The Los Angeles Walk 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

It's time for the annual BURNING QUESTIONS! As we are asked every year: Is walking 14-ish miles even humanly possible? (When you're taking your time on an all-day leisurely stroll, of course!) Can I bike it? (Yes! But you'll miss some of the joys of exploring the city on foot and meeting others.) Take the Metro? (Of course!) Bring a dog or my kid? (Sure!) Quit half way through? (Whatever you want!) Does it cost money? (No!) Can I treat this like a bar crawl and stop and every restaurant and bar? (Yes, you are doing it right!) Are you personally driving me back to my car? (Well, no.)

Here it is, the Frequently Asked Questions roundup for the GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2024! 

1. WHEN/WHERE? Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 -- the Saturday before Thanksgiving, like we do every year. We're meeting at the the oldest palm tree in Los Angeles, in Exposition Park -- right near Exposition Park Drive and Figueroa, at West 39th. 

Before 9 am we'll gather for a pep talk and some info about the day. Among our partners, the Los Angeles Times will be passing out copies of their special walking issue, featuring a story about the Great Los Angeles Walk! Also, the fine folks at Noom plan to pass out bottles of water. We'll chat a bit, get to know everyone, and take a few group pics. And then it's off -- first to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County! (More on that below.)

THE WALK HAPPENS, RAIN OR SHINE! (We've had light rain a few times year, but it always clears up by mid day.)

2. WHO? We're expecting 300 or so urban hikers this year, but perhaps more thanks to the LA Times story. RSVPs are not necessary. We'll take anyone who shows up! Also sign up for our email list (or email greatlawalk@mail.com) if you want future info about the Walk.

3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? C'mon, it's completely free! But you're on your own when it comes to paying for lunch, dinner, water, etc. So don't forget to plan accordingly.

4. WHAT'S THE PATH?  From the palm tree, we’ll walk through Exposition Park and past the BMO Stadium, California Science Center, California African American Museum, Memorial Coliseum and the future Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and then stop at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. At that point we will walk around the museum's new NHM Commons building and take a look at the new attractions at the just-opened wing.

After that, we'll get to Vermont Ave and head north to 24th Street, hanging left to walk west through one of the historic West Adams neighborhoods before hitting Normandie and heading north again to Washington Blvd. At that point, we can detour to the Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery to look at some historic gravestones before heading west — all the way down to Culver City. At Culver City, past the Sony lot we’ll walk around the Veterans Memorial Park, then turn north on Overland, scoot over (via Pico) to Westwood and walk our way to UCLA, where we’ll hit the campus' entrance at Westwood and Le Conte. (We've decided not to go with our original plan of walking all the way to the Bruin statue, as it's currently encased on a box to prevent vandalism.)

Then, we'll turn around and head to our afterparty at Broxton Brewery & Public House. 

We strictly walk down sidewalks. As for bathroom breaks along the way, it's up to you to find businesses that will let you go. Coffee shops like Starbucks are usually pretty good for that.

5. WAIT, I DIDN'T GET ALL OF THAT! Don't worry, there will be a PDF you can download to your phone, and handouts with the map!

Several hikers will be posting on social media -- including us, at the Great LA Walk Instagram account.

6. WHAT DO WE DO ALONG THE WAY? Explore! The whole excitement of exploring L.A. by foot is to get up close and personal with sites you might normally miss while cruising down the street in your car. 

7. HOW LONG IS THE HIKE? A little under 14 miles -- that sounds like a lot, but it's really not, when you take time to explore. And this happens to be one of the shortest Great Los Angeles Walk routes ever, so definitely take your time to explore!

That's why it's even more IMPORTANT to note: This is not a race. Sure, you can sprint all the way to the end, but where's the fun in that? There's no prize for who gets there first. Instead, take a breath, and join the bulk of us as we leisurely stroll through downtown and stop frequently to take in the sights.

8. WHEN WILL WE GET TO THE END? With so many hikers, people will eventually start to space out. The idea is to finish at around sunset.

9. CAN WE BIKE IT? BRING KIDS? PETS? Because you're walking on your own accord -- remember, this is an unofficial gathering of passionate Angelenos walking the streets of our communities -- you can do whatever you want. Use your best judgement, of course. We're not responsible for you.

10. WHAT ABOUT INJURIES? Again, there is no infrastructure to our Walk, so you need to take care of yourself just like you would whenever you walk anywhere. Be careful, stay safe and stick with a group of walkers!

11. WHAT ABOUT LUNCH/SNACKS? There are so many restaurants on our walk, you'll have quite the pick to choose from. We're working on some partnerships with several eateries around the Washington and La Brea area, including Re/creation Cafe, Pacific French Bakery, Kyu Cafe and more, so stay tuned! There may also be a few food trucks stationed in that area.

12. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WALK IS DONE? We'll take group photos at the end... and then celebrate at Broxton Brewery & Public House in Westwood! Simultaneously, the Westwood businesses will be holding their annual Broxton Plaza Holiday Market and Tree Lighting that evening -- be sure to RSVP with them here. 

13. HOW DO I GET THERE, OR GET HOME? Carpooling, rideshare or public transportation.   Check out LA Metro for bus or train times, as the E Line (formerly the Expo line) will be an easy way to get back to the Exposition Park starting point!

14. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING? Loose, comfy clothing. I'd wear shorts, a t-shirt (and perhaps a sweatshirt, depending on the temperature). Also, tennis shoes... sunglasses... a hat... sunscreen... extra socks... a blister kit (optional, of course -- I haven't brought one, although Band-Aids  are a good idea), and most importantly, your phone! Take photos, share on social media, and document your experience.

15. HOW CAN I GET A T-SHIRT? T-shirts are now for sale at Great LA Walk's Spreadshirt page (we don't make any money off of these). But order fast, in order get the shirts in time for the Walk.

16. HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR THIS? It's not a marathon, so training isn't really necessary. I suppose you could walk around your neighborhood in the days before hand... but I'd avoid any big gym routine the day before, so you're not sore the day you're hiking. But other than that... I didn't train at all for any of the previous walks, and have turned out just fine.

17. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? Why not? There's no special reason, no charity, no protest, no issue we're promoting -- other than a passion for Los Angeles. In 2006, I organized our walk down Wilshire to mark my 10th anniversary in Los Angeles. But it was so much fun, and it was a chance to meet so many new people, that we did it again in 2007, down Pico; in 2008, via Sunset and Santa Monica Blvd.; and in 2009, we hit West Adams as we walked down Adams and Washington to Venice Beach. In 2010, we returned to Wilshire for the fifth walk; in 2011, we hit Hollywood; in 2012, it was Melrose's turn; in 2013, it was all about Sunset Boulevard; in 2014, we hit the Valley via Ventura Boulevard; in 2015, it was Olympic Boulevard; in 2016, we returned to Pico; in 2017, we hit Beverly Boulevard; in 2018, we walked on 6th Street and through Koreatown; in 2019, we went from Arcadia, through Pasadena and Highland Park to downtown; in 2020, we conducted a socially distanced walk back down Wilshire; in 2021, we retraced the steps of L.A.'s founders, Los Pobladores, from San Gabriel Mission to downtown; in 2022, we once again explored West Adams before heading to Venice; and in 2023, we did a loop to and from Griffith Park.

It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving as well, so somehow I don't feel as bad gorging on sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie a few days later. And hey, it'll be a cool conversation piece at your holiday party.

18. CAN I SEND IN PHOTOS? READ A RECAP LATER? Of course! Check out www.greatlawalk.com the Monday after the Walk to read a full recap! Send us links to your own recaps, YouTube videos, etc.

19. IMPORTANT: You are walking on your own volition. The Great Los Angeles Walk is just a casual opportunity to walk with other Angelenos through the region. It's not an official organization of any sort -- and is therefore not responsible for your conduct or anything that may happen during your hike. Be careful, and be respectful of others and of your city.

The legalese: As consideration for being allowed to participate in Great LA Walk, all participants are deemed to have released from liability and waived any right to sue its organizers from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in any physical injury, illness (including death) or economic loss as a result of participating in the Great LA Walk. By participating in a Great LA Walk event, each participant understands that there are risks, such as physical and/or psychological injury, pain, suffering, illness, disfigurement, temporary or permanent disability, death or economic loss. These injuries or outcomes may arise from a participant's or other's actions, inactions or negligence, or the condition of the location(s) or facility (es). Nonetheless, participants assune all known and unknown risks of participation in the Great Los Angeles Walk.

Any more questions? Add 'em below and we'll answer them!

The Great LA Walk 2024 Map Is Here! Find It on Google Maps

Here's your first look at this year's route -- which we will also include in the PDF handout (that will be available next week)! But for your planning purposes, here's a link or look below:

The Great Los Angeles Walk 2024 Official Press Release Has Been Sent!

THE 19th ANNUAL GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK TRAVELS FROM USC TO UCLA ON NOVEMBER 23, CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL COLLEGE RIVALRY

 

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 8, 2024) -- Hundreds of Angelenos will hit the sidewalks once again on Saturday, November 23, for The Great Los Angeles Walk 2024 – the annual event (always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving) that dispels the myth that “nobody walks in L.A.” 

