LA is full of amazing secret staircases. From Santa Monica to Silver Lake, these hidden stairs provide sweeping views, are great for a workout, and connect us to a time when trolley cars covered the LA area.
It may be hard to believe, but LA used to have one of the most expansive public transportation systems in the world. And the stairs let the residents of hilly neighborhoods get to these trolleys more easily.
Whether you want to ditch the gym for your next leg day or you are visiting LA looking for the best photo spots, the stairs shouldn’t be missed!
1 –The Piano Keys Stairway
Description:
It is pretty obvious where these stairs get their name! Corinne Carrey (@corinnecarrey) painted the whole staircase to look like piano keys as a nod to her father, who played the synthesizer.
The result is a striking set of white and black stairs that is the perfect spot for a photo. And the stairs have Corinne Carrey’s signature hearts!
Location:3229 Sunset Blvd
Pic Credit: @rohanpanjiar
hack:
While you’re here, head just up the street to the more famous Micheltorena Stairs. Most people just visit those stairs and miss the Piano Stairs altogether! And check out Sunset Blvd. for some amazing restaurants
2 –East La Presa Stairs
Description:
Walking along the East La Presa Stairs in Hollywood feels like you’ve left LA and entered your own private world.
These stairs will take you past the historic Hollywood High Tower, an elevator built into the mountainside. The area is full of history, everyone from Bette Davis to Charles Manson have lived in this section of Hollywood.
Head up the stairs and turn right to walk along Alta Loma Terrace to continue your walk through a beautiful corridor that will drop you right by the Hollywood Bowl.
Location:2171 Broadview Terrace
PIC Credit: @seelainaday
hack:
Walk up Broadview Terrace, right down Alta Loma, right onto Highland, and right again onto Camrose for a hike that will take about 30 minutes.
3 – The Swan Stairs
Description:
This entry is kind of cheating because the Swan Stairs are actually comprised of three different staircases.
The Pantone, Shape, and J’taime LA Stairs are all painted differently, and the large murals on the walls are a great backdrop for a picture. It may be tough to go all the way to the top, but it is worth it!
These stairs were all painted by Evelyn Leigh and @thepaintedline
Location:2958 Swan Place
PIC Credit: @lastairclimber
hack:
When going up the J’taime LA stairs, there are two places to turn and look back. While going up, stop next to the wooden fence and look backwards.
You should now have a view of the Silver Lake reservoir. Walk a few more steps up, past a small palm, and turn back again. If it is a clear day you will see the downtown skyline.
4 – Saroyan Stairs
Description:
Charles Fleming literally wrote the book on LA stairs, and these are his favorites. Most of the LA stairs are made out of concrete or wood, but the stairs in Hollywoodland are made of large pieces of granite. This gives them a distinct look and feel.
The Saroyan Staircase is tucked away in the neighborhood below the Hollywood Sign. It isn’t too hard to find, look for the beautiful row of plants running up the center of a big stone staircase.
These stairs were built in 1923 and are a Historic Cultural Monument.
Location: 2819 Woodshire Dr
PIC Credit: @marriedbymaricela
hack:
Park along Beachwood Dr and Woodshire Dr, this will give you easy walking access to 5 staircases in the area.
5 – Hoover Stairs
Description:
One of the shortest staircases is also one of the most impressive. Also built in 1923, these stairs start as a single small flight, before splitting into a large V.
The stairs take up a large horizontal space and this made for the perfect canvas for an incredible mural. Artist Ricardo Mendoza named this piece “Fluid City Rising,” and it may just be the most impressive stair mural in all of LA.
Location: 1654 N Hoover St
PIC Credit: @stewthestew
hack:
Grab a photo of the stairs and head over to Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada for some amazing fish tacos.
This article was written by our friend Christoper from ‘See LA in A Day’. A local tour guide company that offers walking tours to Los Angeles secret staircases.
You can find out more about Christopher @seelainaday and his puppy, best buddy and fellow tour guide Odin even has his own Insta @odinkingofthedogs
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!