The Spas & Beauty Boutiques on Larchmont Boulevard
Larchmont Boulevard is a pedestrian-friendly strip of boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops nestled in Hancock Park between Melrose Avenue and Third Street. When I was an elementary school student visiting friends, we were allowed to stroll unaccompanied to Larchmont Boulevard for ice cream. Later, when I had adult braces, I selected an orthodontist’s office simply because it was on Larchmont Boulevard. Larchmont Village is a vestige of a simpler time in Los Angeles, when the streets were walkable.
Larchmont Boulevard is a lifestyle, a place where you go to live your life, not to be trendy. Unfortunately, real estate developers are in the process of gentrifying the neighborhood by pricing out Mom and Pop boutiques. For instance, Chevalier’s Books, established in 1940 is the oldest bookstore in LA and was forced to relocate across the street to 133 Larchmont. Larchmont Boulevard still retains its small neighborhood charm through its independently owned and operated businesses and the patrons who support them.
Local Things to Do on Larchmont Blvd
Situated across the street from Paramount Studios, Larchmont Boulevard is quiet and low-key. There are practical service shops, such as a dog groomer, dentist, and hair salon. There is a vegan restaurant Cafe Gratitude and a deliciously heathy fast-casual restaurant Lemonade.
Between Clinton St and Beverly Boulevard, there are a number of doctor’s offices and grooming boutiques for people and dogs. The best kept secret on Larchmont Boulevard is Bricks and Scones, a large coffee house with incredibly good food and plenty of comfortable spaces to spread your books. Before I had an office, I came here.
Another classic is Larchmont Village Food & Wine, a high-quality deli with charcuterie and condiments and chips. Sandwiches are served from 11 AM – 5 PM Monday through Saturday. Right across the street, Kiku Sushi has offered wide variety of fresh sushi and Japanese food at an affordable price since my childhood.
Where to Park on Larchmont Blvd
When most people think of Larchmont Boulevard, they think of the junction at Beverly Boulevard, where most of the activity takes place. While there is plenty of metered street parking, it can be difficult to find open spots, especially on weekends. There is a garage at 218 North Larchmont Boulevard where the hourly rate is $1.50 with a $6 daily maximum, and a small parking lot at 209 North Larchmont Boulevard where the hourly rate is $1 with a daily maximum of two hours. In the parking lot, vendors sell organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, seafood during the weekly farmers’ market from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Sunday. You may find doggies, kitties and rabbits up for adoption. There’s even live music.
But the best time to go to Larchmont is during the week, when there are fewer people and cars.
Health & Spa Boutiques on Larchmont
- Larchmont Spa & Sanctuary – Known among locals as a romantic boutique spa for couples because of their unique duo-treatment room and private bath. They recently renovated their space.
- Topikal – Opened in 2016 as the first ever CBD retail boutique in California
- Larchmont Beauty Center – A beloved beauty supply store with a large selection of European products owned by Fred and Sharon Cohanim for over 30 years.
- Awe Spa Massage – For a no-thrills or fuss Thai massage to work out the kinks and knots for less than $90.