Timeline
09:00
Grab a coffee at Little Barn Coffee Shop. It opens at 09:00 on weekends, making it the perfect quiet start to your morning. If you are visiting on a weekday, it opens at 09:00 as well. The roaster offers a calm atmosphere before the day picks up.
09:45
Walk 13 minutes from the coffee shop to the Taco Zone Truck. This is one of the best taco trucks on the east side, known for delicious tacos and homemade salsas. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd, but the food is worth it. They open most evenings, so check the specific day you are visiting to ensure they are open.
10:30
Head to Echo Park. It is a nice lakeside park with views of the Downtown skyline. You can see the major fountain at the center of the lake and even rent paddle boats if you want to spend more time on the water. The park is very popular, so arriving mid-morning helps you find a good spot.
11:30
End your walk at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. It is only a 4-minute walk from Echo Park in the SSW direction. This section of the river is open as a recreation zone with a soft-bottomed bed that supports trees and nature. It offers a peaceful contrast to the busy park and lake.
Local tip
Echo Park is very popular, so arrive early for the best spots by the lake. The taco truck often has a line, so be patient.
Check before you go
- Little Barn Coffee Shop is open Mo-Fr 09:00-15:00 and Sa-Su 08:00-15:00.
- Taco Zone Truck hours are not fully listed; check if it is open on your specific day.
- Echo Park is open during daylight hours.
- Rio de Los Angeles State Park is open for recreation.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Los Angeles (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).