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    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    4.5 (1.1k reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Mae M.

    Review for the Culver City Stairs - Great hike in LA that offers nice panoramic views of the mountains and city. My friend and I hiked here on a Friday in the middle of the day. The sun was out but we enjoyed the exercise and the view. There is street parking offered at the bottom and once you go up the short dirt road you'll immediately see the stairs. From the bottom it can look quite steep but once you start going up you get used to the feel. The worst part is that the stairs are all uneven and some are pretty high (especially for kids/short adults like me), but overall the hike is pretty quick. For those in excellent physical shape, it probably only takes ~10 mins to get to the top. For those who might need to take more pauses, ~20 mins. As you walk up, there are a couple of areas you can pull over on the side and catch your breath on. Once you're at the top, there are a ton of great views and photo op spots. Heading down was a little confusing because we tried to avoid the stairs at first and use the dirt roads, however the path we picked didn't lead all the way back to the bottom so we just ended up taking the stairs for half of it.

    Sunrise
    Myla M.

    This is the Baldwin Hills scenic overlook, which is also known as the Culver City stairs. There's two ways you can go. You can go all the way up on the stairs, which aren't good for my knee or you can take the kind of like paved road on the sidewalk, which is what I do I can take the stairs down. I prefer not to. If you get there early in the morning, it's not very crowded and it's a beautiful sunrise. I like to get my workouts in first thing in the morning, that way the endorphins are flowing if serotonin levels are high your energies up there and I feel much more productive, but I can't always do it. I shoot for three times a week. I love that. I have a free resource to enjoy nature's beauty and marvel at how quiet the city is when it's sleeping. It's a beautiful hike. Highly suggested. I don't like to go on the weekends. There's too many people that come from other places to go there so it's crowded so, if I do it on the weekend, I'm doing it very early in the morning so I don't Have to deal with so many people... I find that I don't people well anymore and I don't like a lot of people around me! They have also created like an extension to where it goes into another part of a different park. I think it's Kenneth Han not sure but it's really cool and in a city it's nice to have these naturesque getaways.

    Hayley C.

    Always a fun time doing the Culver Stairs here. I went with my friend today and her and I went up and down the stairs twice. You'll get a great workout in no doubt!! There's usually a good amount of people here no matter the time you go. Parking can be tricky when it gets super busy, but it's pretty much all street parking. Restrooms at the top of the overlook. Nice views of various parts of LA, and there's usually two smoothie food trucks at the entrance!!

    Ana T.

    This is a very nice place to hike. People did street parking at the bottom, but there is a paid lot on the very top. It was nice to see the cityscape and the flowers that bloomed. The stairs were a challenge. Starting from the bottom would probably have been a better idea since going downwards caused some wobbly legs for me since I don't do this often. The trails are nice to hike if you don't want to do the stairs.

    Rey L.

    great views of the lower basin. pain in the rear getting up here, but, absolutely worth it. lots of space to spread out and get a good shot for the 'gram. get here in time for the sunset.

    Vince V.

    I enjoyed this overlook because it was such a nice sky. I parked in the lot near the top and paid the fee. Some people parked on the street and hiked up, which I plan to do next time. There was a food truck there and some nice photo opportunities on the way up. I did not see any animals on the trail, but I saw a variety of different plant species, it was beautiful. Please listen to the song I am parodying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaOyoVS-IAI While you are reading my song parody portion of my review below. Why do skies suddenly appear When I look over here Sweet blue scene Trail so serene Here with you Why does love, fall down from the sky Every foot, every mile Sweet blue scene Trail so serene Here with you I will drive to the west side of town in any type of weather Past all the smog into this vivid blue The lovely floor and the brush that is a sweet light gold And the sky line that is so vividly blue You're a cure, every time I frown You lift me, when I'm down Sweet blue scene Trail so serene Here with you I will drive to the west side of town in any type of weather Past all the smog into this vivid blue The lovely floor and the brush that is a sweet light gold And the sky line that is so vividly blue You're a cure, every time I frown You lift me, when I'm down Sweet blue scene Trail so serene Here with you Sweet blue scene Trail so serene Here with you

    Stairs for giants.

