Scenic Parks in Los Angeles 

A wooden bench at the Los Angeles Historic Park on dirt road surrounded by a flower bush and rocks on the ground.

With the average weather in LA being in the mid 70’s, scenic parks in Los Angeles are the place to be year round. Whether for a picnic, a walk or to take in the beauty of nature. There are so many beautiful parks, you might as well explore all of them! Choose your favorite from the post below and leave a comment on where you’ll be going! 

Parks in Beverly Hills 

Will Rogers Memorial Park 

A large cement sign with the name Will Rogers Memorial Park at the entrance of the park.
A long fountain in the middle of a pond with ducks in it.
Someone lays on the grass of the park with all kinds of trees everywhere.
A pathway that goes both ways from the sidewalk to the Will Rogers Memorial Park.


A green and scenic park in Los Angeles Will Rogers Memorial Park is lined with tall palm trees and has a pond in the center of the park. There are ducks and turtles as well as dragonflies on the flowers that surround the park. People usually go on walks here and you’ll also see many photographers doing photo sessions. 

The park sits right across the street from the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and in the wealthy neighborhood of the worldwide known zip code 90210. There’s usually a few tourists and locals that visit, but it’s never crowded. This park is dog friendly and a perfect little getaway from the busy cityscape. 

Address: 800-876 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: 6AM-10PM
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Coldwater Canyon Park 
Tucked away in the Beverly Hills neighborhood, Coldwater Canyon park is ideal for those that want to lay out in the sun, read a book or have kids (there’s a play structure). There’s a small track, perfect if you want to go for a run or bring the kids to use their scooters, bikes, etc. 

The well maintained and manicured grass and tall trees is what makes this park a scenic one. There’s a small creek where you can go and take in the sounds, it’s really beautiful.  Parking can be difficult and missing your turn will make it harder to get to the park because it’s only a one lane street on each side. However, if you do miss your turn, this park is worth it!

Address: 1100 N Beverly Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: Sunrise-Sunset

Downtown Los Angeles Parks

Los Angeles State Historic Park 

Sunset hour at the LA Historic State Park with a train passing by and mountains peaking in the back.
A man walk s his two dogs at a distance on the grass and different colored trees are lit by the sunset.
Jenn at the LA State Historic Park sitting on grass overlooking the scenic view.


If you live in Downtown then you know that scenic parks in Los Angeles are hard to come by. However, the Los Angeles State Historic Park is the exception! The 32-acre park has a great view of the DTLA skyline and a mile-long pathway to walk and/or jog.It’s incredibly clean and green!

The park is home to lots of creatives who you’ll see doing photo and video sessions here on the weekend. It’s especially busy on weekends when you’ll find large events taking place. However, the park is large enough to where you’ll be guaranteed your own space. 

Address: 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking: Lot ($2/hr, up to $8/day) & street parking 
Park Hours: 8AM-Sunset 
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be leashed

Vista Hermosa Natural Park 

Two green benches overlooking the DTLA skyline.
Long grey sculptures for kids to clim on at Vista Hermosa Natural Park.
A long pathway with a rail that is surrounded by bushes and trees.
Boulders surround a small pond that's filled with brown water.
A large patch of grass and trees with leafs on the ground.


If you’ve watched 500 days of Summer then you’ll recognize Vista Hermosa Natural Park. It’s where one of the scenes was filmed and (in my opinion) one of the best scenic parks in Los Angeles. The bench that sits on a hilltop of the park offers a view of the DTLA skyline. That’s why it’s no surprise that the name of the park translates in Spanish to ‘beautiful view”. 

On weekends it’s busy and lively, however weekdays are less frequented by visitors and would guarantee a seat on the famous bench. The park is a hidden gem and still not known to many LA natives. It’s thee perfect date day park! Bring a blanket, snacks and take in the views!

Address: 100 N Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Parking: Lot & street parking 
Park Hours: 7AM-5PM 
Dogs Allowed: Yes, must be leashed.

Parks in Silver Lake

Elysian Park 

Cars driving on Academy heading to Elysian Park with dozens of palm trees lining the streets.
Dozens of trees at Elysian Park stand tall while people sit on a bench at a distance.
A green, beige and black play structure for kids in the middle of Elysian Park.


One of the oldest parks in Los Angeles, Elysian Park sits right across the Dodger stadium in Silver Lake. The picturesque park looks like something out of a Jurassic park movie. The lush green grass with winding hills and trees makes this park one to add on your itinerary next time you visit SoCal.

There’s a bike path and a jogging path as well as a hiking trail. The trail leads you to the instagram swing on the intersection of Park Row and Angels Point Drive in Elysian Park. You’ll be able to see Dodger stadium, the DTLA skyline as well as the 110 freeway. 

