The Times asked readers to share their happy place in L.A., spots they find themselves returning to again and again to find joy, escape from the grind or simply revel in comfortable nostalgia.
The only parameter? They must be public places that others can visit and delight in. For weeks, opening our inbox felt like we were reading a love letter to the city. Here are some of the happy places you shared.
“It’s one of the few places that still retains an old L.A. flavor and ambience.
I spent so many happy times there with my grandparents and parents. A ‘prize’ was always involved, maybe stationery embossed with my name or a blown glass animal (there is still one sitting on my dresser). Then with my own kids making their own memories, watching the peanut butter being made, choosing moccasins from the now-gone moccasin shop at the Dell.
And always a visit to Kip’s Toys. Now, I share it all with my grandchildren when the opportunity arises. That’s five generations of good times.
” — Cynthia Schein, Newbury Park “What I love most is how this place embodies the spirit of Los Angeles: In a city where we can often feel disconnected, City Hall stands as a beacon of unity. It’s not just a government building, it’s our shared home, open to all of us. When I’m here I feel like I’m at the heart of L.
A., connected to every Angeleno past and present. I have a specific spot where I like to stand, where I can see from downtown to the ocean.
I put on my headphones, play .
