Here are five places to escape the hustle and bustle of the LA city and stretch out your picnic blanket.
Los Angeles, California is packed with movie stars, elegant skyscrapers, bubbling beaches, and glitzy boulevards. But this west coast city is also full of green areas perfect for a great picnic.
The Best Green Parks in LA
Griffith Park
Even if you’ve never been to Los Angeles, you’ve probably already seen Griffith Park once or twice. The famous Hollywood sign adorns the hills of this 1700-acre park north of LA The park also features a zoo, an equestrian center, a bike rental place, an iconic music stage, the Greek Theater and the famous Griffith Observatory, not to mention the extensive picnic spots. If you’re traveling with kids, take Crystal Springs Drive and park near the Griffith Park carousel so your kids can take advantage of the playground near the Park Center picnic area.
Beautiful Griffith Park boasts spectacular views of Los Angeles, which is why it is a popular place for a picnic.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, located southwest of downtown LA, features more than 160 acres of lush forest. Gnarled trees with their lush foliage, grass rugs, sports fields, playgrounds, and a lake full of ducks make up this picturesque landscape. The recreation area is also known for its well-groomed trails, which provide great views of the city. Additionally, the park’s 100 picnic tables provide a place to enjoy lunch outside.
You’ll find great views of the city and plenty of great picnic spots at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
Tongva Park
Located in the charming seaside town of Santa Monica, west of downtown LA, Tongva Park is another great place for a picnic. This small place, which was originally a parking lot, was transformed into an urban osasis, complete with a modern amusement center, beautiful fountains and even a picturesque view from which you can see the Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Pier Pacific Ocean. There are also plenty of benches, picnic tables, and large expanses of grass that provide great spots for a lunchtime picnic.
Although small, Tongva Park impresses with its unique art and architecture.
Echo Park
Echo Park, located near downtown LA and Major League Baseball’s Dodger Stadium, features a sprawling man-made lake where you can spend part of your day on a boat. Its grassy banks are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of LA for a relaxing picnic. (During the summer, the lake is decorated with pink and white lotus flowers.) Since you’re right in the heart of LA, you’ll enjoy mind-blowing panoramic views of the skyscrapers without the usual hustle and bustle. If you forget to pack your food, you can buy some Mexican tamales from local vendors.
Spend your morning boating on Echo Park Lake before enjoying a relaxing picnic on its shores.
Exposition Park
Just south of downtown LA is Exposition Park, a green rectangle located between the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, the California Science Center and the University of Southern California. Its location, at the nexus between some of the best cultural attractions in the city, make it a great place to stop, enjoy a snack and smell the roses. And that is in a literal and figurative sense, given that you will find a beautiful rose garden in the center of the park.
When you need a break from museum visits, spread out a blanket and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful roses at Exposition Park.