The Great Los Angeles Walk 2024 Recap: Plenty of Unexpected Delights As Hundreds Hike From USC to UCLA

It was our biggest walk yet. Thanks to the recent Los Angeles Times feature on the Great Los Angeles Walk, hundreds of Angelenos joined us on Saturday morning, Nov. 23, at Exposition Park (and at the oldest palm tree in Los Angeles) to kick off the 19th annual Great Los Angeles Walk. This year, we were inspired by the day's USC vs. UCLA game (as well as my son at UCLA and nephew at USC) to walk from USC to UCLA — about 13 and a half miles. 

And it was a beautiful day for a walk. The temperature was mild (not too cold, not too hot) and the rain stayed away (other then a bit of a mist, particularly by the end of the walk -- but it was a welcome, refreshing mist!). There was plenty of serendipity along the way too, as walkers were treated to all sorts of extra experiences along the way. That started with free copies of the L.A. Times' walking issue, as well as free hats and water bottles from the folks at Noom.

After a few words, I introduced L.A. Times' Wellness editor Alyssa Bereznak to say a few words about the issue. I shouted out Cat and Steve Whalen, the now-married couple who first met a few years ago on the walk, and gave everyone the rundown on the day. And then we were off! 

First thing, we checked out check out the Natural History Museum's new NHM Commons wing, featuring Gnatalie the dinosaur and Barbara Carrasco's recently installed landmark mural “LA History: A Mexican Perspective. 

After the NHM Commons, we started heading north on Vermont and then moved west on 24th street, checking out some of the historic homes as we made our way to Normandie — where we headed back north.

At Washington, we ducked into the Angelus Rosedale Cemetery, where the old, turn-of-the-century gravestones are fascinating to see. Also as we kicked off on Washington, there was a special treat: The "Meeting of Styles" event, featuring street/graffiti artists from all over the world, creating new designs in alleys and in various places. Different hubs also featured music, vendors and other cool things.

That included the new art for the Hungarian Cultural Center. And there was event some tribute to Ray Charles, whose memorial library, Ray Charles Square, recording studio and even post office were in the area.

This may have been the most art-intensive street; besides the "Meeting of Styles" street art, there were murals throughout Washington Blvd. There's also arts institutions like the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and many, many art galleries. 

Later, a lucky handful of us hit the 7th Ave. Garden just as creator/founder David Horvitz was there to open the gate and allow us explore. See, serendipity!

Mid way through, walkers found plenty of places to eat. The Pacific French Bakery offered walkers a deal (their famous french roll, free with purchase of a treat), while plenty of folks discovered Re/creation cafe. And Roscoe's Chicken n Waffles (where a bunch of us had lunch) is always a hit.

Making our way to Culver City, we visited the Helms Bakery complex, the Culver Steps, the Culver Hotel, City Hall, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Veterans Memorial Park. We then headed north on Overland (got to see the "Crapi Apartments") and then turned west on Pico, in time for the Apple Pan.

Heading north on Westwood, there were plenty more sights to see, including the UCLA Nimoy Theatre and later, the free Hammer museum. We ended our day at the Broxton Brewery & Public House, right next to the Broxton Plaza Holiday Market — were the tree was lit and Santa was in full force.

What a day! Thanks to everyone who made all of the trek, some of it, or even just helped give rides to their friends. Check out The Great Los Angeles Walk's Instagram feed for more pics, and the hashtags #glaw and #greatlawalk for more as well. 

But here are just a few highlights from the day:

At the Natural History Museum's new NHM Commons entrance: Barbara Carrasco's recently installed landmark mural “LA History: A Mexican Perspective"

Walkers checking out the brand-new NHM Commons wing

Also in the new NHM Commons wing: Gnatalie the dinosaur!

Looks to be a pretty harmless prank on game day: Someone spelling "UCLA" out in from of the USC campus in... baby powder?

At the Bird's Nest Cafe, one of the businesses we may have overwhelmed today

I mean, when you're playing the Lotto, this can't hurt, right?

