Hidden Staircases on the Westside

June 7, 2017 8:00 am

One of the things I love about the Westside is the walkability. There are so many things to do and see that can be done on foot. One of the most interesting and free things to see are the hidden staircases throughout the hillsides.

Decades ago, people in the LA area needed to get down the hillsides to shop, go to school, and work. The city was served by transit, but those in the hills were not. These staircases helped families get down into town. In fact, many that lived on the hillsides had no other way to connect with the world than through the staircase-to-trolley system.

Although the trolley system is gone, most of the staircases remain. Seeing what exists at the end of the staircase can be fascinating. Here are a few on the Westside you might want to explore.

Santa Monica Stairs

These are two sets of stairs at 170 and 189 steps. The first one begins at 7th and Entrada Drive. The second is near 4th and Ocean Avenue. This particular set of stairs is very busy, especially mid-day as residents use the them for working out.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook aka Culver City Stairs

This step of stairs has 282 steps. Once you get to the top, you’ll see an amazing few of the LA skyline. This staircase has been turned into a park with an entrance at 6300 Hetzler Rd. in Culver City off of Jefferson Blvd. Although the park is free, parking is $2 an hour or $6 a day.

Pacific Palisades Castellammare

Take these 518 steps to the top to see a spectacular view of the California coastline. You can even end up right on the beach for a dip in the Pacific with a starting point on Sunset Blvd at Gladstone’s Restaurant.

Berendo Stairs

Those in Los Feliz can find a 181 step staircase at the intersection of Berendo St and Cromwell Ave. that leads to Bonvue Avenue. However, don’t feel you have to stop there. Take a right down Bonvue and you will see another staircase on the left going up another 70 steps to Glencairn Avenue leading to a beautiful view of the city. If you then go down Catalina Street, you’ll find a path called Glendower Road which will take you to the Griffith Observatory.

If you’d like more information on the hidden staircases on the Westside, give me a call. I’d love to share my favorite adventures with you. You can also see all the staircases throughout LA right here.