Best Parks in Los Angeles, from Griffith Park to Grand Park

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. It’s hard to believe this rather expansive patch of grassland rests amid buzzy Beverly Hills. In fact, you can hardly hear the aggrevated honks of daily commuters or the snaps of paparazzi at nearby celeb haunts. Instead, you’ll enjoy the well-kept urban oasis, equipped with a sand volleyball court, a playground, a basketball court, picnic benches and tables, and a large grassy field for soccer, playing catch or what have you. Bonus? An ice cream truck comes rolling around every so often and on a hot summer day, it’s the closest thing to heaven.

summer rolls around, you can also enroll the little ones in swimming lessons at nearby Begg Pool.

For hidden-in-plain-sight history Photograph: Courtesy Roberto Nickson Attractions, Parks and gardens Elysian Park

Echo Park

L.A.’s oldest park, founded in 1886, is big and beautiful but tends to get a bad rap. Admittedly, some things here have fallen by the wayside, but among the palm tree groves and hilly hikes, you’ll find great views of the Valley, Downtown, the Hollywood Hills and Dodger Stadium—which rests on a blasted bowl of hillside that was once home to the pastoral Chavez Ravine neighborhood. On weekends, expect a buzz of activities around bouncy castles and “dog hill,” a spot where locals convene to throw balls, sticks, and compliments for each other’s canine companions. If you’re here in the early AM, you may hear volleys of gunshots—the Police Academy is next door, and you can hear officers practicing at the firing range. On the northeast edge of the park, just off Angels Point Road, you’ll find a rope swing tied to a tree overlooking Northeast L.A. Read more

Looking to explore more of L.A.’s great outdoors?

Photograph: Benny Haddad Things to do The best hikes in L.A.

If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors while also working in some exercise, look no further than L.A.’s best hiking trails.

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