Neighborhood Series: Spending a Saturday in Silver Lake

We are kicking off a new Explore LA series - all-day itineraries to experience the best of LA’s neighborhoods. While there’s no way to cover every cool spot in LA, we aim to minimize driving and eliminate the dreaded “what should we do next” conversation. Check out our inaugural itinerary to explore Silver Lake. Happy exploring!

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Getting there

• Driving: Free all-day parking is available on Lucille Ave. Remember to check posted signs!
• Metro: Red line to Vermont/Santa Monica + 2 bus eastbound (4 stops) or 17 minute walk. Or find the best route for you on Google Maps.

Morning

• 9:30 AM: Jumpstart your day at Silver Lake’s classic coffee spot, Intelligentsia Coffee, for a caffeine fix. 
• 10 AM: Walk south on Sunset Blvd to the Farmers Market where you can nibble on samples or seasonal fruits. If you like a bigger breakfast, check out Delmy’s Pupusas, but don’t fill up too much since you’re in for an early lunch.
• 11 AM: Walk south on Sunset again until you reach the cross-street of Micheltorena - you’ll find the iconic painted stairs right across the street from Alfred Coffee. Snap a few photos before heading onward down Sunset.
• 11:15 AM: Take your time and stop in at the cute shops along the way. Browse women’s clothing and accessories at Haley Solar, discover vintage gems at Golden Age Hollywood, and get inspired for your next home decor project at Candid Home (opens 12pm). You can also stop to see the Piano Stairs along the way!

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Afternoon

• 12:15 PM: Dig into an incredible meal at Cafe Tropical, a Cuban neighborhood staple, or Azizam, an acclaimed Persian restaurant. You’ll find them both right by the intersection of Sunset and Silver Lake Blvd.
• 1 PM: Walk north on Silver Lake Blvd to tackle the Silver Lake reservoir walking loop. At the northern tip of the reservoir, if you’d like you can take a 3-block detour to Broome St. General Store to check out the wares, then continue your stroll around the reservoir. 
• 3 PM: After finishing the reservoir loop, head back south on Silver Lake Blvd to Botanica. Grab a table to share a snack and a drink during happy hour and check out their cute market up front.
• 3:45 PM: Take a neighborhood route back to the corner of Micheltorena and Sunset and head north to hit the shops that were closed earlier in the day. Don’t miss Echo Bark for the dogs in your life, Yolk gift store, and Mohawk General Store for men’s clothes. 

Evening

• 5:30 PM: Drop your haul off at your car before walking a few blocks north on Sunset to El Cid for a four-course dinner and Spanish flamenco show. 
• 8pm: Unwind and debrief on your day with a cocktail at The Black Cat, a neighborhood legend with a history as part of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
• 8:45 PM: If four courses and a cocktail isn’t enough for you, take a quick detour to Mashti Malone’s for Persian-inspired ice cream - the saffron rose water pistachio is a favorite! Then head home to rest those tired feet and full belly.

Tips

• Total walk time: 2h 30m / Total drive time after arrival: 0m
• Shoot for a day with mild temps since the route has very little shade
• Reserve tickets for El Cid in advance
• Not free on Saturday? You’ll miss the farmer’s market and the flamenco show, but consider a comedy show at Lyric Hyperion or dancing at Los Globos instead!

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