Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook image

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Tourist attraction Park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Culver City


Address

6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232

Website

www.parks.ca.gov

Contact

(310) 558-5547

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (4.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: stairs (20) view (15) views (14) great (14) trail (14) hike (14) workout (13) beautiful (11) park (11) people (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Carolyn H. 2 years ago on Google
    Free street parking, almost panoramic views up top of LA, great spot for sunrise or sunsets, especially to see neighboring mountains in the backdrop of city views. Clean, well maintained restrooms at the top at the building, was open when we arrived around sunset (5:30 PM in January)
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LaDonna M. 7 months ago on Google • 205 reviews
    It's an absolutely beautiful place! We went up for the sunset and we got some amazing pictures of that and you can see downtown Los Angeles as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher R. 2 years ago on Google
    Popular place to get a quick workout! Park on the street at the bottom, and take the stairs or the more gradually inclining path to the top. Even if you take in the view and take some detours along the walking trails at the top, it won't take much longer than 30 minutes. Definitely worth a visit!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miriam L. 1 year ago on Google • 66 reviews
    382 steps, or you have the option of ascend via a windy dirt trail along the hill. You can see a tiny sliver of the Hollywood sign while Up there. Street parking is also available. No dogs allowed. The steps themselves are pretty massive and have awkward spacing between them. That’s where the real work out comes in. And On that note, you’ll see MANY people who seemingly do this regularly as part of their workout routine. Took my family 30 minutes to go up, with a 10 year old and a 55+ year old. There are some food trucks usually parked at the bottom.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin Johan W. 2 years ago on Google
    A great spot for morning workout. Steps are steep and present a good challenge, or take the slower winding way upwards. Smoothie trucks at the bottom of the hill are a great reward afterwards! Would not classify this hill as a hike, but a great park none the less!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 scionviper 1 year ago on Google • 3 reviews
    This place is great for getting to a higher elevation but you don't want to leave the city. Want to go for a local hike but everything is too easy? Not this place the stairs alone will have you huffing and puffing. But when you get to the top the veil is worth it, especially on a clear day. Beach, city AND mountain views.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angie B. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm not going to lie; I didn't walk up to the top. I am NOT that fit. We drove to the top, looked around, and went back down. But in all fairness, we're from out of town, so of course time is a factor and we had to drive there anyway, so .... It's definitely worth the visit if you're in Los Angeles or you live there. It's beautiful and I'm sure really challenging if you're walking up from the base. When you get to the top and you see those views, it's so worth it. We were so lucky because the air quality was good so visibility was great. It was so quiet and peaceful up there and when you look down at the sprawling LA below you, it's mesmerising. You can hear sirens now and then and an airplane maybe, but otherwise it's relaxing and serene. And it's a nice different view vantage point than other areas of the city, so it's another bonus to visiting here. I imagine this gets super busy on weekends, so we were there during the week and early in the day. I wouldn't want to be there when it's really crowded as you'd lose the quiet. Also, I think it might be a little unpleasant in bad heat - unless you like hot weather - so early in the day was also a plus for that reason. I think I'll come back here each visit to LA. Maybe even next time I'll be fit enough to leave the car below and walk up (hehe).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin S. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow. All I can say is: wow. In addition, I'd also like to say wow. I live about a mile from here and I discovered the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook about a month ago. Since hiking to the top, I've made it a habit to go at least once a week. There is something indescribable about the panoramic view. It's like Sunset: Definitive Edition. I haven't been to every peak in California, but I imagine a lot of them are embarrassed that they aren't like Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. I'm embarrassed that I'm not like Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Anyway, great place to go to say goodbye to the day, great place to go for exercise, great place to go for a date, probably.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bannesa M. 6 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    I love it! It's all in one outdoor area. Was there yesterday(early 7am). A light crowd was already going at it. We were able to go at our pace(moderate) with no traffic up the stairs. Once to the top, we jogged to Kenneth Hann State Park, taking the viaduct. Side note: All levels are possible. Stairs are moderate to difficult. Side trails are easy. Great place to walk, run, and hike.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stevenie Smith F. 6 months ago on Google • 119 reviews
    I always love coming here to get a quick but very efficient workout in! These stairs are no joke! If you aren't up for the stairs you can take the trail and zigzag
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert F. 9 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    My favorite local spot for a good trail run. I call it my "home field" for trails LOL. On the Culver Stairs side, it can get a bit crowded. But it's not too big of an issue. The workout to get up those stairs is intense, so be prepared and be cautious, as the steps are not meant for beginners. Once you get to the top of Stairs, you can continue on to Kenneth Hahn side by crossing the bridge. That side is a lot less crowded and filled with lots of fun trails. Depending on what type of workout you're looking for, you can do anywhere from a 3 mile trail run to a 10 mile. Or even head on to Stocker if you want even more. And the views are breathtaking; you get beautiful landscapes of Santa Monica, Hollywood and Downtown LA. Love this place!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fo N. 10 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    Gorgeous, albeit uphill hiking trail. Recommend visiting in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom - you’ll get fields of yellow, green and some purple blossoms. Reminds me of swathes of paint on a canvas. Not crowded at all when you visit midday on a weekday, and an easy walk for any age.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean A. 7 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    This is my go-to place to get 45 minutes of cardio in. The stairs are not easy and I typically do not look forward to it. That is why I go because it is a good workout. The plants and bushes are somewhat overgrown recently due to the rain.. I enjoy free parking on the streets as well as the gravel lot. I recommend you bring a mask during the summer time especially if it is dry. There's a decent amount of dust.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen B. 2 years ago on Google
    Googled views of city lights at night and found this place. Expectations exceeded...mind blown...definitely worth it!! There were plenty of people still making the trek up the steep hill. We could see the trails and stairs in the dark. I already tripped on the flat walkway, so I thought maybe we shouldn't go exploring in the dark 🤪 We stayed right by the first overlook at the top and were not disappointed. It was a short hike uphill and not a lot of people around after sunset. Can't wait to see this same view in the daylight ☀️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bree K. 1 year ago on Google
    There are different ways to get up the mountain (... or hill). Climbing the Culver City Steps is definitely an experience and challenge to any level of fitness but oh so fun. You can stop and take pictures of the beautiful scene around you or just take in the awesome view while breathing in nature. If you don't want to do the steps you can take a path that starts off as a sidewalk and then advances to a dirt path. I wish the dirt path went all the way from the bottom to the top, it's easier on my knees when I run. If you walk or run please be safe and hydrate. I've seen the ambulance come to get people who did not take care of themselves during the hike ( due to a lack of hydration, rest, knowing when to stop, etc.). If you don't want to walk or run there is a road that can take you all the way to the top with an area for paid parking (most people don't seem to pay). The views are amazing! The sights are something you'd see in a movie. While hiking I feel like I get a chance to get away from the L.A buzz and get to have a slice of nature and peace. If you have a dog there are certain areas they don't want dogs due to some sort of conservation limitations but I still see people take them everywhere with no problem. All this to say, if have a chance go for it no matter which method you decide to climb... or ride. Oh and there are public restrooms at the very top with a water fountain. And I alluded to the conservation stuff too, they have some sort of museum at the very top too, but everytime I go it seems to be closed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 shanequa b. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent! Additional hiking trails near by! Restrooms on site. You walk up the hill if you feel Adventurous. Great views. You have to pay for parking. They accept cash or card!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing views with trails and steps! You can do the leisure walk or come here to workout. Well kept area with a few healthy food truck options at the start! It can be busy, come early to beat the heat and crowd!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D N. 2 years ago on Google
    Many ways to go up. Can park on streets below and take stairs up (not easy) or take one of many walking trails. For the unfit and lazy, drive up Hetzler and park in lot. Low fee. There is a nice visitor center up there and go past that to lookout sites. Can be chilly. We spent 30 min just to look out and catch sunset. Many people doing their exercises. JESUS LOVES YOU
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shinay W. 7 months ago on Google • 83 reviews
    One of the best outdoor hiking/workout things. The stairs are intense in a good way but Heltzer road is also efficient. Beautiful beautiful views. The best early sunrise and sunset:) usually terribly busy during the weekends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Coryne S S. 2 months ago on Google • 108 reviews New
    282 steps to the top, or a quick drive and $2 for an hour of parking ;) There were a lot of people getting their fitness on, even on a Monday, but we were still able to get fantastic pics without tons of people in the background :)

