Mar Vista Los Angeles, CA

The Mar Vista neighborhood is an outgrowth of "Venice of America" and the Ocean Park district of Santa Monica. Both cities tried to annex Mar Vista, then called Ocean Park Heights, in the 1920s. The neighborhood became part of the growing city of Los Angeles in 1927 and changed its name to Mar Vista soon after, taking the name of some new housing developments in the area. The neighborhood was largely used for farming and recreation and was also the site of a major reservoir until after World War II, when it became more residential.

Mar Vista residents looking for an arts scene, live theater or festivals need to turn their attentions to Venice, with the Abbott Kinney Festival and Art in the Afternoon events, or to Culver City, to enjoy the Culver City Summer Sunset Music Festival each year.

Mar Vista restaurants tend toward the casual, with plenty of sushi bars, ramen shops and cafes in the area. If you keep your eyes open, you can find some lovely gems close to home, knowing that all the culinary delights of Santa Monica await close by if you want to be a little more adventurous.

Upscale diner food fills the menu at Louie's of Mar Vista on Grand View Boulevard. A truly local restaurant with roots going back over 60 years, Louie's takes advantage of the farmers market that happens outside its door every Sunday and also maintains a beehive to make its own honey. The Kalua pig monte cristo egg roll wins high praise from locals, as do the bacon fries and the Moroccan-style bread pudding.

Stop in at the Mitsuwa Market food court on Centinela Avenue when you need a quick, light bite. Hannosuke serves up exquisite seafood tempura that includes fried nori, whitefish and even a tempura-battered poached egg, all with perfect rice and miso soup. Santouka Ramen in the same location makes a spicy miso that Mar Vista residents describe as perfection with its spicy pork belly and wood ear mushrooms.

Earl's Gourmet Grub has become a neighborhood favorite for Sunday brunch. Sit on the back patio and enjoy the restaurant's unique take on a croque madame, the steak and eggs with chimichurri sauce or the fabulous burger. If you love pickles, expect to add a jar of Earl's Tony Darko pickles to your order to take home.

When you're in the mood for some nightlife, you may have to venture out of the Mar Vista area, heading to Venice or Santa Monica to find live music and entertainment. If you just want an inexpensive drink in a place with a great jukebox, head to Lost & Found on National Boulevard. This old-school dive bar entertains locals with free popcorn, a pool table and $4 well drinks.

Most Mar Vista residents use their own cars to get where they need to go. The abundance of free parking throughout the neighborhood makes it easy to keep a car, and traffic tends to be less oppressive in this neighborhood than in other parts of Los Angeles' west side. Mar Vista has easy access to the San Diego and Santa Monica Freeways, also known as Interstates 405 and 10, which connect locals to the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles International Airport and points south, and downtown Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, Culver City and Santa Monica buses all serve the Mar Vista area. Los Angeles bus routes connect Mar Vista to Venice, Santa Monica, UCLA and Westwood, Mid-City and downtown Los Angeles. Culver City routes connecting Culver City to Venice pass through Mar Vista, and Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus system runs through Mar Vista on its way to UCLA, Santa Monica College, Culver City and downtown Santa Monica.

Most of the major thoroughfares have bike lanes. Other than climbing a few steep hills, biking tends to be straightforward and safe, with Venice Boulevard providing a straight shot for anyone wanting to ride to the beach. While few people can walk to work in this residential neighborhood, recreational walkers and joggers enjoy the quiet, safe streets.

The Mar Vista Recreation Center serves as the main park in the neighborhood. Large, flat and located right in the middle of the neighborhood, this park features a playground, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, barbecue pits, tennis courts, a roller hockey rink and a swimming pool. Runners who don't want to deal with the Mar Vista hill can use the jogging track, and the park also offers workout equipment spaced throughout. On weekends, you can find families holding birthday parties here or the annual Little League or AYSO season in full swing. Dogs are welcome on a leash, use of park facilities doesn't cost you a thing, and an ample parking lot plus street parking make it easy to settle down for a fun afternoon.

The cost of living runs about 25 percent higher in Mar Vista than in the rest of Los Angeles, but residents often consider it well worthwhile for the privilege of ocean breezes, calm traffic and a relaxed lifestyle. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood runs about $2,185 per month, and you'll pay $4 or $5 for a beer at a neighborhood bar on your way home from work.

If you use public transportation, expect to pay $1.75 one way to get to downtown Los Angeles or $1 to reach downtown Santa Monica. The price of gas runs about 12 percent above the national average if you plan to drive your own car.

Most residents of Mar Vista head to Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, the Westside Pavilion or Westfield Century City when they need to do major shopping. Westfield Century City is an ideal shopping mall for those looking for high-end clothing or home furnishings. However, Mar Vista does hold a few gems when you want to keep your shopping in the neighborhood.

For handmade soaps, natural perfumes and shaving products, head to Soaptopia on Venice Boulevard. Handcrafted soaps lather up beautifully and leave behind bright notes of your favorite fragrance, whether it's vanilla, eucalyptus, sweet almond or lavender. Those with allergies or sensitive skin find the soaps soothing, and you can find excellent gifts for your whole list here.

When you need a special-occasion dress, head straight to The Stylist LA to rent the perfect frock. You'll feel as if you have your own personal shopper as you try on the wide variety of styles and sizes, and the staff even helps you find the right undergarments and accessories for each dress.

Mar Vista residents do much of their grocery shopping at the local Ralphs, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Markets, but many also like to stop in at Mitsuwa Marketplace for its Japanese and Hawaiian specialties. The market features a much-loved food court as well as cooking classes, an in-house bakery and many other Japanese products, including toys, books and videos. On Sundays, shoppers head to the Mar Vista Market on Grand View at Venice Boulevard to get fresh produce from California farmers.