violet1999
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Reviews
South Barrington Ave
"Really cute, residential, small-town shopping street"
I love Barrington! This street is a great alternative to driving down Sepulveda - it goes all the way from Brentwood to Mar Vista. The top part near Brentwood is my favorite - there are so many cute shops up near the intersection of Barrington and San Vicente. Further down Barrington towards Santa Monica, there are a lot of residential houses, convenience stores, laundromats, etc. My favorite Whole Foods is on Barrington as well, at the intersection of National. Barrington turns into McLaughlin somewhere around Palms.
Speedway
"An amazing little street tucked behind the Venice boardwalk"
I discovered this street through running - I don't think I would ever know about it otherwise. Located one block behind the boardwalk, Speedway is home to a stretch of apartments, some of them nautically-themed (as the street is one block from the beach.) The people who live here seem to be an incredibly zany, affluent bunch who value their privacy. I can't say I didn't get more than one dirty look while running down here in the AM, but I loved it anyway because I love to look at the wacky architecture and cool cars parked on this stretch. Also, at the end of the street is the Marina of Marina Del Rey, where you can sit and watch boats, a sunset, or flocks of homeless hippies.
Via Marina
"Quiet, adorable street by the marina - great for running!"
So I recently ran a marathon, and I did much of my training by running the boardwalk from Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey. However, instead of stopping at the end of the boardwalk, I would continue a few extra miles down Speedway just so I could run Via Dolce. This street looks right out on the water, and you can often see kayakers and boaters enjoying the day. The street itself is populated with both adorable and stately townhouses, some of which are to die for. For running, the street provides you with a 3 mile ish loop that can really round out a run. And this street is quiet, quiet, quiet! A total haven from the insanity of the boardwalk.
Sycamore St
"Both homey and industrial - depending on where you are"
I park my car on this street. Yup, that's how I know about it. This is a side street one block east of La Brea. Some blocks of this street are incredibly cute - they have tightly packed but architecturally adorable West Hollywood homes that seem quiet and funky (both the homes and the residents.) And then with some blocks, you cross the street and the cute homes are replaced with large industrial parking lots, taco trucks, cement trucks, and day laborers who whistle at you (if you're female.) Always an interesting stroll down Sycamore.
Enchanted Way
"Unbelievable views - maybe the best in LA!"
Even though I can't afford to live in the hills, I spend a lot of time taking my car on hilltop drives ust to check out the fancy homes and amazing views. Last weekend, I drove up to the Palisades and discovered Enchanted Way. Seriously, I would give so much to live up here. When you get to the top of the steep, winding hills of this road, you seriously feel like you might drive into the ocean. You can see the ocean from multiple outlooks and if you get out of the car, you don't hear a peep except for the birds hanging out in the numerous trees and flowers.
Washington Blvd
"The Best Shopping on the Westside"
I love Abbot Kinney Blvd. It is a great place to get away from the trite shopping scene in Hollywood and at the Grove. This street is populated with chic modern furniture stores, old coffeeshops catering to the hippie locals, and amazing bars that are overcrowded on the weekends, but a lot of fun on weeknights. The Kogi BBQ truck also seems to live here on many evenings - so if you see a line snaking down the street now you know why. Also, it's literally 3 blocks from the beach, so you can go down to the boardwalk to sightsee or eat your Pinkberry after shopping.