Walkers check out the West Adams homes on 24th street.

Street art under way as part of "Meeting of Styles"

With Steve and Cat Whalen, our Great LA Walk marriage success story! Let us know if there are any more!

Fantastic new Ray Charles mural

The Hungarian Cultural Center gets a glow-up

7th Avenue Garden creator David Horvitz happened to be at the gate, about to show some people who want to hold an event there, when we showed up. It was total luck of the draw that we got to see it.

Inside the Nate Holden community center

Roscoe's Chicken 'n Waffles!

Amazing.

We have arrived in Culver City!

"Going Everywhere Fast" mural

All roads lead to Culver City!

"Helms Coach Gone a Rye"

The Culver Steps

Quotation Courtyard at the Culver City Hall

Crapi Apartments!

An LA institution, the Apple Pan

Forget 24 Hour Fitness. Now I know where to get married at 3 a.m.!

And here they are, the USC and UCLA students who inspired this year's walk!

Inside the Hammer Museum. 

Just some of the folks who finished the walk and celebrated at the Broxton Brewery & Public House

Tree lighting at Broxton Plaza, a lovely way to end a lovely day.

A Stroll Along Washington Blvd.: Architectural Highlights Along the Way

Thanks to the West Adams Heritage Association for sharing a PDF of architecture of the Washington Blvd. area. I’ve added it below (or click on the link here)! Also this Saturday, you’re in for another treat: "Meeting of Styles," and is basically street/graffiti art at a very high level, with international artists making high-level street/graffiti art on Washington Boulevard. The addresses for that event include 2029 W. Washington and 3521 W. Washington.

KCAL's Great LA Walk Weather Forecast: "It's Going to Be Fantastic," Promises Meteorologist Evelyn Taft

Listen to KCAL meteorologist Evelyn Taft! Thanks to the station for letting me participate in last night's "Shameless Weekend Weather Plug," where I got a chance to spread the word about tomorrow's Great LA Walk! 

And yes, you've heard this weekend might be a little wet in Los Angeles — but have no fear. Per Evelyn, the drizzle will be minor on Saturday morning. And as a matter of fact, the weather will be cool enough that we won't be breaking a sweat walking our 13.5 miles across town! 

So ignore the folks worried about the rain, tomorrow looks like a fantastic day for a Great LA Walk! "The weather is going to be fantastic as we head into the weekend," she says. Listen to Evelyn Taft! And see you tomorrow!

DOWNLOAD: The Great Los Angeles Walk 2024 Map and Highlights PDF

Here's this year's GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK handout! 

DOWNLOAD HERE.

Or, save the images below to your smart phone, and/or copy and paste the directions below. And scroll even further down for specifics. See below:

START AT EXPOSITION PARK

First palm tree in Los Angeles

BMO Stadium

The Torch at the LA Memorial Coliseum

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

California African American Museum

California Science Center

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (COMING SOON)

 

WALK THROUGH JESSE BREWER JR. PARK TO VERMONT; HEAD NORTH

 

USC IS ON YOUR RIGHT

 

MILE 1 — W. 36th PLACE

 

>> FOOD: TacoszoneUSC (3009 S. Vermont)

>> FOOD: Lasso My Taco (2821 1/2 S. Vermont)

>> FOOD: La Michoacana Cold Delights (2807 S. Vermont)

>> FOOD: Olympian Burgers (2701 S. Vermont)

>> FOOD: Antojitos La Cosa Nuestra (2620 S. Vermont)

St. Agnes Church (2625 S. Vermont)

>> FOOD: Bird’s Nest Cafe (2403 S. Vermont)

 

TURN LEFT/WEST ON W 24TH. ST.

 

TURN RIGHT/NORTH ON NORMANDIE AVE.

 

MILE 2 — W. 24th ST. and NORMANDIE AVE.

