Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Considered one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems, the park itself contains over 4,120 acres of terrain, making it the most expanse municipal park in the country. Situated between the Hollywood Hills and Burbank/Pasadena areas of the city near the Santa Monica Mountain range, Griffith Park offers a wide range of recreational activities. As an added bonus even the parking is free, which is an even rarer find in Los Angeles than an uncongested freeway.
Recreation in Los Angeles
Those unfamiliar with the area might be surprised to find a park of scenic, yet challenging hiking trails that can easily rival those in more mountainous states, such as Colorado. A portion of the park’s trails can be used for jogging and horseback riding. Griffith Park also offers camping, four separate golf courses, five picnic areas, soccer fields, a swimming pool, and three tennis courts.
The scenery along the hiking trails is spectacular, offering a somewhat ironic juxtaposition of nature’s wilderness alongside panoramic views of the city. Some of the more challenging trails offer hikers the ability to see downtown Los Angeles from several hundred feet above, in addition to the city’s entire basin area. The more challenging trails also offer a few rest areas, some of which are beautifully landscaped like “mini-gardens” that allow the hiker to regain their strength in tranquility.
Zoo in Los Angeles
In addition to its recreational activities, Griffith Park features several local area attractions. Two of its most well known Los Angeles attractions are the L.A. Zoo and the Griffith Park Observatory. The Observatory is open Wednesday through Sunday, showcasing three live astronomy programs, gallery exhibits and access to telescopes for viewing the night sky. Admission and parking at the Griffith Park Observatory is also free of charge for interested visitors.
The Los Angeles Zoo does charge a small admission fee, but showcases many themed animal areas as well as self-guided audio tours, special events, and participates in several animal conservation programs. Operated under the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), the grounds also include a botanical garden area featuring over 800 different species of plants. Of the Los Angeles zoos, it receives over 1.5 million visitors per year and plans to expand its current repertoire of animal exhibits with the Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles in 2011 and Rainforest of the Americas in 2012.
For families and individuals seeking a quality, low-cost alternative to L.A.’s more popular tourist attractions, Griffith Park offers an unforgettable experience. While it is one of several parks in Los Angeles, it offers a wide variety of activities for all age groups and individual physical fitness levels. Griffith Park Los Angeles is a surprisingly delightful option for visitors and locals alike, as it provides a more serene and removed source of entertainment within a busy metropolitan environment.
Information regarding additional attractions and activities at Griffith Park, including park hours and driving directions can be found at the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks website.
Helen Akers - Helen E. Akers
Join the Conversation