We finally experienced the free Shakespeare performances in Griffith Park, and it was so much more than just a play--it was a whole summer evening experience. People arrive early with blankets, picnic baskets, snacks, and drinks, creating such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere before the show even begins. A few tips from our experience: There is a large free parking lot, and it's well organized with bright signs leading you all the way to the performance area. Even though it was our first visit, finding the venue wasn't difficult--it just felt like a fun little adventure! Even on a Wednesday, the crowd was surprisingly large, so arriving early is definitely worth it. (Independent Shakespeare Co.) Bring a blanket, but don't forget a small cushion! The performance lasts over two hours, and sitting on the ground can get uncomfortable. If you're bringing folding chairs, please sit toward the back so everyone can enjoy the view. There is a 20-minute intermission, giving you plenty of time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or refill your tea. It gets much cooler after sunset, so bring a light jacket or something warm to throw over your shoulders. A thermos of hot tea is a great idea too. Feel free to bring food and drinks, but be prepared to share your picnic with a few curious bees and other insects. There is a portable restroom on-site, and if it's locked, the access code is 3343. The production quality really impressed us. Professional lighting, excellent sound, microphones--it honestly felt like watching a performance in a real theater, just under the stars. Video recording isn't allowed during the performance, so you can simply relax and enjoy the moment. The host also shared some exciting news--they're building a brand-new stage nearby, and there's a good chance next season's performances will take place there. We'll definitely be back in August for The Comedy of Errors. If you're looking for one of the most unique free summer experiences in Los Angeles, this is one I highly recommend. read more

Griffith Park - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Old school since 1896. I've been visiting this park for decades and every time I have visited I have seen something new. There are so many trails and areas of the park that it would take several days to cover it all. On this visit I attended a fund raising concert for Rock for Ronnie next door to the Autry Museum of the American West. Parking is free and there were many trees to shade some of us from the hot sun. read more

Griffith Park - Dio cancer fundraiser MAY2026 - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This has become one of our weekly locations. Sundays the day to go get sandwiches from handy market in Burbank. Then head out to the park. We take blankets and just enjoy the park and the weather. They have a trail around it seems where people go on walks and jogs. Love coming here. It's a nice place to unwind. read more

The last time I hiked up to the Hollywood sign was before I started Yelping which was almost ten years ago. I love how Griffith Park is a natural oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. There are so many trails within the park that it becomes a choose your own adventure on how easy or difficult you want to make the journey. I came this time with a friend, and we decided to walk off some calories after noshing at a local delicatessen. We parked in a small lot at the end of a cul de sac that doubled as the Brush Canyon Trailhead. It was along the southern end of Griffith Park which was a shorter but steeper distance to the sign at Mt. Lee Summit. The initial mile was an ascent that took us to the junction with Mulholland Trail. From there, it was a series of fairly flat switchbacks that provided a nice overlook of the mansions below. The path was wide enough to allow lots of foot and horse traffic. A drawback was the landmines (i.e. dung) you had to dodge from the horses. When we reached Mt. Lee Drive, it was a junction in which you could continue around the bend towards Tyrolian Tank. That was a plateau which we visited on our way back with a beautiful view of the sign as a backdrop. Our decision was to continue another mile up a service drive that would lead us to the back of the sign. I think many people underestimate the additional winding slopes before reaching the endpoint. There must have been an increase of 500 feet in elevation during this final climb. The peak provided a nice view of Lake Hollywood in the distance to the south and the smoggy blanket that hovered over the valley to the north. The back of the sign was rather boring as you could see the scaffolding that held up the letters. We took a break and then descended to Tyrolian Tank for more photos. By the time we arrived back at the parking lot, it was a three-hour round trip that covered over seven miles. The weather could not have been better as there were few clouds, and the temperature was in the low 70s. read more

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Beautiful park. Very large! Good for hiking and for picnic. We especially enjoyed the visitor center. read more

