Some may find it strange when neighborhoods or cities are considered “walkable” – after all, what does that mean, exactly? Does it refer to a block or two of a single street with at least a couple of restaurants and bars? To be sure, Los Angeles may not seem like a pedestrian paradise to visitors, but we guess it’ll suffice when so much of this city is laid out with cars in mind.

Still, tucked within L.A. and its neighboring cities, a few legitimately walkable downtowns and villages bursting with enough things to do to fill an entire day’s itinerary do, indeed, exist. To keep things under the “local” moniker, all of the spots below are within an hour of L.A., located squarely in the district of Woodland Hills. 

The Japanese Garden, located at 6100 Woodley Avenue in Lake Balboa, is a 6.5-acre slice of meditating calm amid the bustling San Fernando Valley featuring three gardens in one – a dry Zen meditation garden, a “wet strolling” garden, and a tea garden. Representing the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, The Japanese Garden was conceived by Donald C. Tillman, who came up with the concept of putting the garden adjacent to a water reclamation plant; the garden’s purpose of demonstrating a positive use of reclaimed water in what is generally agreed to be a delicate environment (i.e., a Japanese garden). The garden’s design enables visitors to walk from one point to another while enjoying differing vistas from various points in the structure, making this the top walkable spot on our list. Open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 12 pm (resuming operation from 1 pm to 3:30 pm); closed Friday through Sunday.

The Commons at Calabasas, located at 4799 Commons Way in Calabasas, boasts a beautiful open-air layout, distinctive Mediterranean architecture, lavish landscaping, and dynamic fountains, making it the consummate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. As such, this venue also makes for one of the best walkable spots in all of Los Angeles, being set against the gentle hillsides of Calabasas – one of the most affluent communities in California. Since opening in 1998, The Commons at Calabasas has been embraced by the community as its de facto town square, drawing customers from such upscale enclaves as Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Sherman Oaks, Ventura, San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley. Enjoy the signature Caruso accents of meandering fountains and ponds, hand-carved statuary, public plazas, and beautiful landscaping – including a rose garden – as you explore this beloved space. 

Lazy J. Ranch Park, situated at Valley Circle and Ingomar Street in Canoga Park, is a serene outdoor venue nestled in the heart of Los Angeles offering a range of recreational activities and event spaces, thus providing a peaceful escape for visitors seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. A nice place to have a picnic or small gathering, Lazy J. Ranch Park boasts room to walk around with a large grassy area and scenic walking trails that wind through the landscape – great for leisurely strolls or brisk walks. 

West Mulholland Trail Head, located at 21144 Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, is an ideal place to commence a hike. Still, it’s also a very walkable spot with views of the Encino Reservoir and connections to trails in several parks to the south. Constructed in the 1920s in part to show off real estate in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills, the ridgeline road/trail offers great views to the north and canyons to the south – complete with ocean vistas. Don’t miss the Nike Missile Site overlooking the east end for unsurpassed 360-degree views of Los Angeles, the ocean, and the mountains. 

The Village at Topanga, located at 6220 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles, has everything, from incredible food places and top businesses to many things to do and see as you walk about. A resident favorite outdoor mall with a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, The Village at Topanga represents something of a fresh new start for a neighborhood staple, providing a central gathering place unlike any other in the San Fernando Valley – as such, it remains a highly-regarded and peaceful place to walk around—free parking up until a certain duration.

Los Angeles is a big city, and it isn’t prominently known for being a great walkable paradise. Still, there are a lot of wonderful walkable neighborhoods and venues within its boundaries, many of which can be found right here in Woodland Hills.