Best Parks in Los Angeles, from Griffith Park to Grand Park
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Photograph: Rozette Rago The 25 best parks in Los Angeles Explore some of the best parks in Los Angeles, from the Griffith Park wilderness to the urban Grand Park By Michael Juliano and Time Out contributors Posted: Tuesday August 20 2019 ADVERTISING 7 0 Among the lengthy list of picturesque attractions in this city—who can resist the temptation of a hike through Runyon, an afternoon in a botanical garden or a trip to the beach ?—there is a wealth of beautiful parks in Los Angeles. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a devoted dog owner, there’s a slice of nature that fits your lifestyle. For those days when you’re looking for things to do but don’t feel like climbing up all 282 the best (and free) parks in Los Angeles. For urban wilderness Photograph: Jakob N. Layman Things to do Griffith Park Griffith Park It’s easy to forget you’re still in the city as you trek through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that covers this rugged park. But take one look out from the iconic Griffith Observatory and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the L.A. Basin as it stretches out to the ocean. Griffith’s myriad attractions and wilderness caters to all types: intrepid hikers can explore the Bronson Caves and visit Amir’s Garden ; easygoing weekenders can relax in the shaded, verdant passage through Fern Dell or the picnic tables at Crystal Springs; kid-toting visitors can board the steamers at Travel Town or explore the archaic cages at the Old Zoo ; and pop culture lovers can catch a show at the Greek Theatre or visit Walt’s Barn (a transplanted shed where Disney himself would tinker away with model trains). Read more For art aficionados Photograph: Jakob N. Layman Things to do, Cultural centers Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House Los Feliz After oil heiress and philanthropist Aline Barnsdall bought this cute little hill after the end of World War I, she enlisted Frank Lloyd Wright to build a group of buildings at its summit. Though the entire complex was never finished, Barnsdall went on to donate the house, guest house and 11 acres of the land to the city on the premise that they be used as a public art park. More than eight decades later, the site still fulfills that role, with exhibitions in a variety of gallery spaces, as well as tours of the stunningly restored Hollyhock House . In the summer, the park hosts alfresco cinema nights, wine tastings and cultural events that bring out a nice mix of singles, couples and young families. Read more Most that come to Santa Monica will flock to Palisades Park —for good reason, as the ocean views from the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths are breathtaking—but our allegiances lie with this low-key spot. Read more For reclaimed green space Photograph: Rozette Rago Things to do Echo Park Lake Echo Park A former reservoir turned public recreation area, the historic Echo Park Lake has become a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue. You can push your way through the lake in a pedal or swan boat ($11–$25 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders. Make sure to stop at the revived boathouse and its breakfast pit stop Beacon . Read more Book online For waterfront views Photograph: Courtesy TaiLi Samson Things to do Palisades Park Santa Monica Walk along the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths here and it becomes obvious why tourists flock to this oceanside park in Santa Monica. Nestled between the beach and Ocean Avenue, this bluff-top trail has stunning views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains—this is the postcard picture of L.A.’s coastline that lives in most people’s heads. Steer clear of the touristy (and sometimes unsavory) section by the pier—though don’t pass up a stop at the Camera Obscura —and instead head north past the stately concrete sculpture at Wilshire to the colorful totem pole at San Vicente. Read more beauty of the 1976 goodwill gift from South Korea. The exposed, grassy bluff is an ideal spot to fly a kite or just lounge in the grass of Angels Gate Park. Read more For Valley dwellers Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Kara Brugman Things to do, Event spaces Lake Balboa Van Nuys Balboa is a large family-friendly park known for its beautiful lake (you can even rent a swan boat ) and serene picnic spots. Springtime visitors are treated to the cherry blossom bloom around the lake’s perimeter, though the sight doesn’t come without crowds. Those simply in search of a workout will find a section that’s fitness-centered and removed from the lake, avoiding the crowds entirely. Meanwhile, those