Walking 14.5 miles from Silver Lake to the beach in a day is possible – and a rewarding experience, according to a group led by Pedro Moura. On a warm spring Sunday, approximately 30 people traversed the length of Santa Monica Boulevard, continuing a series of ambitious walking expeditions through Los Angeles.

The Annual Walking Tradition

This year’s walk marked the fifth annual organized by Moura and a growing circle of friends. The tradition began in 2022 with a 16-mile walk along Wilshire Boulevard. Subsequent years saw the group tackle Sunset Boulevard (25 miles in 2023), Western Avenue (over 28 miles in 2024), and Pico Boulevard (15.5 miles last year). A vote determined Santa Monica Boulevard as the destination for this year’s challenge.

Starting the Journey

The walk commenced at Sunset Junction, the intersection of Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards. Interestingly, the group encountered two individuals starting a walk towards the ocean on Sunset Boulevard. Moura noted the unique feeling of reaching the ocean on foot from inland Los Angeles, highlighting Santa Monica as a particularly accessible route.

Discoveries Along the Way

Just a few blocks into the walk, the group passed Vermonica, an art installation created by Sheila Klein after the 1992 riots. Klein described it as an “urban candelabra” and a “drive-by museum.” Many participants, despite frequent drives past it, had never truly noticed the artwork.

Hollywood and Beyond

Crossing the 101 Freeway, the group experienced the stark contrast between vibrant and desolate areas of Hollywood. Hollywood Forever Cemetery offered a peaceful respite from the heat and urban landscape. They also passed the location where director Sean Baker conceived his breakout film, Tangerine, and stopped at a modernized donut shop featured in the movie.

West Hollywood's Welcome

Reaching La Brea Avenue brought a sense of relief as the group entered West Hollywood. The contrast in tree coverage was striking, and the area proved to be a pedestrian-friendly stretch. West Hollywood has been recognized as California’s best walking city, with parks like Plummer Park and West Hollywood Park offering amenities.

Challenges and Unexpected Sights

The walk wasn’t without its challenges. A $10-billion project obstructed sidewalks in Beverly Hills. However, the group encountered unexpected sights, including a small billboard promoting the 2010 Census with Picasso-esque artwork and the Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand, a restored icon of California’s programmatic architectural movement.

Human Connection

Moura emphasized the human connection fostered during these walks. He recounted seeing a man biking with a cello and encountering a middle-school friend after 22 years. The group also received a playful “Welcome to Los Angeles” from some locals. An Eataly employee shared that walking felt ingrained in his DNA, inspired by his mother’s journey from El Salvador.

Finishing at the Beach

Starting with 32 participants and growing to 35, including a toddler and an infant, 25 people celebrated their accomplishment at the Pacific Ocean. Each walker experienced the journey uniquely, noticing different details and making personal connections. The group is planning another walk on May 31st, tackling the 25-mile length of Atlantic Boulevard.