Los Angeles Parks and Gardens

(Los Angeles, California - CA, USA)



If all the artificial Los Angeles glitz and glamour leaves you wanting to get back to basics, you needn't fear, LA has an abundance of greenery, parks and gardens, where you can collect your thoughts away from the traffic congested Los Angeles freeways.

Perhaps the prettiest and most individual gardens in the city of Los Angeles are the Hannah Carter Japanese Gardens, boasting authentic features imported from Japan, while those who enjoy walking should try the scenic trails at LA's Elysian Park.



Cheviot Hills Recreation Area

Address: 2551 Motor Avenue, (corner of Pico Boulevard and Motor Ave), Los Angeles, California CA, 90064-3410, USA
Tel: +1 310 836 8879
Cheviot Hills Recreation Area is where LA residents head for sport and recreational purposes. The tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds, swimming pool and children's playground here provide some of the best public outdoor facilities in Los Angeles.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free, charge for swimming pool

Echo Park

Address: 1632 Bellevue Avenue, Los Angeles, California CA, 90026-4201, USA
Tel: +1 213 847 8524
The one-time home of many migrant workers and immigrants in Los Angeles, the Echo Park area retains its cultural diversity. Since being designated as a park in 1891, the 26-acre / 10-hectare grounds have been landscaped to mimic English gardens. A large lake acts as the centerpiece from where you can enjoy views of the Los Angeles skyline while floating on one of the paddle boats available for hire.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

Elysian Park

Address: 3835 Academy Road, Los Angeles, California CA, 90012, USA
Tel: +1 310 479 7200
The second largest park in Los Angeles, this park offers visitors countless scenic walking trails, a lake and picnic areas. LA's Elysian Park is home to several rare species of trees spread across the 600-acre parkland and lovers of flora and fauna will enjoy taking in the variety of greenery in an otherwise urbanized city.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to sunset
Admission: free

Exposition Park Rose Garden

Address: 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, California CA, 90037-1260, USA
Tel: +1 213 765 5397
This rose garden sits in a sunken corner of LA's Exhibition Park and is home to over 20,000 fragrant rose bushes and 190 different variations. Those of you with green fingers should make a visit to the garden between March and November when the flowers are in bloom and the scent is deliciously overpowering.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset
Admission: free

MacArthur Park

Address: 2230 West 6th Street, Los Angeles, California CA, 90057-3117, USA
Tel: +1 213 473 7070
Unrecognizable as its origins as swampland, MacArthur Park is now bursting with trees, flowers and a lake. Taking its name from General Douglas MacArthur, the park is a popular place to go paddle boating or enjoy a picnic. The local area isn't known for its safety; therefore, it's best to visit in daylight hours only.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

UCLA, Hannah Carter Japanese Gardens

Address: 10619 Bellagio Road, Los Angeles, California CA, 90077-3712, USA
Tel: +1 310 825 4574
This reproduction of a Kyoto-style rock garden incorporates numerous different traditional Japanese features, many of which were constructed in Japan and transported to the garden, while other Japanese antiques here are up to 1,000 years old. Relax in the teahouse, admire the reflections in the water as you cross delicately arched bridges or pay your respects at the authentic Japanese shrine. Visitors to Los Angeles' Japanese Gardens are sure to leave feeling tranquil inside.
Open hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and the first Sunday of each month - 10:00 to 15:00, by advance reservation only
Admission: free