at the Roost. Or maybe spraying the raccoons and possums with the hose. Sure, things have changed, but the magic only grows stronger. Danger can be anywhere in the world but magic only comes from magicians. One day I will be mayor. Thank you

Welcome to Atwater Village…read more It's little big neighborhood feel energy all around from Hugo's Tacos to Blu Jam Cafe to the Sunday Atwater Village Farmer's market and every side street, small biz, small businesses chain and local must have in-between! Transportation is pretty thumping with very navigatable streets, not to mention access to the 5, 134, 110, and CA highway 2. PLUS public transit with access to LA Metro Bus, Metrolink, Greyhound, and more. Parking is plentiful with many businesses having their own lots or back parking lots. Street parking fires have some restrictions... It's LA, after all, lol The essentials: Public Library, United States Postal Service, National Banks and Education ( primarily Elementary school only). Mostly small markets in terms of groceries in Atwater/Atwater Village, however... Bordering places such as Glendale, Los Feliz, Silverlake and Glassel Park you have Trader Joe's, Vons, Whole Foods, Gelson's and even Target to lean on for stocking your pantry, fridge and home. Cocktail bars and night lounges make for more laid-back nightlife Roost being a popular dive. Technically, Golden Road Brewery's original flagship, also known as the Pub at Golden Road, also resides in Atwater Village/ Glendale.... Very Los Angeles borderlines. No movie theater... Though the Atwater Village Theater might be the live entertainment you never knew you needed. AMC's - Americana at Brand 18 is where you might partake in moving going for the big screen experience. Overall, it is a trendy place to enjoy, dine, clink, support, and even live in if this slice of bliss.