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Polaroid of the Week: Captivating Street Art in Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Polaroid of the Week: Captivating Street Art in Silver Lake, Los Angeles

Though my tight work schedule in Los Angeles prevented me from ticking off my entire to-do list, I revisited favorites like Santa Monica, Venice, and West Hollywood. One neighborhood I was determined to explore before leaving was Silver Lake.

Often called the "Brooklyn of LA" or more precisely the "Williamsburg of LA," Silver Lake topped Forbes' inaugural list of America's Best Hipster Neighborhoods. CNN Money also ranked it in the top ten best big-city neighborhoods in the U.S.

Naturally, I had to see this ultra-hip area for myself. The stretch of Sunset Boulevard through Silver Lake echoed Williamsburg's vibe, lined with trendy cafés, quirky independent shops, cozy eateries, and vibrant street art spilling onto side streets.

I fell in love with Silver Lake within minutes. It's unpretentious, boasting inventive yet affordable restaurants alongside hole-in-the-wall Mexican street food, funky bars, and unique shops like spice stores, comic book shops, and guitar stores—far from typical chains.

The neighborhood features two reservoirs—Silver Lake Reservoir and Ivanhoe Reservoir—offering scenic walking and running paths amid a natural escape from bustling streets. Silver Lake stands out as walkable and bike-friendly in this car-dominated city.

I regret not having time to dive into the bar scene, but it gives me a perfect reason to return on my next L.A. visit!

 


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