Well as the famous saying goes ‘the best things in life are free’ and that might just be the case when it comes to parks in Los Angeles.
We have so many incredible parks to choose from wheter we want to have a picnic, play with our kids or just take a walk outside.
But in this article, we are going to focus on those spectacular Los Angeles parks that have that little extra beauty making them Instaworthy!
There are so many to choose from but here are 6 of our favorites.
1. Rocket Ship Park, Torrance
Description:
This cute little park is technically named ‘Los Arboles’ not Rocket Ship Park. But it earned its nickname of course by the unique rocket structure that stands on the playground.
If you climb to the top you will be treated with views of the beautiful South Bay! There are 3 tiers on the Rocket Ship and the top one offers a thrilling slide back down to the ground.
The Park also has a jungle gym and a large grass field but it’s your opportunity to play astronaut with your kids that makes it so special and the first addition on our list.
Location:
5101 Cll De Ricardo, Torrance, CA 90505
Credit:@pacific.argonaut
hack:
Want to capture a great shot of the rocket ship 🚀like the one in the pic?
Make sure to go about 10-15 minutes before Sunset and you will have something worthy to post to the gram!
2. Vista Hermosa Park, DTLA
Description:
We love parks with a view and a favorite on the list is Vista Hermosa in Echo Park which features jaw-dropping vistas of Downtown Los Angeles.
If you have heard of this park then you also heard of its famous bench where you can sit and appreciate all that beauty!
But there is more to this lovely little park than its iconic bench view. It also boasts lovely, gentle green hills perfect for munching on your picnic, reading a book, or running around with your friends and family.
It’s the perfect, easy little escape to a nature destination if you find yourself near DTLA and needing a quick break from the urban chaos.
In spite of its growing popularity, the park is not crowded during off-peak times and the parking on the street is free and not too difficult to find.
Location: 100 N Toluca St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Credit:@soyoung_sophie_
Hack:
What is a trip to Vista Hermosa Park without capturing a pic for the gram from that famous bench?
Most everyone else that visits the park has the same idea so you might have to wait a bit for your turn capturing that perfect shot.
But did you know you can actually reserve the bench for special occasions?!
Yes, that’s right. If you want to make a proposal at the bench talk to the office to reserve and capture your special moment VIP style.
3. Grand Park, DTLA
Description:
Grand Park has earned its name and is recognized by most as the Downtown Los Angeles version of Central Park (but way smaller).
The park is so centrally located that you could walk to dozens of iconic LA spots easily without breaking a sweat.
The beautiful area also showcases spectacular views of City Hall and the other city administrative buildings that surround it.
Grand Park was made over just a few short years ago to look this gorgeous, but it now has become the go-to spot for large city-wide celebrations and events in DTLA and if you check their calendar there is always something big, fun and exciting on the schedule.
Location:
200 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Credit: @meetlosangeles
Hack:
There may be no other park in Los Angeles with more iconic stuff to see and visit within walking distance from it than Grand Park.
A cultural centerpiece of downtown Los Angeles there dozens of other gems that are close by Grand Park you can easily visit and you can knock off your LA Bucket list all in one convenient day.
There are to many to list them all but they include the Music Center, the City Hall observation deck, the Broad, the Moca, Grand Central Market, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
4. Echo Park Lake, Echo Park
Description:
Did you know that just a few short years ago this park was not a place you would take your kids or want to find yourself alone at night?
There used to be a terrible crime problem here and the park was overrun with drug use. You can still see some remnants of that sketchy past but its almost unrecognizable today compared to those dark years before.
Today the park is a gathering place for residents and tourists alike, looking to enjoy the lake, fountain, and the scenery that is so beautiful and impressive, especially at sunrise and sunset!
From the lake, you can clearly see Downtown Los Angeles in the background making this gorgeous park a popular spot for photographers both pro and amateur.
Location:
751 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Credit: @mz_rebekah
Hack:
Forgot your picnic? No worries! You can get some surprisingly delicious food right in the park and enjoy it lakeside at The Beacon Echo Park eatery.
With mostly coffee, teas, breakfast and brunch foods you can grab a tasty meal at this tasty spot adjacent to the paddle boat rental shops.
Just grab your food and take it to the grass to enjoy it while taking in the beautiful lake views.
5. Lake Hollywood Park, Hollywood Hills
Description:
Lake Hollywood Park is a large grassy field near man-made Lake Hollywood (Reservoir) and right smack dab under the world famous Hollywood sign.
–
While there are awesome trails for hiking and biking nearby, the Park is, of course, most famous for spectacular selfies given its close proximity to the iconic Hollywood Sign.
If you want to capture some great shots of the sign without having to hike at all this park is a great choice.
Location:
3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Credit:@light.travels
Hack:
Are you a dog lover and can’t bear to go to the park without your pooch in tow? Well, you are in luck!
Lake Hollywood Park, though not technically off leash, is also a local puppy lovers paradise and you will see dozens of dogs playing joyfully in the large grass field.
Feel free to bring your doggy along for the fun but make sure to have the leash nearby just in case the park officials stop by!
6. Elysian Park, Los Angeles
Description:
Elysian Park is a nice spot to run or hike that also happens to offer beautiful views of Los Angeles.
There is something about watching an urban skyline from afar while you’re hiking in nature that just leaves you feeling so grateful to have easy access to both.
The Park is just minutes from Dodger Stadium and it is very easy to find parking nearby and head up one of the trails if you want to hike.
There’s a playground at the foot of the hill if you have children with you. If you are not interested in hiking there is a very large grassy field to play or picnic in.
Location:
929 Academy Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Credit:@nataliaredich
Hack:
There is a “secret swing” at the top of Elysian Park. Don’t know how big of a secret it is at this point as its probably the most well know of these “secret” swings in Los Angeles 😀
But if you have not been yet we have full instructions on how to get there right here!
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!