Griffith Park

Natural Beauty

Located in the Los Feliz neighborhood at the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park covers more than 4,210 acres of diverse terrain. 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.

Old Los Angeles Zoo

Photo: Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0)

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.

View towards Canyon Dr and Bronson Caves

Photo: Sergei Gussev (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.

View of Mt Hollywood and Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak

Photo: Michael McCarty (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 doesn't stop there. It's also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the beautiful 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 (and delights actual children too).

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 nestled in shady spots, many equipped with grills well-suited for an afternoon barbecue with friends or family.

For a touch of nostalgia, take the little ones (or your young-at-heart self) for a spin on the historic carousel or the charming miniature train rides that chug through portions of the park.

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.