A Perfect Saturday in Highland Park
Good coffee, neighborhood strolls, vintage finds, and a few of my favorite local spots.
One of my favorite things about living in Highland Park is how easy it is to spend an entire Saturday enjoying the neighborhood without much of a plan. Between the beautiful historic homes, independent coffee shops, great food, and locally owned businesses, there's always something new to discover, even after years of calling this neighborhood home. If I had a completely free Saturday to spend exploring Highland Park, here's how I'd spend it.
Start With Coffee at Civil
Every good Saturday starts with coffee, and Civil Coffee on Figueroa is one of my favorite places to begin. It's the kind of spot where you can grab a coffee to go or settle in for a while and ease into the morning.
Take the Scenic Route
This might actually be my favorite part of the day. Rather than heading straight to the next destination, I'd take some time to wander through Highland Park's residential streets. You'll find beautiful Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style homes, mature trees, colorful gardens, and so many architectural details that give the neighborhood its character. As someone who works in real estate, I probably spend more time looking at houses than the average person, but I never get tired of it. There's always a beautiful front porch, original window, or thoughtfully landscaped garden that catches my eye. And honestly, walking through a neighborhood is one of the best ways to get a feel for what it might be like to live there.
Brunch at Highly Likely
After a little exploring, I'd head to Highly Likely for brunch. It's a great place to slow down, enjoy a good meal, and catch up with friends. Their spacious, inviting patio is one of my favorite things about this spot, especially on a beautiful LA day. I love a Saturday that leaves plenty of time to linger over brunch rather than rushing to the next thing.
An Afternoon of Shopping Along Figueroa
One of my favorite things about Highland Park is the collection of independent shops and small businesses along Figueroa Street. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering in and out of stores, browsing vintage finds, and discovering things you didn't know you needed.
A few favorites I'd pop into:
Luca | A beautifully curated shop for clean beauty, everyday essentials, and thoughtful gifts.
Intentionally Blank | A fun stop for shoes, clothing, accessories, and unique finds.
DeeLux | Perfect for vintage and secondhand shopping. You never know what you'll come across.
Cheerio Collective | A creative space with vintage finds and plenty of personality.
Ojalá Bookstore | A place to slow down, browse the shelves, and maybe discover your next read.
What I love about these shops is that each has its own personality. They're part of what makes shopping in Highland Park feel so different from visiting a typical shopping center.
A Little Matcha Break
By this point, I'd probably be ready for an afternoon pick-me-up. I'd stop at Comet Over Delphi for a matcha and take a little break before continuing the day. One of the best things about a Saturday with no real agenda is being able to stop whenever something catches your eye, or whenever you feel like sitting down for a while.
Flip Through Some Records
Highland Park has a great music scene, and browsing record shops is another favorite way to spend an afternoon. I'd make time for Gimme Gimme Records and De La Playa Records, two spots worth exploring whether you're a serious collector or just love discovering new music. There's something about flipping through records and stumbling across an old favorite that makes shopping feel a little more fun.
Happy Hour at Checker Hall
After a full afternoon of exploring, it's time for a cocktail. I'd head upstairs to Checker Hall, one of my favorite spaces in the neighborhood. Set inside a beautifully restored historic building, it has so much character and is a great place to settle in for a drink. It's the perfect transition from a casual afternoon to an evening out.
Dinner at Hippo
To end the day, I'd make my way to Hippo for dinner. It's one of those restaurants that feels special enough for a date night but comfortable enough to become a regular favorite. With its inviting atmosphere and Italian-inspired menu, it's a wonderful place to settle in, order something delicious, and enjoy a long dinner. And after a full day of walking around the neighborhood, I'd say we've earned it.
A Neighborhood That Feels Like Home
What I love most about Highland Park isn't any one restaurant, shop, or coffee spot. It's how everything comes together. The architecture, walkable streets, small businesses, creative energy, and sense of community all contribute to making this neighborhood special. Having lived and worked here for years, I know there's always more to discover. And that's probably my favorite thing about calling Highland Park home. Whether you're visiting for the day or have called Highland Park home for years, I hope this inspires you to get out and explore a little more of what our neighborhood has to offer.
