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“Walkable” and “Los Angeles” are two concepts that don’t usually go together. Our city is a haven for car enthusiasts who love scenic drives. But walking isn’t just fun (think going on a hike to reach a dreamy waterfall) it’s also necessary for our physical and mental health.
Luckily, the city is home to several neighborhoods that are perfect for running errands or clearing your head on foot. To identify which spots offer the best walking experiences, we compiled a list of neighborhoods with the highest Walk Score ratings (a site that rates neighborhoods on a scale of 0 to 100 based on how accessible their amenities are for walkers). Here are the 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
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While Central Hollywood, with its tourist-filled and souvenir-shop-lined sidewalks, isn’t necessarily the most pleasant walking experience, it is certainly one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
The area is easily accessible with two Red Line stations and numerous bus routes, plus there’s plenty for locals and tourists alike to enjoy (just stay away from the Walk of Fame, if you can).
📸 Attractions: Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: Musso and Frank, Sincerely Syria, Lemon Grove
As expected, Downtown Los Angeles ranks highly on lists of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, meaning you’ll rarely need a car to run everyday errands. For easy access for those who don’t drive, Downtown Los Angeles has excellent public transportation options, including multiple train and bus stations dotted throughout the area.
Additionally, a bike share program is available, providing alternative transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
📸 Attractions: The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Angels Flight Railway
🍽️ Recommended places to eat: Rebird, The Obscure, Perch
Photo by Hun Young Lee from Shutterstock
Koreatown stands out as a hub where you can shop for groceries, get a spa treatment, explore some of the city’s best architecture, and savour bulgogi — all conveniently done without a car, which is essential as the area is notoriously short on parking. Known for its transit accessibility, Koreatown is served by three subway stations and has plans in the works to soon introduce a bike-share program, making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
📸 Places to visit: Koreatown Plaza, Koreatown Pavilion Garden,
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: Alchemist Coffee Project, Suwon Kalbi, Parks BBQ
5. Westlake
Westlake residents enjoy easy access to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities in the neighborhood. Plus, there’s a large park in the center, where you can easily find pirated DVDs or enjoy a freshly made hot dog. This transit-friendly area is well-connected to the Red and Purple Lines and a comprehensive bus network, making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
📸 Places to visit: MacArthur Park, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles Market
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: Farfalla Trattoria, Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, Moody Rooster
6. Mid City West
Mid-City West is walkable due to its dense urban layout, with numerous shops, restaurants, and amenities just steps away. Sidewalks are well-maintained to encourage pedestrians, and the area has reliable public transportation. Its central location makes it easy to walk and access surrounding neighborhoods and attractions.
📸 Attractions here: The Grove, LACMA, Original Farmers Market
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: The Talpa Restaurant & Bar, La Cevicheria, Pizzeria Sei
Credit: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash.
West Hollywood (WeHo)’s compact size and dense urban layout make it highly walkable, making it easy to accomplish everyday tasks on foot. The neighborhood has well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within walking distance.
WeHo, in particular, is known as the city’s LGBT+ friendly hotspot, with historic landmarks that represent significant LGBT+ history and culture. Efficient public transportation options increase accessibility, ensuring WeHo remains a welcoming and convenient destination for residents and visitors alike.
📸 What to see while here: The Viper Room, Melrose Rooftop Theatre, Book Soup
🍽️ Where to eat: Rainbow Bar & Grill, Sushi Park, Laurel Hardware
Rapidly developing, East Hollywood stands out as one of Los Angeles’ most walkable neighborhoods, boasting an abundance of local amenities and the tranquil Barnsdall Art Park. With multiple subway stations nearby, East Hollywood is an ideal location for pedestrians seeking educational opportunities and the convenience of city living.
📸 What to see here: Hollyhock House, Upright Citizens Brigade, Amoeba Music Store
🍽️ Recommended places to eat: Tabula Rasa, Nam Coffee, Saffy’s
8. Pico Union
This historic neighborhood west of Downtown Los Angeles stands out as one of the most walkable in Los Angeles. Along Pico Boulevard you’ll find a variety of local businesses and some excellent early 20th century residential architecture. While the neighborhood doesn’t have a rail service, it’s easily accessible by bus, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike, and a great place to visit for fans of street art.
📸 Attractions: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Angelus Temple, Southwest Museum of the American Indian
🍽️ Recommended places to eat: El Parian Restaurant, Papa Cristo’s Greek Grill, Dino’s Famous Chicken
9. Palm
Palms’ inclusion on the list of Los Angeles’ most walkable neighborhoods is somewhat surprising, especially since many of the area’s residential streets lack sidewalks. But there are plenty of restaurants, cultural venues, and even major retailers within convenient distance of one another. Plus, with the recent addition of an Expo Line stop, and ongoing discussions between Culver City, Metro, and city of Los Angeles officials, the area may soon see the introduction of a bike-share program.
📸 Attractions: Motor Avenue Farmers Market, Sony Pictures Studios, Palms Park
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: Piccalilli, The Doughroom, Hey, Sunshine Kitchen
Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash
Venice, Los Angeles is highly walkable due to its compact layout that integrates residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces within short distances. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets enhance mobility, complemented by dedicated bike lanes and easy access to public transportation such as the Expo Line.
Cultural attractions such as Venice Beach and the Ocean Front Walk further encourage pedestrian activity and provide a lively atmosphere with diverse entertainment options. Renowned as a great spot for beach lovers and surfers, Venice’s waterfront amenities enhance its appeal as a vibrant and accessible neighborhood.
📸 Attractions: Venice Canals, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach
🍽️ Recommended restaurants: All’Antico Vinaio, Cha Cha Matcha, Abbot Pizza Company