Creative, edgy, and just plain cool, Silverlake is one of L.A.’s most desirable neighborhoods. Built around a city reservoir that was named for Water Board Commissioner Herman Silver (and not the actual color of the water), the diverse Eastside community is known for its lively dining, drinking, and music scene. Silverlake is also home to modern architectural gems from Richard Neutra (Silver Lake Boulevard and Neutra Place), John Lautner, and forward-thinking contemporary design from leading architects such as Barbara Bestor and Lorcan O’Herlihy. Highlights include the Silver Lake Walking Path (which circumvents the 2.25-mile reservoir), Silver Lake Meadow, the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, and a collection of municipal staircases that provide pedestrian access up and down its signature hills. If you want to get a feel for the local flavor, stop into Intelligentsia for an espresso or grab a couple of mashed potato tacos at Malo.