The Top 10 Private Trails and Staircases in Los Angeles Perfect for an Outdoor Date
- Meghan N
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
Dating in Los Angeles doesn’t always have to mean crowded bars or noisy restaurants. Sometimes the best way to connect is with a quiet walk, tucked away from the usual hustle. LA is full of hidden trails, secret gardens, and historic staircases that set the scene for relaxed conversation, a little discovery, and maybe even a romantic view. Here are 10 under-the-radar spots — from Pasadena to Silver Lake to Monterey Park — that are short (under a mile if you keep them focused), easy to reach, and feel like your own secret corner of the city.
1. Wrigley Gardens (Pasadena)
What it is: A small, rose-filled garden on the grounds of the Tournament of Roses House.
Distance: Less than half a mile of meandering paths.
Why it’s date-friendly: Peaceful, intimate, and rarely crowded. The rose arbors and benches make it a natural setting for conversation.
Parking: Street parking nearby on Orange Grove Blvd.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 391 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA
2. Norton Simon Museum Sculpture Garden (Pasadena)
What it is: A tranquil pond and sculpture garden behind the Norton Simon Museum. Although it is currently closed for maintenance since this past January, it is expected to reopen this fall.
Distance: Compact — strollable in 15 minutes.
Why it’s date-friendly: Blends art and nature with benches under shady trees. Lovely add-on if you’re visiting the museum together.
Parking: Free lot at the museum.
Quietness: 3/5
Address: 411 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
3. Desiderio Neighborhood Park (Pasadena)
What it is: A small park tucked under the iconic Colorado Street Bridge.
Distance: A few short paths, all under half a mile.
Why it’s date-friendly: Bridges, picnic spots, and sunset views without big crowds.
Parking: Small lot + nearby street parking.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 10 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA
4. Amir’s Garden (Griffith Park / Los Feliz)
What it is: A volunteer-maintained ornamental garden hidden above Griffith Park.
Distance: Short stroll paths, less than ½ mile.
Why it’s date-friendly: Shady, colorful, and feels like a secret garden with a view.
Parking: Park near Mineral Wells Picnic Area; trail entrance nearby.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: No exact address, but you can find it by parking at Mineral Wells Picnic Area at Griffith Park. Walk past the yellow security gate.
5. Micheltorena Stairs (Silver Lake)
What it is: 200+ colorful painted steps leading up from Sunset Blvd.
Distance: Quick climb up and down; add a side street stroll to keep it under a mile.
Why it’s date-friendly: Playful vibe, street art, and a great backdrop for couple selfies.
Parking: Metered street parking on Sunset or nearby residential streets.
Quietness: 3/5
Address: 1330 Micheltorena St
6. Secret Stairway Workout Loop (Pasadena / Eagle Rock Border)
What it is: A hidden stairway adventure starting at the Elmwood Stairs (98 steps) and linking other nearby stair sets through quiet West Pasadena streets.
Distance: Full loop is about 2 miles, but you can easily shorten it by just doing Elmwood + one or two nearby stairways to keep it under a mile.
Why it’s date-friendly: Shady trees, historic architecture (Craftsman, Spanish, modern homes), roses and gardens along the way — it feels like a secret neighborhood adventure rather than a workout.
Parking: Street parking at La Loma Road & Elmwood Drive.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 420 Elmwood Dr, Pasadena
7. Gartz Court (Pasadena)
What it is: A historic bungalow court with an oval rose garden and charming paths.
Distance: Very small, perfect for a short romantic wander.
Why it’s date-friendly: Intimate architecture + garden setting; like stepping into old Pasadena.
Parking: Street parking on Pasadena Ave.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 745 N Pasadena Ave, Pasadena, CA
8. Mattachine Steps (Silver Lake)
What it is: A historic neighborhood stairway dedicated to the Mattachine Society.
Distance: Short stair walk, easily under half a mile round-trip.
Why it’s date-friendly: Quirky, meaningful history, plus a quiet residential feel.
Parking: Residential street parking on Cove Ave.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 2355 Cove Ave, Los Angeles
9. Barnes Memorial Park Walk (Monterey Park)
What it is: A green park with a defined walking/jogging loop.
Why it’s date-friendly: Easy, flat, and quiet; nice for a relaxed after-dinner stroll.
Parking: Free lot within the park.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 350 S Mc Pherrin Ave, Monterey Park, CA
10. Edison Trails Park (Monterey Park / Repetto Hills)
What it is: A small hillside park with short connecting trails.
Distance: ~0.5 mile one way; out-and-back under a mile.
Why it’s date-friendly: Quiet, green, and away from city noise; feels more remote than it is.
Parking: Small lot + street parking.
Quietness: 4/5
Address: 1600 S Garfield Ave, Monterey Park, CA
If you want your date to feel special, skip the crowded hikes and overdone hotspots. Each of these trails and staircases has a private charm — whether it’s a shaded rose garden, a hidden staircase tucked in a neighborhood, or a quiet park loop with just a handful of locals. The best part? All of them are short, accessible, and leave you plenty of time afterward to grab a coffee, picnic, or dinner nearby. In a city as busy as LA, these little escapes can feel like your own secret getaway.
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