What's the best way to walk from the downtown holiday inn to the golden one center?

Cut through Macy's.

I just walk up J street

It's right next door. You can't miss it, very short walk

Either through Macy's or just around the outside of Macy's.

Go out the front-end door of the lobby. Then, turn left. Follow the sidewalk with the beautiful mural of wall art. If you are lucky you will see a man bangin on some dum drums 😉