From peaceful paths to the vibrant streets, discover the best spots for a ‘hot girl walk’ while prioritizing safety and confidence
By JALAN TEHRANIFAR — features@theaggie.org
A few years ago, the simple act of going on a walk got a full rebrand, and thus, the “hot girl walk” was born. Coined by TikTok creator Mia Lind in 2021, the “hot girl walk” isn’t just about getting your steps in — it’s a state of mind. Since posting her first walking video to the social media app in Jan. 2021, the hashtag #hotgirlwalk has cultivated more than 641 million views, according to CBS News.
The rules are simple — walk for about four miles while focusing on three things: what you’re grateful for, your goals and, of course, how hot you are. What started as a fitness trend quickly evolved into a lifestyle movement, empowering people (of all genders, despite the name) to romanticize their daily strolls, clear their minds and embrace their inner confidence.
From city sidewalks to suburban trails, the “hot girl walk” has taken over, and in a town like Davis — where bike paths and scenic routes are abundant — there’s no shortage of places to strut your stuff. But where exactly should you go for the ultimate “hot girl walk” in Davis?
For a scenic and serene place to walk, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is widely considered a Davis must. Stretching along the Putah Creek waterway, the Arboretum features 100 acres of trails, shaded paths and curated gardens. At the Arboretum students can admire the California native plants, stroll past the redwood grove or watch ducks float by on the water.
The Arboretum also has several bridges and resting areas, making it a great place to pause and take in the surroundings. Plus, the looped pathways mean you can tailor walks to the exact distance you want or switch it up every now and then.
Eva Jabbari, a third-year environmental policy and international relations double major, likes to “hot girl walk” in areas with beautiful surroundings. Jabbari’s go-to location to leisurely walk around is the West Area Pond by the Aspen Neighborhood.
“I like to ‘hot girl walk’ in West Davis,” Jabbari said. “There is a pond in between some houses. There’s trails in between the suburbs there because all the houses there have gardens, so they have a trail for them, and there’s a public garden […] If you walk along the garden, it’s really nice. There’s also a vineyard and an Italian restaurant around there.”
Sophia King, a first-year clinical nutrition major, lives on campus, so when she goes on a “hot girl walk,” she prefers to stay close to her dormitory. King often walks on Russell Blvd, admiring the sky and the people she passes by. The well-lit streets, consistent foot traffic and lively atmosphere make it a comfortable option for a night walk.
“I really like walking around between Cuarto and Segundo,” King said. “It actually feels really safe […] all the greek [life] houses are lining the road and there are a lot of cars driving, so there are people all around, even at night. I’ve never felt scared walking there alone. Even once you pass the frat houses. [And when] you’re in the Cuarto area and there are always people there too. I usually go from Cuarto to Segundo and then I lap around until I feel like going home.”
For students who prefer to see more people and less nature during their “hot girl walk,” Downtown Davis offers a lively environment with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and boutique stores to admire. The area is always buzzing with activity, so no matter the time of day or night, there’s always foot traffic, making it a great option for those who feel more comfortable walking in well-populated areas.
For those who don’t want to go outside — like Hana Raie, a third-year political science major — the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) on campus is always an option. The second floor of the ARC is covered with treadmills that allow you to adjust your walking speed and incline.
“I just do my ‘hot girl walk’ on the treadmills at the ARC,” Raie said. “It’s cold outside.”
As “hot girl walk” creator, Mia Lind, said, you can’t be hot if you’re not safe. Staying safe while going on a walk is a priority, and while Davis is generally considered a safe and walkable town, it is always important to take precautions, especially when walking alone.
The UC Davis Police Department suggests selecting safe routes that are well-lit and populated — avoid remote or secluded areas, especially at night. Whenever possible, walk with a friend or in a group to enhance safety. If you need to travel alone at night, take advantage of Safe Rides, a free service from the UC Davis Police Department that provides transportation from campus locations. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency call boxes throughout campus, so you know where to go if you ever feel unsafe or need immediate assistance.
Stay safe, be present and enjoy the walk.
Written by: Jalan Tehranifar — features@theaggie.org
