Once known for its gang activity (see Allison Anders’ La Vida Loca for a reminder), Echo Park is now a thriving, ethnically diverse, and—gasp—hipster neighborhood known more for its creative residents and hot restaurant scene. Within Echo Park you’ll find more than 50 Victorian homes in picturesque Angelino Heights, Craftsman-style bungalows, Streamline Moderne, and more than two dozen public stairways that allow you to traverse the hillside. Recently restored Echo Park Lake offers charming pedal boats, canoe rides, gondolas, home-made pastries and Intelligentsia coffee at Square One at the Boathouse (you’ll also see people practicing yoga, tai chi, and whatever else is trendy at the moment). Skewing younger and hipster, the eastside neighborhood is a hot spot thanks to the fried Brussels sprouts at Mohawk Bend, savory breakfast fare at Dinette, mini tacos at Guisados, and rocking shows at The Echo and Echoplex.