If the beach isn’t your thing, heading to your local park is another excellent way to spend the day basking in the LA sun.
Take a stroll, pack a picnic, bring a book, and grab some friends — these are our favorite local parks for an outdoor hang.
Photo: LAparks.org
751 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
A stone’s throw from hip spots like Honey Hi and Sage, Echo Park Lake has become a special popular relaxation spot for East-siders. The revamped park has a lake featuring paddle boats, which are $11 an hour to rent. The lake’s lily pads and water features will make you feel like you’re on a mini vacation.
Photo: Grand Park Facebook
200 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dubbed “the park for everyone,” the 12-acre Grand Park is located right next to City Hall and is one of our favorite spots to check out during lunchtime for their regular food truck events. It’s also a common spot for rallies and protests for both global and local issues. Keep an eye out on this park to see how you can participate.
Photo: Silverlakereservoirs.org
1854 To 2246 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Turn right off Sunset Blvd, drive along the suburban-feeling Silver Lake Blvd, and you’ll find yourself at the beautiful Silver Lake Reservoir. The 96-acre area includes plenty of grassy area around the lake, and two poppin’ dog parks, one for the big pups and one for the little guys. Get some exercise by jogging on the paved path surrounding the reservoir!
Photo: parks.lacounty.gov
4100 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90056
You know that part of La Cienega Blvd that gets a little windy? That’s where you’ll find Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Center. This beautiful park is home to picnic sites, tot lots, a fishing area, a lotus pond, and five miles of trails. Kenneth Hahn is the perfect place to get those steps in with more than seven miles of existing trails.
Photo: laparks.org
6300 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Nestled in between Burbank Blvd and Victory Blvd in the San Fernando Valley is Lake Balboa, a gigantic park with everything from a dog park to a multipurpose sports field. You can go jogging, walking, or biking, and even pedal boating! This is one of our favorite family-friendly places in the city, too.
Photo: Great Runs
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
LA’s Griffith Park actually spans over 4200 acres of natural chaparral-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas. It’s home to the iconic observatory, as well as plenty of hiking trails and other activities such as horseback riding and catching an outdoor flick at the Autry Museum.
Photo: Levitt Facebook
2230 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Inside MacArthur Park is Levitt Pavilion, a recently revitalized venue and outdoor area that has become a cultural hub just outside of Downtown Los Angeles. Each summer, the venue hosts a series of 50 free concerts, and plenty of other cultural celebrations and family-friendly activities.
Photo: Barnsdall Art Park Facebook
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
At eleven and a half acres of land, Barnsdall Art Park is not your average LA park. Inside, you’ll find Frank Lloys Wright’s stunning Hollyhock House, which may soon become a World Heritage Site. You can also visit the LA Municipal Art Gallery, and participate in local art programs, ranging from ceramic classes to theatre.
Photo: TripAdvisor
Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Want breathtaking views of the Pacific? Palisades Park is where you’ll find them. At over 26 acres, Palisades Park runs along Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. It’s also home to a few historic sites, like the Beacon Overlook and the Camera Obscura feature. Plus, if you’re not really in the mood to the actual beach, this park is the right choice.
Photo: VisitPasadena.com
60 N Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91103
South of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena is another landmark, Brookside Park. If you’re a lover of sports, visit Brookside to get a little soccer, flag football, or even baseball in. With over 61 acres, there’s plenty of beautiful greenery to explore at this Pasadena park.
Photo: laparks.org
3160 Canyon Lake Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Located just below the historic Hollywood Sign is Lake Hollywood Park, an often-forgotten LA park that’s actually pretty awesome. Lake Hollywood isn’t known to ever get too busy, and if you’re been pining for a pic of the Hollywood Sign once and for all, now you know where to go. There’s also a playground for kiddos, and lots of space to plop down on the grass and enjoy some sunshine.
