Neighborhood Series: How to Spend a Day in Sherman Oaks *full walkable itinerary*

You can’t go to Sherman Oaks without a visit to Ventura Blvd. We know there’s more to it than that - the neighborhood stretches down to Mulholland for goodness sake! - but in the name of a walkable itinerary we’re spending the whole day on the boulevard.

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Getting to Sherman Oaks

• Metro: The 240 bus route is the way to go, and will bring you right to your first stop! It runs 24/7.
• Driving: Most neighborhood streets in the area South of Valley Vista Blvd have no posted limitations on parking. Anywhere else you’re likely to encounter 2 hour daytime limits.

Spending a Morning in Sherman Oaks

• 9:15am: Start with a sit-down breakfast at neighborhood staple, Donny’s Breakfast Spot. Find out for yourself why they’ve been around since 1978!
• 10:00am: If your tummy is up for it, grab a legendary loaf of Georgian bread to snack on next door at Mother’s Bread. Then cross Ventura Blvd to grab a coffee-to-go at adorable Red Window Coffee.
• 10:30am: Let the shopping begin! For this adventure, stay on the North side of Ventura and walk West. Look out for are Aum & Garden boutique, Books on the Boulevard used bookstore, Florahound exotic plants, and Earthensoul herb shop. The whole stretch is about 33 minutes walking, but take your time enjoying the stops along the way!

Planning an Afternoon in Sherman Oaks

• 1:15pm: Just down the block from Earthensoul, stop in at gourmet cheese and meats shop, Charcuterie LA. While you are dreaming of your next inspired charcuterie board, order a fresh sandwich for lunch. If you prefer more of a restful sit-down lunch, to Didar instead for top notch Persian food.
• 2:00pm: Cross Ventura at Cedros Ave and head one block West to get to House of Billiards. Grab a drink and a table for a few rounds of billiards ($16/hr for 2)!
• 3:00pm: When you’re ready for a different game, turn around and start heading east on Ventura. Down the block you’ll find Ultrazone Laser Tag ($15/p/game). And don’t worry, we assure you that laser tag is not just for kids! 
• 4:00pm: Walk off your laser-induced adrenaline 17 minutes East on Ventura until you arrive at Schatzi's Bakery & Café. Also known as a Banana Pudding Bar, we think you know what to do!
• 4:45pm: We hope you still have a few pennies in your pocket for shopping at Sherman Oaks Antique Mall just one block East. Browse treasures from over 100 vendors. Make the most of your time until it closes at 6pm!
• 6:00pm: Four blocks East, grab another sweet treat at Cocoa and Candy. Save this one for later if you must!

Enjoying an Evening in Sherman Oaks

• 6:30pm: Choose your own adventure for dinner. For a casual sports bar with hella good fried pickles, check out Game Changer Brewhouse. For top notch sushi in a fish market-meets-cafe setting, go next door to The Joint Seafood & Coffee.
• 7:30pm: Here’s where you roll the dice. Walk 6 minutes East on Ventura until you see the small Whitefire Theater. If you’re lucky, there will be an 8pm performance and you’ll grab tickets ($25+) for it! If there’s not, continue on to Augustine Wine Bar for a classy end to the day. When you’re ready, head back to your car / bus stop only 1-2 blocks away.

Tips to planning your day in Sherman Oaks

• Total walk time: 1h 22m
• This itinerary can be done Wednesday-Sunday except for laser tag, which is only open Friday-Sunday.
• We recommend making advance reservations for laser tag. You can also check the Whitefire Theater’s schedule online or by phone in advance if uncertainty makes you uncomfortable.
• A few unique attractions in Sherman Oaks a bit out of walking distance are Sherman Oaks Castle Park arcade and mini-golf, The City Golf indoor virtual golf course, and The Tango Room dance studio. Check them out if you have time!

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