“Walkable” and “Los Angeles” are two concepts that usually don’t go together. Our city is a paradise for car enthusiasts who love scenic drives. However, walking is not only enjoyable (like going on a hike and ending up at a dreamy waterfall) but also necessary for our physical and mental health.
Fortunately, the city has several neighborhoods that are perfect for running errands and clearing your mind on foot. To identify which spots provide the best pedestrian experience, we compiled a list of those with the highest Walk Score ratings, a site that assesses neighborhoods based on the accessibility of amenities for people on foot, on a scale of 0 to 100. Here are the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
1. Hollywood
Central Hollywood, with its sidewalks bustling with tourists and lined with souvenir shops, may not always offer the most pleasant walking experience, but it’s certainly one of the more walkable Los Angeles neighborhoods.
The area is well-served by two Red Line stations and numerous bus routes, making it easily accessible. Plus, there are plenty of fun spots for both locals and visitors. Just avoid the Walk of Fame if you can.
📸 What to see here: Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood sign
🍽️ Where to eat: Musso and Frank, Sincerely Syria, Lemon Grove
2. Downtown L.A.
As expected, Downtown is one of the highest on the list of the most walkable neighborhoods in LA, with very few daily errands requiring a car. Improving accessibility for non-drivers, Downtown boasts excellent public transit options, including multiple train stations and bus stops scattered throughout the area.
Moreover, there’s even a bike share program available, enhancing alternative transportation choices for residents and visitors alike.
📸 What to see here: The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Angeles Flight Railway
🍽️ Where to eat: Rebird, The Obscure, Perch
4. Koreatown
Koreatown stands out as a hub where you can shop for groceries, enjoy spa treatments, explore some of the city’s best architecture, and savor bulgogi. All conveniently without needing a car. This is essential as parking is notoriously scarce in the area. Renowned for its transit accessibility, Koreatown boasts three subway stops, with plans underway to introduce a bike share program soon, making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
📸 What to see here: Koreatown Plaza, Koreatown Pavilion Garden,
🍽️ Where to eat: Alchemist Coffee Project, Soowon Galbi, Park’s BBQ
5. Westlake
Westlake residents benefit from easy access to a diverse array of neighborhood restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Additionally, there’s a sizable park at its core where one can easily find bootleg DVDs or enjoy a freshly cooked hot dog. This transit-friendly area is well-connected with the Red and Purple lines, as well as a comprehensive network of buses, making it one of the walkable neighborhoods in LA.
📸 What to see here: MacArthur Park, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, El Mercadito de Los Angeles
🍽️ Where to eat: 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 within close proximity. Sidewalks are well-maintained, encouraging pedestrian activity, and the neighborhood is serviced by reliable public transportation options. Its central location also contributes to its walkability, offering easy access to surrounding areas and attractions.
📸 What to see here: The Grove, LACMA, Original Farmers Market
🍽️ Where to eat: The Talpa Restaurant & Bar, La Cevicheria, Pizzeria Sei
6. WeHo
West Hollywood (WeHo) is highly walkable due to its compact size and dense urban layout, making it easy to complete daily tasks on foot. The neighborhood features well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within walking distance.
Notably, WeHo is a prominent LGBT+ friendly hotspot in the city, with historic landmarks that highlight significant LGBT+ history and culture. Efficient public transportation options add to its accessibility, ensuring WeHo remains a welcoming and convenient destination for residents and visitors alike.
📸 What to see here: The Viper Room, Melrose Rooftop Theatre, Book Soup
🍽️ Where to eat: Rainbow Bar & Grill, Sushi Park, Laurel Hardware
7. East Hollywood
Experiencing a surge in development, East Hollywood stands out as one of the walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, boasting a wealth of local amenities and the serene Barnsdall Art Park. With several subway stations nearby, East Hollywood is an ideal location for pedestrians seeking educational opportunities and convenient urban living.
📸 What to see here: Hollyhock House, Upright Citizens Brigade, Amoeba Music Store
🍽️ Where to eat: Tabula Rasa, Nam Coffee, Saffy’s
8. Pico Union
West of Downtown, this historic neighborhood stands out as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, featuring a variety of local businesses along Pico Boulevard and showcasing exceptional early 20th century residential architecture. While the area lacks train service, it is easily accessible by bus, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike. It is also a great place to visit for street art fans.
📸 What to see here: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Angelus Temple, Southwest Museum of the American Indian
🍽️ Where to eat: El Parian Restaurant, Papa Cristo’s Greek Grill, Dino’s Famous Chicken
9. Palms
It’s somewhat unexpected to find Palms on the list of most walkable neighborhoods in LA, especially since many residential streets in the area lack sidewalks. However, there are numerous restaurants, cultural venues, and even major retail stores conveniently close to each other. Additionally, with the recent addition of an Expo Line stop and ongoing discussions between Culver City, Metro, and Los Angeles city officials, there’s potential for bike share programs to be introduced in the area soon.
📸 What to see here: Motor Avenue Farmers Market, Sony Pictures Studios, Palms Park
🍽️ Where to eat: Piccalilli, The Doughroom, Hey, Sunshine Kitchen
10. Venice
Venice in LA is highly walkable due to its compact layout that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within short distances. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets enhance mobility, complemented by dedicated bike lanes and easy access to public transit like the Expo Line.
Cultural attractions such as Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk further encourage pedestrian activity, offering a vibrant atmosphere with diverse entertainment options. Renowned as a great spot for beachgoers and surfers alike, Venice’s coastal amenities add to its allure as a lively and accessible neighborhood.
📸 What to see here: Venice Canals, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach
🍽️ Where to eat: All’Antico Vinaio, Cha Cha Matcha, Abbot Pizza Company
11. Echo Park
Echo Park is a historic L.A. neighborhood with endless activities, attractions, and fun restaurants in its 2.4 square miles. You can run errands or window shop along Sunset Boulevard or Echo Park Avenue, but make sure you leave time to take a stroll around the picturesque 14-acre lake. With must-visit stops like the Echoplex, Time Travel Mart, and Stories bookstore all right next to each other, you’ll find that it’s easy to plan your daytime itinerary without having to go far.
📸What to see here: Echo Park Lake, Echoplex, Time Travel Mart, Carroll Avenue
🍽️Where to eat: Lady Byrd, Cosa Buona, Sticky Rice, Little Fish
The walkability of Los Angeles might be up for debate considering the city’s massive size and notorious propensity for rush-hour traffic. Be that as it may, we maintain that the city is perfectly walkable if you just know where to go. We love these walkable L.A. neighborhoods for their connectivity to public transportation, well-placed attractions, and lively central streets. Where will you go first?