  • 5/5 Guillermo and Isabel R. 1 year ago on Google
    Props to everyone who parks on the street and climbs up!!! We parked at the top, made a quick visit to the public bathrooms at the nature center at the top, explored a bit, went down a third of the famous stairs, and then used the scenic route to get back to the top. It was so beautiful with all the flowers in bloom!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mohamad H. 10 months ago on Google
    Great view, can see the whole city up there. Also the hiking route is paved so well for walking. The place is full of lizards:))
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mayur P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a wonderful view of the LA area from Culver City! You can get up here by either taking the Culver City Stairs, by walking the trail that winds around the stairs, or driving up to the top. It is open from sunrise to sunset and you do have to pay to park at the top. The view is wonderful, on a clear day you can see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA, Century City, and even the Ocean to the west!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dor N. 1 year ago on Google
    Amongst one of the coolest lookouts in the LA area, a panoramic view of the entirety of west LA and the beach on a nice day, the park requires you to pay for parking at the top, there is a visitor center and multiple routes to explore. The park is filled with wildlife of many sorts. In conclusion, a very nice place to get your hillside run in if you live near by, comparable to Runyon canyon 4/10 hike difficulty
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy L. 2 months ago on Google • 49 reviews New
    Neat spot for a home, workout, or to drive all the way to the top for a great view of downtown on one side and the ocean on the other. The sunset was pretty special.

