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Local picks

Cool parks in Los Angeles

Made for those who seek out green spaces that possess a distinct, non-traditional edge.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Point Fermin Park image 1
Point Fermin Park image 2
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Park offers great ocean views and an iconic lighthouse with free tours. It features spacious grassy areas, a large shaded playground, and picnic tables by the water. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, though occasional events can bring noise.

Wide open spaces with green lawns and coastal paths create a beautiful setting. The park offers spectacular ocean views and areas for picnics, playgrounds, and group activities.

A cool turtle pond and an abandoned radio tower stand out here. The park offers quiet ocean views and a relaxing vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful ocean views here."

"There's plenty of free parking available along the road."

"The parks here have beautiful ocean views."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available along the roadside at the park.

2

The park has a lighthouse, playground, restrooms, and picnic benches.

3

Expect steep hills when walking to different areas of the park.

02
Exposition Park image 1

A large cultural and sports complex with three main museums and a rose garden featuring 20,000 varieties. The atmosphere shifts from serene open spaces to lively events like soccer matches and concerts. Frequent visitors include families and people of all ages enjoying free admission and diverse activities.

Offers a mix of museums, gardens, and open park spaces. Hosts cultural and educational spots like the Natural History Museum and California Science Center with the retired NASA Endeavour. Includes a rose garden and areas for events and recreation.

A cool vibe fills the park with a mix of historic venues and interactive spots like the science and history center. Outdoor activities like frisbee golf and the rose garden add to the variety of cool things to see and do.

People are saying

"It's a cool historic venue with museums and stadiums."

"This park has so much to see and do, like museums and gardens."

"I found this place to be a cool historic venue."

Good to know

1

Admission to Exposition Park is free, making it accessible for everyone.

2

Parking can be challenging during large events, so arrive early.

3

Exposition Park hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.

03
Los Encinos State Historic Park image 1

Small state park offers a peaceful, serene atmosphere with shady trees and a natural spring lake filled with ducks and geese. Visitors find picnic tables and grassy areas for relaxation and casual activities. Historic elements include an adobe house and museum showcasing local history.

Small and peaceful, the park offers a beautiful lake with a pond full of ducks and geese. Lush green trees and well-kept grounds create a serene oasis perfect for relaxing walks.

The park offers a historic vibe with well-preserved buildings and natural scenery. It feels relaxed and inviting, making it a cool spot to explore.

People are saying

"The park's pond is full of beautiful ducks and geese."

"It's a peaceful oasis, perfect for a relaxing walk."

"I found the park to be pretty cool."

Good to know

1

The blacksmith shed is open only every third Sunday for two hours.

2

The museum has limited hours, so check before visiting.

3

Parking on the street is generally easy and available.

04
Marina del Rey Inlet Park image 1

Park offers quiet, peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views of boats and ocean. Visitors often find it family-friendly and ideal for relaxation and watching wildlife like sea lions and seals. The space remains not too busy, providing a calm setting away from busy streets.

Walking trail runs along the park with views of the harbor and sailboats. People use it for picnics, strolling, and fishing. No public restrooms are available.

Water views stand out as a cool feature here. Local events add a lively vibe to the spot.

People are saying

"It's a great relaxing spot to watch planes take off."

"It's so peaceful and quiet here."

"It's a cool spot to see the water."

Good to know

1

Parking at Marina del Rey Inlet Park can be challenging, especially during peak times.

2

There are no public restrooms at Marina del Rey Inlet Park.

3

The park has benches and grill areas available for visitors.

05
Los Angeles State Historic Park image 1

Large, green park offers open spaces and spectacular downtown skyline views. Atmosphere stays peaceful and laid-back despite occasional train and helicopter noise. Visitors include artists, families, and entrepreneurs enjoying trails, shaded areas, and room for dogs.

Open green spaces and walking trails invite group activities, solo runs, and nature lovers. The park offers scenic views of Downtown Los Angeles, plenty of restrooms, and well-maintained grounds that feel like a hidden gem close to Chinatown.

Always something cool happening here keeps the vibe fresh. The spot stays clean and offers a great place to hang out in the city.

People are saying

"The park offers great views of the city skyline."

"It's a great place to walk your dog."

"It's a cool place to hang out right in the middle of the city."

Good to know

1

Parking costs about $2.50 per hour, or just under $9 per day.

2

Parking for events can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays.

3

The park often hosts community events and art installations.

06
Barnsdall Art Park image 1

Park offers hilltop views of the city skyline, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and serene on weekdays to lively with picnics and dogs on weekends. Historic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture adds a quiet, inspiring element to the green space.

Offers great views of the city skyline, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Park Observatory. Features a peaceful atmosphere with grassy areas for picnics, shaded spots under large trees, and dog-friendly spaces. Includes art and history elements like an art gallery, classes, and a historic house.

A hidden gem with a great lawn and view makes this park stand out as a cool spot.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the picnic with a view of the Hollywood Sign and observatory."

"It's a quiet place to sit, read, or sketch away from busy streets."

"The park offers amazing views of the city and the Hollywood Sign."

