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!

SCOOP: We found where those delivery robots live!

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!

 

After Party Details: Join Us to Toast at Broxton Brewery & Public House in Westwood, and Check Out the Broxton Plaza Holiday Market!

After meeting at the end of the walk and taking some pictures in front of the UCLA entrance, we'll be heading to Broxton Brewery & Public House (1099 Westwood Blvd.) to celebrate! (I wish I had the money to pay for all of us, but alas, you're on your own with covering your food/drink.) They know we're coming, and the good news is there's an expansive patio for Great LA Walkers to relax, order some food and beverage, and recap the day! 

(A warning that their kitchen may be taxed if too many of us order at once, but at the very least we can toast the day with some drinks.)

And besides that, the other attraction will be in the courtyard next to the Broxton: The annual Broxton Plaza Holiday Market! Hosted by the Westwood Village Improvement Association and The Pop-Up Shoppe, "this family-friendly event transforms Broxton Plaza into a festive winter wonderland filled with music, entertainment, and seasonal cheer."

Be sure to sign up here to let them know you're coming.

Among their event highlights:

🛍Shop Small for the Holidays: Shop small for the holidays this year and browse a curated selection of holiday artisan vendors.
🎶 The Soundbox DJ Truck: Enjoy holiday tunes and dance under the snowfall to feel holiday cheer.
🎨 Kids' Crafts and Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with holiday-themed crafts and fun activities designed just for them.
🎤 Special Holiday Performances: Delight in a holiday performance by UCLA performers
🎅 Santa and Mrs. Claus Photo Op: Capture the holiday spirit with a festive photo op featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus! Perfect for families, friends, and holiday card moments.
🎁 Broxton Plaza Swag Giveaway: Spread holiday cheer with a complimentary swag for our new Broxton Plaza, a little holiday gift from us to you.
🌲 Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join us at dusk as we illuminate Broxton Plaza with a spectacular tree lighting!

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 at 9 a.m. -- 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!