Griffith Park - Smelly - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had allot of fun on the Griffith park trail with a meet up group this past Saturday. The trail we took was dirt and mostly smooth with some areas that were rocky or slippery so wear good hiking shoes with grip. Despite that there are signs that all dogs should be leashed, many dogs are off leash on the paths but seem well behaved. I was happy to note that it seems like everyone picks up after their dogs and the trails are clean. The only negative is there are no bathrooms, so apparently I learned from other hikers that many people use Glendale peak as a bathroom for both 1 and 2. I was able to climb to Glendale peak without touching any of the surroundings but it smells bad there so what the hikers said is definitely true. I wish that the city could do something about this because it's very unsanitary. I'm glad I got to see the view but once it's enough and I will not go back to Glendale peak because of this. Otherwise the rest of Griffith hike is gorgeous and clean and fresh and I look forward to more meetups there. Also be careful, one hiker we past came down out of the hills on an adrenaline rush because he ran into 3 mountain lions, thankfully our group was not going in that direction. There are lots of wildlife and snakes around so keep your eyes open. read more

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We drive and walk through Griffith Park a ton while in Los Angeles, and it is always a beautiful, green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city! The park has over 50 miles of trails and hiking (and I've obviously not done even a fraction of that). There is also the iconic Griffith Observatory to check out if you're a fan of astronomy, science, or just really cool exhibits. There are also other activities you can do if you're not just visiting Griffith Observatory to chill. Biking, golfing, horseback riding, and courts for tons of sports like tennis, basketball, and baseball. At over 4,000 acres, there will definitely be some activities you'll enjoy at Griffith Park, even if that's just hanging around and enjoying nature away from the frenetic nature of Los Angeles! read more

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Really nice place to hike with your dog, there are very many trails to start from. If you are looking for a simple easy one, you can start at the parking lot at the Observatory, please make sure to be done by 10am, its free up till then and then they will expect you to pay 10 dollars for parking. This hike is about 3 miles all around, it takes you up one of the peaks that your able to see the city. Really green right now and it's super chill. It's not a hard hike, it's pretty gradual and the later you go in the day it's more people. Go early and get it done faster and go have breakfast! read more

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A pretty nice cool spot for hiking and walking your dogs. Many trees with plenty of shades for a nice picnic too. Very quiet and easy to park. read more

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Griffith Park isn't just a park--it's 4,120 acres of "choose your own adventure." Want hiking? Done. A zoo? Got it. An observatory that makes you feel like you're in La La Land? Yup. Golf, horses, Greek Theater concerts, a merry-go-round older than your grandma, and even a mini train that still slaps--this place has it all. Our family loves coming here because there's always something to do for the young and the young-at-heart. Weekdays are the sweet spot--less crowd, more chill--so we get to relax under this beautiful slice of LA nature like it's our own backyard. Best part? Entrance is free. Parking is free. And thanks to Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (yes, real name, not a Harry Potter extra), LA scored the ultimate Christmas gift in 1896 that keeps on giving. Bottom line: whether you're here to sweat, sight-see, or picnic like it's a sport, Griffith Park is one of those things where LA actually got it right read more

What can I say about this place that hasn't yet been said... It's an LA icon. Great trails, including my fave, Fern Dell- up to the Observatory. It's a lush, fun reprieve in the midst of concrete jungle surrounding areas. Very busy on weekends, so come early, or come midweek if you can swing it. read more

What a scene to behold and with such safe trails, at least that's been my experience. Never have had any worrisome experiences with any other pets while walking my dogs. Hopefully things stay that way. I'd recommend definitely going with a partner if you're a senior and put on those walking shoes. read more

This place is amazing the views of mountains in Cali! Plenty to do here walk, hike, bike. They have picnic tables and bathrooms. Little railroad for park train and pony rides! There's also a park shuttle. read more

Griffith Park - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Beautiful area, lots of great hiking trails. There's a playground the kids love playing at! Tons of people come daily, bathrooms are hit and miss on toilet paper (bring your own) A water fountain just opened up by the playground! There are tables and fire pits! read more

