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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central LA

Parks

Made for those who prioritize access to open green space as a non-negotiable part of their daily routine.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Angeles State Historic Park image 1
Los Angeles State Historic Park image 2
Los Angeles State Historic Park image 3
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Large green park offers open spaces and walking trails perfect for families and solo runners. Visitors enjoy scenic downtown views and peaceful, laid-back atmosphere despite some train and helicopter noise. Plenty of shaded areas and room for dogs make it a hidden gem near Chinatown.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"It's a peaceful and quiet spot to relax."

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.

02
Highland Camrose Park image 1

Park offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with lush gardens and many picnic tables for relaxation. It is dog friendly but requires leashes since it is not fenced. Security presence and public restrooms add to the safe, well-maintained environment.

Well maintained with clean landscaping and plenty of trees and tables. It is dog friendly but not fenced, so leashes are needed. The park is hidden behind a wall and has public restrooms and security.

People are saying

"The picnic tables are cute, hidden, and surrounded by gorgeous gardens."

"This park is super convenient for visiting the Hollywood Bowl."

"The bathrooms here are clean and well-maintained."

Good to know

1

The park features public restrooms for visitor convenience.

2

Highland Camrose Park is dog-friendly, making it great for pet owners.

3

The park has widespread picnic areas for gatherings and relaxation.

03
Fern Dell Nature Preserve image 1

Fern Dell Nature Preserve offers lush plant life and flat walking paths perfect for easy strolls. Large playgrounds near trail heads invite family fun, while nearby observatory access adds a scenic trail experience. Benches and picnic tables provide restful spots throughout.

Large playgrounds sit near trail heads that lead into Griffith Park, offering access to a vast natural area. Fern Dell Nature Preserve features its own playgrounds, creating a fun and somewhat mysterious park experience suitable for all ages.

People are saying

"It's a magical little park with beautiful trails."

"It's a beautiful, serene escape; a perfect Meditation Spot."

"I found a nice playground suitable for all ages."

Good to know

1

Parking is available along Fern Dell Drive where permitted.

2

Bring comfortable waterproof shoes as some areas can be wet.

3

The walking paths are mostly flat and easy to navigate.

04
LA High Memorial Park image 1

Memorial park offers a clean lawn perfect for family walks and dog play. Kids enjoy the themed obstacle course at the playground. A historic library adds a quiet spot for reading amid lively community events.

A clean and safe park with a broad lawn welcomes families and dogs for walks and play. The playground is lively with kids, and events like obstacle courses for young children happen regularly.

People are saying

"I found the parks here to be beautiful and clean."

"It's a dog-friendly park where many families bring their pets."

"It's a clean and safe spot for kids."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at LA High Memorial Park.

2

Parking at LA High Memorial Park is reasonable and accessible.

3

The park features a playground suitable for young children.

05
Franklin-Ivar Park image 1

Small park offers a cruisy atmosphere with natural climbing structures for kids. Dogs stay on leash, keeping a calm environment for pets and people. Gates stay open late, allowing for extended visits but watch for sketchy folks.

Green space offers a spot to eat lunch and enjoy fresh air. Kids climb on rocks and natural structures since there is no playground. The park is not off-leash for dogs and lacks restrooms. Sometimes, the area can have sketchy folks, so caution is advised.

People are saying

"It's a nice place to enjoy outside and eat lunch."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms at Franklin-Ivar Park.

2

Dogs must be on a leash, ensuring safety for all visitors.

3

The park can sometimes be filled with sketchy folks, so be cautious.

06
Hancock Park image 1
City park

Spacious grounds with tar pits and rock horses create a calm, family-friendly park. Nearby interactive museums offer fun learning, while a top-notch cafe serves great food. Clean bathrooms and a welcoming vibe make it perfect for all visitors.

Spacious areas with well-kept grounds invite kids to run around and people to walk comfortably. The park stays calm and unchanged since the 1960s, featuring nearby interactive museums and clean bathrooms.

People are saying

"I loved walking around the pleasant park and visiting the Museums."

"It's a huge park, great for walking around."

"I saw the new gallery preview and it was breathtaking."

Good to know

1

Structure parking currently costs about $18.

2

There was a pits museum parking lot right behind Hancock Park.

3

Today, there was a Cyberpunk exhibit at LACMA.

07
Harold A Henry Park image 1

Sand surfaces and grassy areas offer a natural setting with plenty of shade. Kids enjoy the playground while families picnic in a clean, safe space. The park stays quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxation and dog walks.

Quiet and peaceful with lots of natural shade from tall trees. The park is very clean and safe, great for kids to play and families to picnic.

People are saying

"This park is really kid friendly with a great playground."

"I found the park to be quiet and clean."

"It's a small, cute park that's great for kids and dogs."

Good to know

1

Expect busy weekends with celebrations; arrive early for a table.

2

There are no restrooms available at the park.

3

Parking is available around the park.

08
Alpine Recreation Center image 1
Recreation center

Alpine Recreation Center features indoor and outdoor courts perfect for basketball and a playground for kids. Families enjoy its clean, welcoming environment and friendly staff known since childhood. It offers solid recreational activities for all ages.

Alpine Recreation Center offers a playground for kids and a friendly atmosphere with staff known since childhood. It serves as a solid spot for recreational activities.

People are saying

"The coaches here are great and really pay attention to the kids."

"I grew up at this park; the staff are for the community."

Good to know

1

The community center offers various programs for kids and families.

2

The Alpine Recreation Center has basketball and other activities for children.

3

Parent supervision is not always present for children aged 10 and 11.

09
Lake Hollywood Park image 1

Open grassy areas and walking paths offer a peaceful urban escape with unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign. Calm atmosphere suits picnics and dog walks, while a dedicated dog park welcomes animal lovers.

