When most people think of Los Angeles, they picture Hollywood signs, beaches, and long stretches of traffic. But take a detour into Van Nuys, and you’ll find one of LA’s most underrated adventures—Sepulveda Boulevard. This busy street isn’t just a thoroughfare; it’s packed with character, culture, and corners that deserve a closer look. If you’ve got one day to explore, this guide will help you make the most of it.

Your day should start with a good breakfast, and lucky for you, Sepulveda has local gems worth skipping the chains for. Head to Carnitas Michoacan #3, a beloved neighborhood spot known for its hearty breakfast burritos and strong, no-nonsense coffee. The chilaquiles here? Just the right mix of spicy and satisfying.

Grab a seat by the window or outside if you can—there’s something about watching the early bustle of Van Nuys that sets the tone for a chill day.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes. While Sepulveda isn’t a typical walking street, there are a few stretches near Victory and Sherman Way that are great for poking around on foot when the mood hits.

What makes Sepulveda special isn’t just the food or the traffic—it’s the everyday color woven into the streets. Around corners and in parking lot alleys, you’ll find murals that speak to the neighborhood’s layered past.

Head down toward Sepulveda and Sherman Way, where old-school auto shops sit side-by-side with bold graffiti walls and fading mid-century signage. Near Telfair Avenue, there's a stretch where murals feel like snapshots of Van Nuys' personality—quietly powerful, never staged.

If you’re into thrift finds, discount gems, or quirky specialty shops, Sepulveda’s got a few surprises. Stop by Hope of the Valley Thrift Store for racks of secondhand clothes, funky lamps, and maybe even a vintage Dodgers jacket if you’re lucky.

Not far from there, CD Trader (a few blocks west, but worth the detour) is a treasure trove of used vinyl, CDs, and movie memorabilia. Whether you're flipping through records or spotting an old-school board game, it’s easy to lose track of time.

Bonus: Prices here are refreshingly low compared to trendier parts of LA. And yeah—bring cash. A couple of spots still keep it charmingly analog.

When the sun gets a little high, it’s a good time to grab a cool treat and find some green space. Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park is just a quick drive away from Sepulveda and offers plenty of shade and walking trails. It’s a perfect break from the street scene.

Grab a paleta (Mexican popsicle) from a cart or nearby corner shop and head to the park bench. The vibe here is laid-back and local. You’ll see kids playing, joggers doing laps, and older folks chatting under the trees. It’s LA, but mellow.

Heading back toward Sepulveda, it’s snack time—and this stretch is perfect for catching a bit of LA’s street food soul. Around Victory Boulevard, you’ll often find a taco truck parked under a shady tree or a vendor slicing mango and dusting it with chili and lime. If you’re lucky, someone’s roasting elotes nearby—don’t skip it.

Stroll slowly and soak it all in. Look up and you’ll catch glimpses of vintage signs—like the retro font outside Pico’s Muffler Shop or the old-school lettering above forgotten storefronts.

These bits of signage aren’t just Instagram-worthy—they’re markers of Van Nuys’ long, quietly resilient story.

As the day cools off, cruise slowly up the northern stretch of Sepulveda—somewhere between Roscoe and Parthenia. Golden hour here has a quiet magic. The light catches on stucco walls, flickers through palm trees, and turns chain-link fences into something almost cinematic.

Snap a few shots—whether it’s the glow on an old sign or the long shadows cast across a used car lot. The traffic hushes just a bit, and for a moment, the whole street feels paused in time.

It’s peaceful in that blink-and-you-miss-it kind of way, the kind that reminds you why the little stuff matters.

End your Sepulveda day with dinner at a low-key neighborhood favorite. Maybe it’s a cozy Korean BBQ joint like Chosun Galbee (tucked just off the main strip), where the grill’s always hot and the banchan keeps coming. Or head into a no-frills ramen spot—steam on the windows, broth rich enough to speak for itself.

The best meals here aren’t trying to impress—they just deliver. And if you strike up a conversation with the staff, chances are you’ll walk away with more than just a full stomach.

Tip: Ask how long they’ve been serving Van Nuys. You might hear stories that stretch back decades. Sepulveda holds more than you think—it just takes the right moment to see it.

Sepulveda Boulevard isn’t polished or curated—and that’s exactly why it feels real. It’s where everyday LA lives. This isn’t the kind of street that ends up in a glossy travel guide, but spend a day here, and you’ll leave with a deeper, more grounded connection to the city.

Whether it’s the surprise of stumbling across vintage signage, the comfort of a homemade tamale, or a mural that makes you stop and think—Sepulveda has layers worth uncovering.

So next time you’re in Van Nuys, don’t just drive through. Stop. Walk a little. Eat a lot. Take in the details. You’ll be glad you did.