Santa Monica Stairs

It was really good work out and I will definitely go back. It was quiet, not crowded and very peaceful.

I don’t think I will ever give stairs a 5 stars review due to the nature of the dreadful workout but this is a great place to mix up your usual gym time with. The houses surrounding the stairs are beautiful and the view at the top of the stairs is great. You can see all the way to the ocean :)
There are two pairs of stairs: a wooden staircase and a concrete staircase slightly more west. The concrete one feels a little tougher, maybe the stairs are higher or narrower. The actual staircase isn’t crazy long so you would probably have to do it four times to get a real good sweat on. You can walk or sprint the stairs but it’s always a good workout.
Always remember to be respectful because you are literally working out next to people’s homes. Don’t litter and step on guys!
Parking, don’t park at the top of the stairs. It is permit only, the parking guys love to get you there. Park at the bottom of the stairs near the school on Entrada.

If you’re mildly fit and work out just enough to look good and feel healthy but want to take it a step further and really tone that butt and legs for bathing suit season, then this is the place to start going! When you go on a weekend, people will gather at the bottom of the stairs waiting their turn in line to go up. As they wait, they watch the others coming up and down. The humiliation alone of having eyes on you when people are passing you effortlessly while you feel like your legs are going to fall off and your lungs are going to explode will push you to keep going! Great motivation!

One of favorite workouts on the weekends. Love working my calves! Plus who doesn’t want a work out near the ocean. Nice breeze while going up and down the stairs. After my workout I like heading down to the beach for some sun. A popular attraction for locals and tourists.

Crushed it. Its certainly an awesome work out and worth the effort to get there if you can.

This place is way too over crowded, The only plus to the santa monica stairs is the view of the ocean, Other than that way too over rated and people put too much hype on a place that is really not alot going on. There are definitely better staircase exercise areas in the Manhattan area, definitely the first and last for me coming here.

This is my favorite workout spot hands down. I have a gym membership, but I find myself here instead most nights after work and on Saturday mornings. There is a city bike share station/​rack right down the street from where the stairs start so I hop on one from my apartment near downtown Santa Monica and bike there to warm up. The ride is slightly uphill so your legs are good and ready to go once you lock up to start the stairs.
There are two sets of stairs. They are about 100 yards apart and completely different. One is concrete and longer/​steeper (more difficult). The other is wooden and much wider making it easier to pass people who are moving at a slower pace than you. I like to start with the concrete stairs then walk back and forth between them and alternate. This gives you time to rest in between, but you are still moving and keeping up your heart rate. Plus THAT VIEW. To die for.

Was expecting a workout, but not to burn out so fast!!! Parking on the stress, perpendicular or up top on 4^th street I believe. Excellent to go up one set of stairs, walk down to the second set, go down, and do it again!

During the day go to the wooden stairs. During the night go to the concrete stairs because they have lighting. This workout is great. This workout if free. The area is beautiful and inspiring. Can’t go wrong visiting the Santa Monica Stairs.

A great spot for a unique workout in LA. It’s full of people serious about their workout, so you won’t see many selfie-​takers here.
There are two staircases — I usually go up the wooden staircase run west towards the other, go down the second set and run back to the wooden staircase. I try to get 4 – 5 circuits in, and if I’m feeling super energetic that morning, I’ll run down to the Santa Monica pier and back.
It’s a great place to be in touch with nature while you work your glutes and challenge yourself. Come with someone who can keep up with your pace/​challenge you to improve :)

The stairs are great when it’s not too crowded, so you have to go early or later in the day. As long as it’s not packed packed packed with people it’s a really great workout.

I absolutely love the idea of having something like this to work out, especially being from Miami and not having the luxury of having hidden stairs. That being said, I live one block from the stairs so I’m there very often & I absolutely love them. Other than the Santa Monica stairs being historical they’re also a great and a step up from your regular mundane everyday work out. They’re also very intense so be prepared to sweat.
I would also recommend to walk a little further and go on the Wooden stairs instead because they are a lot easier on your joints than the cement ones.

Great spot, usually there twice a week or so… BUT if anyone could tell me what time to get there to avoid team Herbalife /​other crossfit nuts I would REALLY appreciate it!

