5 Best Walking Streets by Kevin Roderick
Los Angeles grew up as a driving city, and I’m as guilty as anybody of using my car for recreation and convenience more than necessity. Yet, I enjoy savoring a city’s sights and smells and personality on foot when I’m traveling — and lately I’m enamored of just parking my wheels where the mood strikes me and exploring L.A. from the sidewalk. Some of my favorite strips are obvious, some more of an acquired taste.1 – Wilshire Boulevard.
OK, this may be too obvious. But America’s most quintessentially Automobile Age boulevard is appreciated in a whole new way while out and walking. I especially like the mile or so from Lafayette Park to Western. You stroll past dozens of storefronts that have seen decades of L.A. history, plus you can peer through the windows of the sublime former Bullock’s Wilshire department store.
2 – West Third Street.
Los Angeles feels like a walking city along the strip between Farmers Market and Beverly Center. A dozen places offer an inviting spot to grab coffee or a leisurely lunch, though the recently shuttered The Cook’s Library is definitely missed.
3 – Sunset Junction.
Sunset Strip has excitement and the curve through Pacific Palisades can feel homey, but there’s only one section of Sunset Boulevard that feels like an authentic urban community.
4 – Mission Street.
You can even take the Gold Line to this charming corner of South Pasadena and discover cafes, antiques and an outpost of a family store from the French Basque country.
5 – Abbot Kinney.
Sure, this is Venice’s most gentrified avenue, but there are still plenty of studios and surprises to encounter. The culinary options just keep getting better.
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