Griffith Park

Griffith Park is comprised of over 4,000 acres of natural and landscaped land in the Santa Monica Mountain range.  The majority of that land was gifted to the City of Los Angeles by Griffith J. Griffith in 1896. Many attractions have been added since the park opened, including Griffith Observatory and the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. During the Great Depression thousands of men were hired to complete projects in the park. In 1933 a devastating fire broke out and killed 29 workers, but the majority of the park remained unharmed. To this day the park continues to grow and flourish.

Every day visitors flock to the diverse attractions in Griffith Park.  Animal lovers enjoy the L.A. Zoo and pony rides, music fans love the Greek Theatre, history buffs like exploring the Autry National Center, and outdoor enthusiasts congregate at the Bicycle Rental.  For those who would rather go for a leisurely stroll or a steep hike, there are over fifty miles of trails littered with gorgeous views of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Visitors from out of town won’t want to miss a close-up look at the Hollywood Sign—take a hike up Hollyridge Trail to catch a glimpse of the landmark from behind, and walk along the East Observatory Trail to see it from the front. 

A diverse group of animals call this expansive park home, including the opossum, striped skunk, mule deer, coyote, bobcat, gray fox, western toad, black-bellied slender-salamander, mountain lion, and a variety of birds. There are also many plants in the park, some of which are native to the land while others have been planted there by humans. Some of the rare plants that can be found at Griffith Park include Humboldt lily, Catalina mariposa-lily, Nevin’s barberry, and Parry’s cholla.   

You could spend a week exploring this park and see something new each day. It is the largest urban park in the United States, and it has something for everyone. Don’t miss this iconic Los Angeles destination.