los angeles favorites: neighborhoods

Although neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silverlake are very cool and hipster (only in a slightly annoying way) there is something really unique and special about Venice - especially the Venice canals. Like a small oasis (with a somewhat fishy smell) the canals are a pretty unusual sight.

I'm going to get some strange responses to this one, but I love downtown LA. It feels established and timeless with some stunning architecture and lots of hidden places to explore.