Santa Monica Stairs is located 10 minutes north of Santa Monica pier and it’s great on a non-​busy day.
There are 2 staircases located next to each other. One goes directly straight (wooden stairs), while the other one zig-​zags down (cement stairs). You can decide to do one or mix it up for your own workout.
There’s plenty of regulars and the not so regulars. Good etiquette is to stay out of the center if you’re resting. Everyone overall is helpful and friendly if you’re feeling a bit light headed from the stairs.
If you bring a bottle of water, you can feel safe leaving it along the stairs. The best location would be at the top of the stairs.
Free neighborhood parking is available; just keep an eye for any restrictions!

Nestled in the middle of an upscale North-​of-​Montana neighborhood sit the Santa Monica Stairs. There are two sets of stairs, one wooden and one cement, and both pack a booty-​burning punch that leave you sore (in a good way!) for days. You’ll see all types of people here, from regular Joes to divas to hardcore workout fiends, all exercising to their hearts’ content.
I love coming here to get a quick, free workout. Since the cement stairs are steeper, I usually go down the wooden ones, and then once I’m at the bottom, I’ll run to the cement set and go up those. I usually only do one set and then continue on a run, but I’ve seen some people do multiple circuits, just on the stairs. Maybe I’ll be hardcore like them when I’m in shape someday.
The stairs can get pretty crowded during the weekend, so I recommend coming on weekdays. You can also take the stairs as a shortcut to get to restaurants and Will Rogers State Beach below. It’s a great option if you don’t feel like driving.
Although the stairs are practically in my backyard, I don’t take advantage of them as often as I should. I promise I’ll be back soon!

I miss the days when I lived a stone’s throw from this awesome workout. It’s a great place to come pretty much any time of the day for a quick, hard workout. There are two sets of stairs – one around 4^th Street, and one closer to 7^th. I prefer the straight up /​down wood stairs nearer to 7^th street. The ones near 4^th are concrete, narrower, and wind a bit. Feels a bit claustrophobic to me. Be careful parking – read all the signs – or better yet, bike over (though finding a place to lock up your bike can be challenging).

Great place to come for a morning or afternoon workout. Nor matter what time or day you come, there will be people there. But it is not crowded to the point of annoyance, but motivation! Great alternative to the gym. Love coming here for a nice outdoor experience and awesome workout! Really kills your glutes!

This is one of my favorite workouts and the only workout that really gets me sore! I’ve done many stairs at other locations and workout a lot at the gym and other things, but there’s something special about these stairs that really gets me sore and I love the feeling :) If I lived closer to their, I’d be doing them everyday.
I go back and forth between the Valley & Manhattan Beach a lot on the 405 freeway, so I literally take the Wilshire Blvd exit and go out of my way to Santa Monica just to do these stairs.
There’s people there doing these stairs at all hours of the day, so that makes it more motivational. You see all sorts of athletes doing their training and then they congregate at the top to do other stretches and bootcamp type exercises. It can be kind of a scene with typical LA people dressed up in their trendy workout outfits (kind of like Runyan Canyon in Hollywood), but most are really there just to get a good workout while enjoying the outdoors.
The stairs are shady most of the day surrounded by greenery, which is great so it doesn’t get too hot even in the middle of the day. There are 2 sets of stairs, so some people do one and then run a few minutes down the street to the other set doing a loop. I prefer the wooden set of stairs because they are steeper and feel more natural than the cement shorter ones.
Sometimes I even take my little doggy and carry her up & down– gives me a 10 lb arm workout ;)
The other day I was there, one of the homeowners had his gate open and was playing with his dog. I stopped to say hello and he was very friendly. I had to ask if all these people coming here daily bothers him, he said not really since he’s lived there for years and people are pretty respectful about not being too noisy.

There are actually 2 stairs that are very close to each other. One is the steel ones, and one is the wooden ones. The steel ones are a lot easier and not that steep. The wooden ones were the death of me.
I was very optimistic before I came here. Judging from the pictures, the stairs didn’t look too steep. I envisioned myself to be pretty fit and will be able to do a couple sets. But in reality, I did only 1 set and almost passed out. I started out going down the steel ones, then ran over to the wooden ones. On my way up the wooden ones, I was behind an old man, and at first, I thought he was going pretty slow. But as we got closer and closer to the top, it got super steep. Turns out, he was actually quicker than I was. I even needed breaks in between. After I got to the top, I started seeing stars. And as I was resting, I saw a woman with a baby come up and then back down. 15mins later, I was still resting at the top, and saw the same woman with the baby… She did 2 sets already.
I am 22 years old and is in the worst shape ever. Got beat by an old man and a woman with a baby on her back because her doing it solo will be too easy. I have yet to come back. but when I do, I vow to do more than 1 set!!!

