What it's like to walk around California's most walkable city

Average gas prices in Los Angeles make walking more appealing during local errands. West Hollywood has been rated a “Walkers Paradise” with a walkability score of 91 out of 100, based on distance to amenities, pedestrian friendliness, population density, and road metrics. The city’s score is higher than San Francisco and far above Los Angeles. Well-maintained sidewalks connect cafes, shops, and historic sites. A local describes the area as walkable and central and says she does not use her car there. Access without a car can be difficult, but the newly opened D-line Metro stop is about two miles away and public parking is available. Walk Score estimates about 339 dining and drink options, with an average of 13 reachable within five minutes.

"For more than a decade, West Hollywood has been designated a "Walkers Paradise" by, earning a 91 out of 100 on the popular walkability index that looks at distance to amenities, pedestrian friendliness, population density and road metrics. The small city within a city scores two points above the state's second most walkable city, San Francisco. It's also a full 22 points above Los Angeles, which has a middling score of 69."

"But you don't need a formula to know that West Hollywood's well-maintained sidewalks dotted with cafes, shops and historic sites is a great place for walking. Take a stroll around the city and you can find out for yourself. That's what I did on a recent Friday afternoon, where I met locals like Kimberly Beauchaine out in the neighborhood - yes - walking."

""We really don't use our car here," Beauchaine said, pushing her 18-month old in a stroller past the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue. "It's very walkable and very central." While West Hollywood is easy to navigate on foot, getting there without a car can be a challenge. The closest Metro stop is along the just-opened D-line on Wilshire Boulevard, a two-mile hike from the West Hollywood border."

"The hardest part about planning a fun day in West Hollywood might be choosing a place to start. According to Walk Score, there are about 339 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the city and you can walk to an average of 13 of them in 5 minutes. I asked Eric Parker, director of PR and communications for the city of West Hollywood, why there's such an abundance"

Read at Los Angeles Times