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Santa Monica Stairs
4.7 ★★★★★ 432 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Monica, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Santa Monica Stairs' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging outdoor cardio workout spot featuring concrete and wooden stairs and scenic views.
What runners say about Santa Monica Stairs
“It wasn’t too crowded because it was a weekday about 4 to 5 people but once you get to the top and you go to the right, you will have a beautiful view that’s worth it.”
“It’s peaceful here, with only the soothing sounds of crashing waves and your own breathing keeping you company.”
The Santa Monica Stairs are a fantastic workout spot and a local gem for fitness enthusiasts. Nestled in a beautiful neighborhood, the wooden and concrete staircases offer a challenging cardio session with scenic views of the surrounding area.
Parking: The only parking near by is on the top on the hill, if there's an open spot. There no visitor parking by the main stairs, only local with a permit. If you go the more scenic stairs near the middle of the road you need to walk about a half a mile from your Parking spot--don't complain, you came to walk.
Just admiring the view around sunset.🌄 I watched 5 people🚶♀️ walk🚶♂️ and🏃♀️ jog🏃♂️ these step before I got exhausted for them and walked back home. Beautiful skyline with the Palisades Hills
If I’ve got 30 minutes and have to pick between a Stairmaster at the gym or hitting the Santa Monica Stairs, it’s a no-brainer. The Stairs win by miles. There’s just something uniquely fresh about the air in this part of Santa Monica.
Trail conditions & character
“It wasn’t too crowded because it was a weekday about 4 to 5 people but once you get to the top and you go to the right, you will have a beautiful view that’s worth it.”
“Parking can be tricky, especially during peak hours, but the effort is well worth it.”
“It’s peaceful here, with only the soothing sounds of crashing waves and your own breathing keeping you company.”
“The climb can be intense, but once you reach the top, the view of the Pacific Ocean makes it all worth it.”
“Nestled in a beautiful neighborhood, the wooden and concrete staircases offer a challenging cardio session with scenic views of the surrounding area.”
“A little heads-up for first-timers: if you’re hydrating properly, you’ll probably need a restroom sooner or later.”
Plan your run at Santa Monica Stairs
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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