Get ready to work out and BURN some calories! Parking is difficult. There is only 1% chance you might find one, so just park far. You will save a lot more time and you will get more exercise. Lol
I came here on a Saturday around 8am and it was not crowded. I was able to run up and down without stopping. It was a great work out!
Can’t wait to do it again!

I have had this place bookmarked for 3 – 4 years. I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to stop by and do a quick 25 minute cardio session w/​my little Gavin. I drove alongside the Santa Monica Beach and it somehow calmed me. made me content w/​life in general. I guess vacations do that to people. Finding parking wasn’t an issue for me.
The people we encountered were all friendly. A few gave me compliments for having an active and happy kid. A few gave me compliments for getting him involved. He got tired for 1 full lap so instead of cutting our workout short, I carried him to complete our time. Everyone gave me kudos for being a super mom. I was quite proud.
A very narrow set of stairs and looks un-​intimidating but like w/​most things, looks can be deceiving. Going down was a breeze at first but my first lap up the flight of stairs raised my HR up immediately. I originally set my timer for 20 minutes but Gavin wanted to do an extra lap. I was beat but I couldn’t turn him down knowing that everyone heard him want to do another set.
Just do 20 – 30 minutes and do squats, push-​ups, and maybe jump knee touch after each lap if you want to burn fat w/​o having to go to the gym. I love my gyms but you do not need a gym in order to workout.
I am jealous. The people that live nearby are lucky.
Another trip planned already. Will visit soon!!!

I have been doing these «famous» stairs on my roller skates off and on since I was 18 and lived in the area! Now whenever I get out to the beach I still do the stairs and it still burns like crazy!!! I see the people that go up and down these stairs and I can’t imagine, one time and it kills! But I love it! It’s a great heart pumping butt kicking workout!

To my fellow fitness enthusiasts, this is a good place to be!
When I’m not lifting at the gym, I like to go hiking and rock climbing. I always like seeking out new challenges, and I first learned about this place from my buddy at the gym. So here I came to meet the challenge.
Getting here was not hard. I parked on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica, and walked to the start of the stairs. We descended, then started the arduous climb back up. This was repeated two more times, before we walked back to the car. Our quadticeps and glutes were all but shot, and we were ready to grub afterward.
There were other people taking the same challenge, but it wasn’t too crowded. Even in crowded times, the route up and down the stairs is still manageable.
I recommend this place if you love to push yourself to the limit. You won’t regret it!

This was an amazing experience for me. I’m glad I found these stairs after all this time with the help of Unilocal & my personal trainer.
Some reviews say there are two sets of stairs, but my trainer knew where the third set is located: a much more quiet and tranquil, less crowded set of cement stairs.
I don’t know if anyone has posted where the location is, and I don’t think I will divulge the location either. Let’s just say if you find it, (close to Upper Mesa) be very, very quiet and enjoy the climb.
All three sets of stairs are in residential areas so it isn’t in good decorum to «bring the noise». However bring your will. Bring your water. Bring your camera and headset.
If you get tired, try not to block anyone’s climb or descent, as these are somewhat narrow stairs.
I must add: I am highly motivated and recharged. I’m so glad I have a skilled coach and this phenomenal opportunity to experience the beauty of the Pacific Palisades from this vantage point.

Reason #134 555 why I’ll never be able to move out of Santa Monica.
I absolutely love exercising outdoors and the Santa Monica Stairs make it so easy! At first glance you might think, «oh no big deal» but my quads were burning after just one set! Keep going, it gets easier. I actually thought the last set was the easiest. Plus, no matter how hard it is, you really can’t hate it that much with the awesome ocean breeze (nature’s AC) and the amazing view of the ocean.
I preferred the wooden stairs for going down (seemed easier since they are wider. The concrete ones kinda freaked me out.) and concrete going up (seemed more challenging).
You’ll see people doing all kinds of crazy things like going backwards, sideways, jumping. Good for them! You’ll also see people doing full on strength workouts between sets. Bring some weights or bands and get in on the action.
If I have time, I absolutely love going for a walk down ocean afterwards. Awesome cool down with beautiful scenery. I love you Santa Monica.

