Gorgeous spot to have a nice dirt path hike through to catch a sunset and some cool views of the…read moreDTLA landscape. The air up there is nice and it's not too windy or anything. Depending on the amount of people up there, it can be calm and surreal enough to make for a good picnic to watch the sky and enjoy the sights. My friend and I didn't walk too far down the dirt path as we parked near the Elysian Park sign. We only walked straight to the large concrete displays with grafitti on them. We both enjoyed our experience here so much and took note of the type of shoes we need to wear next time! Would definitely want to explore back here again!

Elysian Park is one of my favorite hikes/runs right outside of downtown LA, right by Dodger…read moreStadium. Pro tip: Do the hike counterclockwise. When Dodger Stadium is behind you and you face the mountain, start counterclockwise--trust me, you'll thank me. On the way back, you'll enjoy a gorgeous downtown view. At the top, there's a painted seating area where you can rest and soak it all in. A couple of things that could be better: It's a dirt/sand path, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dusty--unless you want to spend each day cleaning them. It's usually around 6,000 steps for me--though that varies--and roughly 400 calories burned (but don't quote me on that!). Overall, it's about a 45-minute hike/jog with ups and downs--just enough to get your heart going, and then you can treat yourself to a city-state after. Pretty good overall--highly recommend it!

Unexpected little oasis in the midst of DTLA!…read more My friend & I brought breakfast to chat. It was not at all crowded on a Saturday late morning. There were people exercising, picnicking, playing sports, etc. Some squirrels are a little bold, so be careful if you have food Parking is limited in the lot, but street parking was not hard to find at all (you'll have to park on a steep hill). Will definitely be back!

This is a small park located just a bit northwest of downtown LA. There's a small parking lot…read morewhich is freeee; otherwise, you will need to find street parking, and good luck with that. The area around the park is legitimately sketchy but I didn't see any bad characters inside the park whatsoever. The park could be maintained better. The weeds are high in some areas and the grass needs watering in other locations. Having said all that, it's a nice enough little park with at least one spot for an amazing view of downtown. I have never seen the movie, "(500) Days of Summer," but some people believe the striking view of downtown with the park bench in the foreground was shown in the movie. I can't vouch for that but that particular spot is gorgeous and perfect for a photo op. You'll know the spot when you see it. Worth checking out.

Los Angeles, Little Tokyo. September 2023…read more Described both as, "an oasis ... for urbanites yearning to reconnect to their contemplative side ... and rejuvenate their mind and spirit", and "stepping into someone's backyard ... unadorned and unattended." This is definitely an under appreciated space . As originally laid out, Seiryu-en, " Garden Of The Clear Stream", has an elegance often overlooked for what looks like neglect or decline. This is not a manicured space designed to look "natural". It is centered around an unassuming stream of water intended to represent the struggles of Japanese in America , from the Issei to the present generations. If it doesn't look "pretty", remember that the journey of Japanese Americans isn't pretty either. You can pass it by daily and not see what the designers intended. Go in to the JACCC building and tell the attendant you want to visit. It is free and open to the public. Please. Visit. Remember.

Loved this serene spot in the heart of Little Tokyo! Water features and greenery make this a…read morepeaceful place. Research the hours it is open to walk around. You can also see it from the top of the walkway.

Such a cute park in the middle of LA. I stopped by with my friend after sitting in traffic for 2…read morehours (yikes) and had a little picnic. The view of downtown LA skyline from here is unbeatable. A nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city! Parking may be a bit difficult if you're coming around 12-1 PM because that's when everyone flocks here. Read the parking signs carefully!

Beautiful park! Parking can get tricky though and there's no public restrooms. Plan accordingly!read more

If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. I'm in love--there's really no other way…read moreto describe how I feel about Echo Park Lake. Seriously, how can any place be this breathtaking? This little slice of paradise is teeming with wildlife--birds of all kinds gliding across the water, turtles basking in the sun--it feels alive in the most peaceful way. Everything is so lush and green, and that iconic fountain in the middle of the lake? Absolute chef's kiss. Then there's the boathouse, the palm trees swaying around you... it almost feels unreal, like you've stepped into a dreamy escape right in the middle of the city. What I love most is that every corner has its own charm. There are plenty of benches where you can just sit and be, and no matter where you land, the view feels different but equally beautiful. You'll never get bored here. Whether you're in the mood to linger, take a slow walk, go for a run, or paddle around on one of the swan boats, this place meets you exactly where you are. It's peaceful, it's vibrant, it's everything. Honestly, it just feels like heaven. And surprisingly, there's plenty of street parking--which somehow makes this whole experience even better.

