HOLLY STREET BRIDGE IS A NICE LITTLE BRIDGE…read more================================= The Holly Street Bridge is just north of the Colorado Street Bridge. This particular bridge is the northernmost of the bridges that cross the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena, just south of the Rose Bowl. The concrete arch bridge was designed by W.C. Earle, city engineer, and replaced the 1909 Linda Vista Bridge. The old plaque for the Linda Vista Bridge is still there. My husband and I love riding across this bridge. If you stop in the middle and look south you will see the Colorado Street Bridge. If you stand on the north side you can see the Rose Bowl. Today my husband and I were about to ride across and he got a flat so we did not cross. We spent about an hour trying to fix it with no success so I rode home, got our SUV and picked him up.

Growing up in Echo Park, I've definitely seen it change throughout the past years. As the landscape…read morechanges, and homes are renovated and new developments built, it's very nice to be able to know what Echo Park looked like before all the change. To know the information behind so many of the historic buildings in the neighborhood. Thank you to the Echo Park Historical Society for teaching me all this amazing history of the area of LA I love so much!

Love the photos, keep the curmudgeonly attitude! We were at the Lotus Fest today, and as we walked…read moreup the fellow working the booth scrambled to put everything away (5:30 pm, festival goes to 9 pm), we asked for the $1 pamphlet which lists historic homes, we saw him put it away, he then lied to say they don't have one, he never heard of one, because he didn't want to deal with the $1. Another couple came in and we're looking at the photos, so another worker stepped in front of them to unclip them and put them away. Once a curmudgeon, always a curmudgeon.

Love this LA landmark art decor building. It has been the city & the mayor office for decades. It…read morealso has been in several movies like L.A. Confidential, Chinatown, Turner & Hooch. You can walk throughout the building except certain area to checkout the arts plus if you lucky, you can go to the balcony section of the building a see the main downtown up from the above, very cool. But unfortunately, I wasn't lucky so next time.

I was there for a City Hall event whereby the City Councilmembers handed out awards to…read moreorganizations within their Council's Districts who were deemed Good Food Champions for their work in addressing food insecurity. Being that it was a Friday, when typically such celebratory events are held, the mood was lighter, and a bit more festive. Security was efficient getting through the scanners with the police department's staff alert at the entrances. The building, itself, is absolutely gorgeous!

Great park to visit and costs nothing to walk around. Plenty to see. Park very clean.read more

This park has so much fun stuff going on. I have pictures of my boys with the giant sloth going…read moreback years. Lots of tar pit activity to engage the curious. Little bridges crossing the idea of a stream. Lots of large trees and shade. On either side of the park, you have LACMA (where local kids can get free admission through nextgen and bring a parent as a plus one!) and the other is the Page Museum. aka the tar pits museum where kids roll down the big grassy hill and admire the saber tooth cats engaging in furious battle. **This museum closes for renovation 7/6 for a couple of years so get in while you can. Wish there were more shaded picnic benches. The only ones they have are right under the unforgiving sun. Fruit guy usually at the corner right outside the La Brea entrance. A guy selling soft serve inside the park out of a little pink car. (Not so friendly though, my kid ran to ask him for a napkin and he just kept repeating "Sold out!" Dude, chill, and listen.) Highly recommend this park.

Having procured a California State Library Pass from my local public library for a period of three…read moreweeks, I reviewed the list of participating State Parks and realized I had not yet visited the Los Angeles State Historic Park since its re-design 20 years ago. I've driven by it hundreds of times to and from work and yet only now took the time to visit. The above-mentioned pass allows day parking in the official lot; however, there is plenty of street parking in the area and no admission fee. I planned my visit for a pre-breakfast stroll and had the company of many locals taking advantage of the 32-acre park for their morning contstitutionals. The paths and green spaces are beautifully maintained. The pollinator space is especially lovely, planted with native plants to attract humming birds and native bees. It's a place of peace and calm and the perfect way to start the day. There are several works of public art in the park, my favorite being "This Park is Made by the People" by Rosten Woo. More information on all the art here: https://lastatehistoricpark.org/art-in-the-park/ Perfect place for a walk, a picnic, and great views of the DTLA skyline.