    Great place for a quick workout. Three ways to the top, the classic stairs which is about 30 floors high, a zigzag trail, and the blacktop road in the back for cars. At the top there are bathrooms and a small museum. Amazing views.

    Antonia F.

    Great place to get a workout in. The stairs are STEEP! Once at the top, the view is nice and you'll feel accomplished! We took the dirt trail down and it's a bit narrow but still a good option for those not wanting to do the stairs at all. The area is clean and well maintained.

    Maria R.

    Really a nice place for trail some parking at the bottom but very limited I had to park at the top which there was plenty of parking. On the way up many people on the road which they are not allowed there. Bathrooms available!

    Another side on the top platform
    Veronika Z.

    If you have short legs the steps are definitely more of a lunge. There are platforms to rest well spaced throughout! This hike will connect with a lot of other parks and hikes so can be more of a half day or full day type ordeal. There are also restrooms on the top near the visitors center. I will be back in the fall and winter when the greenery will be more vibrant. Parking easy to find on the street or 2$ per hour on top.

    Dennis Z.

    This is a great place to get a view of the city. If you're looking for a workout, try the Culver City Stairs. Those stairs are no joke! The trails are decent and fairly moderate. If you're around the area, please come and visit this place!

    Steps
    Anusha S.

    Can't believe there is a nice park like this in the heart of a busy city like LA! Culver City steps has been on my LA bucket list and I finally got to cross it off on my trip this time. We parked at the top and paid $2 for an hour's worth of parking. We went on a Sunday around 11am and there were lots of people. Took us about 5 minutes to go down and 8 minutes to come back up. Looks are deceiving - the steps seem easy but it ended up being pretty challenging! The steps were also pretty steep and also slightly uneven which makes the workout even tougher. It would have been nice if there were some more signs to the steps. There are also trails around the park that are gentler on the knees. Overall, I would come back if I want to get in a quick workout outside. Very safe, definitely can go solo.

    View of LA
    Cris I.

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles. It is accessible through the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation which charges a $7 vehicle fee on weekends and holidays. The fee is worth it cuz the overlook is a nice place to reconnect with nature, marvel at the city's breathtaking beauty, and enjoy a slice of urban serenity. Sure, the climb requires a bit of effort and the amenities are basic, but the reward is a million-dollar view and a dose of fresh air that's worth every drop of sweat and every parking circle. So, lace up your shoes, grab your picnic basket, and head to the Baldwin Hills for a unique Los Angeles experience that's both exhilarating and soul-soothing.

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

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    This is a scenic place. Some food trucks occasionally on the street. People may be able to do picnic at the nearby open seating areas

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    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    How long is the hike?

    For me it takes 45 minutes to go up and 40 minutes go down. Everything depending on the speed that you put in it.

    Can you drive up to the top at night? Is there a gate or anything?

    They close the gates at the top after sunset, so you can't drive up at night

    Are there bike racks?

    I don't remember seeing any when I was there.

    What's the parking like?

    Plenty; during the season of Coronavirus.

    Are the stairs open?

    I would google it. Not 100% sure.

    Can you drive up to the actual view?

    Yes

    Is the paid parking lot at the top open?

    We didn't pay and yes it's open

    Are they open still due to covid-19?

    Yes.

    This is dog friendly?

    No. Dogs aren't allowed but I still see them periodically.

    Is this hike kid friendly?

    Its chihuahua friendly

    Is there a path to hike to the top without taking the stairs?

    Yes. There are several ways to the top without using the stairs.

    How long does it take to walk up and down the stairs at a medium pace?

    Not sure what your medium pace is. Nor your stride length. But 20-30mins. (Depending on time of day - # of children/other people in your path)

    How is parking? a lot or on the street? free or paid?

    There is a small lot and street parking (free), but can get pretty full on weekends at peak hours...so get there early!!

    Are bathrooms accessible?

