Los Angeles State Historic Park

A Breath of Fresh Air in Downtown LA

Tucked between Chinatown and the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, the 32-acre Los Angeles State Historic Park feels like a secret urban oasis. It's hard to believe this sprawling green space - with its panoramic city views - exists in the concrete jungle of LA. Since opening in 2017, it's become both a cherished recreational hangout and a living museum of sorts.

The park is impressively pristine, with well-maintained facilities and expansive lawns that offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle just beyond its borders.

From Railroad to Refuge: A Storied Past

Before Instagram-worthy picnics and morning jogs, this land was home to the Southern Pacific Transportation Company's River Station from 1876 to 1901. In many ways, this spot was known as the "Ellis Island of Los Angeles," where countless newcomers arrived in the city.

Its curious nickname, "The Cornfield," comes from a charming bit of history - corn kernels would fall from passing train cars and sprout alongside the tracks, creating an accidental urban farm.

Dig even deeper, and you'll discover that Spanish explorers once described this area as "very large, very green bottomlands" flourishing with roses, sage, and wild grapevines. Going back further still, indigenous peoples established a village here on what was once an ancient floodplain. Throughout the 1800s, several major floods reshaped both the landscape and the LA River's path through the city.

Flowers fields and meadows as seen from N Broadway

Photo: Laurie Avocado (CC BY 2.0)

More Than a Pretty Park

The 1.2-mile loop pathway that meanders through the park makes for a perfect morning jog or afternoon stroll. You'll come across plenty of open space for picnicking, kite flying, or simply lying on a blanket watching clouds drift by. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate spotting various species traveling along the Pacific Flyway.

Look closely and you'll notice subtle design elements that honor the park's industrial heritage - architectural touches and landscaping features that tip their hat to the area's railroad past.

And yes, you can bring your four-legged friend! The park is dog-friendly, but your pup needs to stay leashed at all times.

The park's clean lawns with Roundhouse Bridge and Los Angeles skyline behind

Photo: Ron Reiring (CC BY 2.0)

Green Heart of the City

This isn't just any park - it's a vital component in LA's environmental vision. Positioned halfway along a developing 52-mile Los Angeles River greenway, it is a catalyst for the broader River Revitalization Movement.

Beyond providing much-needed green space in a densely packed urban area, the park offers educational programs that highlight LA's natural and cultural heritage, making it both a recreational space and a learning environment.

Community Hub

The park hosts a calendar of community events. A Thursday farmers market brings local vendors and fresh produce to the area. During the year, you might stumble upon concerts, cultural festivals, outdoor movie screenings, or seasonal celebrations.

During summer months, you might even catch a yoga class on the lawn - practicing yoga with the downtown skyline as your backdrop offers a unique urban-nature experience. The layout accommodates both large gatherings and offers quieter areas for those seeking solitude.

Getting There

Reaching the park is surprisingly easy. The Metro Gold Line Chinatown station is just a short walk away, making it accessible by public transportation. If you're driving, there's paid parking within the park (payable through mobile apps or on-site), but you might also find street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods, depending on the day and time.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 8 am until sunset. Clean restrooms are available throughout the park.

If you're seeking a peaceful morning walk, a historical exploration, or just a patch of grass to call your own for an afternoon, Los Angeles State Historic Park offers a welcome green reprieve from city life.