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This park is one of the best things that Los Angeles has to offer! It's located where the 5 and 134 freeways meet. I'm usually only here to run a trail race. Some of those climbs might be very steep, but you'll be rewarded with some beautiful views. One of the best spots to access the trails is from the Merry-Go-Round parking lots just off of the Crystal Springs Dr. There's golfing with a 9 hole, Roosevelt Golf Course, to the south and the Wilson & Harding Golf Courses on the east side. If you're not the athletic type, there's also The Greek Theatre where you can catch a concert. read more

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The view was great and I didn't really know how to explain the view and the observatory was great but a long hike to the observatory but you could just drive there but you will have to pay to park. This place is amazing and has a lot of nature and nature helps the world. read more

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Forever my favorite hike Very family friendly Get to see so many animals like bunnies,squirrels and so many kinds of birds And the views 10/10 We hiked all the way up to the observatory read more

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WTH! With a 323 check ins, I have not wrote a single review about Griffith Park? Griffith Park is amazing. For those that like to spend some time outdoors while driving less than 20mins to get to, its a great deal! My commute to Griffith Park is about 15mins and I get to go on my hikes. There are multiple uses for the park such as running, biking, marathons, picnics, tennis, golf, you name it. The area is so huge there is no one place you can start at for your outdoor activities. Although some areas of Griffith Park is more popular than others, parking can by an issue if arriving later. (depending on the day) I enjoy the less dense area which is located on the eastern side of the park. (parallel to the 5 fwy) From there I have a parking area that doesn't get too crazy but still advised to arrive early. My friends and I enjoy going hiking at Griffith when we get the chance and its a great place for your health and overall well being. Parking: multiple parking lots throughout the park VERDICT: Rinse and repeat read more

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Parking is insane, always a nightmare. Foxtails everywhere, if you'd love for your pet or small child to have foxtail seeds, burrs, and foxtails in their noses, paws, ears, and everywhere else -- do come here, it's everywhere and I mean everywhere. Have fun spending thousands at the veterinarian ER to get said foxtails removed! The 'grass' isn't maintained so on top of the foxtails I'm sure there are ticks too. Because of the location of this park, the people who come are mostly influencers or people with cobbled together jobs transitioning into content creation so everyone is either on their phone or having loud insipid conversations about getting callbacks for roles or amplifying their socials, is everyone in Los Feliz just self obsessed, nobody comes to the park to listen to other people's self centered monologues. On many occasions there are unhoused and transients roaming the park and at times feel super unsafe if you're a woman! I know this park is a mainstay of Los Angeles but it's unmaintained, unsafe, dangerous for pets and small children, and fairly crowded, not to mention the noise pollution from people who love talking about themselves. Hard pass. read more

Big park located on the north side of Hollywood Boulevard. Griffith Park has the Hollywood Sign of course. It can take days to see all the stuff in here. Cool place to check out nature and walk around. The Observatory is the other main thing. A lot to do and see in this massive park and it's good to know where to begin. It's best to go to the Observatory. There's a free bus from the Vermont Station. From there get on a few of the trails and explore. The Hollywood Sign is the main thing. Good views of it from the Observatory. To get closer one has to walk. A lot of other stuff in the park to check out. On the north side of it is the L.A. Zoo. It's about $20 for adults. This one isn't that big but it's close to some other stuff like Universal Studios though. Besides these things there's just open areas. There's a lot of trails to walk around and get exercise going about outside. Has too much of it to see all at once so you have to keep going back here. It's actually the biggest city park in the country, and that's not a surprise of any kind after going through it. The Hollywood Sign and the Observatory are the main places to go here, and there's tons of great views. read more