 

WALK UNDER THE SANTA MONICA FREEWAY/THE 10

 

WHEN YOU GET TO WASHINGTON, HANG RIGHT TO CHECK OUT THE ANGELUS ROSEDALE CEMETERY. 

 

Angelus Rosedale Cemetery

 

AND THEN, HEAD LEFT/WEST ON WASHINGTON BLVD.

 

>> FOOD: OKC Smash Burgers (hamburgers) (1842 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Veron (bakery) (1870 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Jiwhaja Rice Bakery (1882 W. Washington)

Hungarian Cultural Center/United Hungarian House (1975 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian) (2018 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Blue Elephant Cafe (Coffee/sandwiches) (2024 W. Washington)

 

MILE 3 — HARVARD BLVD.

 

Ray Charles Memorial Library (2107 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Kyu Cafe (Coffee/Sandwiches) (2100 W. Washington)

Ray Charles Square, including RPM International building (Washington and Westmoreland)

>> FOOD: El Sonsonateco (Salvadorian) (2171 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Kingbop (Korean) (2190 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: House of Curry (Indian) (1888 S. Western)

>> FOOD: Angelino’s Pizza (pizza) (2201 W. Washington)

 

ENTERING ARTS CORRIDOR

 

Debbie Allen Dance Academy (1850 S. Manhattan Pl.)

>> FOOD: El Porvenir Bakery (Mexican bakery) (2273 W. Washington)

Amazing Grace Conservatory (2401 W. Washington)

Big Pictures Los Angeles (gallery) (2424 W. Washington)

Stitch Salon (sewing/events space) (2525 W. Washington)

Ochi (gallery) (3301 W. Washington)

Harkawik (gallery) (1819 3rd Ave.)

Pilele Projects (gallery) (3307a W. Washington)

Kristina Kite (gallery) (3400 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Main Chick Hot Chicken (3416 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Natraliart Jamaican Restaurant (Jamaican) (3426 W. Washington)

 

MILE 4 — 5th AVE.

 

Seis Gallery (gallery) (1910 6th Ave.)

7th Ave. Garden With David Horvitz (1911 7th Ave.) 

>> FOOD: La Michoacana Prime (4012 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Barbara Genes’ Soul Food Cafe (4053 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: *** Spaccio Salumeria by Truffle Brothers (4073 W. Washington) ***

Washington Irving Pocket Park/Washington Irving Branch Library (4117 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: *** Pacific French Bakery (4152 W. Washington) ***

>> FOOD: *** Re/creation Cafe (4500 W. Washington) ***

 

MILE 5 — VINEYARD AVE.

 

DMST Atelier (gallery) (4606 W. Washington)

Lowell Ryan Projects (gallery) (4619 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Palm Grove Social (coffee) (4660 W. Washington)

Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: Taqueria Jalisco (4755 W. Washington)

>> FOOD: GreenBite Village (4927 W. Washington)

Ray Charles Post Office (4960 Washington)

>> FOOD:  Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles (1865 S. La Brea)

>> FOOD:  Jurassic Magic (coffee) (1865 S. Mansfield)

>> FOOD: Convi (coffee, sandwiches) (1867 S. Mansfield)

 

MILE 6 — DUNSMUIR AVE.

 

Chromolume Theatre (5429 Washington Blvd.)

>> FOOD: Tacos La China (Washington and Clyde Ave.)

 

WALK UNDER THE 10 FREEWAY / ENTER CULVER CITY

 

MILE 7 — FAIRFAX AVE.

 

>> FOOD: El Rio Bravo (Mexican) (5853 Washington)

>> FOOD: CevicheStop (2901 S. La Cienega Blvd.)

>> FOOD: Brunello Trattoria (Italian) (6001 Washington)

>> FOOD: Cognoscenti Coffee (6114 Washington)

>> FOOD: EK Valley (Mexican) (6121 Washington)

>> FOOD: FNF Coffee & Kicks (6144 Washington)

Going Everywhere Fast Mural (3311 McManus Ave.)

