Gorgeous spot to have a nice dirt path hike through to catch a sunset and some cool views of the…read moreDTLA landscape. The air up there is nice and it's not too windy or anything. Depending on the amount of people up there, it can be calm and surreal enough to make for a good picnic to watch the sky and enjoy the sights. My friend and I didn't walk too far down the dirt path as we parked near the Elysian Park sign. We only walked straight to the large concrete displays with grafitti on them. We both enjoyed our experience here so much and took note of the type of shoes we need to wear next time! Would definitely want to explore back here again!

Elysian Park is one of my favorite hikes/runs right outside of downtown LA, right by Dodger…read moreStadium. Pro tip: Do the hike counterclockwise. When Dodger Stadium is behind you and you face the mountain, start counterclockwise--trust me, you'll thank me. On the way back, you'll enjoy a gorgeous downtown view. At the top, there's a painted seating area where you can rest and soak it all in. A couple of things that could be better: It's a dirt/sand path, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dusty--unless you want to spend each day cleaning them. It's usually around 6,000 steps for me--though that varies--and roughly 400 calories burned (but don't quote me on that!). Overall, it's about a 45-minute hike/jog with ups and downs--just enough to get your heart going, and then you can treat yourself to a city-state after. Pretty good overall--highly recommend it!

Unexpected little oasis in the midst of DTLA!…read more My friend & I brought breakfast to chat. It was not at all crowded on a Saturday late morning. There were people exercising, picnicking, playing sports, etc. Some squirrels are a little bold, so be careful if you have food Parking is limited in the lot, but street parking was not hard to find at all (you'll have to park on a steep hill). Will definitely be back!

This is a small park located just a bit northwest of downtown LA. There's a small parking lot…read morewhich is freeee; otherwise, you will need to find street parking, and good luck with that. The area around the park is legitimately sketchy but I didn't see any bad characters inside the park whatsoever. The park could be maintained better. The weeds are high in some areas and the grass needs watering in other locations. Having said all that, it's a nice enough little park with at least one spot for an amazing view of downtown. I have never seen the movie, "(500) Days of Summer," but some people believe the striking view of downtown with the park bench in the foreground was shown in the movie. I can't vouch for that but that particular spot is gorgeous and perfect for a photo op. You'll know the spot when you see it. Worth checking out.

Los Angeles, Little Tokyo. September 2023…read more Described both as, "an oasis ... for urbanites yearning to reconnect to their contemplative side ... and rejuvenate their mind and spirit", and "stepping into someone's backyard ... unadorned and unattended." This is definitely an under appreciated space . As originally laid out, Seiryu-en, " Garden Of The Clear Stream", has an elegance often overlooked for what looks like neglect or decline. This is not a manicured space designed to look "natural". It is centered around an unassuming stream of water intended to represent the struggles of Japanese in America , from the Issei to the present generations. If it doesn't look "pretty", remember that the journey of Japanese Americans isn't pretty either. You can pass it by daily and not see what the designers intended. Go in to the JACCC building and tell the attendant you want to visit. It is free and open to the public. Please. Visit. Remember.

Loved this serene spot in the heart of Little Tokyo! Water features and greenery make this a…read morepeaceful place. Research the hours it is open to walk around. You can also see it from the top of the walkway.

Beautiful park! Parking can get tricky though and there's no public restrooms. Plan accordingly!read more

This is a stunningly beautiful little park with scenic views of the DTLA skyline. It is a very…read moresmall park and is not very busy. It is a perfect place for a low-key picnic. The park is on an incline but if you sit at the top you get views (albeit slightly obstructed by a street) of the LA skyline. There is parking around the park but it can be tough to get. The park is basically an "island" surrounded by homes and apartments and its parking surrounds it.

If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. I'm in love--there's really no other way…read moreto describe how I feel about Echo Park Lake. Seriously, how can any place be this breathtaking? This little slice of paradise is teeming with wildlife--birds of all kinds gliding across the water, turtles basking in the sun--it feels alive in the most peaceful way. Everything is so lush and green, and that iconic fountain in the middle of the lake? Absolute chef's kiss. Then there's the boathouse, the palm trees swaying around you... it almost feels unreal, like you've stepped into a dreamy escape right in the middle of the city. What I love most is that every corner has its own charm. There are plenty of benches where you can just sit and be, and no matter where you land, the view feels different but equally beautiful. You'll never get bored here. Whether you're in the mood to linger, take a slow walk, go for a run, or paddle around on one of the swan boats, this place meets you exactly where you are. It's peaceful, it's vibrant, it's everything. Honestly, it just feels like heaven. And surprisingly, there's plenty of street parking--which somehow makes this whole experience even better.

In planning to be in the area, the daughter mentioned stopping at Echo Park Lake. She spoke about…read morethe yearly Lotus Festival she's been eager to see but hasn't been able to attend due to her school schedule. Before returning to Tennessee, she wanted to experience the lake and see the wild lotus garden. It was a very sunny, hot and mildly humid day (after the rain). The park was busy, but we easily found street parking. There were lots of people walking the path along the lake, taking in the views of DTLA from the benches, watching the wildlife and enjoying the swan boat rentals. Everyone was respectful of each other. The path is about 1 mile with several shaded areas to take breaks. The lush greenery made for some really pretty pictures. Because of yesterday's rain, there were puddles of dirty water on the walkways and large muddy/poopy spots in the grass areas. And today's weather unfortunately made the experience a bit unpleasant with all the geese poop and smell of stagnant water. It was overall a nice experience but it's probably better to visit during dry, cooler weather.

A peaceful oasis in the Historic Adams District. It used to be free, then COVID had to go and ruin…read morethat. But still, at $6.00pp it's very affordable. Plan at least an hour or two to wander around. As indicated by the name, it's very peaceful and there is a labyrinth to walk. Enjoy the gardens and water features as you marvel at this blissful hideaway in the middle of Los Angeles.