Spacious and clean, the park offers unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign and a peaceful urban escape. It features a dog park and is popular for photos and picnics.

People are saying

"Lake Hollywood Park offers the best views of the Hollywood Sign."

"Parking available here offers great views of the Hollywood Sign."

"It's a dog friendly park with stunning views of the Hollywood Sign."

Good to know

1

Parking fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.

2

There are no public restrooms available at the park.

3

The park is spacious and well-maintained, ideal for picnics and walks.

10
Queen Anne Park image 1

Neighborhood park features spacious playgrounds and well-kept courts for basketball and tennis. Baseball games bring lively cheers, while clinics use the courts for training. Families and dog owners keep the area family-friendly and active without crowding.

A well-maintained neighborhood park with two baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a playground with a water sprayer. The park stays quiet except during baseball games, and it hosts clinics that use the courts.

People are saying

"I found the courts well kept and great for playing."

"It's so kid friendly, the children had a lot of fun!"

"It's so much fun for the children."

Good to know

1

It is the law to keep your dog on a leash according to Penal code LAMC.

2

There is ample parking available at Queen Anne Park.

3

Street parking is available for the most part on narrow streets.

11
Robert Burns Park image 1

City park offers a quiet atmosphere with gated playground for kids and a dog-friendly area for pets. Clean, safe spaces and lots of trees make it ideal for families and dog owners. Limited parking keeps it private and neighborhood-focused.

Quiet and clean with lots of trees, this park offers a gated playground that suits kids well. It features exercise equipment and a dog-friendly area, making it great for families and pets.

People are saying

"This park is amazing for kids, with a playground and picnic area."

"It's really fun and safe for kids here."

"I found this park to be dog friendly; my dogs loved it."

Good to know

1

The park has no dedicated parking; street parking is the only option.

2

Restroom facilities are limited to a single portable toilet, which is often dirty.

3

The park is generally safe for children, but caution is advised due to fallen branches.

12
Lake Pit at the La Brea Tar Pits image 1

Tar pits bubble with thick asphalt and a strong smell, surrounded by well-maintained green spaces and walking paths. Active digs and life-sized fossil displays create an engaging, educational atmosphere. Visitors enjoy peaceful reflection and exploration here.

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.

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."

"You can walk around the actual bubbling tar pits in this outdoor space."

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.

13
Pecan Recreation Center image 1
Recreation center

Basketball court shines with quality upkeep amid beautiful green spaces perfect for sports. Programs for children and friendly staff foster a caring community. Note that the parking gate opens late, often after park hours.

Beautiful green spaces support various sports activities. Parking lot gate opens later than park hours.

People are saying

"The parks have a really nice basketball court."

Good to know

1

The parking lot gate is often locked at 9:30am despite the park opening at 9am.

2

This recreation center offers various programs specifically designed for children.

3

Parking issues are common at the recreation center.

14
Evergreen Recreation Center image 1

Park offers a playground and a pirate-like moving boat that kids love. Adults enjoy martial arts training with a blackbelt coach. Atmosphere stays peaceful and chill, making it great for all ages.

Many activities suit kids of all ages and adults. The park features a playground that kids enjoy and offers a variety of activities for everyone.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful and offers activities for everyone."

"It's so Kid Friendly; the employees give their blood, sweat, and tears for the children."

Good to know

1

The festival starts at 7pm and ends at 11pm.

2

The festival features free food, music, games, and a jumping castle.

3

The program at the park costs $10 per season and includes a uniform.

15
Hollenbeck Park image 1

Green hills and a wooden bridge create a peaceful park setting despite nearby highway noise. Kids enjoy a clean playground while teens use the skate plaza. Outdoor gym equipment offers fitness options for all ages.

Large and beautiful park with plenty of activities for kids and teens. Features include a clean playground, a skate plaza, workout equipment, and peaceful spots for walking or relaxing.

People are saying

"I found the parks beautiful and peaceful, with ducks and turtles everywhere."

"It's a really kid-friendly place with an adventurous playground."

"It's a nice place to relax and enjoy the fresh air."

Good to know

1

Hollenbeck Park has no bathrooms available for visitors.

2

Visitors should be cautious when it gets dark in the park.

3

Expect to see many homeless individuals in the park.

16
Bronson Canyon Playground image 1

Visitors enjoy shady spots and low hanging trees perfect for climbing, alongside a small fenced playground near the entrance. Nature trails lead to historic caves tied to the 1960s Batman series, while views of the Hollywood sign and downtown Los Angeles add to the trippy atmosphere.

A small playground sits just inside a private park entrance, surrounded by a circumferential fence for protection. The area includes maintained outside toilets and park staff presence, but some parts like the playground and cave show signs of wear and restricted access.

People are saying

"The playground here is cute but fairly small."

Good to know

1

Parking can overflow into the street by 10:00 am, so arrive early.

2

Climbing the cliffs is no longer allowed due to safety concerns.

3

There are outside toilets that are maintained regularly.

17
Cargo Snack Shack image 1
American restaurant

Historic park hosts a snack shack made from cargo units with a large patio and lovely pergola. Guests enjoy delicious burgers while relaxing outdoors. An amazing string quartet adds to the peaceful, good vibes atmosphere.

A historic park area features a snack shack built from cargo units. It offers a cute spot to grab food and hang out right by the park.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious food and great vibes at the park."

"I was impressed by their thoughtful and delicious vegetarian options."

"The outdoor seating here is really nice and amazing."

Good to know

1

Events usually happen on Saturday nights.

2

Fries are an additional $3 with the burger.

3

Chips come with the burger for $12.

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