Good to know

1

Barnsdall Art Park hosts events like outdoor art and cultural activities.

2

Friday night wine nights occur during the summer months.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on busy days.

07
Hawk On Hand Falconry image 1

Wildlife park offers hands-on interaction with beautiful birds of prey in a safe and comfortable setting. The atmosphere balances educational insights with casual, engaging experiences suitable for all ages.

Falconry sessions happen here with Barn Owl, Harris Hawk, and Augur Buzzard. Instruction feels comfortable and the team works well together.

Learning about them up close feels very cool. The whole experience stays super cool throughout.

People are saying

"The falconry experience here is unique; the instructors really care for the birds."

"It's so Kid Friendly; Adam answers all their questions patiently."

"It was so cool learning about the birds up close."

Good to know

1

The experience offers hands-on interaction with birds of prey.

2

Adam, the instructor, shares extensive knowledge about falconry.

3

The session is suitable for all ages, making it family-friendly.

08
Airplane Landing View Point image 1

Park offers close-up views of airplanes landing just overhead on runways 24R and 24L. It feels quiet and windy, with open grassy areas for sitting and watching. Aviation enthusiasts gather here to enjoy the unique perspective of aircraft arrivals and departures.

Small, well-kept park offers grassy spots to sit and watch planes. It provides excellent views for planespotting and capturing landings on camera, making it a favorite for aviation fans.

The spot offers a cool vibe to just chill and watch planes. It provides a relaxed setting for airplane spotting.

People are saying

"I loved watching the planes land; it's a great spot for plane spotting."

"This park is amazing for plane spotting, with planes flying right overhead."

"It's cool to watch the planes fly overhead."

Good to know

1

Parking might be tight depending on the time of day.

2

There are no restrooms at the location.

3

You can watch planes landing from really close.

09
Gloria Molina Grand Park image 1

Large open lawns and illuminated fountains create a modern, family-friendly atmosphere with pink chairs and shaded seating areas. The park offers play spaces and splash zones for children alongside well-maintained walking paths. It provides a quiet, relaxing environment amid the city with views of nearby landmarks.

Offers a tranquil atmosphere with great views and plenty of benches, playgrounds, and public restrooms. The park is clean and well maintained, making it a relaxing spot for families and groups to connect and unwind.

Fountain installations add a refreshing vibe. The park hosts drumming events and animal rights rallies that bring energy and engagement. Concerts here also create a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the lively mix of cultural events and DJs at this park."

"It's really kid friendly with a great playground and splash park."

"I found the drumming events and concerts here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Entry to the park is free for all visitors.

2

Parking can be difficult to find near the park.

3

There is a metro stop right next to the park for easy access.

10
Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area image 1

Park offers beautiful lake views and large grassy fields with playground and picnic areas. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, with natural scents and friendly people. Spaces include shaded spots and designated areas for drone and fixed-wing flying.

Large green zones and varied trees create a peaceful setting for walks and relaxation. The park offers a big playground, picnic areas, and paths suitable for rollerblading and biking, welcoming all ages.

People are saying

"It's a spacious park with green areas perfect for walking."

"It's a great place to walk dogs and let them roam freely."

"It's cool, nice, and peaceful here."

Good to know

1

The park has clean bathrooms available for visitors.

2

There is free parking available at the recreation area.

3

Expect limited parking during busy weekends.

11
Lake Pit at the La Brea Tar Pits image 1

Tar-filled lake bubbles with thick, black asphalt, emitting a distinct smell and reflecting surrounding trees and sky. Well-maintained park offers peaceful space for reflection and observation of ongoing paleontological digs. Active scientific work and life-sized fossil displays create an engaging, educational atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Well-maintained green spaces and walking paths surround the area, offering a peaceful setting for reflection and exploration. Additional tar pits scattered throughout provide unique natural features to discover.

Watching staff actively work on bone identification and cleaning adds a unique, hands-on feel. The Lake Pit stands out as a cool spot to see ongoing excavation and preservation efforts.

People are saying

"It's a really Kid Friendly place; my kid loved seeing the mammoth statues."

"It's like a prehistoric time capsule right in the heart of the city."

"It was really cool to see the Lake Pit."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find near the La Brea Tar Pits.

2

The outdoor exhibit is free to walk through during the daytime.

3

The public bathrooms were closed during my last visit.

12
Chevy Chase Park image 1

Park includes skate park with ramps, rails, ledges, and stairs, playground, and green areas. Atmosphere stays relaxed and community-focused, attracting people of all ages. Skate park remains busy and well-lit at night, supporting extended use.

Green areas and a skate park with many ramps, rails, ledges, and stairs stand out. The park also offers a playground, gym, and plenty of parking, making it a solid spot for community activities.

Skateboarding draws attention with a cool skatepark setup. Open green spaces add to the chill vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the skate park had a great layout with many ramps and rails."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with a skate park and ramps."

"I found this park to be a pretty cool spot."

Good to know

1

The skate park is open from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm.

2

There are lights at the skate park for night skating.

3

The park has plenty of parking available.

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Los Angeles, California

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