I think this is a great park just outside of downtown. The man made pond is beautiful, teeming with…read morewildlife - especially turtles. There is a great paved path around it for walking/running. Plenty of shade and benches along the pond. There are always a lot of people but you can find street parking - I have every time. The views are GREAT! Really lovely to see downtown LA behind the pond. The only word of caution I have is there is a pack of geese that do get protective in one area. I was afraid to walk past them because they are aggressive, but I made it out without getting goosed.

I've wanted to go here for a very long time and since it was so nice over the weekend, we finally…read moreremembered and went. It used to be free but it's $6 per person and you have to park on the street, but no big deal here . . . yet. Our group of 3 walks up along with another person and we try to check in with 2 men at a table. One older gray haired man tells us the tour already started. I'm completely confused and look at my watch, and say, "it's only 3 minutes after the start time." Then he says, "We were looking for you!" I said, "Well, you weren't looking very hard because here we all are checking in at the start of the tour." After he checks us in, I ask if we can sprint to catch up to the tour and he says yes. I lean into the doorway and see the rest of the tour - 4 other women right there. So half the tour was 3 minutes "late" and they decided to start, weird but moving on. The woman leading the tour was really quite lovely and I wasn't expecting the house to be so amazing since I was focused on the garden part but I really loved learning about the house and original inhabitants. We are asked several times if we want to join the meditation but I'm getting culty vibes and we keep politely declining. Once we are outside, we are asked again if we would like to join the meditation and now the gray haired man is with us again and I said, "No, we really just wanted to see the gardens." At this point he says, "Oh the gardens are closed." I'm completely confused again and said, "What? But that's why we came-- to see the gardens & labyrinth." He then says, "Oh! well the labyrinth is open but the gardens are closed." At this point I think they asked us to join the meditation again. I asked when they expected them to be opened and the response was June of this year, maybe because there have been a lot of delays. Again, weird, but okay we just want to walk the labyrinth. There were a couple of other women walking it and then our group of three joined too. I'm halfway thru it and I look up and see the gray haired man STARING at us - which included 3 preteens/teens in halter tops posing and taking pix - and I was so incredibly creeped out. I had no idea what to do, cross the labyrinth? ask him what he is staring at? I came to this place to ground and do something calming and now I have a man staring at me and other women but since everyone else was looking down or at their phone, they didn't notice so I didn't want to disrupt THEIR experience. Eventually he went away, to join the meditation I guess. We finished the labyrinth and left. It was only $6 but since it didn't mention the gardens were closed on the website or ticket, I am asking for a refund. Would I go again when the gardens are open? Yes. Would I recommend to others? Yes. Would I advise against it as a single woman? Also yes. I will update if they refund us or not.

A spiritual center and meditation garden in Jefferson Park, it's off the beaten path for many…read moretourist things in Los Angeles but convenient if doing something around USC. It's hard to miss when driving but if you have a reservation you can park in their lot. Visiting days are Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and you have to pre-book. The entrance ticket includes a short tour showing part of the downstairs house and after guests can walk around the meditation garden with the Labyrinth. I thought it was peaceful and calm, it was like a very small version of Self-Realization as there were grassy areas and benches to sit and relax and meditate. I appreciated the fountains because the sound of running water is so calming.

Ferndell Trail is one of those spots that feels like a quiet little escape without having to go too…read morefar out of the city. It's shaded, peaceful, and has that tucked-away forest vibe that's honestly hard to find in LA. Parking is free along the entrance streets, which already makes it feel more accessible and low-stress to visit. I'd recommend taking the east trail if you're trying to get to the top--it's a bit easier and shorter, especially if you just want a steady, enjoyable walk without overdoing it. It's not a super intense hike, more of a gentle reset kind of place. Perfect if you want to clear your head, get some fresh air, and not feel rushed. Especially if you take the east trail at a steady pace 30-40 minutes. (look on Google Maps it'll show you or alltrails). Definitely one of those go-to spots when you just need a breather.