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into hiking, self-delusion, & watching the nouveau riche & broken waiters cosplay as influencers, look no more! Griffith Park is ittttt. this is the most CASUAL FASHION SHOW OFF ALL TIME. $400 leggings, tech-fabric crop tops, moisture wicking whosies and whatsits, health tracking gizmos and gadgets, and hype beast collab sneakers that ainnnnnt never seen dirt til today. At least three brands are doing a "pop-up" -- charcuterie on the hill brought to you by Rivian or matcha sampling for people who microdose kale and trauma-bond over Pilates brought to you by Orangetheory. And baaayyybeeeee The gossssipppppppppppppppp Griffith is basically Soho House with elevation gain. U finna overhear EH VER RI THANG. this hoe is ground zero for Young execs, barely-legal starlets, self-declared visionaries, the up-and-comings, the "I just optioned something with A24 but can't say too much" types -- all talking maddddd sh@t about people they were just on a panel with while in in oversized sunglasses & the latest LULU lemon. And dont forget the deep breaths and humblebrags .... chilllle! Best free entertainment this side of Netflix, and da Mississipipi, I kid u not! and I don't even have to take my earbuds out. (Spoiler: I do. For the drama.) Make it to a peak? Great. Now's this moment to go AWF. Sweater AWF. Shirt awf! thighs out! Angles sharp, and a panoramic skyline behind you for that "I'm thriving without you, De'Andre Muthaf@cking Johnson" post. This is where L.A. gets its revenge-body photo ops in natural lighting. PORTRAIT ON!!!!! And on the very rare day when the city isn't drowning in smog and inflated self-worth, the skyline view? Giiirrrrllll... that sh@t beautiful AF. Like reduced rent, free gas beautiful. But then you'll hear someone pitch a crypto wellness app and POOF... girl, joy hella gone. For the curious (or masochistic), Its hella other stuff to do there besides hike you can: -Visit the Observatory and contemplate your insignificance under the stars. -Ride the vintage carousel and remember childhood, before car notes, rent and health insurance. -Explore the Old Zoo ruins, perfect for a first date or your last. Catch a show at the Greek Theatre if you're feeling that damn bout it - do a horse back ride and sunset with a picnic for two which Ima not comment on with my single ass - attend someones family reunion, baby shower, birthday party or quinceañera... chances are they will never know you're not actually supposed to be there But Me? I 'll just be hiking. Avoiding eye contact. Listening to Eight-ball & MJG Or A podcasts about Heist cuz #Obsessed with tryna figure out how to rob a bank while Burning off rage. I'm not here for the scene -- I am the scene's reluctant witness. And I'm gonna observe it in all its chaotic glory, doused in my Black Girl Sunscreen, rocking my $140 shades and egregiously expensive Solomon hiking boots. Cause i am 100% one of the people Im talking sh@t about. So if you see me power-walking past you Mind ya business. Or at least don't block the trail. read more

On Sunday 4/21/24 I did the Griffith Park 10 Mini Peaks Challenge with a friend. We started around 6am so we could see the sunrise at Bee Rock and it was the best decision, so beautiful. If you're gonna do it start at Bee Rock. Then we went to. Mount Chapel Taco Peak Mt Bell Mt Baby Bell Back of Hollywood Sign Cahuenga Peak Burbank Peak Mount Hollywood Glendale Peak Beacon Hill We did 12 miles in 5:40 hrs It was a moderate hike we took 2 liters of water, a ham sandwich with mustard and one bottle of lmnt electrolytes, snacks, and we finished all by the 11th mile. Be prepared if you're gonna do it. Enjoy the trails and please leave no trace.. I put names on the pictures so you can see which is which. You can download the all trails map it's easier to go through. read more

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Griffith Park is right down the road from Griffith Observatory. We visited the observatory and then stopped by the park. We don't stay long because it was too hot today with the heatwave (104 degrees). Hiking, walking, running and any outdoor activities were off the table. We did admire the beautiful park though. I like that you can see the Hollywood sign from the park. It looks like a fun place to hangout if the weather permits! read more

Griffith Park - Hollywood sign above - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love Griffith Park, it's a great place too hang out with friends take out your dogs and have a beautiful walk or do a hike.