    Yes there are public men's and ladies' restroom located near the visitor center. Here is a map since it may be a little tough to find if you're unfamiliar with the park and/or coming from the stairs.… 

    Is this park stroller-friendly? Would I be able to take a stroller with me to the top? Thanks!

    So you can't take the stroller on the dirt path because it has stairs. But there is a paved pathway you can take the stroller up. You can get to the top that way

    What time in the morning is it not busy?

    Best to come around 6:00am.

    Are the hours strict? Like does someone come and kick you out. I wanted to watch fireworks there tonight

    No need to hide. You're good. Happy 4th!

    I'd like to come later then 7 PM, is that possible?

    I wouldn't. Wuld animals come put at night. Thrt keep to themselves but still creepy

    I know it says it's open at 8am, but can you get in there before then? I'd like to workout there at 6am.

    Yes, there is no gate impeding entrance

    Are dogs allowed on the trails?

    No - not on the stairs or main dirt trails. You can take them on the adjacent paved road on Hetzler

    View All 21 Questions

    Review Highlights - Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

    If you find me there, you'll see my ass hyperventilating while taking a seat so my legs can stop shaking.

    Mentioned in 31 reviews

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    Culver City Park

    Culver City Park

    4.3
    (81 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    A really spacious park that goes up in elevation. Has a large fenced off baseball field which is…read moregreat for your doggos to roam and play in. Didn't get to hike but loved all the benches that showcase Culver City views. It's a good park cause you can drive up to certain viewpoints if you choose not to hike.

    I hate not being able to give this Park five stars and the reason why I can't give this part five…read morestars is because they say that no dogs are allowed on the way up but yet there's dog poop all over the walking bridge I really like this park because when I have broken my foot in order to exercise This was a great place. They have like a switchback OK so which means you're going higher and higher, but without stairs, right... and six years ago I had a knee surgery where I needed to still exercise, but I just couldn't lift my knee like that just walking was all I could do so I've been in a few predicaments where you know I appreciate having this switchback, I just don't appreciate the dog poop. If you are going to violate the rules and bring your dog which I love animals I love dogs you gotta clean up after your animal. It's not OK to just to leave dog poop on the trail. And also, why aren't my Park Rangers enforcing this rule anyhow, if you wanna take a nice walk, that's gonna give you a little workout without doing too much strain than this is the park for you! At the end of the day, this is a very pretty park where you can actually barbecue you do need to reserve the space. I don't know how much it cost, but I know you need to reserve the space and then you can have a party there there's a skate park attached. I mean it's a nice park just please people be respectful and I guess it's not the Park's fault per se... But if there are Park Rangers, why aren't they enforcing this rule? Also, they lease out some space to this company that does these really cool teambuilding, exercises and wall climbs and stuff. It's pretty cool. I wanted to do it but it was like $100 a person and I was like ouch! All in all, there is a beautiful view when you do reach the top and I don't mean the top on the bottom I mean all the way up to the top has the picture show you can see all the way to the beach on a clear day. It's gorgeous.

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    Rise n' Shine Everyone...
    Rise n' Shine Everyone...
    Bunny
    Bunny
    Culver City Park

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    Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

    Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

    4.5
    (435 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I finally got around to visiting Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, and my only complaint is that…read moreI waited this long to go. What an absolute gem. This park is the perfect escape from the city, whether you're looking for a scenic hike, a place to bird watch, a picnic spot, or just somewhere to unwind outdoors. We enjoyed it so much that we came back two weekends in a row. Both visits consisted of finding a shady spot, throwing down a blanket, reading, and simply relaxing. It was exactly what we needed. The grounds are beautiful, with plenty of open space, walking paths, mature trees, and peaceful water features. Everywhere you look there seems to be another picturesque view. On our second visit, we discovered the Hummingbird Garden, which ended up being one of the highlights of the park. The area is filled with feeders and absolutely buzzing with wildlife. We saw hummingbirds darting between flowers and feeders, along with bees, songbirds, lizards, and squirrels. Nature lovers will be in heaven. One word of advice: keep an eye on the ground while you're walking. There was so much wildlife activity that it was easy to spot lizards and even baby squirrels scurrying around underfoot. Parking was straightforward and cost $10 for the day, with discounted admission available for service members. Whether you're looking for a quiet afternoon in nature, a family outing, or a place to reconnect with the outdoors, Kenneth Hahn is well worth a visit. I'll definitely be back--probably sooner rather than later.