A spiritual center and meditation garden in Jefferson Park, it's off the beaten path for many…read moretourist things in Los Angeles but convenient if doing something around USC. It's hard to miss when driving but if you have a reservation you can park in their lot. Visiting days are Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and you have to pre-book. The entrance ticket includes a short tour showing part of the downstairs house and after guests can walk around the meditation garden with the Labyrinth. I thought it was peaceful and calm, it was like a very small version of Self-Realization as there were grassy areas and benches to sit and relax and meditate. I appreciated the fountains because the sound of running water is so calming.

Ferndell Trail is one of those spots that feels like a quiet little escape without having to go too…read morefar out of the city. It's shaded, peaceful, and has that tucked-away forest vibe that's honestly hard to find in LA. Parking is free along the entrance streets, which already makes it feel more accessible and low-stress to visit. I'd recommend taking the east trail if you're trying to get to the top--it's a bit easier and shorter, especially if you just want a steady, enjoyable walk without overdoing it. It's not a super intense hike, more of a gentle reset kind of place. Perfect if you want to clear your head, get some fresh air, and not feel rushed. Especially if you take the east trail at a steady pace 30-40 minutes. (look on Google Maps it'll show you or alltrails). Definitely one of those go-to spots when you just need a breather.

It's a beautiful trail in the middle of Griffith park. If you keep going there's a hike up to the…read moreGriffith Observatory. I didn't make it up all the way but I think it goes up all the way to the Observatory. It's good exercise with great scenery and not too isolated because there are lots of people there. There was a beautiful deer on the way up. Definitely loved it because I burned calories and didn't even feel it. Great place.

I finally made my way here after my AM workout and it's beautiful. The parking lot is VERY small…read more There is no other parking near by so you'll have to wait until someone leaves. I suggest coming off-peak hours of the day. You see the view of the top of the Bowl and the 101 freeway.

Looking for a special overlook view of Los Angeles that isn't too crowded?…read more Check out Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl (what a mouthful that was). This special overlook is above the Hollywood Bowl and a hidden gem to see Los Angeles (Hollywood) from a bird's eye view. You are right over the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater and downtown LA. To the east, you can see the Hollywood sign (small in the distance) and also Griffith Park Observatory. There is a small (free) parking lot and a few benches if you would like to sit and watch the world go by. This overlook was built in 1984 and was named after Jerome "Jerry" Daniel, whom served on numerous of committees in the Santa Monica Mountains. He was very passionate about the mountains and worked tirelessly to preserve LA's history and nature. He helped to obtain over 50,000 acres of land for the public, which most of is now parkland. So this overlook is named in his honor. Views during the day, especially on a clear day, are beautiful and would be even better at night. However this little overlook is only open from Sunrise to Sunset.

It was a decent park. Has lots of space for kids and pets. I wouldn't say this is a great place for…read morea picnic though. But it has a playground and a large walking area. Plus it's right next to the Grove!

I really wanted to like Pan Pacific Park because the location is honestly prime. It's right next to…read moreThe Grove, there's always energy, and on the surface it feels like one of those iconic LA parks that should be thriving. But the second you actually spend time here, especially on a weekend, it turns into something completely different and honestly pretty disturbing. The park gets insanely packed, which already makes everything feel chaotic, but the real issue is the condition of the facilities. The restrooms are beyond unacceptable. Not just "oh it's a public park" bad, but genuinely shocking, like something that makes you stop and question how this is even allowed to stay open. I'm talking about conditions that feel neglected to the point where it's uncomfortable just being nearby, let alone going inside. I went into two different restrooms thinking maybe one was just unlucky... nope, both were equally disgusting. I'll be posting pictures because it honestly doesn't feel believable otherwise. It gives off this weird in-between vibe where you don't know if you're at a city park or some kind of neglected shelter space, and that's not something anyone should feel at a place like this. What really made it worse for me is walking into the recreation building with the basketball and volleyball courts and realizing it's the same story inside. Worn down, under-maintained, and just lacking any sense that the city is actually investing in it. Meanwhile, you literally have the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust right there being renovated and cared for, which just makes the contrast even more frustrating. How is that level of attention happening on one side, but the actual park people use daily feels ignored? It's honestly disappointing because this place has so much potential. The location alone should make it one of the best parks in LA, but instead it feels like it's being left behind. I hate to say it, but I probably won't be coming back. There are just too many other parks where you don't have to deal with this level of neglect.

Came here on a wednesday around 9am no wait to get in. Ticket 5 dollars parking lot free. Serivce…read morefriendly. Took around 30 minutes to walk everything. Its in a loop. Restrooms inside clean. It was a really nice and relaxing well kept garden. Cool history and plenty of photo opportunities. It had wildlife as well ducks and goose. All in all a hidden gem.

What an amazing oasis in the middle of the SFV! I'm so glad this garden has reopened to the public…read more The grounds are beautiful and serene, and I really appreciate how they've integrated nature with sustainability by using reclaimed water to supply the garden's pond. We visited today and were lucky enough to catch a performance by the Taiko Project. Their performance honestly gave me chills! Love that they also talked about the history of taiko in Japan and US and they even had volunteers at the end of the show to try taiko drumming! There was also Kamishibai storytelling in the tea garden, which the kids really enjoyed. They also have Japanese Garden "I Spy" sheet for the kids to do and Clean Water Patrol activity book. This is def one of those low stress, high vibe activities that I highly recommend. Just a heads-up though, outside food and drinks aren't allowed inside, but water is ok. There are restrooms near the entrance as well as behind the tea garden. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. We had such a relaxing afternoon and are already looking forward to coming back for more events at this little oasis.