While the Missing Persons 1982 song "Walking in LA" may have people believing that "nobody walks in LA," that is not true. In fact, Los Angeles is an increasingly walkable city. Areas like Silverlake, Echo Park, Downtown LA, Venice, Santa Monica, Los Feliz and central Hollywood have a high enough concentration of bars, restaurants, activities and necessary neighborhood staples -- although sometimes a lack of nearby grocery stores -- for residents to survive in the area without a car. If you do have a car it makes a walk in one of LA's many parks that much more accessible.
The Not-in-Italy Canals of Venice
- When Venice, Calif., was originally developed by Abbott Kinney at the turn of the 20th century, it had a few telltale nods to its Italian namesake. Over the years, as development continued at the hands and through the visions of others, these details have disappeared. However, tucked within a leafy section of the neighborhood -- south of Venice Boulevard and east of Pacific Avenue -- a few zigzags of the original Kinney-made shallow water canals have survived. Walk alongside the calm waters, multimillion dollar homes, and serene landscaping for a relaxing escape from the mayhem on the Boardwalk or chaos on the streets. The secluded, almost hidden, location makes it seem like you've stumbled upon something truly secret.
The (Not Really) Stairway to Heaven
- It may or may not be "the" stairway to heaven, but LA's Pacific Palisades public staircase will have your heart pumping and your jaw dropping. Taking you on a lush green journey through a section of the Santa Monica Mountains' -- yes, LA has mountains -- Topanga State Park, also known as "the Big Wild," the 504 stairs trek down to Rustic Canyon. Rumored to have been built by 1930s pro-Nazis as an access path to a compound built on Murphy Ranch, the stairs curiously contain platforms that act as convenient places to catch your breath or a sprawling view. At the bottom, take time to walk along the banks of Rustic Creek or admire the canyon flora. Then, psych yourself up to climb your way back.
- The Walk to Tokyo
- Starting at Alameda and East 1st Street, Little Tokyo gives walkers a glimpse into the streets of Japan. The Japanese American National Museum, noodle shops, a few karaoke bars and the hidden Koyasan Buddhist Temple -- unassumingly resting at the end of an unmarked alleyway -- can all be found along East 1st Street. More karaoke bars, sushi restaurants, quirky bakeries, odd curio shops and a Japanese grocery store lie within the Japanese Village Plaza. Walking even further east toward 3rd Street will bring you to a row of izakayas (drinking establishments) and clothing stores, but for a real treat cross 3rd Street and head to the James Irvine Japanese Garden. The gardens, with resident koi fish, are authentically designed and entrance is free. End your walk inside the multistory Little Tokyo Shopping Plaza which holds a department store, Japanese video arcade, clothing stores and a full taste of Japanese cuisine within its walls.
The "Only in Hollywood" Walk
- Hollywood, Calif., may spark visions of glamor and sophistication from the silver screen, but in reality, this LA neighborhood is much more funky, wild and weird. A simple walk down Hollywood Boulevard boasts more entertainment value than an entire film vault. Even with all of the bars, restaurants and vintage stores -- not to mention the Walk of Fame beneath your feet -- a walk through Hollywood is best concentrated on people watching. From the street breakdancers to actors-as-famous-characters and real-life eccentrics gracing the pavement, you may find yourself smiling and saying to yourself, "Only in Hollywood."
The View of the City and Stars
- With several entrances dotting Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park is one of LA's most accessible parks and has myriad trails to hike, bike or walk no matter what shape you're in. Griffith's clearly marked trails can take you past the empty cages of the old LA Zoo site, wind you through the rocky and surprisingly green mountain toward exceptional views of the city, and take you straight up to the famous Griffith Observatory where you can grab a bite, catch a planetarium show, or just admire the panoramic view of LA below. While walking through Griffith, it's easy to forget there is a huge city just beyond its boundaries. Note: walkers must be cautious of wildlife such as coyotes.
