If an artsy and bohemian experience in Los Angeles is what you crave, then you will want to visit Silver Lake. It is located east of Griffith Park and is five miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles.
Find things to do and where to stay in Silver Lake, here.
Silver Lake Reservoir is in the center of the neighborhood and was named after Herman Silver, who was a member of the Los Angeles Board of Water Commissioners back in the early 1900s.
The lake is fenced off but its outer circumference is a popular strolling and jogging area for locals. There is a fenced-in dirt dog park at the South end of the lake if you bring your pooch along. The reservoir is surrounded by gentle rolling hills and charming early 20th-century homes.
You may notice that the streets have Scottish-sounding names. That’s because the area was originally called Ivanhoe in the late 19th century. Hugo Reid was a Scotsman and early resident who felt the green hills reminded him of his homeland. Some of the street names include Rowena, Herkimer, Ben Lomond, St. George, and Hawick.
Silver Lake, as well as nearby Edendale and Echo Park, were the original locations of early movie companies that included Mack Sennett Studios. Famous actors who lived nearby include Laurel and Hardy and Gloria Swanson.
Want a workout? Climb the stairs
Nestled in the hilly neighborhood are several sets of stairs with numerous steps that take you up to the hillside streets. The most visual is the Micheltorena Stairs, an outdoor set of 177 steps painted in vivid colors. You can find it at 3400 Sunset Blvd and it will take you up to Larissa Drive.
The Music Box Steps was used as a filming location for the 1932 Laurel Hardy Film, “The Music Box.” It is located at the intersection of Vendome and Del Monte Street. A small marble plaque is engraved at the foot of the steps commemorating the film.
There are other outdoor staircases throughout the neighborhood, so if you are looking to work off a few pounds you can certainly do it in Silver Lake.
The Architecture
Most of the homes in the area were built in the 1920s and 30s in the Spanish Mediterranean Style. Each is unique and displays the creativity of the folks that live there. Silver Lake is a haven for artists, musicians, and others with an Avant Garde or whimsical bent.
Gay History
One of the first major documented protests for Gay Rights in the U.S. took place in Silver Lake when the Black Cat Tavern was raided by police in 1967. This preceded the Stonewall Riots in New York. Although West Hollywood is best known for its large and active LGBTQ community, Silver Lake has always had its share of gay bars and residents as early as the 1930s.
Things to do in Silver Lake
If you aren’t relaxing by the lake or huffing and puffing to climb its stairs, Silver Lake has a mix of unusual boutiques, coffee houses, wine bars, and nightspots. You will find many near Sunset Junction located at 4000 Sunset Blvd at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd.
One of my favorite nighteries on Sunset is El Cid, which was built in 1962 and features flamenco dancing, burlesque, and comedy. It is fashioned like a 16th-century Spanish taverna where customers eat and drink on the patio. You may get asked to go on stage and dance as I did many years ago. I’m sure I made a total ass out of myself, but I had fun.
If you love German food you will want to raise a stein at the Red Lion Tavern where you can order beer, and brats and enjoy its fabulous happy hour. The restaurant, located on Glendale Blvd, has been in operation since 1959.
Silver Lake, which is also referred to as Silverlake has its edgy side as it is a diverse community, but it is also quite delightful. That’s what makes it an interesting place to visit in Los Angeles.
Leave a Reply