11 Best Parks in Los Angeles
Explore Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
The best parks in Los Angeles offer a scenic retreat in nature, along with ample outdoor fun for all ages. While the city is known for its entertainment and shopping boulevards, you can find plenty of scenic spots with picnic areas, sports facilities, and lush greenery.
Hikers can head a little further from Downtown Los Angeles and explore miles of scenic trails, some of which overlook the iconic Hollywood sign and Mount Lee. Those who prefer a short stroll can find plenty of botanical gardens and community parks within the city limits. Best of all, many of Los Angeles’ most beautiful outdoor spaces host cultural festivals, concerts, fitness classes, and markets year-round.
1. Gloria Molina Grand Park
A 12-acre space in central Los Angeles
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
Gloria Molina Grand Park, also known just as Grand Park, covers 12 acres in Los Angeles’ center. You can find tree-shaded walking paths, botanical gardens, casual sitting areas, and historic fountains. It was founded in 1966 as a place where residents can unwind throughout the day.
The park offers excellent views of Los Angeles, stretching from the Music Center to City Hall. It has 4 distinct sections that provide a wide range of recreational activities. Some of its highlights include a community terrace with a diverse array of drought-tolerant plants, a small lawn hosting cultural events, and temporary markets. A must-see is the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, which has a membrane pool that’s open for wading. Read more
Location: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Open: Daily from 5.30 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 213-972-8080
Gloria Molina Grand Park
2. Palisades Park
Santa Monica’s ocean-facing park
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Palisades Park offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains of Santa Monica. You can find all sorts of fun in this family-friendly park, including walking paths, a collection of art installations, and diverse tree species. The best time to visit is in the evenings, as from the cliffs you can take in the breathtaking sunset.
Palisades Park is well worth the 16-mile drive from Downtown Los Angeles. You can see a Civil War cannon and a Native American totem pole, as well as sculptures of Santa Monica and Arcadia Bandini de Baker. Over 30 unique plant and tree species are in this park, including palm trees, European and Mexican fan palms, and Senegal date palms. Read more
Location: Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Open: Monday–Saturday from 5.30 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 6 am to 11:30 pm
Phone: +1 310-458-8300
Palisades Park
3. Griffith Park
Stunning views of Los Angeles
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Griffith Park is one of the most famous parks in Los Angeles and one of the largest municipal parks in North America. Within its 4,310 acres, you’ll find over 50 miles of trails leading to many waterfalls and lagoons. The park lies at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, about 2.5 miles east of the Hollywood Bowl.
The park offers a variety of things to do for all ages, including hiking, golfing, and cycling. Some of the must-visit attractions in Los Angeles are within Griffith Park, such as the Botanical Gardens. You can also watch a live show at the Greek Theater and enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles at Griffith Observatory.
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +1 323-644-2050
Griffith Park
4. Elysian Park
Los Angeles’ oldest community park
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Elysian Park dates back to 1886, making it the oldest park in Los Angeles. Within the 600-acre park, you’ll find palm groves, baseball fields, picnic neighborhoods, and playgrounds. Don’t be shocked if you hear gunshots in the early morning, because next door is the Police Academy, where officers usually practice at the firing range.
Visit the Chavez Ravine Arboretum to see over 100 varieties of trees from around the world, including Kauri, Tipu, and Cape Chestnut. Angels Point is a great place to enjoy views of Hollywood Hills, Dodger Stadium, and Downtown Los Angeles. There’s also a hidden gem called Secret Swing Angels Point, at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive.
Location: 835 Academy Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Open: Daily from 5 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 213-485-5054
Elysian Park
5. Lake Hollywood Park
A dog-friendly park with excellent views of the Hollywood Sign
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Lake Hollywood Park provides an idyllic escape from Los Angeles, with fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Reservoir. Hiking, jogging, and cycling are popular activities here, thanks to a flat, 3.3-mile paved loop bordering the reservoir. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Garden of Oz.
Lake Hollywood Park has picnic tables, barbecue pits, and a small playground, making it very popular with families on weekends. There’s a grass field for dogs to roam around, but make sure to keep their leash on to avoid a hefty fine. Located right below Mount Lee, the park is around 11 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles.
