This Celebrity-Filled Los Angeles Neighborhood Bursts With Historic Charm, Chic Shops, And Green Spaces

Los Angeles is a legendary city. From Hollywood's movie factory to opulent mansions and timeless hotels that ooze Old Hollywood luxury like Bel Air, the City of Angels is full of destinations that are rich with history and shining with some of the best celebrity hot spots to see stars. Nestled comfortably between glitzy Beverly Hills and trendy East Hollywood — named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world — Hancock Park is one of LA's most timelessly beautiful neighborhoods that's been seeing stars for over a hundred years.

Lined with gently swaying palm trees, picturesque lawns, and gorgeous 1920s homes once occupied by Hollywood's Golden Age royalty, the elegant enclave is a sanctuary for A-listers to this day — a calm in the center of the storm that is Los Angeles. Luckily, you don't have to live there to soak up its atmosphere. Brimming with chic shops, delicious eateries, idyllic green spaces, and historic homes, Hancock Park is one of LA's most walkable neighborhoods to spend a whole day walking, shopping, and exploring, and the perfect place for a leisurely retreat in the city. 

Hancock Park's most illustrious trait is its historic homes. Dating back to the 1920s, the neighborhood is dotted with prewar beauties that flourish in an array of architectural styles, including English, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Tudor-style mansions. Wandering the neighborhood, you'll be exposed to a number of historically significant homes that hold the memories of some of LA's most prominent figures.

Howard Hughes resided for over a decade in the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival at 211 South Muriel Road (prominently featured in Martin Scorcese's biopic,"The Aviator"). Jack Hayley — best known for his role as the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" — built and lived in the stunning Streamline Moderne apartment building at 520 North Rossmore Avenue, which also housed former President John F. Kennedy during summer 1960. Other famous residents from Hollywood's Golden Age include Katherine Hepburn, Nat King Cole, and Harpo Marx.

Boasting perhaps the longest list of Hancock Park's celebrity residents is the El Royale Apartments. Towering 13 stories over the corner of Rossmore and Rosewood Avenue, the luxurious Spanish and French Renaissance-style complex was designed by the same architect who built the castle-like Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard, and has been home to luminaries like Clark Gable and William Faulkner, as well as modern stars like Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Jack Black. Situated at 570 North Rossmore Avenue, the Ravenswood Apartments building is another undeniable gem. Ornamented by the flickering of a Gothic-lettered red neon sign, the grandiose Art Deco haven is most famously known as the final residence of Hollywood icon Mae West. If you're interested in diving deeper into Hancock Park's history, the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society hosts annual neighborhood home tours.

After getting an eyeful of Hancock Park's noteworthy architecture, wander over to the area's main shopping and dining district, Larchmont Village. Situated just east of Hancock Park's epicenter, the vibrant strip stretches along Larchmont Boulevard between Beverly Boulevard and 3rd Street. There you'll encounter retail gems like Chevalier's Books, the oldest independent bookstore in LA that's been peddling literary treasures since 1940, and trendy modern apparel stores like Hidden Larchmont. Chic shops like Catbird, a fine jewelry store with New York City roots, and the high-end fragrance boutique, Diptyque, provide a sophisticated shopping experience.

When you're hungry for a bite, Larchmont Boulevard boasts an eclectic buffet of dining spots. If you're looking for a fresh pastry and a caffeine fix, pop into a casual coffee shop like Go Get Em Tiger or Bricks and Scones. For a sweet treat on a hot day, Salt & Straw serves creative scoops of ice cream with flavors like Pear and Bleu Cheese. For something more substantial, enjoy New York-style pizza slices at Village Pizzeria, or classic Italian cuisine at Louise's Trattoria. On Sunday morning, don't miss the Larchmont Village Farmers Market, a European-style market with colorful produce, arts and craft vendors, and the fragrance of fresh-cut lilies perfuming the air.

To conclude your dreamy afternoon, luxuriate in the outdoor oasis between the La Brea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to a sprawling green expanse perfect for afternoon picnics and sunbathing. While you're there, check out the Urban Light art installation next to LACMA, one of LA's most popular landmarks that's a dazzling forest of antique lights.