Silver Lake Stairs: Discover L.A.’s Most Artistic Hidden Workout

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There’s something undeniably romantic about the Silver Lake stairs. Tucked between ivy-covered fences and shaded by old trees, they feel like a secret passageway hidden in plain sight. They make up part of the iconic Silver Lake aesthetic. Walking them at dusk, when the city hum fades and golden light filters through the branches, feels like stepping out of Los Angeles entirely. It’s intimate, quiet, and full of little discoveries. To climb them hand-in-hand with someone you love—hearts racing, not just from the incline—might be the perfect date night. No reservations, no traffic, just the two of you and the echo of your steps.

From the iconic Micheltorena Stairs to the tucked-away Swan Stairs, these urban relics offer views, murals, history, and a killer glute workout.

Below, we break down the best Silver Lake stairs to climb, how to find them, what to expect, and why this uniquely L.A. phenomenon is worth every step.

📍 Location: Eastside Los Angeles
🚗 Parking: Street parking available; best on the side streets near Silver Lake Blvd & Sunset Junction
🌊 Vibe: Congested and aggressive, which is why I don’t miss living here
☕️ Must-try: Intelligentsia, Dinosaur Coffee, Cafe Nido, Sqirl, Pine & Crane, LAMILL
📸 Best for: Street art, architecture, boutique and vintage shopping, secret Silver Lake stairs
🕒 Best time to visit: Late morning to sunset

Why Does Silver Lake Have So Many Staircases?

Silver Lake was developed in the early 1900s, long before every Angeleno had a car. As hillside neighborhoods grew, staircases became essential infrastructure—connecting homes to trolley lines and shops below. Today, many of these staircases remain, some restored, some weathered, and others transformed into vibrant public art.

They’re part of what makes Silver Lake one of L.A.’s most walkable and whimsical neighborhoods.

Tucked into the hills of Los Angeles, the Silver Lake stairs are more than just a way to get from one street to another—they’re a local obsession.

Whether you’re chasing a cardio challenge, a photo-op on a rainbow staircase, or a slice of old L.A. charm, these hidden staircases in Silver Lake deliver.

They’re scattered throughout this artsy Eastside neighborhood like secrets waiting to be discovered. And for locals in the know, stairwalks are a beloved ritual—equal parts exercise, urban exploration, and neighborhood tour.

Where is Silver Lake, Los Angeles, Anyway?

Silver Lake sits just west of Echo Park and north of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), bounded by Los Feliz, East Hollywood, and Atwater Village. With Sunset Boulevard slicing through the neighborhood, it’s easily accessible from most parts of the city — yet it feels worlds apart.

Best Silver Lake Stairs to Explore

From rainbow-painted steps to hidden concrete trails winding through quiet hillsides, Silver Lake’s staircases are as eclectic as the neighborhood itself.

Each one offers a different perspective—on the city, on history, and maybe even on yourself.

Follow the stairs in the order below. It’s the best way. The first three stairs listed can be easily located on Google Maps. And when in doubt, ask a local. Be prepared for a hipster attitude when they begrudgingly answer.

☕ Need a caffeine fix between stairs?
Silver Lake’s coffee scene is just as creative as its stairs and walls — from minimalist roasters to artsy neighborhood cafés, you’ll find the perfect spot to recharge. Check out my complete guide to Silver Lake coffee shops for the best brews and vibes in LA’s coolest neighborhood.

1. Micheltorena Stairs: Stair Candy (a.k.a. The Heart Stairs)

📍 Micheltorena & Sunset Blvd

Instagram-famous and hard to miss, these painted stairs start with a pink-and-red heart and continue in rainbow hues.

Local artist Corinne Carrey painted them as a love letter to the neighborhood. Great for selfies, steeper than they look, and easy to reach from Sunset Junction.

Get coffee from Alfred across the street.

Local tip: Start here early in the morning to avoid crowds—and nosy influencers.

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2. Music Box Steps

📍 Vendome St. between Descanso & Del Monte

These stairs are L.A. film history. Named after the 1932 Laurel & Hardy short “The Music Box,” the staircase has been immortalized on screen. It connects residents through a winding, shaded climb that feels like something out of old Hollywood.

Bonus: Every October, the Silver Lake Improvement Association hosts Music Box Steps Day, a quirky street fair celebrating slapstick and cinema.

3. The Swan Stairs

📍 Swan Place & Silver Lake Blvd

The Swan Stairs are quietly epic. With over 100 steps and a panoramic view at the top, they’re the kind of staircase that rewards you for suffering. A lot of murals here—plus eucalyptus trees, aging concrete, and a serious incline.

Local tip: Park along Silver Lake Blvd. and wear shoes with grip—some steps can be slick.

