Griffith Park

Natural Beauty

Griffith Park covers more than 4,210 acres of diverse terrain at the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Feliz neighborhood. It's an interesting mix of wild, chaparral-covered hillsides and carefully tended landscaped areas.

The park rises dramatically from 384 feet to a towering 1,625 feet above sea level, with Mount Hollywood standing as its highest point. Walking through the park, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of plant communities - coastal sage scrub, oak and walnut woodlands, and lush riparian vegetation thriving in the deep canyons.

Keep an eye out for native California plants like sturdy oaks, walnuts, lilacs, mountain mahogany, aromatic sages, bright toyon, and sumac scattered throughout. The wildlife here is diverse - coyotes might cross your path at dawn, mule deer often graze in quieter areas, rattlesnakes remind you to stay alert on trails, and many bird species can be spotted throughout the park. One of the park's most remarkable recent residents was P-22, an adult male mountain lion who made Griffith Park his home from 2012 to 2022. The fact that a large predator could establish a decade-long territory inside an urban park surrounded by freeways drew worldwide attention, and his presence was a reminder that the park's wild hillsides are genuinely wild.

History

The park has been a Los Angeles treasure since 1896, when it was donated to the city by its namesake, Griffith J. Griffith. Today, it's the largest municipal park with urban wilderness in the United States - a large green space in the heart of LA.

The Old Los Angeles Zoo

Photo: Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0)

Trails and Recreation

If you enjoy exploring on foot, there are 53 miles of trails, fire roads, and bridle paths weaving through the park's rugged wilderness. These paths lead to panoramic views of Los Angeles that reward your effort.

The hiking here suits everyone - from casual walkers to dedicated trekkers looking for a challenge on steeper inclines. Just remember to bring water, sun protection, and good shoes, especially when the California sun is blazing.

Beyond hiking, the park is a haven for runners and cyclists. There's something special about certain days when selected roads close to traffic, creating peaceful, car-free zones where you can pedal through the scenic landscape without worry.

A view towards Canyon Drive and the Bronson Caves

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

Notable Attractions

Perched atop the hills, the Griffith Observatory is perhaps the park's most notable attraction. It features celestial exhibits inside - including meteorites you can touch - and offers excellent views of the city below. The Observatory welcomes everyone with free admission, though the fascinating planetarium shows do come with a small fee.

From various lookout points, you'll catch glimpses of the iconic Hollywood Sign - a great photo opportunity that captures the essence of LA. The park is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theatre where you can catch outdoor performances under the stars, and Travel Town, a transport museum that brings out the inner child in everyone. The Greek Theatre was among Griffith J. Griffith's original intentions for the park - he set aside funds in a trust specifically for its construction, and the amphitheater was completed in 1930, fulfilling that vision after his death.

One of the more unusual pieces of public art in the park is the Berlin Bear Statue, a standing bear cast in 1976 by Noack Foundry from a 1932 design by German sculptor Renée Sintenis. It was presented to Los Angeles by the people of West Berlin as a gesture of gratitude, with a plaque reading in part "in gratitude for their aid, friendship and protection." Notably, the same Sintenis bear design is used each year to create the Golden Bear trophies awarded at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The Brush Canyon Trail with Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles in the background

Photo: James Gubera (CC BY 2.0)

Family-Friendly Areas

Griffith Park offers many family activities. Playgrounds are scattered throughout, with Shane's Inspiration standing out as an exceptionally thoughtful space designed for children of all abilities.

When hunger strikes, you can find numerous picnic areas with tables and benches in shady spots, many equipped with grills well-suited for an afternoon barbecue with friends or family.

For a touch of nostalgia, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round has been running since 1929 and is still turning today. It also holds a notable place in American cultural history: Walt Disney used to bring his daughters to ride it, and the story goes that while sitting on a bench watching them, he began forming the idea that would eventually become Disneyland. The park also offers charming miniature train rides that chug through portions of the park, delighting kids and adults alike.

Whether you want a challenging hike, a family outing, or just a quiet moment with nature, Griffith Park provides an escape from city life while remaining right in Los Angeles. The combination of wilderness and accessible recreation means you can visit multiple times and still find new things to explore.