The Blog of Joy Bolger

The Blog of Joy Bolger

In The Heart Of Echo Park


In the heart of Echo Park lies a beautiful lake where you can rent paddle boats, go for a jog, or enjoy a picnic while admiring the views of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA).

The architecture in Echo Park, much like its residents, is wonderfully eclectic.You’ll find preserved Victorian and Queen Anne homes from the late 1800s. Nearby, Spanish and Mission Revival, Craftsman bungalows, and striking modern hillside homes showcase the neighborhood’s diverse character and architectural history.

The median home price in Echo Park is around $1,330,000.

Local favorites include Donna’s, a chic Italian spot with incredible cocktails (book well in advance—it’s tough to get a table!), Quarter Sheets Pizza for their Detroit-style pies, and Dada for Mediterranean fare—get the branzino. I love a stroll on Echo Park ave starting at Canyon Coffee, stopping by Cookbook for flowers and fancy cheese, and ending with a glass of Italian red at Bacetti.