more in the mood for grassy wilderness or cultivated gardens can venture next door to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve and the Japanese Garden . Read more Just south of the Arroyo Seco’s most famous tenant—the Rose Bowl —this 62-acre park provides a scenic green space for locals and out-of-towners alike. Set against the stunning San Gabriel Mountains, you’ll find plenty of open space to run and play among the multipurpose sports fields, along with some shade near Reese’s Retreat , the pirate ship-themed playground. There’s a proper fitness trail around the park, but you’ll find many active visitors running and biking along a path that flanks the entire east side of the park, all the way north past the adjoining golf course. If you’re willing to shell out a few bucks, stop by the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s dual pools or the hands-on Kidspace Children’s Museum . Parking isn’t an issue, thanks to that 90,000-seat stadium, but note that the Rose Bowl Flea Market sets up shop the second Sunday of each month, while UCLA plays home games on Saturdays during the fall. Read more For museum lovers Photograph: Michael Juliano Things to do Exposition Park USC/Exposition Park The majesty of past Olympics will meet a bit of future grandeur when a spruced- up Memorial Coliseum plays host to the 2028 Summer Games. But already, Exposition Park stands as one of L.A.’s most significant institutions. You’ll find green spaces scattered around the USC -adjacent property, but the most charming section resides in the fragrant Rose Garden. Rest in one of the gazebos or take a stroll around the central fountain, all the while admiring its beautiful brick neighbors. If you’re up for the museum shuffle, take advantage of the free California African American Museum and California Science Center as well as the Natural History Museum , which includes a handsome nature walk and a seasonal butterfly garden . With a nearby Expo Line station and the under-construction Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the park has all the building blocks of a traditional urban museum campus. Read more For four-legged friends Photograph: Michael Juliano Things to do Lake Hollywood Park Hollywood Carved into the hills above the Hollywood Reservoir’s walking paths but below a turnout of sightseeing vans, this grassy field feels like a dog-friendly Shangri-La. You don’t have to have four legs to enjoy the scenery, thanks to a small playground, shaded picnic benches and one of the most fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign . But for dog owners, this verdant retreat is the perfect place to mingle with hills-dwelling pooches—just make sure your dog is leashed, lest you get ticketed by the park rangers. Read more Silver Lake’s twin reservoirs have two dog parks (one big, one small), along with a slew of human-centric facilities: a basketball court, playground and field for the kiddies, and a 2.2 mile trail around its entirety. It’s a great place to bring kids, dogs, a picnic or a running club. The Reservoir is also home to the Meadow (note: no pups allowed here), a soft, play bocce ball. Read more There’s no greater taste of freedom for your four-legged friend than jaunting around the park grounds sans leash. If you’re cool with letting your pet meander through the park with leash-free K-9s or if you have a dog that loves catching Frisbees more than life itself, this is your new go-to spot. The sprawling grounds offer designated areas for small dogs, large dogs and even more timid dogs, and is equipped with a decent number of benches and chairs so you can stare lovingly at your dog-child and take plenty of pics. Read more For quiet neighborhoods retreats Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Joe Wolf Things to do Garfield Park South Pasadena As if South Pasadena wasn’t already charming enough, Garfield Park practically defines what it means to be a wholesome neighborhood park. You’re likely to encounter families celebrating birthdays or kids climbing around the playground, but the modest-sized park never feels swallowed by crowds—with the allowable exception of its summer concert series. Enter through the Mission Street side and you’ll first walk through a compact but lovely rose garden. Elsewhere, mature trees and cobblestone details lend a distinctly South Pas feel to the park—that is to say, small town warmth with decidedly L.A. style. Read more For kid-friendly afternoons Photograph: Courtesy Roxbury Community Center & Memorial Park Things to do, Playgrounds Roxbury Community Center and Memorial Park Beverly Hills If you’re looking for the kind of park where you can repose on the grassy field, throw some hoops, or frolick on the monkey bars, this is it.