City Terrace Park

A Piece of LA History

Found in East Los Angeles, City Terrace Park has been the neighborhood's green heart since 1933. Sprawling across 15.3 acres, this park isn't just a place to play - it's a living piece of Los Angeles history.

What we really like about this park? Look for the rich Arizona red sandstone structures around the grounds. These weren't just any stones chosen for decoration - they were salvaged from the demolished 19th-century Los Angeles County Courthouse. Between the playground and baseball field, you'll come across these historical retreats arranged in a historic boulder garden, with more lining the northern edge of the park. Each brick carries the subtle marks of its past life, connecting today's parkgoers to LA's earlier days.

Get Moving or Cool Down

Whether you're looking to break a sweat or just let the kids burn off some energy, City Terrace offers plenty of options. Two separate playground areas welcome children of all ages, complete with modern equipment, safety rubber mats, and (thankfully) shade coverings for those sunny California days.

During summer months, the splash pad becomes the park's main attraction, running daily from 10AM to 6PM. Nothing beats watching toddlers giggle as they dash through water sprays when the temperature climbs.

Sports options abound with a well-maintained baseball field, tennis courts, and a particularly clever dome-covered basketball court that lets you play without getting sunburned. For those who prefer indoor sports, the modern basketball gymnasium offers a climate-controlled alternative.

When summer hits full force, the seasonal swimming pool opens up, giving everyone another way to cool off and exercise.

Perfect for Family Time

City Terrace Park seems designed with family gatherings in mind. You'll discover numerous picnic areas scattered throughout, many strategically placed near the splash pad and playgrounds so you can enjoy lunch while keeping an eye on the kids. The tables come with barbecue grills nearby - excellent for weekend cookouts or birthday celebrations.

Clean restroom facilities are available throughout the grounds, making it comfortable to spend the entire day exploring what the park has to offer.

Community Connection

The park offers programs for all ages, adding to its community atmosphere. From youth sports leagues to senior activities and energetic Zumba classes, there's usually something happening to bring neighbors together.

During summer weekends and special events, the atmosphere becomes even more lively as local vendors set up shop, selling everything from ice cream and fresh fruit to water toys for the splash pad.

The View Alone Is Worth the Trip

Perched on a hillside, City Terrace Park rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views that stretch surprisingly far. On clear days, you can see all the way to Long Beach and even the Anaheim/Orange area. It's one of those hidden spots that make you appreciate LA from a different perspective.

The elevation provides these impressive vistas while also creating a peaceful retreat from city life, with mature trees offering shade throughout the grounds.

Good to Know

Since City Terrace is an unincorporated area within the Los Angeles metropolitan region, the park falls under the management of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation.

One practical perk: the spacious parking lot offers free parking, eliminating one of the typical LA headaches when planning a day outdoors.