How long does it take to walk through Highland Park?

A thorough exploration of Highland Park usually takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This includes time to browse the aisles at Galco's and admire the Victorian homes at Heritage Square. If you stop for a meal on York Blvd, plan for an extra hour.

Is Highland Park walkable?

Yes, Highland Park is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It features two main commercial strips, Figueroa St and York Blvd, which are connected by residential streets with historic architecture. The Metro A Line also provides easy access to the start of the route.

What is Chicken Boy in Los Angeles?

Chicken Boy is a 22-foot tall fiberglass statue located at 5558 N. Figueroa St. He is a local landmark and a survivor of the mid-century 'programmatic architecture' movement. He was originally located on Broadway in Downtown LA before being moved to Highland Park.

Can I visit the oldest bowling alley in LA?

Yes, Highland Park Bowl, located on Figueroa Street, was established in 1927 and is widely considered the city's oldest. It is free to enter and view the historic restoration, though you must pay to bowl or dine. It is a must-see for fans of steampunk and vintage design.

Where is the best street art in Highland Park?

Most of the neighborhood's iconic murals are found along York Boulevard, particularly near the intersection of North Avenue 50. These murals often change, but they consistently reflect the community's artistic and cultural history.

What is Galco's Old World Grocery famous for?

Galco's is world-famous for its massive collection of over 500 vintage and hard-to-find sodas. It has been a family-owned staple in the neighborhood for over 100 years. Visitors can even create their own custom soda at a dedicated station in the back.

Is the Heritage Square Museum worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially for fans of Victorian architecture. It features eight historic buildings saved from demolition, including the stunning Hale House. Note that while you can walk the grounds, interior tours are only available on specific days with a ticket.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a neighborhood where the neon glows a little brighter and the history feels tangible. Highland Park, one of Los Angeles' oldest settled communities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this self-guided walk that celebrates the intersection of Victorian elegance and mid-century kitsch. This neighborhood stroll takes you through the heart of Northeast LA, a place that has transitioned from a 19th-century arts colony to a vibrant hub of modern creativity without losing its grit or its soul. On this walking tour Los Angeles reveals its layered past, moving from the ornate preserved homes of the 1800s to the neon-drenched facades of the 1920s and the quirky roadside attractions that defined the golden age of California car culture. As you explore independently, you will encounter the 'Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles'—the iconic Chicken Boy—and wander past the meticulously restored Highland Park Bowl, often cited as the oldest bowling alley in the city. The route isn't just about the big landmarks; it is about the texture of the streets. You will navigate the bustling Figueroa corridor and the artistic stretch of York Boulevard, where murals and street art tell the evolving story of the community. This walking tour Los Angeles experience is designed for those who appreciate architecture, vintage signage, and the kind of local flavor you won't find on a standard tourist map. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect neon shot or a history buff eager to see how the city has evolved, this self-guided adventure offers a deep dive into the retro vibes that make Highland Park unique. From the soda-lined aisles of a legendary family-owned grocery to the majestic halls of a former Masonic temple, this walking route captures the essence of a neighborhood that refuses to go out of style. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Heritage Square Museum's collection of Victorian-era architecture

The legendary 22nd-foot-tall Chicken Boy statue

Highland Park Bowl, a stunningly restored 1927 bowling alley

The vintage soda collection at Galco's Old World Grocery

Historic Lodge Room and its 1920s Masonic origins

Street art and vibrant murals along the York Boulevard corridor

Tour Stops (6)

Heritage Square Museum

Begin your self-guided adventure at Heritage Square Museum, an open-air architecture museum that feels like a time machine. This site was created as a sanctuary for Victorian-era buildings that were threatened by the rapid development of Los Angeles in the 1960s. As you look at these ornate structures, like the Hale House with its vibrant colors, remember that these weren't originally built here—they were moved across the city to save them from demolition. This collection represents the 'Gilded Age' of Los Angeles, showcasing the intricate woodwork and Queen Anne styles that defined the city's first wealthy suburbs. It is a stark, beautiful contrast to the modern skyline visible in the distance.

Chicken Boy

Perched atop a rooftop on North Figueroa Street, you will find one of the city's most beloved kitsch icons: Chicken Boy. Standing 22 feet tall, this fiberglass statue features the body of a boy and the head of a chicken, holding a bucket of—you guessed it—chicken. Originally part of a 1960s restaurant on Broadway, he was saved by art director Amy Inouye when the restaurant closed. Known affectionately as the 'Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles,' Chicken Boy is a prime example of 'programmatic architecture' or roadside attraction art that once lined Route 66. It is a symbol of Highland Park’s commitment to preserving its quirky, artistic identity.

Lodge Room

Look up at the imposing facade of the Lodge Room. Originally built in 1922 as a Masonic Temple, this building served as a secret meeting place for decades. The architecture reflects the grandeur of the era, with heavy doors and symbolic masonry details. Today, it has been repurposed into one of the city's coolest music venues, but it retains its historic soul. Inside, the original wood-paneled walls and checkered floors remain, bridging the gap between the mysterious rituals of the past and the vibrant music scene of today. It stands as a testament to how Highland Park reuses its historic spaces for modern creative life.

Highland Park Bowl

Step inside (if they are open) or admire the exterior of Highland Park Bowl. Established in 1927 during the height of Prohibition, this is Los Angeles' oldest bowling alley. For years, the original beauty was hidden behind drop ceilings and drywall until a massive restoration in 2016. The project uncovered the original skylights, the 1920s pin-setting machinery, and hand-painted murals from the era. Even the chandeliers are made from repurposed vintage bowling equipment. It’s a masterclass in restoration, where the clatter of falling pins sounds exactly as it did nearly a century ago.

Galco's Old World Grocery

Galco's is not your average grocery store; it is a pilgrimage site for soda lovers. Owned by the Nese family for generations, this former Italian deli shifted its focus to small-batch and vintage sodas to compete with big-box retailers. Today, you can find over 500 varieties of soda pop, from obscure regional ginger ales to neon-colored fruit drinks. The aisles are a rainbow of glass bottles and retro labels. It is a living piece of commercial history where the owner, John Nese, can often be found discussing the nuances of carbonation and sugar cane. It is the perfect spot to grab a unique refreshment for the rest of your walk.

York Boulevard & North Avenue 50

Finish your neighborhood stroll at the intersection of York Boulevard and North Avenue 50. This area is the artistic heart of Highland Park. As you walk this stretch, keep your eyes peeled for the ever-changing murals and street art. These pieces often reflect the Chicano heritage of the neighborhood and the social issues of the day. York Boulevard has transformed from a quiet commercial strip into a bustling corridor of independent shops and galleries. Because the street art here is volatile and changes frequently, you are seeing a unique snapshot of the neighborhood's current creative energy. It’s the perfect place to grab a taco or browse a vintage record store to end your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to see the neighborhood is a self-guided route focusing on the Figueroa and York corridors. This allows you to see landmarks like Chicken Boy and Highland Park Bowl at your own pace. The distance between the main hubs is approximately 2 miles, making it an easy urban hike.