>> FOOD: Des Croissants Paris (8539 Washington)

>> FOOD: Monroe Place (sandwiches) (8541 Washington)

>> FOOD: Super Domestic (coffee) (8545 Washington)

>> FOOD: Lei’d Cookies (8588 Washington)

>> FOOD: Pinches Tacos (8665 Washington)

Public Art: ‘Helms Coach Gone A Rye’ (8684 Washington)

>> FOOD: Breakaway Cafe (8686 Washington)

>> FOOD: D’ZU Cafe (breakfast) (8690 Washington)

Helms Design Center (formerly the Helms Bakery)

>> FOOD: Helms Bakery (3220 Helms Ave.)

>> FOOD: Pasta Sisters (Italian) (3280 Helms Ave.)

>> FOOD: Lustig (3273 Helms Ave.)

 

MILE 8 — NATIONAL BLVD.

 

Public Art: “Unknowable Origins” (Station Platform, 8804 Washington)

>> FOOD: Margot (Mediterranean) (8820 Washington, Suite 301)

>> FOOD: Robertas (Italian/pizza) (8810 Washington)

>> FOOD: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (8820 Washington)

>> FOOD: Sweetgreen (salads) (8840 Washington)

>> FOOD: Loqui (Mexican) (8830 Washington #104)

Mural: Technicolor Ooze by Jen Stark (8850 Washington)

>> FOOD: Bianca (8850 Washington)

>> FOOD: Juliet (888 Washington, Suite 102)

Public Art: “Light Wave” (9055 Washington)

Public Art: “Primordial Reflections” (9050 Washington Blvd.)

 

FOLLOW CURVE AND TURN WEST ON CULVER BLVD.

 

The Culver Steps (9300 Culver Blvd.)

The Culver Hotel (9400 Culver Blvd.)

Public Art: “Almost Invisible Boxes,” “The Lion’s Fountain” (Town Plaza)

Public Art: “The Zoetropes of Culver City” (9527 Culver)

 

CULVER CITY RESTAURANTS:

>> FOOD: Mendocino Farms (sandwiches) (9300 Culver Blvd.)

>> FOOD: CAVA (9343 Culver)

>> FOOD: Citizen Public Market (9355 Culver)

>> FOOD: Go Go Bird (9355 Culver)

>> FOOD: The Auld Fella (9375 Culver)

>> FOOD: Piccalilli (3850 Main St.)

>> FOOD: Potato Chips Deli (3835 Main St.)

>> FOOD: Esme (3837 Main St.)

>> FOOD: Monty’s Good Burger (3849 Main St.)

>> FOOD: Public School 310 (9411 Culver Blvd.)

>> FOOD: Wrapstar (9426 Washington)

>> FOOD: Chipotle (9512 Culver)

>> FOOD: Coldstone Creamery (9514 Culver)

>> FOOD: Ugo (3865 Cardiff Ave.)

>> FOOD: Tender Greens (9523 Culver)

>> FOOD: Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken (9537 Culver)

>> FOOD: Akasha (9543 Culver)

>> FOOD: Fifty One Kitchen (Chinese) (9540 Washington)

>> FOOD: Jameson’s Pub (9546 Washington)

>> FOOD: Non La Vietnamese Cafe (9552 Washington)

 

Public Art: “Lucy and Desi” (Culver and Irving Pl.)

 

>> FOOD: Nardo Culver City (Italian) (9725 Culver)

>> FOOD: 33 Taps (9739 Culver)

>> FOOD: Cafe Vida (9755 Culver)

 

WALK AROUND CULVER CITY HALL:

 

Public Art: Quotation Courtyard,” “Panoramic,” “La Ballona” (9770 Culver) 

Public Art: “Truth or Fiction” 

 

>> FOOD: Super Domestic Coffee (10054 Culver)

 

Sony Pictures Entertainment Lot

 

MILE 9 — MOTOR AVE.