The Los Angeles State Historic Park is an area that was once an industrial space that was converted…read moreinto a lush urban green space. My boyfriend and I always see it in passing when we take the Metro. You can take the Metro A Line here to the Chinatown exit, and the entrance is right there. It so happens that we came here on a Thursday evening and saw that they had the LA River Farmers' Market here every Thursday from 3-7:30pm. The farmers' market is small with limited offerings, but still a nice spot to get some fresh produce and artisan goods in the city. We walked through the park and explored the different routes and walked over the bridge. It was quite scenic and lush for an area in the middle of the city. There was also a space that looked like it could be a venue for events. Also a pet friendly spot, as there was a little obstacle course looking thing for the dogs. There were people running and walking around for exercise, and then those who were more leisurely enjoying a picnic. Unfortunately there were some suspicious characters by the bathroom area, so we weren't comfortable using the restrooms. Overall a nice patch of green in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. A great getaway for the locals and visitors to enjoy.

We stopped by the iconic Colorado Street Bridge while exploring Pasadena, and it's easily one of…read morethe most photogenic spots in the city. The massive arches, classic design, and sweeping views make it a must-visit whether you're walking, taking photos, or just enjoying a quiet moment outdoors. Film fans will instantly recognize it as a filming location from La La Land, which adds a fun Hollywood touch to the experience. Standing beneath the bridge and looking up really highlights its scale and craftsmanship--especially with the light and shadows shifting throughout the day. The area underneath and around the bridge is peaceful and well-kept, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the architecture from different perspectives. Near the public restroom and parking lot, there's also a clear view of what used to be the historic Vista del Arroyo Hotel, now the Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, which adds another layer of history to the visit. It's a great stop whether you're a local, visiting Pasadena for the first time, or just exploring with a camera in hand. Between the scenery, history, and movie connection, this is an easy 5-star spot to recommend.

An Iconic Pasadena Landmark with Timeless Beauty…read more The Colorado Street Bridge is a true architectural gem--elegant, historic, and absolutely stunning from every angle. Built in 1913, this Beaux-Arts style bridge gracefully spans the Arroyo Seco and remains one of Pasadena's most beloved and photogenic landmarks. Walking across the bridge is a beautiful experience, especially around sunset when the vintage streetlamps begin to glow and the San Gabriel Mountains light up in the background. The gentle curve and soaring arches give the whole structure a romantic, almost cinematic feel. It's no wonder it's been featured in films and local lore for generations. Pro tip: Head down to Desiderio Neighborhood Park, directly below the bridge, for incredible views of the full span and those magnificent arches. It's one of the best vantage points for appreciating the bridge's scale and design--and perfect for photos. From there, you can also connect to the Arroyo Seco walking paths for even more scenic exploration. There's easy pedestrian access via Defenders Park, and parking nearby isn't too difficult. While safety fencing has been added in recent years, it doesn't take away much from the overall experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-see--romantic, historic, and absolutely unforgettable. One of those rare spots that feels magical every time you visit.

Iconic along the Avenue in every way…read more Carroll Ave is a place filled with lots of scenic as well as historic history. This dazzling slice of Victorian homes in Echo Park, Los Angeles' Angelino Heights area encompasses the 1300s block and tip of the 1400s. Cinema, Music Entertainment & Television and various digital mediums have been capture on this landmark Avenue from Teen Witch and Grandma's Boy to the original Charmed television series and Michael Jackson's Thriller music video film. You can park on this street, stroll and even photo op (just be mindful of properties as they belong to actual home owners who help preserve their homes that are apart of the National Register of Historic Places with several official Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments listed among these homes. It's a 10 to 15 minute walk from Echo Park Lake if close by. Definitely a great place to be a local tourist, show your tourists and enjoy as an LA native/native Angelino.

