Echo Park is a historic, diverse and densely populated neighborhood of over 43,000 residents in Central Los Angeles where you will find everything from Dodger Stadium, home of our Los Angeles Dodgers, to Echo Park Lake which recently has gone through a $45-million renovation and where you can enjoy some paddle-boating action.
Check out these hidden gems:
Baxter Street Stairs
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Baxter Street Stairs provide some of the most breathtaking views of LA. This 231 step ascent that begins at 1501 Baxter St. and ends at 2101 Park Dr. will surely give you a proper leg work out. At the top of the Stairs you will be amazed with views of Downtown L.A., the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.
Carroll Avenue
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Carroll Avenue is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Angelino Heights. Walk through this historic street to see Victorian manors that date to the 19th century. You can even see some of the homes in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. The entire 1300 block of Carroll Avenue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and several homes have been named Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments.
Chavez Ravine Arboretum
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First and oldest arboretum in Southern California, the Chavez Ravine Arboretum is located in Elysian Park just north of Dodger Stadium. Many of the trees featured in the arboretum are the oldest and largest of their kind in the state or even in US.This arboretum is founded in 1983. by the Los Angeles Horticultural Society. The admission is free.
The Echo / Echoplex
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This 350-person capacity music venue showcases independent rock acts and also big name stars such as Beck and Pixies. You can order food at the bar via via Two Boots pizza, which is located next door.
Echo Park Time Travel Mart
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Phone: 213-413-3388
As the name suggest, Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a shop full of treasures and oddities from the past and the future. This fun store features works by 826LA students, time travel-themed trinkets and robot parts and food for your pet robot at home.
El Prado
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Phone: 213-484-6079
This wine and beer bar decorated with wood panels and brick offers a dozen wines and eight beer taps in constant rotation, showcasing many local vintners and brewers. If you’re music lover don’t miss Tuesdays when locals bring their rare records to share their ear candy with others for Origami Vinyl’s Record Club.
“Lady of the Lake” – Echo Park Lake
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Phone: 213-847-0929
“Queen of the Angels” or Spanish “Nuestra Reina de Los Angeles” is a sculpture in the Art Deco style by Ada Mae Sharpless. It was gifted to the City of Los Angeles in 1935. Known as the “Lady of the Lake,” the statue was restored in 1999 and placed on the southeastern edge of Echo Park Lake. The statue was returned on the southeastern edge of Echo Park Lake after the lake lake received a multi-million dollar renovation. Depicted at her base are relief images of City Hall, ships, a mission and other land features.
Lemon Frog Shop
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Phone: 213-413-2143
For vintage shopping head to Lemon Frog Shop where you will find items from the 1950s to the 1980s often arriving from Italy, Brazil and Spain. There is something for everyone at all price ranges – even impressive collection of Gucci handbags and accessories.
Taco Zone
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Parked in the Vons parking lot at at Alvarado and Montana until the wee hours of the morning, this famous Taco truck offers amazing tacos, mulitas with meat and cheese sandwiched between two tasty, toasted tortillas and suadero (rib meat) with their flavorful salsa.
Valerie Echo Park
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Phone: 213-250-9365
When you’re in the mood for the afternoon tea, head to Valerie Confections on Echo Park Avenue. You can sit inside the cozy cafe, outside on the sidewalk or on the the covered patio. From breakfast specials, petit fours, pastries to fresh salads and tea sandwiches they’ve got you covered. They are open Wednesday through Sunday.
Wildflower Trail – Elysian Park
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Phone: 213-485-5054
This three miles trail with a variety of beautiful wildflowers is located on the western side of Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium. It offers offers views of Downtown L.A., the L.A. River and the back of Mount Washington.
Source: discoverlosangeles.com