Just when Kevin and I thought we’ve seen every corner of LA, we find a new place to explore. This past weekend, we visited Mount Washington — a hilltop community with unobstructed views of downtown LA. Never heard of Mount Washington? You’re not alone. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times Kevin asked — wait, where are we right now?
Taking in the views of Mount Washington in LA.
Check out our 1 day itinerary — taking you inside this super cute neighborhood, where we peeked at its crown jewel, a three story mission revival that once was the Mount Washington Hotel. Today, the building houses the VERY LA-sounding “self-realization Fellowship” where Indian guru Paramahansa Yoganandam (I dare you to say that name 3 times fast!) brought eastern philosophy, including yoga, to the west. Wait, there was a time that yoga didn’t exist in LA? After the hike, we’ll take you to nearby Highland Park for a unique shopping experience and lunch (obviously, we can’t beat a hidden food stop). Then we’re off to Pasadena for some fancy garden time. Who said socially distancing needs to be boring?
Old Hollywood stars once stayed at the Mount Washington Hotel, now the Self-Realization Fellowship monastery.
Stop #1: A Hike Through Mount Washington: Golden Hollywood’s Hidden Playground
Hidden staircases throughout Mount Washington will take you to the peak.
Mount Washington’s roots go back to 1909 when local real estate developer Robert Marsh saw it as a prime business opportunity. Back then, this part of the city was basically an overgrown jungle. But Marsh convinced his wealthy buddies to develop Mount Washington’s mostly-flat peak into sub-lots, which included the construction of the fancy Mount Washington Hotel. Cars had a difficult time climbing the neighborhood’s steep streets (keep this in mind for your hike – you’ll feel the burn!). To solve this problem, a cable car was modeled after downtown’s famed Angels Flight funicular. But as the popularity of other hotels in LA grew — like the Biltmore in downtown — the cable car lost its charm and was permanently shut in 1919.
Mount Washington’s funicular, taking visitors to the peak.
You’ll get a sense of Mount Washington’s very steep hills by climbing over them on foot. We highly recommend following the 2.7 mile climb through the neighborhood, following the map on the All Trails app. The loop trail is a great urban hike and even dog friendly. Though, our dog Doug would have never made all these hills!
Kevin takes a break to cool down on the urban hike through Mount Washington.
The trail climbs up the hills and even climbs the neighborhood’s hidden staircases. These were used for residents who wanted to access the street cars at the bottom of the hill.
Climbing through the staircases of Mount Washington in LA.
We enjoyed the community vibe up here and we actually started looking up homes on Zillow. I mean, neighbors giving out free succulents?
The trail eventually levels out at the top, going past the self-realization center, with a lush meditation garden. But it was the views that gave us that inner zen moment. That and maybe we needed a moment to rest our feet. Hey, it’s a lot of walking uphill!
Stop #2: A Grocery Store for Soda?
The shelves of soda at Galco’s Grocery Store.
Next up, we were ready to rehydrate. Okay, so maybe soda isn’t the best option. But whatever, Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in nearby Highland Park has been on my list of places to visit since we’ve been living in LA, give or take 10 years. The shop has been in business since 1897, and when I asked how coronavirus has impacted them, shop owner John Nese joked, “We survived the Black plague (of the 1920s), we’ll survive this.” Fair point!
Beyond the aisles upon aisles of rare and weird flavors (like bacon soda), you’ll also find a deli section but rather than hamburger meat, it’s packed with old school candy. They’ve even found a supplier that will provide them with Necco wafers (no longer in production).
I love the candy section here. Of course, I figured if we’re already drinking soda, what’s the harm of some candy too?
At the back of the store, there is even a make your own “soda bar” — where I kept coming up with horrible soda ideas just to see Kevin’s reaction. I personally don’t see what’s wrong with the marshmallow, banana and maple combo?
Finally, most exciting of all (at least to us during self-quarantine), is the jigsaw puzzle selection. We’re still waiting on that puzzle we ordered on Amazon like 2 months ago. So, in my true over-panic fashion mode, I overcompensated and bought 4 of them. We might run out of soap, but darn it, we have puzzles. We won’t leave home for weeks!
Galco’s for all your jigsaw puzzle needs in LA.
Stop #3: A Hidden Sandwich Shop Inside a Grocery Store
Monte 52, located inside the back corner of La Tropicana Market.
Our next stop in Highland Park was to Monte 52, a sandwich shop located in the back corner of La Tropicana Market. I’ve had this spot bookmarked on my phone for so long that I forget that it wasn’t actually a storefront. We seriously passed the address about 3 times (okay, maybe 5) until I just parked and put my super sleuthing skills to the test. That, and I actually saw their menu taped to the window outside the grocery store. I love the idea of hidden restaurants but in coronavirus times, it’s even more hidden since you can’t go inside! No problem — we simply ordered over the phone from the sidewalk and waited. Kevin had the ultimate grilled cheese — made with rachlette, dijon, caramelized onion and tomato ($8) and gave it 5 stars. Though, you really can’t go wrong with cheese.
The ultimate grilled cheese. Get plenty of napkins for the cheesy mess.
I wanted the buffalo chicken sandwich, but they didn’t have it. And I ended up panic ordering the pork and brie dip. Clearly, not even remotely close to what I wanted. Luckily, I remain calm under pressure when decisions actually count. But minor decisions in life? Say, last minute packing for a vacation? Or having to select another Airbnb when my first choice is no longer available? Well, things get a little brutal. So I’ll hold back on what I thought of my second choice sandwich (and hopefully one day, I’ll get to write a positive review on that buffalo chicken!).
Stop #4: Wrapping Things Up with a Stroll Through Pasadena
While Pasadena is less than a 10 minute drive from the sandwich shop, you’ll get to see a completely different version of LA. And were thrilled to find the Arlington Garden in Pasadena remained open even during the pandemic. This 3-acre park is also completely free. We had a great time getting lost on its twisting paths and seeing such California native plants like poppies, sunflowers, cactus as well as orange and olive trees.
Along the way, you’ll find benches, birdbaths and tables where you can relax and read a book. You’ll also want to check out the art installation by Yoko Ono called Wish Tree for Pasadena. Basically, visitors can make a wish, write it down on a piece of paper than tie it to the branch of the wish tree (and I guess Yoko calls it art!). I actually thought it was just people leaving sweet messages behind. Though, our absolute favorite part of the gardens was following the classic labyrinth, built by students from a nearby high school. It takes about five minutes of slow walking to do the entire thing. Or you can be like the couple in front of us who just hopped over most of it, and completed it in about 45 seconds.
Kevin explores the labyrinth inside the Pasadena Gardens.
We made it back to West Hollywood just before it started getting dark. Who knew there was so much to do during a pandemic? Looking for more places to explore in LA? Check out all our adventures in Los Angeles here. Want to do more urban hikes? Then check out our round up of the best hidden staircase hikes in Los Angeles.
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