Best Parks & Green Spaces in Los Angeles, United States
1. Griffith Park
A sprawling urban park offering hiking trails, the Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulties
- Observatory Access: Home to the Griffith Observatory for astronomical exploration
- Iconic Hollywood Sign: Provides a great viewpoint of the world-famous Hollywood Sign
2. Runyon Canyon Park
A popular hiking destination with scenic trails and Hollywood Hills views.
- Scenic Trails: Features several well-maintained hiking trails
- Hollywood Views: Provides stunning panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills
- Pet-Friendly: Permits leashed dogs, making it a pet-friendly destination
3. Santa Monica Beach and Pier
A bustling beachfront featuring the iconic Santa Monica Pier, amusement park, and Pacific Ocean views.
- Iconic Pier: Boasts the historic Santa Monica Pier for entertainment
- Amusement Park: Features a fun amusement park with rides and attractions
- Pacific Ocean Views: Offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean
4. Venice Beach Boardwalk
A vibrant, eclectic stretch with street performers, skate parks, and the famous Muscle Beach.
- Street Performers: Features a variety of artists and performers along the boardwalk
- Skate Parks: Offers several skate parks for enthusiasts
- Muscle Beach: Features the famous outdoor gym and workout area, Muscle Beach
5. The Getty Center
A cultural landmark with an impressive art collection, gardens, and panoramic city views.
- Art Collection: Features an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and photographs
- Gardens: Showcases beautiful gardens with various architectural elements
- City Views: Offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean
6. Universal Studios Hollywood - WaterWorld Show
A live-action stunt show set on a huge water stage at Universal Studios.
- Live-Action Stunts: Features thrilling live-action stunts and pyrotechnics
- Water Stage: Performed on a massive water stage for a unique experience
- Entertainment Value: Offers an exciting and memorable entertainment experience
7. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles
A popular restaurant chain known for its delicious chicken and waffle dishes.
- Unique Food Combination: Combines crispy fried chicken with sweet waffles for a tasty meal
- Celebrity Spotting: Known as a celebrity hangout spot
- Brunch Favorite: A popular brunch destination for locals and tourists alike
8. The Last Bookstore
A unique bookstore with a labyrinthine layout and Instagram-worthy art installations.
- Labyrinthine Layout: Features a maze-like interior design for an immersive shopping experience
- Art Installations: Incorporates art installations throughout the store for visual interest
- Rare Finds: Offers a selection of rare, out-of-print, and signed books
9. LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
A large art museum with diverse collections and iconic urban light installations.
- Diverse Collections: Features a vast collection of contemporary and ancient art
- Urban Light Installation: Showcases Chris Burden's iconic Urban Light installation
- Parking Lot Art: Features artist-designed parking meters and lot signs
10. The Broad Museum
A contemporary art museum featuring works by artists like Yayoi Kusama and Cy Twombly.
- Contemporary Art Focus: Specializes in modern and contemporary art
- Infinity Mirrored Room: Features Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room installation
- Free Admission: Offers free general admission for all visitors
11. Grand Central Market
A food hall offering a variety of delicious eats from local vendors.
- Food Variety: Features over 30 food vendors serving a wide range of cuisines
- Historic Building: Located in a historic building dating back to 1917
- Local Favorites: Home to popular local eateries like Eggslut and Guelaguetza
12. The Original Farmers Market
A bustling marketplace offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and unique shopping experiences.
- Fresh Produce: Features a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Prepared Foods: Offers numerous food stalls serving ready-to-eat meals
- Shopping Opportunities: Features specialty shops selling unique gifts, clothes, and housewares
13. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A zoological park with a variety of animals and beautiful botanical gardens.
- Animal Encounters: Features over 1,400 animals representing 270 species
- Botanical Gardens: Showcases a diverse collection of plants in themed gardens
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to conservation, education, and research programs
14. The Queen Mary
A historic ocean liner turned hotel and attraction, offering tours, dining, and entertainment.
- Historic Ship: A retired ocean liner with a rich history dating back to 1936
- Tours and Exhibits: Offers guided tours, exhibits, and paranormal investigations
- Dining Options: Features multiple dining options, including a classic fine-dining restaurant
15. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
A scenic park with panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign
- Historic Sign: Features a restored historic kiosk from the original Culver City Reservoir
- Fitness Trail: Includes a fitness trail for jogging, walking, or cycling