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.

I think this is a great park just outside of downtown. The man made pond is beautiful, teeming with…read morewildlife - especially turtles. There is a great paved path around it for walking/running. Plenty of shade and benches along the pond. There are always a lot of people but you can find street parking - I have every time. The views are GREAT! Really lovely to see downtown LA behind the pond. The only word of caution I have is there is a pack of geese that do get protective in one area. I was afraid to walk past them because they are aggressive, but I made it out without getting goosed.

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!

Had not been to LA for a very long time...not my favorite place especially if not near the coast…read moreand we were not near the coast...Bellevue was a random find as we needed to get the dog stretched out. It had a variety of things for people and dogs of all ages during this brief morning stroll it appeared safe. My initial and only conclusion is that this is a good oasis in a city with few parks.

We Love this place. I've been coming here for over 20 years…read more He went to preschool here and loved it. Now we play sports here and play at the park at least 3 times a week. Really great staff working here. Always smiles and they get to know the kids pretty good. Jimmy, Oscar, Tristian, Myriam, Liz, AJ, Miles - all really great at what they do. If you see a community event here - get yourself there and have a great time. They really cleaned this place up and created a great community spot. If you see me running - there is no danger - I'm usually it. Thank you

These mfs never answer the phone. They clearly don't GAF. I've been trying for three days straight…read moreto go play basketball inside the center. As soon as they open a whole volleyball team is there practicing ?? This isn't a volleyball court it's for basketball. Very bad attitude from the office people as well. Don't go.

Pristine park with picnic tables and covered pergola, tennis ,swimming,soccor,bathrooms,parking…read more EXCELLENT

Cool hidden gem of a park devoted to sports, activities, recreation and leisure…read more It's got a nice small walking trail, outdoor workout equipment, picnic tables and chairs, large boulders, jungle gym baseball field, basketball courts, an auditorium, office, public restrooms, small parking lot and great landscaping. Very family friendly and community friendly. Lots of doggos out, mostly on leash. Knew this park existed but hadn't thought to stop by until I was in the neighborhood. Lots of preferred spots go quick, especially at those picnic tables. Busy weekends and late afternoons. Open until 9am - 9pm during the week and from 9am til 5pm on Saturdays. Which I think speaks more for the recreation side of things. Typically you can note the sign that says no park activity between 10:30pm to 5/5:30am.

one of my favorite parks to visit in Los Angeles! I play basketball all the time and or just work…read moreout with the exercise equipment! good vibes!

Called here 7 times to try to change a reservation. No one answered and after the 5th time they…read moredisconnected the phone I guess? Not sure if there's ever any one working here...

Having had tennis lessons and games on courts that have cracks and nets that are falling apart, I…read moream impressed with the courts here at Griffith-Riverside Pay Tennis Facility. The courts are well maintained and can be reserved ahead of time, so you can be assured of one when needed. You don't have to worry about kids on bikes and skateboards hogging courts! The courts that the hubby and I play at where we live often have litter and kids on bikes! My 3 year old nephew takes tennis lessons here every Sunday morning. The class has about 5 kids and is tailored for kids. After tennis lessons, he likes to play at the playground just across the grassy area. Private and group tennis lessons for adults are also available via LA Tennis. If you are not here for a lesson or a class and just wanna play, inquire and pay at the kiosk for an available court. The restrooms are quite clean. Toilet seat covers are available, but there is no soap by the sink. They have paper towels are available too in lieu of hand dryers. If the parking lot is full, street parking is available. Next time we're in LA visiting my sister, we'll have to bring our tennis rackets and play here while my nephew's taking his tennis lesson!

The new director does not let kids use the baseball field . We have been coming for years to this…read morefield and now they kicked us out soon as we got here and won't give us a valid reason why . And from what other family members say that's the way he is even with equipment when the kids play for the park . Idk why there is a baseball field if no one uses the field or not let anyone use it we got here 12 pm during the week

The park itself is very nice, good shade covered for hot days. Plenty of parking…read more Disappointing that their splash pad isn't working & they don't know when it'll be back up & running again.

I never knew this place existed till a friendly Griffith Park Ranger told us about it when we were…read morelooking for wedding venue. This private, gated area in Elysian Park has its own private entrance (up the hill from the main road, extremely seclusive), its own private parking lot (for up to 100 cars), private restrooms, BBQ pits, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horse-shoe game area, 21 picnic tables [each can seat up to 12 people easily], and officially allow 500 people per event (but they held events here for up 1,500 people here before). Recently, they also allowed alcohol in the park for private event. However, they charge A LOT extra for the alcohol permit (cost more than the reservation fee) and required you to pay for an RMI security (to monitor your drunk guests), plus they required the alcohol be provided through their own approved alcohol caterer (which fortunately is at a reasonable price). Facilities in Montecillo De Leo Politi (previously was called "The Old Lodge") is not open for public use; it's only available for private, reserve events. To use this area, you need to make reservation with the Elysian Park's administrative office. The administrative office was a pain to work with as they are very incompetent (gave the wrong quote and invoice, then had to correct it multiple time, with last time being a few days prior to the event. ARGH) but luckily, the people in the Park Maintenance office (the people that are monitoring all events in Montecillo De Leo Politi) are friendlier and seem a bit more knowledgeable about the park and their jobs. It can be a challenge to find this place since Montecillo De Leo Politi does not have an address that people can enter on GPS. See this map for the exact location of the venue: http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/elysianPK/pdf/map.pdf For those looking for an outdoor venue for a private party or wedding that is beautiful, big enough to hold a big party, private enough that no random people will walk in, or just a venue that is simply a blank canvas for you to beautify, this place is perfect! Of course, it's extra nice that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to rent Montecillo De Leo Politi (where as many similar venue we visited cost $8,000++).

Just got back tonight... Gotta say, pretty disappointed. I thought they would really have more snow…read moreand ice. But all we saw were mud, carpet and dirt. What's worse is the price, the long lines and crappy customer service. We upgraded to premier (extra $18 per person - that's if you pay there) because you would prolly only get to ride (tubing) maybe 3x the whole night otherwise. To add, the lady that upgraded us didn't even inform us about the free penguin onesie (retails there for $35 ea) and the drink that comes with it. Don't even get me going about their hot chocolate. It wasn't hot and it was a water down Swiss Miss insta packs for $3. Lame! Here's the breakdown per person of what we paid (cuz I know you pay more if you buy direct from their website): adult $24.90 (entrance/tubing) + $18 (premier upgrade) child $15 (entrance/tubing) + $18 (premier upgrade) I bought our tickets through event site (can't remember which) but I know Groupon had it too. We complained and got our hot chocolate money back since it sucked and we weren't even supposed to have paid for it anyway. This upgrade comes with a merchandize of your choice (sweatshirt, beanie, onesie, T-shirt). Oh BTW, they had 4 different food trucks there. I know our daughter had a good time so I gave two stars but they should have put some more thought into it.