I love enjoying myself. It's very easy to do at Griffith Park. Plenty of space. Parking is mediocre. Friendships can bloom like a flower. Secrets can be kept like oversized underwaer that you can't return but keep in case of emergencies. The bathrooms are usually clean enough so that you don't want to hang out past the length of your "business". Thank you read more

One of the best parks in Southern California. So much to do here, from many hiking trails to picnic areas, a merry go round and kids playgrounds you will find something to do here. I have been coming here since I was a child. Then I started bringing my kid where for pony rides, a train ride and much more. It's a beautiful and well kept park with lots of parking lots all over the park. My son and I did the old zoo hiking trail today and enjoyed our hike very much. Lots of trails all around. Overall a great place to spend a couple of hours out in nature. read more

The park itself is great and genuinely beautiful. I always get a bit of the ick thinking about Griffith J. Griffith and how a park is named after a guy with the same first and last name who also shot his wife. Huge red flag. Still, the park itself is stunning. read more

Overall, this is a wonderful park. It's a great place to bring kids--the playground is fun and well-maintained. If you're into hiking, the trails offer a perfect spot to train or simply enjoy nature. Ideal for building up to more challenging hikes read more

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Griffith Park truly offers something for everyone! It's my favorite spot for hiking, and I've explored most of their trails multiple times. I prefer parking at the free lot by the Greek Theater and then walking up to the Griffith Observatory for our hike or trying out the Riverside Trail across the street. The park caters to hikers of all levels, with trails suitable for beginners, intermediate, and more advanced hikers. Many people bring their dogs along as well. The views along the trails are breathtaking at every turn. Since it's an open trail, I recommend bringing sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There is also a free DASH bus that takes you to the observatory and back down to the parking lot by the Greek Theater if you don't want to take the 20 minute walk up there and back. read more

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I have wanted to hike to the Hollywood sign for so long and finally made it happen! Such a fun park with several different trail options and makes for a really good workout. We encountered several people in the park this day, including children and dogs. It was a little challenging to navigate which trail to take to get to the sign, so I'd recommend planning ahead to be sure you go the right way. The trails are easy to navigate, which I appreciate, because I am not a fan of forming my own path. There can definitely be some steeper inclines and descents, so just be prepared for that. The full course can take a few hours, so be sure to bring water. Some of the areas are shaded. We had to pay where we parked. But there are some spots that were free. read more

Griffith Park - View of the Hollywood sign - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This was an extremely gigantic local park in the City of Los Angeles, but we went on a Holiday weekend, so we weren't able to visit the actual 'Observatory,' since we figured that would be jam packed. But I only gave this park a 4-star review was in hopes they would actually plant a garden or something to add onto the existing greenery they hold. I absolutely love how green all trees showed up here at 'Griffith Park,' and I even found a tree full of Mourning Doves!!!! Seeing them at Griffith Park, LA, CA made my visit as well. At least I saw/observed a dozen+Mourning Doves playing with some baby crows. But if this park would add some color to themselves, that would make this recreational park more attractive and appealing. Just a thought? read more

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Accessibility: this is a huge park so if you have difficulty walking, I suggest driving around first and scouting out where exactly you want to go BEFORE you park and get out. If you want to see the Observatory, for example, make sure you drive all the way up to where you can see it, because that is the top parking lot up there (costs 10 dollars for 1 hour, even on the weekends). Do not just see tons of cars and take the first parking spot you see because you think you won't find anything closer. The Observatory is very accessible (see my other review on that), but most of the park itself is dirt trails or grass. Experience: absolutely beautiful park. I love this park so much. It feels magical every time I visit. Other: the park has many different playgrounds, a theater, and more. Cost: totally free! Safety: during the daytime this park feels pretty safe, although I would recommend still watching your surroundings and being near other people for extra eyes around. read more

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One of my favorite parks in LA. It's located in the heart of the city which is really convenient. They have so many different trails that are good for beginners and more advanced hikers. I try to go really early in the mornings to beat the crowds especially on weekends and avoid the limited parking situation. It's safe and the views are incredible. One of my fave go-to spots to recharge, enjoy the outdoors and get a great workout in. read more