  • 5/5 James N. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice little stair hike but don't be fooled. Your quads will suffer. Great spot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sergio Perez B. 11 months ago on Google
    It was my first time going there and while it looks intimidating for someone who has recently started doing more physical outdoor activities. I must say it was fun, tough, but doable. I like that it has sections to rest on your way up or down. A must try for anyone trying to get some exercise done while getting a good view of the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yü W. 1 year ago on Google
    What an overlook! Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook has a great panoramic view of Los Angeles and Culver City. Locals come here to hike up the hill or do stairs exercise all the time. The overlook is on a hilltop, you can get there through the steep Culver City stairs, or a zigzag dirt trail that crisscrosses the stairs. You can also visit the overlook from Jim Webb Trail behind, it comes from Kenneth Hahn Park and Park to Playa Bridge. There are restrooms at the top of the overlook.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LosAngeles R. 1 year ago on Google
    Love to hike at this park, been coming since a child. Now as an adult, I enjoy long walks with my Truck. Love the views and friendly people too. I highly recommend this park for any family who wants to come and have a good time outdoors. Bikes, scooters, soccer, football, slides, sand, hiking, fishing, exercising, you name it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josef B. 2 years ago on Google
    Love that spot for a short workout or for a beautiful overlook over LA. The steps are steep and can be exhausting,but there is also a very nice path up to the top
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lone W. 2 years ago on Google
    Took my kids to this trail and it was awesome! The view of Culver City and surrounding areas awaking was in itself outstanding. If you add the benefits of getting some outside time, exercise, and having fun with your kids, you get a great way of starting your weekend. It isn't too difficult a trail for the young ones, but not too easy for the adults or more experienced hikers either. For those living in the neighborhood, it is perfect and right next door.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandy W. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are looking for a quick hour max walk with a little medium incline, beautiful scenery, and all this hike was it. 2 thumbs up!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alejandra M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to work out, there’s bathrooms and water at the top. It looks good but a little bit too dry. I go running there at least once a day. There’s also food trucks (I’m not a big fan of them but if you’re into working out and then eating it can be a plus for you)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 May C. 2 years ago on Google
    Wear comfortable clothes and good tennis shoes. The views are breathtaking and the workout can be modified in intensity to your liking. You can choose to climb up the hill on the Culver City stairs or take a hike up a more traditional route.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Super M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stairs are great for a leg workout. Trail connects with a second trail at the top of the hill. I went for a 1 mile hike and ended doing 8 miles. For sure this trail has a lot to offer. Explore a little bit and you will find a lot of things and beautiful places in this trail
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip B. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    The Culver City stairs up to the overlook, and the visitor center at the top, are one of the top outdoor amenities in Los Angeles county. This place is heavily used daily, but doesn’t feel too crowded on weekdays. There are opportunities to extend runs from this area either east to the Ballona Creek Park or west to Kenneth Hahn state park.

  • 5/5 Nicole G. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place if you like cardio. It’s a challenging climb up stairs. The steps are uneven. A few railings. Areas you can leave the steps. The view is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Sunil T. 1 year ago on Google
    This overlook place views are quite amazing all surrounding cities and mountains views are easy capture from here. It’s has also hiking paths and restroom’s facilities plus nice place for running or climbing up stairs.

  • 5/5 Floryn 1 year ago on Google
    This trail was perfect for me! Whether you want something less strenuous or pretty intense, this trail has you covered. The stairs are doable for someone who isn't active at all but you have to find a comfortable pace. The Outlook would have presented a beautiful panoramic view of the city if not for the clouds. Elsa's Juice Bar is a great reward at the end of the walk. Everything was fresh and delicious!

  • 5/5 Inkhaus L. 9 months ago on Google
    Parking available downhill and by the dog park. Mild hike, be sure to check the weather before you go, can get hot. Also please respect the flowers and wildlife.

  • 5/5 Sabrina B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice little hike. Pretty busy so be prepared to park a little ways down the street unless you luck out and get parking nearby. These photos are from 4th of July 2021. Looks empty I assure you it was busy.


Call (310) 558-5547 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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