 

>> FOOD: Backstage Bar and Grill (10400 Culver)

 

WALK AROUND VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

 

Public Art: “Film Strip USA” 

Culver City Movie Tower (4117 Overland)

 

TURN NORTH ON OVERLAND AVE.

 

 Public Art: “The Path of Life” (4095 Culver Blvd.)

 

>> FOOD: Samosa House East (Indian) (10700 Washington)

>> FOOD: Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (10705 Washington)

>> FOOD: El Barrio Neighborhood Tacos (3500 Overland)

>> FOOD: Mee & Greet (South Asian) (3500 Overland)

 

MILE 10 — PALMS BLVD.

 

>> FOOD: Kogi Taqueria (3434 Overland)

>> FOOD: The Doughroom (Italian) (3409 Overland)

>> FOOD: Daniel’s Bagels (3400 Overland)

Crapi Apartments sign (3374 Overland)

>> FOOD: Phorage Overland (Vietnamese) (3300 Overland)

 

WALK UNDER 10 FREEWAY AGAIN!

 

Palms Park/Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library

 

MILE 11 — CONVENTRY PLACE

 

>> FOOD: Nishi Poke & Ramen Bistro (2536 Overland)

>> FOOD: Aroma Cafe (Mediterranean) (2530 Overland)

 

TURN WEST ON PICO

 

>> FOOD: Maria’s Italian Kitchen (10761 W. Pico)

>> FOOD: The Apple Pan (10801 W. Pico) 

 

TURN NORTH ON WESTWOOD BLVD.

 

>> FOOD: Hoboken (Italian) (2323 Westwood)

 

MILE 12 — TENNESSEE AVE.

 

>> FOOD: Pastina Trattoria (Italian) (2260 Westwood)

>> FOOD: The Bigg Chill (froyo) (10850 W. Olympic)

>> FOOD: Bueller’s Bagels (10840 W. Olympic)

>> FOOD: Hijo de su Madre Vegan Tacos (2180 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Penguin’s Frozen Yogurt (2180 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Shekarchi Kabob (2029 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Muma Kitchen (Turkish) (1942 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Tacos Tu Madre (1945 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Feast from the East (Chinese) (1949 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Pink Orchid Bakery (1927 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Taste of Tehran (Persian) (1915 Westwood)

>> FOOD: House of Bread (bakery) (1906 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream (1898 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Bon Bon Berry Acai Bowl & Frozen Yogurt (1848 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Eduardo’s Border Grill (Mexican) (1830 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Dim Sum House (Chinese) (1822 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Joey’s Wings (1779 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Qin West Noodle (Chinese) (1767 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Asuka (Japanese) (1553 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Nuka Cafe (Turkish) (1510 Westwood)

 

MILE 13 — OHIO AVE.

 

>> FOOD: Cafe Glace (Persian) (1441 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Sipp Coffee House (1427 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Pomodoro Trattoria (Italian) (1393 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream (1387 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Attari Sandwich Shop (1388 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Westwood Thai Cafe (1375 Westwood)

99 Ranch Market (1360 Westwood)

Guiti Art Gallery (1355 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Espressoteric Coffee Co. (1311 Westwood)

>> FOOD: The French Way (French) (1303 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Fresh Corn Grill (California) (1266 Westwood)

UCLA Nimoy Theatre (1262 Westwood)

>> FOOD: Poke Me (1244 Westwood)

 

STOP INSIDE THE FREE HAMMER MUSEUM — OPEN UNTIL 6 PM!

 

Hammer Museum (10899 Wilshire Blvd.)

 

KEEP WALKING NORTH TO LE CONTE AND WESTWOOD — THE ENTRANCE TO UCLA AND OUR END POINT!

 

NOW, TURN AROUND AND HEAD BACK TO THE AFTER PARTY AT BROXTON BREWERY & PUBLIC HOUSE (1099 WESTWOOD BLVD.)

AND JOIN THE FESTIVITIES AT THE BROXTON PLAZA HOLIDAY MARKET AND TREE LIGHTING!