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Walk past the ‘Thriller’ house with Los Angelistas, a women’s group exploring LA on foot
A section of Carrol Avenue in Angelino Heights.
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Rick Meyer
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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A women's walking group takes you through Angelino Heights for Halloween
Jaelyn Gonzalez has more.
With Halloween approaching, a women’s walking group is helping Angelenos explore the city’s spooky and historic landmarks. Their next outing is Angelino Heights — home to century-old Victorian homes and an iconic piece of pop culture history.
Los Angelistas organizes weekly walks throughout Los Angeles. October draws some of its biggest crowds, according to the group. Earlier this month, the group visited the Spadena House in Beverly Hills for a witch-themed walk and explored Los Feliz for a murder-themed tour.
Members of Los Angelistas stand in front of the "Spadena House" in Beverly Hills in 2025.
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(Jillian Goodman/Los Angelistas)
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Exploring LA’s spooky side
On Nov. 1, the group heads to Angelino Heights, a tiny neighborhood next to Echo Park known for its Victorian homes.
“It has so much history, but also really beautiful, stunning Victorian architecture,” said Jillian Goodman, one of the group’s three co-founders. “It’s such a cool place that I don’t think many people know about.”
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Some of the homes have been backdrops for films and TV shows, including Michael Jackson’s 1983 “Thriller” video — which will be a stop on the tour.
Los Angelistas visit the "Charmed" house while on a walk through Angelino Heights in 2024.
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(Jillian Goodman/Los Angelistas)
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Building friendship beyond the walks
Los Angelistas began in April 2023, when Goodman and a few women who met through another social club decided to continue spending time together through walks.
The group has since grown to more than 7,000 members, Goodman said. Its organizers live across L.A., allowing them to host events in neighborhoods like Brentwood, Mid-City and Glendale.
Goodman said the walks encourage women to discover parts of L.A. they might pass by without stopping.
“Everyone thinks of L.A. as a driving city. No one ever really stops and takes a breath,” Goodman said.
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Join the next Los Angelistas hike
The “Thriller” walk
Who: Women only kids and pets welcome
When: Sunday, Nov. 1. Meet at 9:30 a.m.; the walk starts at 9:45 a.m.
Where: 631 Belmont Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
More info: The group’s Instagram
For Goodman, watching members build friendships that extend beyond the walks has been one of the most rewarding parts of the group’s growth.
“They go to each other’s weddings. They go to concerts. Seeing people connect, not just in the group, but then having that extend outside has been amazing to watch,” she said.
The group has also helped members support one another during devastating times. Amid last year’s Eaton and Palisades wildfires, some members helped others find places to stay, despite having only met on walks.
“I thought that was so beautiful and wonderful that without us they wouldn’t have known each other,” Goodman said.
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