 

(Read more about it via this week’s profile in the Los Angeles Times here: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2024-11-08/great-los-angeles-walk-michael-schneider) 

 

This year’s 19^th annual Great Los Angeles Walk (http://www.greatlawalk.com) will celebrate the local collegiate rivalry between USC and UCLA, a football game that will play out later that evening at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. We won’t venture close to that event, but instead will travel from USC (via nearby Exposition Park) to the UCLA campus starting at 9 a.m..

 

This year’s Walk will meet at a little-known Los Angeles landmark: The city’s first palm tree (which harkens back to the 1800s), now standing in Exposition Park, facing the Memorial Coliseum. From there, we’ll walk through the park and past the California Science Center, California African American Museum, Natural History Museum, Memorial Coliseum and the future Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to get to Vermont Ave. We’ll then head north to Washington Blvd., then west to Culver City.

 

After Culver City, we’ll go north on Overland, scoot over (via Pico) to Westwood and walk our way to UCLA, where we’ll finish the day at the campus’ famed Bruin statue.

 

All told, this year’s Walk will clock a little under 15 miles. Attendees will be encouraged to explore the city in a safe way, and follow proper safety protocols. As they walk through Los Angeles, they’ll document what they see and share that experience with others. It’s not a race – attendees are encouraged to take their time, explore, learn about their city and even build community with others. The Walk will end with a celebration at a venue to be announced later.

 

L.A. journalist and blogger Michael Schneider launched the Great Los Angeles Walk in 2006 as a way to celebrate his tenth year in Los Angeles. Inspired by the book “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles,” by Kevin Roderick (with research by J. Eric Lynxwiler), he decided to walk the street’s entire length. 

 

In 2007, for an encore, he chose another downtown-to-the-ocean route: Pico Boulevard. The 2008 Walk took on Santa Monica Blvd. In 2009, the event kicked off in the historic West Adams district and walked to Venice Beach via Adams and Washington. In 2010, for its fifth edition, the Great Los Angeles Walk reprised its original Wilshire journey. In 2011, participants marched to the ocean via Hollywood Boulevard. In 2012, the Walk traveled across Melrose Avenue; in 2013, Sunset Boulevard; in 2014, the Walk traveled across the San Fernando Valley via Ventura Boulevard; in 2015, the Walk took on Olympic Boulevard. 

 

In 2016, the Walk returned to Pico; in 2017, it tackled Beverly Boulevard; in 2018, in honor of Jonathan Gold, we walked on 6th Street, including through Koreatown; in 2019, we walked down Colorado Blvd. from Arcadia and Pasadena, and then through Highland Park to downtown via Figueroa; in 2020, the socially distanced edition returned to Wilshire; in 2021, the event retraced the steps of L.A.’s first settlers (Los Pobladores) from San Gabriel Mission to downtown; in 2022, it once again explored West Adams on the way to Venice; and in 2023, the Walk started and finished at Griffith Park.

 

The Great Los Angeles Walk grew from dozens of participants to hundreds, and continues to expand each year – always the Saturday before Thanksgiving -- as more Angelenos join in to explore their city on foot. 

 

As always, the Walk is completely free. It is up to the participants to decide how much or how little of the walk they want to do. The Great Los Angeles Walk has been featured in Los Angeles magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the L.A. Weekly, KCAL-Channel 9, KABC-Channel 7, LAist.com and KNBC.com. In 2012, the LA Weekly recognized The Great Los Angeles Walk in its "Best of L.A." issue. More recently, the Walk was included in the book "The Best Things to Do In Los Angeles: 1001 Ideas" by Joy Yoon. 

 

The official hashtags of The Great Los Angeles Walk are #greatlawalk and #glaw. Social media users can follow along all day on the walk's official Instagram feed, @greatlawalk, as we continually post our location.

 

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The Los Angeles Times Profiles the Great Los Angeles Walk!

Thanks to the Los Angeles Times and writer Deborah Vankin for this wonderful profile of me and the Great Los Angeles Walk, which ran on Friday as part of the newspaper's week-long series of articles about walking in L.A.

I spent time with Deborah a few weeks ago to talk about the Walk, why I started it and continue to do it -- for love of community, of course. And this year in particular, after the terrible week many of us just experienced, I think it will be more important than ever (and perhaps healing and therapeutic) for us to all get together on November 23.

I loved Deborah's flourishes in the story, and my family and friends are also getting a kick over some of the descriptions. But she accurately captured my passions about, yes, walking in L.A., but also the city itself, my love of course of TV and other things.

In ’99, he landed a job as a reporter at Variety and met his wife, Maria. He wasn’t much of an exerciser, but she liked to walk. Their early dates were spent exploring the city on foot, including taking Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours downtown and hiking in Griffith Park. Schneider fell in love with L.A. history and found that walking its concrete stretches helped him feel more rooted in the city.

