Juggling urban appeal with a laid-back Californian lifestyle, Sherman Oaks is a great place to experience LA like the locals. It’s well-groomed streets are lined with Californian bungalows, ranch homes and suburban mansions, with the occasional cul-de-sac thrown in for good measure. For access to a handful of chic cafes, hip clothing boutiques and independent gift stores, Ventura Boulevard is just a stone’s throw away.
Shopaholics see Sherman Oaks as a retail mecca, with two major malls serving up LA’s latest fashion trends. Westfield Fashion Square and Sherman Oaks Galleria compete for business, with the latter doubling as the real-life set for hit 80s rom-com, Valley Girl.
Sherman Oaks is close to the city centre, yet feels far more relaxed than its Bel Air, North Hollywood and Studio City neighbours. It’s a 30-minute drive from LAX airport or two hours by public transport. LA is defined by a long-running car culture, which means it’s best to rent a vehicle or rely on taxis and rideshares. By car, it’s 25-minutes to Santa Monica Pier, 15-minutes to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and 30-minutes to Venice Beach.
In addition to its modern personality, Sherman Oaks is a great place to experience retro America. It’s brimming with vintage inspired soda shops, jukebox bars and drive-in cinemas, which give it an authentic yet on-trend feel. For nature lovers wanting a little relief from the buzz of the city, Sherman Oaks boasts a gorgeous location in the San Fernando Valley, with the Santa Monica Mountains occupying part of its footprint.