    This park is large with multiple different sections. What's a bummer is they charge for parking in…read morethe lot now when before it used to be free on week days. There is a walking bridge that connects to Kenneth hanh to stoneview, which has free parking. Their upper section has a disc golf course. The lower section has picnic tables and the lakes.

    Photos
    The moon was trying to come out of the mountains after sunset
    The moon was trying to come out of the mountains after sunset
    Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
    Full moon tonight. Even though it was cold, getting this shot was worth it

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    Full moon tonight. Even though it was cold, getting this shot was worth it
    Glen Alla Park

    Glen Alla Park

    4.0
    (80 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Such a neat park & pretty big and filled with lots of activities for everyone even the dogs have…read moretheir own area to play. Their sand area is really neat with a huge whale right in the middle, love the ocean theme and extra little area that's filled with sand that the littles can play while being supervised. There is a swings area with a good amount of them so you don't have to wait for a turn and appreciated that. There are some swings that look like a chair really wish they had a strap for the little ones cause if you were to swing fast they can go forward and really get hurt so this one need to be supervised. The play structure has slides and tunnels and different musical items you can be creative like the drums, rain stick and even a flip the musical note and make a sound very neat. There are many open areas that you have to be careful if you have little ones but still fun. There is a huge area if you wanted to bring scooters or kids cars that they can ride around in a big circle. Love that they have bathrooms and a changing table they are a bit on the smelly side but in an emergency they are good. Very well kept and clean. Love that's it's gated that way littles don't go running off but over all this park is great for all age groups can't wait to be back.

    Cute mid-sized park in Marina Del Rey with ample street parking. The park has 3 areas: outside the…read moremain gate there is a workout area with several workout equipment and water fountains, larger area inside the gate is the playground with a cute climbing wall/several slides/swings/large sandbox with a HUGE whale! The kiddos love this area. The final part to the park is split into a dog park and adult recreational area.

    Photos
    Play structure
    Play structure
    Glen Alla Park
    A picture can say a thousand words, changing table needs to be replaced would you change your baby in there?

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    A picture can say a thousand words, changing table needs to be replaced would you change your baby in there?
    Steve Soboroff Court Park

    Steve Soboroff Court Park

    4.6
    (9 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    This is one of those spots you kind of have to find. I was meeting someone there. It is really…read moreoff the beaten path. I would not call it a "hidden gem" because that phrase is overused, but it really does feel like having your own private park. When you are there, it almost feels like it is part of an HOA, with how quiet and well kept it is. There is security nearby, which adds to the sense of safety. It would be a great place for toddlers and younger kids. There is space for them to move around and play without feeling like you are in a crowded public park. They have a basketball court where you can play or shoot around, and there are picnic tables where you can sit, eat, or just hang out. I came here just looking for a place to sit down and relax for a little while. It turned out to be a perfect spot for that. You could come here to think, read, get a little workout in, or simply catch your breath in the middle of the day. The park is very clean, very nice, and has a calm, peaceful feel to it. For me, it is an easy 5 stars.

    We've been coming here for a couple of years now and I LOVE this playground. I love that it's off…read morethe beaten path, rarely crowded, and feels so private. You can't even see the street or parking lot when you're inside the playground, and I love this sense of privacy and safety. It's completely fenced in, so I don't have to worry about my little one running off or fear cars, etc. It has everything you need - a large playscape area for bigger kids, a smaller playscape for babies/toddlers, some swings, a grassy patch to run around and kick a ball, shade and picnic tables for lunch, a sand pit for playing in, and benches for the parents to take a break! Clean bathrooms, patrolled by security, etc. it's a fav of mine!

    Photos
    Steve Soboroff Court Park
    Steve Soboroff Court Park
    Clean gated park for kids

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    Clean gated park for kids

    Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook - parks - Updated August 2026

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