Los Feliz

 

“If you’re happy and you know it”….you’re in Los Feliz. Named after the Feliz family ranch in the late 1700s, the word “feliz” also means “happy” in Spanish, and that’s a perfect word for this hillside neighborhood. Even though you’re right in the city, somehow, when you’re in Los Feliz, there’s a definite suburban feel. The beautiful 4,310 acres of Griffith Park on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains act as the perfect backdrop for this hip, eclectic community, giving a sense of huge open greenspace and vast countryside.

 

Los Feliz has long attracted quirky writers, actors, bohemians, hippies, and artists, although today, it’s positively chic and definitely upscale. Public art and murals grace the streets with beauty, and the historic architecture gives a sense of permanency and roots. There’s a sense of being separated from the crowd of city living, and the air of relaxation is palpable. The downtown area is brimming with dozens of chic boutiques, trendy vintage shops, fine-dining restaurants, delis, and bistros. The housing includes historic luxury estates from the early 1900s in Spanish colonial style, ultra-modern new single-family dwellings, posh townhouses, and opulent condominiums with fabulous views.

 

• The incomparable beauty and activities of Griffith Park
• A walker’s paradise with everything needed at your fingertips
• Year-round sunny weather with very mild winters
• Tree-lined, residential streets that invite long strolls and conversation
• Many fine-dining restaurants, delis, cafés, and lounges
• Excellent public transportation throughout Los Angeles 

 

Above all, this neighborhood is walkable, and walking is really the best way to see all the nooks and crannies with interesting little shops and businesses tucked therein. Expect much quieter and more peaceful streets than most of Los Angeles, and even the business sections exude an old-world charm. There’s no hurry when you live in Los Feliz. With Griffith Park taking up the entire middle and northern portions of the neighborhood, life tends to center around enjoying nature, long hikes in the woods, breathtaking views, and picnicking with friends.

 

Mediterranean food marries Middle Eastern cuisine at Kismet, the perfect neighborhood hangout for health-conscious eaters. For excellent Italian food, it’s hard to beat Little Dom’s, with its vintage atmosphere and absurdly delicious bruschetta. Whisk yourself away to a secret café in Paris at Figaro Bistrot while nibbling on a pear and goat cheese tart. In an old Spanish duplex built in 1916, you’ll find the Alcove Café & Bakery. Sip on a hand-crafted cocktail, fine wine, or good coffee while enjoying excellent food with desserts to die for.

 

Most of the action takes place on Hillburst Avenue and Vermont Avenue. Check out Otherwild, a boho boutique with handmade jewelry, handbags, and more by local artists. For the most outrageous gifts, fragrances, jewelry, apparel, and home décor, there’s no place quite like Spitfire Girl. Take in a movie at the historic, one-screen Vista Theater, and you might enjoy the Art Deco fixtures more than the show!

 

Enjoy the winding hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, golf, horseback riding, swimming, tennis courts, pony rides, the Greek theatre, a merry-go-round, and more at Griffith Park. Explore the Griffith Observatory, and take in the fantastic views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood sign from afar.

 

The Barnsdall Art Park boasts the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery on its grounds, as well as tours of the historic Hollyhock House, the Junior Arts Center, the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, cinema nights, wine tastings, art classes, and more.

 

Los Feliz is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District and is notable for the following schools.