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Nature Parks in Los Angeles

In a city as cosmopolitan as Los Angeles, diversity adds to its charms where you can camp on an almost deserted island or take a dip at the beach and then explore a great museum or an enigmatic cave. In this post, you will discover the best natural gems in Los Angeles and its area . Let’s explore the best Nature Parks in Los Angeles County.

Griffith Park

Location:

4730 Crystal Springs
Los Angeles
Directions

Griffith Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

Griffith Park is not only one of the best parks in Los Angeles, at 4,511 acres it is the largest.  You can jog, run, walk, or cycle on more than 50 miles of paths that meander slopes adorned with forests. If what you want is a high-altitude walk, you can climb the 1,625 to its highest point: the top of Mount Hollywood where its name appears in huge white letters, forming one of the most photographed signs in the world.

The park has a series of attractions such as an old L.A. zoo, three new train centers where you can see some old ones and even take a walk with your children in one of them, and even its observatory, which is an icon of LA.

Channel Islands National Park


Directions

Channel Island National Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

An island is probably not what one thinks of when talking about a national park, but that is precisely what Channel Island is all about, a small archipelago that became a National Park of the United States in 1980, when Congress decreed that it had to protect its unique ecosystem. It is called the “Galapagos of North America ” ​​due to its unique nature, and beautiful landscapes and because it is home to more than 2,000 species of animals (145 endemic). Some are found nowhere else on the planet, like ‘Island Fox’.

It is a perfect place for camping, among wildflowers and in front of impressive views. January through March is gray whale season and you might even get to see migrating whales swimming along their 10,000-mile migration route. It is also perfect for diving snorkeling and kayaking in its sea caves. If you do, you can see one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world (nearly a quarter-mile long and 100 feet wide, with a 160-foot entrance ceiling) and even explore its picturesque lighthouse. It is precisely because of all these beauties that this is one of the best parks in Los Angeles.

Abalone Cove Shorline Park

Location:

5970 Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes
Directions

Abalone Cove Shorline Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

A major California ecological preserve is in this park, home to two beaches, stunning tide pools, and rock formations. If you walk along the path called Abalone Cove Trail, you will have an unforgettable encounter with the Californian coast, and that is precisely the main attraction of this park: its coastal promenade. Despite everything, many venture to take a dip, and enjoy it despite the fact that the water here is usually quite cold.

Venice Beach Skate Park

Location:

1800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice
Directions

Venice Beach Skate Park

If you want to visit a concrete park with a history of triumph, go to Venice Beach . The park, which was designed by local skaters and at a cost of $4.5 million, was opened in 2009.

Set against the sea, the 16,000-square-foot Venice Beach Skatepark features two bocce balls, a winding track, a ledged course, rails, and sets of stairs. Even if you don’t skate, this place is worth checking out, just for the experience and to see some of the amazing agile skaters pull off on each stretch. A suggestion: before visiting it, try to watch the documentary “Dogtown and Z Boys”, it will help you better appreciate the history of the park.

Lake Balboa/ Anthony C. Beilenson Park

Location:

6300 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys
Directions

Lake Balboa Nature Parks in Los Angeles

When it comes to places to picnic with the family, Lake Balboa/ Anthony C. Beilenson Park remains one of the best parks in Los AngelesIt has a large area with tables to eat, BBQ grills, several sports fields, trails for walking, and riding a bike, and -very importantly- a play area for the little ones and even an area to fish! What’s more: they even allow you to bring your dog.

Its paths are relatively flat, ideal for the older ones who are fascinated with the exuberant forests and the tranquility of the place.

Point Fermin Park

Location:

807 West Paseo Del Mar
San Pedro
Directions

Point Fermin Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

On its 37 acres that combine perfectly landscaped lawns with Wuthering Peaks and ocean views, Point Fermin Park even has the luxury of a small amphitheater, perfect for annual events like the San Pedro car show and Shakespeare by the Sea, which they have become a tradition.

Its fascinating surroundings have led cinematographers to frequently shoot their plots there, such as ” 500 Days of Summer ” and ” Chinatown “. Be sure to arrive early and take advantage of the incredible picnic area: with individual tables quite separated from the others. They face directly to the sea, granting you a VIP seat to its impressive view.

Malibu Creek State Park

Location:

1925 Las Virgenes Rd.
Calabasas
Directions

Malibu Creek State Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

Called “the crown of parks in the Santa Monica Mountains,” Malibu Creek State Park has more than 7,000 acres of rolling plains of tall grasses, oak savannahs, and spectacular peaks. No wonder many call it ” The Yosemite of Southern California.

Here you can admire trees such as the Savana oak, sycamores, and redwoods. One of its most beautiful spots is Rock Pool, a natural pool surrounded by volcanic rock that you can only reach after walking, horseback riding, or pedaling your bike for a mile. Here you can climb the cliff walls, including the wall where Planet of the Apes was filmed. But that is not the only movie that was filmed here, the park is so spectacular that it has been the scene of more than 100 productions.

Exposition Park

Location:

700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles

Exposition Park Nature Parks in Los Angeles

This is a state-of-the-art park, which is why its 160 acres are home to a collection of museums that include the California Science Center , the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History , and even a rose garden.

If you go, don’t forget to take a photo in the coliseum ( Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ), the only one that has hosted two Summer Olympic Games (those of 1932 and 1984). It has been the setting for presentations by various US presidents and world leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., César Chávez, and Nelson Mandela. That’s why it was declared a California and National Historic Landmark and why it’s also on our list of the best parks in Los Angeles.


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