I hadn't walked this pleasant shaded path in years and was happy that I came back. This is a great…read moreplace to take children as it looks like an enchanted forest which they will surely appreciate. There are restrooms were the playground is located just north of the end of the trail. Free parking is available along the street and if they are full you can park across from the playground in a big parking lot. Hungry? There's Trails Cafe in the same area.

I finally made my way here after my AM workout and it's beautiful. The parking lot is VERY small…read more There is no other parking near by so you'll have to wait until someone leaves. I suggest coming off-peak hours of the day. You see the view of the top of the Bowl and the 101 freeway.

Cant love the fact of overlooking our Hollywood sign of Los Angeles. We all had a nice time…read morespending time on the mountains and nature. People come up here to exercise, hike, and enjoy nature. I will be back to enjoy more. That's all I gotta say.

I really wanted to like Pan Pacific Park because the location is honestly prime. It's right next to…read moreThe Grove, there's always energy, and on the surface it feels like one of those iconic LA parks that should be thriving. But the second you actually spend time here, especially on a weekend, it turns into something completely different and honestly pretty disturbing. The park gets insanely packed, which already makes everything feel chaotic, but the real issue is the condition of the facilities. The restrooms are beyond unacceptable. Not just "oh it's a public park" bad, but genuinely shocking, like something that makes you stop and question how this is even allowed to stay open. I'm talking about conditions that feel neglected to the point where it's uncomfortable just being nearby, let alone going inside. I went into two different restrooms thinking maybe one was just unlucky... nope, both were equally disgusting. I'll be posting pictures because it honestly doesn't feel believable otherwise. It gives off this weird in-between vibe where you don't know if you're at a city park or some kind of neglected shelter space, and that's not something anyone should feel at a place like this. What really made it worse for me is walking into the recreation building with the basketball and volleyball courts and realizing it's the same story inside. Worn down, under-maintained, and just lacking any sense that the city is actually investing in it. Meanwhile, you literally have the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust right there being renovated and cared for, which just makes the contrast even more frustrating. How is that level of attention happening on one side, but the actual park people use daily feels ignored? It's honestly disappointing because this place has so much potential. The location alone should make it one of the best parks in LA, but instead it feels like it's being left behind. I hate to say it, but I probably won't be coming back. There are just too many other parks where you don't have to deal with this level of neglect.

It is definitely my go to place with friends, dog, personal space to relax UNTIL THIS DOG BITE…read moreIncident occurred. My dog is in recovery. Bitten by another dog (Doberman brown, ~3 y/o girl ). The owner(blk in his 40s, identified himself as "Justin" and provided a phone number, but it appears to be incorrect. Please stay alert and be cautious if you see this dog in the area.

The Japanese Garden in the Sepulveda Basin is such a beautiful oasis in the Valley, especially in…read morean area that can get so hot. It feels peaceful, well cared for, and instantly calming the moment you walk in. There is a small $5 admission fee, which honestly feels completely worth it, especially because it clearly helps keep the grounds so clean, beautiful, and well maintained. I brought my parents here while they were visiting, and they absolutely loved it. If you're lucky enough to visit during the right season, you may even catch the cherry blossoms, which make the whole experience even more special. There is also plenty of parking on site, which makes visiting easy. One thing to keep in mind is that they are closed on Sundays. Also, if you have extra time, Sepulveda Basin Lake is nearby and worth checking out as well. A lovely, serene spot that feels like a hidden gem in the Valley.

The gardens are beautifully maintained with koi ponds, little bridges, stone lanterns, and…read moreperfectly trimmed bonsai. Everything feels intentional and peaceful. I went on a weekday afternoon and it was super quiet, which made it even better for just slowing down and wandering. There are plenty of benches to sit and take it all in, and the sound of the water alone is enough to lower your blood pressure. It's not huge, but that's part of the charm. You can take your time and really appreciate the details without feeling rushed. I also appreciated how clean everything was and you can tell they put a lot of care into maintaining the space.