They say no one walks in Los Angeles, and while that can be true, you really miss out on a lot when you drive instead of putting leather to the sidewalk — especially when Los Angeles neighborhoods have so much to offer. So, here are the top 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles according to Walk Score.
10. Palms
Palms is rated as one of the best places to live in L.A. for millennials as it has a dense population of young, ethnically-diverse people. Downtown Culver City is just a short walk from Palms, as well as Overland Avenue Row, which has many bars and dining options — all of which are walkable.
9. East Hollywood
East Hollywood, full of development, is also a pretty walkable neighborhood in L.A. It’s a great place if you want to hit the pavement and has many options for dining and entertainment. There’s a great selection for fun, yummy restaurants, such as Sqirl and The Faculty.
If you want a nice day in nature — or as close as you can get while living in the city — take a walk around Barnsdall Art Park or to MOments Playhouse where you can see live theater or even take an acting class.
8. West Hollywood
West Hollywood, which goes from La Brea to Doheny and is bordered by Sunset and Santa Monica, is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles. There are two sides of what the locals call WeHo: the rowdy and the not as rowdy. If you head west on Sunset and Santa Monica, crossing La Cienega, the party begins. Home to the legendary Sunset Strip, the bars of West Hollywood, and the annual Halloween Costume Carnaval, both of these boulevards are ready to party at a moment’s notice.
The majority of this town is not as rowdy. West Hollywood is also home to some of the classiest restaurants in the world. With food prepared by top-notch (and often celebrity) chefs, this part of town is a foodie’s dream come true. Sunset has a slew of five-star hotels that are fantastic to visit, even if you aren’t staying there.
WeHo is as adamant about renter’s rights as is Santa Monica. Again, the rents may seem high, but five years from now, you’ll have a hard time beating the price you once groaned over. Plus, they’re walkable so you’ll save a little money on gas and transport fees.
7. Pico Union
Pico Union, a historic neighborhood just west of Downtown, boasts not only beautiful 20th-century architecture but some great local businesses. While there are no trains that go through here, it’s walkable and also easy to get around by bus.
6. Mid City West
Source: South Hayworth Lofts
Mid City West, which includes the Beverly Grove and Fairfax district, is a quiet, more family-oriented kind of neighborhood — but it’s still pretty hip. The main base of this section of town is the 3rd and Fairfax permanent Farmer’s Market and The Grove al fresco shopping and upscale food hall. Both are hubs of activity at any given time, but both have strong ties to the community and often have seasonal special events.
Go west on 3rd, and you’ll experience a gauntlet of fantastic restaurants with an exquisite blend of foods only Los Angeles can serve up. Go north of Fairfax to experience where the classic and the trendy collide at places like the legendary Canter’s Deli and a strip of ever-changing hipster driven bars.
5. Westlake
Westlake is located in central L.A. and is just south of the hip neighborhood of Silver Lake and Echo Park. The community is also full of artists, activists and young residents. Westlake offers great cultural attractions, such as Historic Filipinotown and Lafayette Park.
The area has many up and coming restaurants just waiting to be tried. But if you’re more into some old school favorites, try out Langer’s Deli. You can easily get to all of these places on foot.
4. Wilshire Center / Koreatown
Koreatown is a diverse cultural hub in the center of Los Angeles. It has historic roots as it was once the epicenter of the Golden Age of Hollywood and had historic spots such as the Ambassador Hotel and Cocoanut Grove.
Wilshire Boulevard runs right through it, as well as many trendy shops and restaurants. Koreatown is a fun mix of old and new, and it’s all walkable. If you’re looking for some entertainment, as well as history, there’s The Wiltern, one of L.A.’s most famous theaters.
However, if you’re going for something more trendy and something sweet, walk to California Donuts, which has some of the most delicious and decorative donuts in Cali. Don’t forget while you’re there to try some of the famously delicious Korean barbecue.
3. Downtown
Downtown L.A. is a vibrant, unique mix of old and new that’s hard to find in any other city. It comprises many diverse neighborhoods, such as The Arts District, The Financial District and Chinatown. Stroll L.A. Live, which can often feel like a small city within L.A., as it offers everything from movies to live theater to concerts, as well as many dining options.
Grand Central Market is also in the heart of downtown, and it’s one of the best places to try L.A.’s best street food and buy fresh produce. Just make sure to walk there hungry because you’ll want to try it all. Downtown has many attractions so you’ll never feel bored of being confined to your apartment. Walk to the Grand Park, or if you’re feeling daring, there’s the Skyslide, which overlooks all of downtown.
2. Central Hollywood
Central Hollywood, located in the heart of L.A., is extremely walkable. It also offers everything you could ask for. There are famous restaurants to eat at, such as Mel’s Drive-In, and there’s a great nightlife scene if you feel like just walking down Hollywood Boulevard.
There are also plenty of shops to choose from. It hosts some of the most well-known attractions in L.A. like the TCL Chinese Theatre and The Dolby Theater, as well as great views to the iconic Hollywood sign. If you’re looking for a place that’s easy to get around by foot, Central Hollywood is a great option to consider.
1. MacArthur Park
Technically part of Westlake, MacArthur Park is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Not only does it have many easy-to-walk-to restaurants, coffee shops and stores, it also has a beautiful park in the center of it.
If you’re looking for an area that has easy access to everything by foot, MacArthur Park might just be the place for you.
Enjoy the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles
While walking might not be the first option when you think about how to get around Los Angeles, there are many areas where it’s very easy and enjoyable. With this list of the top 10 most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, hopefully, you’ll be more inclined to get out and see what this beautiful city has to offer.
