The gateway to Hollywoodland
BOUNDARIES: Franklin Ave., US 101, Griffith Park
DISTANCE: About 2 miles
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (includes stairways)
PARKING: Free parking is available on Beachwood Dr.
Beachwood Canyon works hard to maintain its rural, small-town vibe, even though it looks out over frenetic Hollywood. The neighborhood’s origins reflect this conceit; in 1923, real estate magnate S. H. Woodruff developed the rustic hills north of Hollywood, which he topped off with an ostentatious four-story sign dubbing it HOLLYWOODLAND. The last four letters have since been removed, and the remainder of the sign—now one of the most recognizable Southern California landmarks in the world—has been treated to the occasional face-lift over the past 80 years (this is Hollywood, after all).
At the time of development, Woodruff hired European stonemasons to construct roadside walls and six long stairways out of wrought iron and stone to connect the residential streets of Hollywoodland. This walk seeks out and conquers every one of these steep flights, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfy shoes.
Begin on Beachwood Drive, just south of Belden Drive, and head north into the canyon. The original stone gates of Hollywoodland sit on either side of the road, and a street sign welcomes residents home while imploring them to SLOW DOWN AND RELAX. To the right, at 2700 Westshire Drive, is the original Hansel and Gretel–style cottage that still houses the Hollywoodland Realty Company.
Turn left on Belden Drive and walk past the neighborhood hub, where locals grab breakfast at 
Beachwood Cafe, do light grocery shopping at the 
Beachwood Market, and stay current on the community happenings posted on the bulletin board.
Turn right on Woodshire Drive, a narrow, winding street with a pleasing rustic feel that you follow past flawless Spanish homes, many with stained-glass details in the windows. An imposing Norman castle–style home at 2755 Woodshire catches the eye. Next door is an ivy-covered English cottage with a coat of arms painted over the front door. While the predominant architectural style in the canyon is Mediterranean, the Anglo influence is also apparent.
Citrus trees add a splash of color.
Just before 2795 Woodshire, look for the first of the somewhat hidden Hollywoodland stairways on your left, and ascend it.
Emerge back on Belden Drive, and turn left.
When you reach the fork in the road, bear right to continue uphill on Flagmoor Place. About halfway up the short street, a clearing on the left treats you to a great view of downtown’s high-rises to the southeast.
As you approach the intersection of Flagmoor Place and Durand Drive, you can catch an unobstructed view of Griffith Observatory directly to the east. Bear left slightly to head uphill on Durand. You’ll notice a great stone wall on your right. Follow this to the front of the magnificent home at 2869 Durand, which was built in the style of a Norman castle.
Cross in front of the entrance to 2869 Durand, and take a few steps down the dirt trail that lies next to a small parking area to reach a trailhead. The Lake Hollywood Reservoir sparkles below and can be reached by following the trail about 0.5 mile downhill.
Retrace your steps from the trail back to Durand Drive, and turn left on Durand—back the way you came. Now heading north, you pass the intersection with Flagmoor Place, taking care to stay on Durand. The HOLLYWOOD sign looms large directly ahead.
2869 Durand, aka “Wolf’s Lair”
Just past 2954 Durand is the second stairway, which is broken up by pathways and landings. Follow the steps all the way down to the street below. Use caution, as some of the stairs have eroded over time. At the bottom of the steps, cross Rodgerton Drive to continue straight on Belden Drive.
Follow Belden as it curves east, and look for the next stairway, just past 2950 Belden. This straight, narrow flight, divided by what used to be small ponds but are now sand-filled planters, is perhaps the most recognizable stairway in Beachwood Canyon. Descend the steps and then turn left on Woodshire Drive at the bottom. A bronze Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission sign at the base declares Hollywoodland’s granite retaining walls and interconnecting stairways a Historic-Cultural Monument.
Cross Beachwood Drive and turn right on the other side of the street. Between 2800 and 2810 Beachwood is another very long stairway. Take a deep breath and ascend the 144 steps to Westshire Drive. Again, watch out for cracks and holes in the 80-year-old concrete.
Turn left at the top of the stairs, and follow Westshire Drive downhill to where it merges with Beachwood Drive. Notice that some of the homes on the right appear to have maintained the original stone retaining walls.
Continue north on Beachwood, past vibrantly painted Spanish homes, charming traditional wood-and-brick houses, and faux castles; the residence at 2925 even features a large mural of a medieval knight on the wall facing the street. As you approach the intersection with Belden Drive, notice the particularly adorable English cottage at 2958, complete with low stone walls and a thatched-style roof.
Pass Belden Drive and continue on Beachwood, keeping an eye out for the next staircase, which lies on your right between 3020 and 3030 Beachwood. Begin your ascent of the longest stairway of this walk—176 steps—pausing as needed to catch your breath. The houses on either side have particularly large lots, lending a nice rustic feel to this portion of the walk.
At the top of the stairs, turn right on Hollyridge Drive for the longest stairway-free stretch of this route. Thankfully, the road slopes gently downhill here, providing some relief after the no-nonsense sets of stairs you have climbed. Many of the homes on the hill to your left are concealed behind dense foliage, but you can catch glimpses of several interesting styles, including another stone castle and a few imposing contemporary residences. Continue straight on Hollyridge past the intersection with Lechner Place.
At the intersection with Pelham Place, just past 2831 Hollyridge and across the street from another castlelike facade, turn right to descend the final stairway of your journey.
At the bottom of the steps, turn left to follow Westshire Drive about a block back to Beachwood Drive.
Turn left to return to your starting point next to the stone gates marking the entrance to Hollywoodland.
Atop Mount Lee since 1923
Upper Beachwood Canyon and Hollywoodland
Points of Interest
Beachwood Cafe 2695 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068; 323-871-1717, beachwoodcafe.com
Beachwood Market 2701 Belden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068; 323-464-7154