Ok, if you’ve read my other Cali reviews you can now see a pattern. I love to workout outdoors whenever I’m in the area and each time I visit I discover a new and awesome location to break a sweat.
The Santa Monica stairs should not be compared to the Baldwin Hills stairs but they are just as treacherous for sure!
These stairs are not as crowded. There are also 2 separate flights you can either do both (up & down) or stay on course with 1. Your bound to have an awesome burn whichever you choose. The view is amazing and the area is residential; so very quiet and peaceful.

Santa Monica stairs at 4^th and Adelaide Drive are the CONCRETE stairs, where as the WOODEN stairs are located at 7^th and leads to Entrada Drive. I stuck to the concrete stairs off of 4^th, which has a vertical change of about 111 feet and about 180-​ish steps.
I must change up my workouts to keep things fun, different and keep my body moving to burn calories. I work nearby, so when I get out of work early, I break out with my gym clothes in the trunk, jog to the stairs (1.7 miles from my workplace) then head to the beach for more jogging.
Santa Monica stairs offers the beautiful seemingly far-​off ocean view, in the neighborhood of incredibly expensive homes, and is a bit of a social scene –like being at a singles bar! –but better! At least, you know you’ll definitely meet like-​minded people who value keeping it sexy!
Bring water (no drinking fountains nearby) and the mind-​set to go out there and honor your physical body with exercise.

Great workout hotspot with cool shade and friendly people. No drinking fountain, sometimes a pocket library.
There are 4 sets of stairs and 2 more sets along Montana and Ocean. And more running path on Brentwood tree trail.
1. Eastern wooden stair is good for walking up.
About 150 steep and narrow steps.
2. Central concrete stair is safe for running up.
About 120 easy wide steps.
3. Western concrete ramp forest with nicely shade trees and 40 steps.
4. Western concrete garden with quite ocean views and a staircase to nowhere with 20 steps. Can be messy at times. Do not go here at night.

Leg and butt day.
2 set of stairs being about 10 flights of stairs.
Accessible parking in the residential area and of you want you can go down to the beach.

This is the best place to get in some great exercise for free and it’s pretty safe since it’s such a popular spot. Your legs are going to feel the burn and your heart will be pumping, but being around all the other climbers doing it will keep you motivated. Just rest if you need to rest. There are those saving platform levels where you can pause while you contemplate the next flight of stairs to the top. Just BREATHE.
Another plus, this place has some of the prettiest views from the top. You can see the Pacific ocean and plenty of mountain ranges from this secluded residential area.
Also there’s nearby grassy areas to get in those stretches afterwards or just pass out for a bit after pushing your body to its limits. The cold grass will feel great against your hot skin after going up and down the stairs. Trust me.
FYI: Definitely bring your own towel and some bottled water with you to rehydrate. You’re going to get thirsty and there’s no water fountain available. Love the stairs. :)

Other than the Darth Vader sounding dude wearing one of those O2 depravation masks, I had a great time climbing the stairs. I did 7 sets and my calves are killing me two days later. Clearly I need to work stair climbing into my usual routine.
It’s a beautiful spot, especially if you get there when it’s early and quiet!

Gotta love them– easy to access, at least 3 – 4 spans across the PCH between beach and bluff. Great exercise along Palisades Park from the historic pier.
Only dream about doing all 40+ walks with local secret staircases. Tres cool and wholly unique to the Oceanside areas.

I used to do these everyday for weeks when I tore my rotator cuff and all I could use was my legs! Lol ok some things to keep in mind.
Yes this is a free workout and free is great! Also it’s a great workout for your legs and butt and if you haven’t done them in awhile, then after them you should be sore the next day… or two. Pretty obvious stuff.
Weekdays is way less busy and during the day. I hated the stairs on weekends. It was so busy. Even weekdays at night wasn’t anything like weekends.
Also I love a good workout but I get bored easy. I hike, spin, do CrossFit… so after a few rounds I was pretty bored. I usually did 10 – 15 rounds (full trip up and down) so I was there for a good 45 minutes. I just enjoy more stimulating workouts.
I liked doing the wooden stairs better than the other set of stairs because they were easier on my knees. But if you like to run you can do a running circuit and do both. They are both easy to find.
Overall if your on a budget or love being outside and don’t mind doing repetitive stuff then you will love these!