Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
We had heard about them for years, but now that we live west, we have become obsessed with the steps in Santa Monica.
This is our version of getting away from the gym and "jogging around the Park", if you will. Your prize for getting to the top of the steps is the spectacular ocean view... and a shelf for an ass.
P.S. The public steps are on the left. The beautiful brick stairs that head to the right lead to a private home... you should see their views, lucky buggers.
The best document I've ever read re: etiquette of the magical staircase you have pictured
check out her other entries re: Los Angeles if you have time. THE best writer ever.
Alec-
Now that you have completely let the cat out of the bag I just might have to find another place to workout. The stairs are a little jewel of the west-side. Sure, you occasionally get the Juicy tangerine colored sweat suit aspirations to become Hef's new girl talking on her cell phone obviously to the world there. But, hey there is enough room for everybody.
There are actually 2 sets of stairs. The cement set is a bit over crowded for my liking and a bit rough on the limbs. The wood set (located 200 yards east of the cement) are wider and easier on the limbs and a bit better smelling. Both sets have fantastic views of the ocean and the incredible homes of Santa Monica.
It is a wonderful way to get away from the rat race that is LA.
i grew up near the steps, in pacific palisades. i was fascinated with the steps. one day, when i was 9ish, my mother actually stopped the car and let me descend them alone, by myself... with not one other person on them.
i thought i was going to die, thought they would never end, thought i was going to fall down them.
when my mom met me at the bottom, i begged her to meet me at the top so i could see what it was like going up.
a bazillion years later, i still dream about those steps. isn't that strange?