Top Parks and Gardens in Los Angeles

From Runyon Canyon Park to Echo Park, head to these top spots in Los Angeles.

2 min readJul 27, 2019By Madigan Talmage-Bowers

Fountains and palm trees in a Los Angeles park

Hi, I'm Madigan!

Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.

When you need a break from the nerve-fraying traffic and noise of Los Angeles, the city boasts a fantastic selection of parks, from forested trails in the Hollywood Hills to urban gardens filled with neighborhood charm and cultural fixtures. Check out these inviting green spaces in the City of Angels.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Griffith Park

The famous Hollywood sign.Photo Credit: trekandshoot / Shutterstock

When city dwellers need to escape the grind, they flock to this sprawling wilderness area that cascades across the Hollywood Hills and [Santa Monica Mountains(https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Santa-Monica/d32539-ttd). The second-largest park in California, Griffith packs in miles of hiking trails plus cultural attractions such as the Los Angeles Zoo, Greek Theatre, and a miniature railroad. Don't miss the panoramic views from Griffith Observatory.

Lake Hollywood Park

Calm waters in Lake Hollywood Park.Photo Credit: Laurence Leung / Shutterstock

If you want to snap a picture of the iconic white Hollywood sign without the effort of a long hike, stop by this small park on the outskirts of the city. Dogs love the open grassy area, and kids can burn off some energy at a children's playground.

Echo Park

Take a swan boat ride in Echo Park.Photo Credit: Strike First / Shutterstock

A lovely, leafy oasis that feels a world away from the grit of nearby Sunset Boulevard, this urban park lets you trade in billboards and traffic for palm-lined pathways and the serenity of Echo Lake. Rent one of the swan-shaped paddleboats for a uniquely LA experience.

Runyon Canyon Park

A hiker in Runyon Canyon Park.Photo Credit: Runyon Canyon Park

Beloved by local joggers and dog walkers, this scenic park hugging the Hollywood Hills offers fantastic views of LA’s urban sprawl and the Hollywood sign. Get there early to snag a parking spot, and check out the mansions along storied Mulholland Drive on your way.