Spectacular and sweeping views of Santa Catalina Island and the rugged coastline make for an excellent addition to an afternoon spent at Angels Gate Park. The basketball courts, privileged with a breathtaking panoramic backdrop, are nearly always occupied and have been featured in a number of Hollywood films. A dependable and consistent wind makes for typically ideal kite-flying conditions, and picnic tables invite visitors to stay awhile at this 64-acre park. It's not uncommon to run into a wedding or a large corporate event in the park thanks to its accessibility and the impressively well kept lawns.
A number of hiking trails meander about the park. None are very challenging or very long, though each offers a continual, excellent view of the ocean. The nicely paved sidewalks are excellent for rollerblading, and you'll often find kids with electric scooters or remote control cars.
On top of a rise overlooking the Port of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean sits the Korean Friendship Bell in a pagoda style structure adorned with intricate artwork. The bell was gifted to the United States by South Korea as a present for the bicentennial birthday, and many Koreans regard it as a West Coast Statue of Liberty that is representative of the strong ties between both countries.
Several years ago, after graffiti and vandalism had defaced and damaged the bell (purported to have cost South Korea more than $1 million to cast and house), long-time apprentices of the original artists and technicians were commissioned by South Korea to restore it. The bell is shaped in the traditional Korean style, dipping almost straight down like a dome to keep the sound resonating from within. Much of the brilliant bronze of the bell and vibrancy of the housing has been restored by these artists, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the park.
Comments
Sign In and share them.