Beautiful Victorian homes. I enjoyed strolling down the street. Definitely worth visiting and…read moretaking in the beautiful architecture.

I've been a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's work for many years now, and when I caught wind of a FLW…read morehome - "Hollyhock House" in LA that could be visited, I had to drive up from SD and check it out. This was the sort of adventure that needed a sidekick, so of course, I brought my PIC, my mom. I bought tickets in advance from the website ($12/adult & $6 for seniors over 62) and we made an 11:30pm reservation for 7/30/2026. We arrived at the park a bit early, got one of the last upper parking lot parking spaces, and strolled around the grounds for a bit. Then about 15 minutes before our appointed time, we asked if we could enter prior to our time slot. We were granted early admission, put on our shoe covers, and entered through the 250# concrete doors into the unique & grand home of Oil Heiress and Patron of the Arts, Aline Barnsdell and her daughter, Betty. I am so glad that this house was saved and restored, and I look forward to coming back in a year or two to see what it looks like when the construction is (hopefully) finished. Hollyhock House, completed in 1921, is LA's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and what a beauty it is... from the gorgeous living room with a phenomenal view to the well-appointed dining room and the modern kitchen, every aspect of this house was so thoughtfully rendered. The terrace is stunning and the inner courtyard is so peaceful. My favorite room of all was the incredibly serene and cozy library where I could picture myself happily curled up in a comfy chair with a great book and my faithful pup by my side. I loved the combination of design styles in this house including Mayan, Aztec, Asian, Egyptian and "California Romanza" as described by FLW himself. We utilized the information booklet provided to enhance our self-guided tour, and we had a marvelous time. This home is not magnificent by some standards, but imho, it was everything someone could need, and so much more. The clever repetition of design elements such as the stylized Hollyhock and myriad built-ins helped streamline the house and ensure the continuous flow and cohesiveness of the home from room to room. The view from the top of Olive Hill is STUNNING, and I can only imagine how clear and pristine that view must have been 100+ years ago. The docents and volunteers here were all so nice and well-informed. We spoke to a lovely volunteer named Denise who shared some stories about the house, and clearly seemed to enjoy what she was doing. We loved the house so much that we had to take our time to really experience it. We stayed inside the house for about 45 minutes which was sufficient. I was sad to have to leave, but alas as we know, all good things must come to an end, but other good things are sure to follow! Mahalo! Additional notes: The house is at the top of the hill in Barnsdell Park. The signage for the park is subtle. There is a small visitors center next to the house, and the grounds at the top of the hill are available for anyone to visit, but you need a ticket to go inside the HH. The good news is that if you don't have ready access to the email with your ticket, the volunteer at the door can find your reservation on the iPad, so no worries there. There is no bathroom inside HH, but there is a port-a-potty in the park not too far away.

Being from Arizona, I have been a longtime fan of Frank Lloyd Wright for years. We are fortunate to…read morehave many of his structures in our state. I love how his architecture blends in with the environment. I have been to Los Angeles many times in my life and was looking for something new to explore while in town. This was my first visit to the Hollyhock House. I have visited many of Frank Lloyd Wright's house museums and seen many of his structures over the years. But this place was a new one for me to see in person. Hollyhock House is located in Barnsdall Art Park and was completed in 1921. Hollyhock is a type of flower that inspired the motifs in this house's design. Aline Barnsdall hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design this house for her. Today it is owned by the Los Angeles Government. Hollyhock House is located on top of a hill and has a nice view of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. I enjoyed my tour through the Hollyhock House. It was affordable and took me about an hour to go through. They require you to wear protective shoe coverings while inside and ask that you don't use flash photography. The kitchen and living room were my favorite rooms. There is also a cool study with lots of books that I also enjoyed. There are a few rooms in this house that are off limits. The back outside patio area has a nice view of Los Angeles. The tour is self-guided, but there is staff on hand that will answer questions if you have some. Barnsdall Art Park is a nice park to relax and have a picnic. It has great views of the surrounding Los Angeles area if you want to hang around this area.