Location: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Phone: +1 818-243-1145
Lake Hollywood Park
6. Echo Park
A recreational park popular for boating
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Echo Park has been around since 1860, making it one of the older recreational parks in Los Angeles. This former reservoir attracts couples and families with its colorful gardens, walking paths, and picnic areas. There are also many alfresco cafes, where you can enjoy excellent coffee and desserts with views of the lake.
A great way to explore Echo Park Lake is by rowboat or swan boat, which you can rent from the onsite Wheel Fun Rentals. You’ll cruise past many resident swans and beautiful lotus beds. Annual celebrations such as the park’s Lotus Festival and its Dragon Boat Race are well worth checking out.
Location: 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 213-250-3578
Echo Park
7. Bronson Caves
A popular movie location in Griffith Park
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Bronson Caves is a section of Griffith Park with a series of caverns that serve as a popular filming location. Anyone looking for some outdoor adventure can explore these easily-accessible caves. The main trail to the caves is easy enough that you can bring your kids along. Additional trails are notably less easy to traverse.
The trail to and through the caves is just over a half-mile long, which takes around 1 hour at a steady pace. You can see the iconic Hollywood Sign from a convenient vantage point in the foothills. Bronson Caves appeared in many classic movies and TV shows, including Batman (1960s), Flash Gordon (1980), and The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981). Read more
Location: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +1 818-243-1145
Bronson Caves
8. Descanso Gardens
A botanical park in La Cañada Flintridge
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical park in La Cañada Flintridge, about 5.4 miles northwest of the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Founded by E. Manchester Boddy in 1937, the garden has oak trees, rare herbs, medicinal plants, and beautiful flowers, as well as North America’s largest camellia collection.
The Sturt Haaga Gallery has exhibits on contemporary arts, botany, horticulture, and conservation. A fun way to explore Descanso Gardens is by taking the Enchanted Railroad, a scaled-down replica of a diesel train. The botanical park is home to over 100 species of birds and mammals such as squirrels, mule deer, and bobcats. Read more
Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, United States
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 818-949-4200
Descanso Gardens
9. Runyon Canyon Park
For views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Runyon Canyon Park attracts hiking enthusiasts with its challenging trails and hilltop views of the famous Hollywood Sign. This 160-acre park has several roundtrip routes ranging between 1 and 3.5 miles, so there’s always a trail for just about every level of hiker.
Rock Mandala is a must-see in Runyon Canyon Park. It’s a public artwork consisting of several large rocks, some of which are around 300 lbs. You can find locals meditating and exercising around this landmark. It’s also a popular spot for dog owners as there are off-leash areas throughout the park. Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top of Runyon Canyon Park. Read more
Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Phone: +1 818-243-1145
Runyon Canyon Park
10. Exposition Park
An urban park with notable Los Angeles museums
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Exposition Park attracts many with its range of cultural venues and museums in Downtown Los Angeles. The 160-acre urban park is directly south of the University of Southern California’s main campus. You’ll find a historic 7-acre sunken garden with over 200 varieties of roses. Marble statues by Danish sculptor Thyra Boldsen are installed at the garden’s 4 corners.
Several notable museums are within Exposition Park, including the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the California African American Museum. You can get to the park by taking the Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC Station.
Location: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 213-744-2294
Exposition Park
11. Los Angeles State Historic Park
A 32-acre state park in Chinatown
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Los Angeles State Historic Park is a 32-acre recreational space for all ages. The park is in Chinatown, just next to the Metro Gold Line Chinatown Station. While the California State Park was established in 2001, it was once home of the Indigenous Tongva people and the Zanja Madre irrigation canal during the 1800s.
There are public art installations, a mile-long trail, Valencia orange trees, and a scenic overlook bridge. You can enjoy excellent views of the skyscrapers in Downtown Los Angeles throughout the day. The Los Angeles State Historic Park is less than 2 miles from Elysian Park and Dodger Stadium.
Location: 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Open: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Phone: +1 323-441-8819
Los Angeles State Historic Park
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