Before the Date…
The multitude of staircases scattering the Eastern LA hills is almost excessive. They’ve been used in famous films, painted on as art pieces, and tracked through as shortcuts for local kids. What they probably didn’t see when they built all these almost 100 years ago was the perfection they’d bring for the modern Angeleno to get a workout. None of these stairs are as aggressive as the 800 lining Beachwood Canyon. A challenge for anyone to complete with the only glory at the end of dominating them.
So invite your workout worthy friends and head to the canyon for a workout before a surprise view at a breakfast picnic.
Pre Plan: Make sure to wear workout clothes and bring an extra t-shirt.
St0p #1: Morning – Pre-Breakfast
Run Hard
up a legendery staircase
What to Know
The famed Hollywoodland sign was constructed in 1923 to promote the neighborhood you are entering. It was intended to be a gated community with tennis courts, pools, etc.. In it’s day stars like Humphrey Bogart walked these stairs.
Parking suggestion: Park near the granite archways, which were the original gates of Hollywodland, for multiple reasons: 1. Take a look/picture at the original Hollywoodland plaque on the stone archway. 2. Parking is limited everywhere so it’s easy to find a space. 3. It sets you up for leaving stop #2 easily. 4. It’s a good warm up walking to the stairs.
There’s many stairs to run and a few ways to do it. 1. Choose one staircase to session up and down. 2. Make a circuit going from stair to street, run up stairs then walk. The first staircase is at 2800 N. Beachwood Canyon Dr.. Second has great views which are called the Westshire/Pelham Stairs. Next are a third set of stairs down Holyridge. Finally, ending with an up and down at the famous Saroyan Stairs.
St0p #2: Post Run
Grab a Bite To Go
from the local cafe
What to Know
The space for decades was officially called the Village Coffee Shop but the locals referred to is as “The Beachwood Cafe.” When the new owners took over in 2012 it was only logical to rename it to what the locals called it.
There are two time/food options for this date. Morning and breakfast or evening and sunset dinner. Mon-Fri the cafe is only open afternoons from 4-10pm, Sat-Sun open 8am-10pm. Want to go during night just plan to start stop #1 two hours before the sunset.
The restaurant falls more under the farm to table category then a diner as they’re pickling things in house, making their own jams and whipping up things like fennel ketchup.
For some inspirational tunes, Harry Styles mentions Beachwood Cafe in his song Falling. The jury is out who this song is about though. #haylor?
St0p #3: After You Have Your Order
Quick Picnic
with an unusual view
What to Know
Constructed by William Mulholland the Lake Hollywood Damn was first filled in 1925. A few years after it’s construction controversy struct when the upper dam collapsed practically ending Mulholland’s career.
The adventure getting here truly begins with the drive up the narrow roads. Dont worry about parking through, there is a large lot at the trail head.
It’s definitely an unusual location for a picnic as there are no benches or lawns to throw a picnic planket. Instead post up on one of the pilars for your post workout bites.