Address: 929 Academy Rd Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking: Lot & Street parking 
Park Hours: Sunrise-Sunset
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Echo Park  

A large waterfall in the center of a pond at Echo Park.
Dozens of palms trees line up the walk path of Echo Park with pedestrians and bikers.
A bridge over a pond covered in bush at Echo Park while geese walk.


In the heart of Silver Lake, Echo Park is a true gem in the city. A large fountain that can be seen when you drive up welcomes you with singing ducks that overtake the expansive pond. You can rent swan boats to pedal around the pond and enjoy the California sun. There’s a benches that look out to DTLA, a play structure and vendors parked around the park selling various snacks.

One thing you’ll notice about this park is how large it is, if you like to go for runs and live in LA then this park sets a beautiful scenic backdrop. Echo park remains a hidden gem for visitors and a favorite among locals. Add Echo park to your itinerary next time you visit LA!

Address: 1632 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: Sunrise-Sunset
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Parks in West LA

Circle Park 

A brown mini bridge in the middle of circle park with large decorative boulders surrounding it.
Trees stand tall with leaves on the ground at circle park.

Hidden in one of LA’s affluent neighborhoods, Circle Park is exactly what the name says it is; a circle park! This cute and quaint park is ideal for picnics, children and even those who have furry friends. There are several benches throughout the park where you can read a book, meet a friend for coffee and or just sit and enjoy the sun.

This park is a hidden gem, for the most part only known to locals. A favorite of mine and a place where I would go as a child to have playdates. Next time you visit, make a stop in Downtown Culver City since it’s only a 8 minute drive and pick up some lunch to enjoy at Circle Park!

Address: Sawyer St Los Angeles, CA 90035
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: Sunrise-Sunset
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Rancho Park

Century city buildings peaking thru the large trees and bushes at rancho park.
A rolling hill at rancho park with trees and bushes.

I grew up coming to this Rancho park, many of my core memories from my childhood are here. From going to camp to swimming in the community pool to now having picnics with friends as adults. Rancho park sits across the street from Fox Studios and only a 5 minute drive from one of LA’s best outdoor malls, Century City!

A peaceful park with a play structure for kids, a baseball field, large patches of grass and picnic tables. It’s usually very packed on weekends with different games taking place and chanting parents, however, the park is large enough for you to find a quiet place.

Address: 10460 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: Sunrise-Sunset
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Parks in Santa Monica 

Tongva Park

A pathway is divided in two with leafs on the ground and fall colored leafs on the trees.
A large patch of grass and in the middle of two pathways with a blue clouded sky.
A variety of plants, baby palm trees and bushes with leafs on the ground.

A quaint and small park in the heart of Santa Monica and right across the street from City Hall is Tongva park. It’s accessible from Ocean Ave or Main Street and perfect if you’re on your way back from Malibu as it’s on the way back to the westside. You’ll see many different plants, trees and greenery as you walk the pathway.

There’s a play structure as well as benches for you to enjoy the scenic views of the intentionally planted flowers and artistic sculptures. It’s a beautiful oasis with a Starbucks across the street if you’d like to pick up some coffee before you go on a stroll. There are clean bathrooms available as well!

Address: Sawyer St Los Angeles, CA 90035
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: 6AM-11PM
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Palisades Park

A man with a stroller walking on a pathway at Palisades park in Santa Monica surrounded by grass and palm trees.
A grey oval shaped sculpture placed i the middle of a grassy patch overlooking the Pacific ocean.
People walking on different pathways surrounded by trees.
A view of the Pacific ocean from Palisades Park with the sky above.

Now Palisades park is the most perfect place to enjoy the scenic views of Santa Monica. The tall standing palm trees in every corner with views of the Pacific is how I’d like to enjoy my time outdoors. You’ll find dozens of people going for a walk or exercising but it’s not obsessive and there’s still space.

The flat trail runs along Ocean Ave and is 1.6 miles to be exact. You can start from the Santa Monica Pier (Colorado Ave) and end on Adelaide Dr. It’s extremely clean and you can park on the street where you will always find parking. It’s a favorite of mine and I highly recommend it! 🙂

Address: Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Parking: Street parking 
Park Hours: 6AM-8PM
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Roundup on Scenic Parks in Los Angeles

DTLA peaking through a fall colored tree and a cactus while offering a scenic view.

LA can get a pretty bad rap for its traffic, vain lifestyle and obsession with health, however, LA is home to some of the most beautiful parks. The list above allows you to see the diversity in topography the city has to offer when it comes to a green space. I hope this listicle helped you decide on what park suits you best next time you’re in need of a scenic view!

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