Griffith Park - Great views on a sunny day - Parks Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We had a fun time here at Griffith Park while we were in Los Angeles, California. It was nice to walk around explore see the sights. See the Hollywood sign play at the park go on a nice little hike. This is a good experience for sure. read more

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I don't get here enough. Met a bunch of friends, let's say about 100 of them for a shirt trail race in the evening and we had the time of our lives the views where beyond my belief. Then looking up to see the observatory lit up at night was amazing. I definitely will be going back again really soon read more

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Such a beautiful park with incredible scenery and home of the observatory. We hiked it on a very hot day but it doesn't even matter it was incredible all the way through. The mountains and views were incredible and the wildlife as well! Lots of neat trees and birds and the after sunset hours is fantastic as well! This park is absolutely worth the visit and should not be missed! There is a shuttle through the park that takes you to the Greek theater and the observatory as well. Parking is available all throughout the park although I'm not sure if it's paid or not read more

A massive marvel of lush greenery from hiking trails to pathways, bike paths to sports fields and everything park and then some Griffith Park is definitely the royal champion of all things outdoors. Home to the LA Zoo, which I've enjoy more times than I can count in childhood via field trips and family adventures until adult status, though not as much as I could being only a few miles away. I recently took the local metro bus here which was not as convenient as you'd hope for a local Los Angeles park stop, but I made do and still had an amazing day. It wasn't a very safe drop area (as I needed to cross the street and it was non stop traffic with no walking paths chalked off (even at the corner of the street a few hundred feet behind me), but the pickup/ West bound stop was quite the opposite, though going green can be quite the adventure. Being such a massive park, so parts and paths need a little tlc and upkeep, but other parts are blooming and blushing with nature. The park area with playground equipment and restroom facilities near the Ferraro Fields is all about sporting fun with soccer and baseball fields for adults and youth. My friend's rugby team practices as well as plays here and I was able to come out and see them and even get inspired to possibly join. The bike paths can be walked though not really a clear walking path to enjoy free of bikers, but it is for cyclist and pedestrians and runs along all the way to the west side of the LA Valley in Canoga Park. Very dog and pet friendly throughout. Wildlife in spots and places including deer, birds of all nature and so on. Golf courses via Wilson & Harding, connected to both the Observatory and the Greek Theater as well as so long standing staples and landmarks such as the Griffith Park Merry Go Round which has been seen, like most area of this jolly green giant, in films and television. Like most parks there aren't any or very few parking restrictions and free parking all day inside of enclosed areas. read more

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I live this place! It's honestly endless discovery of routes to hike, bike, run, walk and enjoy nature in. On one of my rims I saw bunnies!! So cute! I like coming here for long runs. The hills are no joke but it's a great workout. Plenty of free parking everywhere too! I've also had friends that have tried the horse back riding there and loved it too! As often as I come here, I'm discovering new things to do there! Last Sunday I saw that they had farmers market! So exciting! I was too busy running but I'll have to check it out one day. Go visit anytime with anyone and they will have a good time! read more

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My brother has told me this is a great place to ride so we set "sail" on our bikes! I must admit, I had a great time! There are some trails where bikes aren't allowed and hikers seemed to enjoy the trails. We stayed on the paved roads and I had so much fun. Was a perfect clear day for views and we were above LA smog level so that was nice. Haha! Can get quite busy here & have some sketchy areas but I think most locals expect that when coming to Griffith Park. But it's really a great park to walk, hike, bike or relax. Take the kids to Travel Town, walk the dogs on the trails, ride your bike at your heart's desire or do nothing and sit on a park bench overlooking LA. Be like Nike and Just Do It! read more

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Oh man this place is huge and we'll definitely have to go back to check out their train. We were able to find Shane's Inspiration Park which is an amazing all inclusive playground. Griffith Observatory was fun and our kids enjoyed it. Love that it's free. Definitely pay for the parking so you're closer up and don't have to worry about walking to your car. read more

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