Los Angeles is known for unique neighborhoods all with their own feel and personality. Highland Park is the place to go when you are looking for inspiration and true LA vibes.
Creativity, flavor, and culture come together here, making it one of the most exciting and vibrant neighborhoods to explore.
Along York Boulevard and Figueroa Street, new cafés, restaurants, art spaces, and pop ups continue to shape the neighborhood’s energy.
It is easy to build an entire day here, moving from coffee to shopping to art, all within a walkable stretch. Highland Park offers a fresh and inspiring look at what is happening in Los Angeles.
Great Restaurants and Coffee
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Highland Park’s food scene is diverse and delicious. For casual Taiwanese bite head over to Joy on York, their dan dan noodles and dumplings have made this one of the busiest and most talked about spots in the area.
If looking for an elevated yet relaxed experience go to Hippo. Here you will find a modern Italian approach, featuring seasonal dishes and house made pasta that keep the menu feeling fresh.
And for something quicker, Triple Beam Pizza is known for its Roman style pizza served by weight, offering a casual but thoughtfully crafted option.
Highland Park features a serious coffee culture. Enjoy standout spots like Santa Canela, by the way canela means cinnamon in Spanish, so you know the flavors here are amazing.
Santa Canela sets the tone for rich, comforting flavors with its lineup of delicious coffee, specialty teas, and freshly baked goods made in small batches, including seasonal pastries and curated pastry boxes that regulars can subscribe to monthly, while signature drinks like the burnt cinnamon latte and café de olla make it especially memorable.
Another great coffee spot is Lumen Coffee on Figueroa. This espresso bar and roastery pairs excellent coffee with a strong visual identity, featuring a uniquely designed outdoor space with decorated walls and a welcoming patio that has become a favorite for photos. Lumen Coffee ensures a high level of craft in every cup.
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Art, Galleries, and Creative Spaces
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Take a picture of the areas unofficial mascot Chicken Boy. This all time famous 22 foot tall statue, sometimes called “LA’s Statue of Liberty”, still stands as a landmark in Highland Park, and it continues to make funny and creative appearances in many visitors’ photos.
Along York Boulevard, gallery openings and informal art walks bring multiple spaces to life in the evenings. Small galleries, creative studios, and pop up exhibits often stay open late, creating a walkable stretch where you can move from one space to another and see a range of styles in one night.
Murals and public art add another layer to Highland Park’s visual culture, turning everyday streets into an open air gallery. Large scale, colorful murals can be found throughout the area, especially around York Boulevard and Figueroa Street, with new pieces appearing regularly and older ones evolving over time.
Visit Highland Park and discover a new favorite coffee drink or create a mural inspired collage for your Instagram. Have fun, everyone.
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