The Culture

History meets modernity in Highland Park, from the historic movie theater and LA’s original bowling alley to newer hangouts like Go Get ‘Em Tiger, Triple Beam Pizza, and Kitchen Mouse.

On the second Saturday of every month, NELA Artwalk guides participants through the community to appreciate the unique art and culture of Northeast Los Angeles. The Arroyo Seco branch of the Los Angeles Public Library hosts author events, book readings and writers groups in its historic Mission-style building, originally funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie.

Fitness classes are easy to find at Kinship Yoga, Made by Pilates, Superlative gym, and Body Dada. Public art is big in Highland Park and can be seen on the sides of buildings, commissioned murals, and at La Tierra de la Culebra Art Park. At night, the neighborhood’s fantastic bars and restaurants come alive with patrons from near and far.

Lifestyle

Selective coffee drinkers will appreciate Highland Park’s range of cafes. La Monarca sells café de olla and fresh conchas, Tierra Mia offers a “Rice and beans” (horchata and espresso) frappe, Civil Coffee pours liquid gold with cashew-almond milk, and Kindness & Mischief serves everything from cold brews to matcha lattes with a smile.

For a full breakfast or lunch, follow the hipsters to Kitchen Mouse for vegan morning glory bowls and ginger hibiscus tea. Peruse the Bearded Beagle, Honeywood, and Avalon vintage shops, search for the perfect album at Gimme Gimme Records, or find the perfect gift inside bright and airy Prelude & Dawn.

Watch your kids’ baseball game or join a community dodgeball game at the Highland Park Recreation Center, then take your dog to play with furry friends at Hermon Park.

Lunch on the patio with friends at Café Jane or under the hanging flowers at Amara Kitchen are musts, followed by a matinee at the historic Highland Park Theatre. Swing by Galco’s for a blast from the past as you peruse aisle after aisle of soda pop and your favorite candy you didn’t even realize was still in production.

For dinner, enjoy pizza at Follieros, modern Mexican at women-owned and operated Pocha, or tacos and black salt margaritas under the Frida Kahlo mural on the very-Instagrammable patio at Nativo.

When you want to meet friends for drinks, you have fantastic options. From the exposed brick and hanging lanterns at La Cuevita, the lively crowd at Johnny’s, innovative mixology at Checker Hall, and the craft beers and vintage arcade games at Barcade, you’re sure to have a great time!

School District

Los Angeles Unified School District