Each level of the Swan Stairs gets better and better.

The Swan Steps unfold in three distinct segments, guiding you gradually downhill from Webster Avenue to Rotary Drive, then to Redesdale Avenue, and finally down to Westerly Terrace. At the end of each stair segment, pause for a moment—look back to appreciate the vibrant designs by artist Evelyn Leigh, who’s been adding color and charm to these stairs since 2015.

At the bottom of the final flight, you’ll arrive near 1763 Westerly Terrace. From here, head southwest toward Effie Street. Keep in mind that many streets in these hills lack sidewalks, and some curves can be tight and blind to drivers—so stay alert and walk with care.

Once you reach the intersection of Effie and Westerly, turn right and follow the incline until it meets Redesdale Avenue. Tucked between two driveways, you’ll spot the last staircase of the route—a quiet final climb that rewards you with sweeping views and a deep sense of neighborhood stillness.

Pro Tip: While in Silver Lake, walking the hidden staircases, you’ll pass many murals created by local artists. Here is a list of Silver Lake murals, if you want to cross that off your Silver Lake must-see list.

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4. Mattachine Steps (formerly Cove Stairs)

📍 Silver Lake Blvd. & Cove Ave.

These stairs were renamed to honor the Mattachine Society, one of the first LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the U.S., founded right here in Silver Lake in the 1950s. The steps are steep, shaded, and rich in history.

Local tip: Pause halfway up for a view over Silver Lake Reservoir.

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5. The “Tomato Pie” Stair Walk

When I lived in Atwater Village with a toddler in tow, we ate at Tomato Pie once. Okay, twice. Fine—three times a week. Usually, with other sleep-deprived parents clinging to the same pepperoni-fueled sanity. It was less about pizza (although the za is great) and more about survival. Safety in numbers, carbs, and somewhere your kid could scream without judgment. Having kids is hard—Tomato Pie made it slightly less so.

📍 Silver Lake Blvd. & Cove Ave.

Tucked into the Franklin Hills just off Hyperion Avenue, the Tomato Pie stairs offer a delightful fusion of L.A. stair-climbing culture and local culinary charm. Starting behind the beloved Tomato Pie pizzeria at 2457 Hyperion Ave, these steps are part of a popular evening stair-walk led by local advocates.

The photos above show part of the walking route, not the staircase directly behind Tomato Pie.

However, you can begin your walk from that staircase as well—it’s located across from the Electric Avenue Garage on Hyperion, right next to the apartment building at 2241 Hyperion Blvd.

The route encompasses around 14 separate stairways, totaling roughly 733 steps uphill and back down over a well-loved 3-mile loop.

Along the way, tall concrete stair flights are embraced by greenery, offering quiet moments between bustling neighborhood streets. As dusk settles and the cool air drifts in, the climb transitions into a peaceful, almost meditative journey—one that leads back to the warm glow of Tomato Pie’s cozy interior and the pizza smell that started it all.

This mix of workout, community, and carbs makes the Tomato Pie stair loop a quintessential Silver Lake experience.

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How to Plan a Silver Lake Stair Hike

• Start Point Suggestion: Begin at the Micheltorena Stairs and make your way toward the Music Box Steps.
• Route Apps: Use AllTrails or the Secret Stairs guidebook by Charles Fleming.
• Parking: Free street parking is possible near Sunset Blvd., but check signs carefully.
• When to Go: Early mornings or late afternoons are best. Avoid midday sun.
• Safety Tip: Many stairs are residential—be respectful, keep noise low, and don’t block driveways.

What to Bring on Your Stair Adventure

• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen (yes, even in the shade)
• Sneakers with good tread
• Your phone (for both pics and GPS)
• Curiosity and quads of steel

Stair Etiquette: Don’t Be That Person

Remember, most of these stairs cut through residential neighborhoods. Locals walk dogs, push strollers, and live regular lives around them. Keep your music off, don’t litter, and for the love of Silver Lake, skip the photoshoot if there’s a line forming behind you.

Silver Lake Stair Map: Do You Need One?

There’s no official map—but local blogs and Reddit threads have compiled DIY walking routes. The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council also has an “Adopt a Stair” program, which may eventually lead to more signage and support for preservation.

If you’re feeling analog, the Charles Fleming book remains the holy grail for self-guided stairwalks across L.A.

Final Thoughts: Take the Steps Less Traveled

The Silver Lake stairs are more than a fitness fad—they’re a living, breathing part of Los Angeles history. Each step tells a story, each mural is a message, and each climb reveals a new layer of the neighborhood. If you’re looking to see a more soulful, stair-step side of L.A., Silver Lake is calling.

FAQs: The Silver Lake Stairs

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