“When I first came to L.A., I was like: Where is the core?” he says. “I didn’t understand why people didn’t know where to congregate. Now I get it. It’s all these different cores.”

Schneider also has collected handfuls of odd, serendipitous moments from the Great Walk. The event has passed weddings in progress, film crews shooting, even buildings on fire. Once, in 2009, the group streamed past the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center on Washington Boulevard and Magic Johnson appeared in the window to cheer them on. Two years earlier, on Pico Boulevard, a crane holding a billboard toppled over and chaos ensued.

“Traffic stopped, police were everywhere, no one could get through,” Schneider recalls. “But here we were, just walking on by.”

Schneider doesn’t make any money off of the Great Walk; it’s free to participants and he doesn’t pay to advertise the event. In recent years, there have been sponsors, including The Times, who might give him free ads, say, or pass out water in exchange for a mention on the blog.

“But there’s no business model,” Schneider says. “We’re not an official organization. This is just a grassroots group of people getting together to walk.”

Nineteen years of crisscrossing L.A. on foot has given Schneider a rare, bird’s-eye-view of the city, from a boots-on-the-ground perspective.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Times, we'll be passing out copies of their "Walk On, LA!" special section at the start of this year's event!

Read more here.

The Great LA Walk 2024 Email Blast Is Out!

Our first email blast went out today -- if you signed up for the email list but didn't get it, check your spam folder!

This year’s Walk will meet at the city’s oldest palm tree (on Exposition Park Drive just off Figueroa Street, at the West 39th Street intersection.) at 9 a.m. on Nov. 23. We’ll walk through Exposition Park to Vermont Ave., and head north to Washington Blvd. which we’ll take to Culver City. From there, we’ll head north — first on Overland, and then we’ll move over (via Pico) to Westwood. And then we’ll end at the Bruin statue on the UCLA campus.

All told, this year’s Walk will clock about 14 and a half miles — which makes it a bit shorter than most of our downtown-to-the-ocean walks, but it also gives you more time to explore — especially in the afternoon, as we walk on the vibrant Westwood Blvd.

If you're new to the event, here's the basics: This is an unofficial event, which means you're walking on your own accord. (Obviously, as there's no fee of any kind.) It sounds like a long walk, but it's an all-day event where people talk their time to explore, eat, meet and have fun. You can walk as much or as little as you want. You can walk as fast or as slow as you want. You can meet us half way. It's all up to you.

The goal is to see and explore you city on foot, building community along the way. Bring your friends, tell your neighbors. We're a little grassroots event that gets bigger each year. If you have ideas or contacts for businesses and restaurants we should visit along the way, please let us know!

We’ll have a PDF map, as well as lunch options, listed soon as well.

Questions? Feel free to email greatlawalk@mail.com. We hope to see you on November 23, as we celebrate community and get a chance to interact with our fellow Angelenos!

Great LA Walk 2024 T-Shirts Are Ready to Order!

Order soon, so they're in your mailbox before the Walk on Nov. 23! As always, we don't make a dime off these shirts and sweatshirts, they're just a fun way to show your participation in this year's Walk! There are a wide variety of shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies for people of all sizes and ages. This year, with our walk from USC to UCLA, pick your school color: Blue/Navy Blue for UCLA, or red/maroon for USC! Scroll through to see all the choices for the shirts -- t-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, even polos.

There's a link on the side; below; or just go directly to our Spreadshirt page at https://greatlawalk.myspreadshop.com/.

We Have a Starting Point for This Year's Walk! Meet At Los Angeles' Oldest Living Palm Tree, Found in Exposition Park

Believe it or not, that palm tree that you see in this photo, as we're facing the Memorial Coliseum, is the oldest surviving palm tree in Los Angeles. As L.A. author and local historian D.J. Waldie writes, this palm has been around since at least the 1850s, and has moved around several times. It's believed to have been at Expo Park since 1914 — but even that is in question.

These days, the palm tree seems to go pretty much unnoticed, a footnote in our history. So let's bring some love to it as we kick off the 19th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk in Exposition Park on Saturday, November 23, 2024! And we'll do it in the "Christmas Tree Lane Park" right next to the BMO Stadium and facing the Coliseum — which is where USC normally plays. (Don't worry, this year's USC-UCLA matchup that day takes place at the Rose Bowl, far from where we'll be walking.) 

Meet at the palm tree at 9 a.m. Nov. 23, and from there we will be making our way to UCLA, ending at the Bruin statue on campus. Stay tuned for more details on the exact route! But go ahead and start planning your transportation now... more to come!