Most Beautiful Beaches
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Los Angeles is home to incredible parks offering everything from scenic hiking trails to family-friendly picnic areas. Griffith Park is a must-visit, featuring the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, and miles of hiking trails. Runyon Canyon Park is famous for its panoramic city views and celebrity sightings. Elysian Park, the city’s oldest park, offers stunning views of Dodger Stadium and downtown LA. Grand Park in the heart of downtown features fountains, gardens, and open spaces for events. Echo Park Lake provides a picturesque setting for paddle boating and picnicking. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a hidden gem with lush landscapes and skyline views. Palisades Park in Santa Monica offers breathtaking ocean views and walking paths. Franklin Canyon Park is a peaceful escape with a beautiful reservoir and wooded trails. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park features dramatic rock formations and desert scenery. Will Rogers State Historic Park combines history with hiking and horseback riding opportunities.
Echo Park Lake stands as a testament to the city's rich cinematic history and scenic beauty. With its iconic "Lady of the Lake" statue presiding over the serene waters, the park exudes an air of timeless elegance. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Echo Park Lake has served as a backdrop for numerous film productions, earning its place in Hollywood lore. From the classic noir ambiance captured in "Chinatown" when J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) takes photographs of Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling) from a rowboat, to the gritty realism of "Training Day," the lake has provided filmmakers with a versatile canvas for storytelling. Other notable films filmed at this location include "Dragnet," "Dead Again," "L.A. Confidential," "True Confessions," and various episodes from "CHiPs," "Mannix," "Police Woman," and "Agent Carter." As visitors stroll along its pathways or enjoy a leisurely boat ride, they can't help but feel a connection to the silver screen magic that has unfolded within these historic grounds, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, and Gloria Swanson once graced the scenery.
Echo Park Lake stands as a testament to the city's rich cinematic history and scenic beauty. With its iconic "Lady of the Lake" statue presiding over the serene waters, the park exudes an air of timeless elegance. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Echo Park Lake has served as a backdrop for numerous film productions, earning its place in Hollywood lore. From the classic noir ambiance captured in "Chinatown" when J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) takes photographs of Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling) from a rowboat, to the gritty realism of "Training Day," the lake has provided filmmakers with a versatile canvas for storytelling. Other notable films filmed at this location include "Dragnet," "Dead Again," "L.A. Confidential," "True Confessions," and various episodes from "CHiPs," "Mannix," "Police Woman," and "Agent Carter." As visitors stroll along its pathways or enjoy a leisurely boat ride, they can't help but feel a connection to the silver screen magic that has unfolded within these historic grounds, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, and Gloria Swanson once graced the scenery.
Griffith Park, spanning more than 4,200 acres of land in Los Angeles, California, offers an expansive playground for outdoor enthusiasts and film aficionados alike. With over 50 miles of trails and paved bike paths, the park boasts attractions such as the Greek Theatre, the Griffith Observatory, and the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Renowned among location scouts for its diverse terrain and proximity to major studios, Griffith Park has left an indelible mark on cinema history. From its cameo in the 2016 musical sensation "La La Land," where Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone dance atop one of its hilltops named Cathy's Corner, to its appearances in classics like the 1915 D.W. Griffith masterpiece "Birth of a Nation" and the timeless "Rebel Without a Cause," Griffith Park continues to captivate audiences with its natural beauty and cinematic allure.
Lake Hollywood Park in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, perched beneath the towering presence of Mount Lee and the legendary Hollywood Sign, offering visitors a serene retreat amidst the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. Boasting a playground, shaded picnic benches, and sprawling green spaces frequented by dog enthusiasts (dogs must be leashed), the park provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and recreation. Renowned for its stunning vistas of the Hollywood Sign, Lake Hollywood Park has also served as a prime filming location for various cinematic productions. From the classic noir ambiance of "Chinatown" to the seismic spectacle of "Earthquake," and even the dramatic narrative of "Ray Donovan's" memorable 18th episode aptly titled "Lake Hollywood," the park's scenic beauty has graced the silver screen in numerous memorable moments, cementing its status as an iconic piece of Hollywood history.
Franklin Canyon Park sprawls across 605 acres, offering a haven for nature enthusiasts and Hollywood history buffs alike. With over five miles of hiking trails meandering through its scenic terrain, the park boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including a 3-acre lake teeming with Koi, turtles, and geese, as well as a tranquil duck pond. Iconic among pop culture enthusiasts, Franklin Lake served as the idyllic "fishing hole" in the opening credits of "The Andy Griffith Show" and featured prominently as the lagoon in the Universal Studios horror classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Additionally, the park's serene beauty graced the cover photo of Simon & Garfunkel's album "Sounds of Silence." Franklin Canyon Park has also left its mark on the silver screen, with notable films such as "Sleepwalkers," "When a Stranger Calls," and "The Brady Girls Get Married" utilizing its stunning backdrop. Television series like "American Horror Story," "Dynasty," and several episodes of "The Waltons" have also captured the park's timeless allure, further solidifying its status as both a cinematic gem and a natural sanctuary in the heart of Los Angeles.
Silver Lake Reservoir, located in the heart of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California, offers a tranquil oasis for locals and visitors alike, with its twin reservoirs providing ample recreational opportunities. Boasting amenities such as two dog parks, a basketball court, and a playground, as well as a scenic 2.2-mile loop trail encircling its entirety, Silver Lake Reservoir caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The crown jewel of the area, the two-acre "Silver Lake Meadow," invites picnickers and relaxation seekers to bask in its grassy expanse overlooking the shimmering water. Maintained by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, this verdant retreat has also made its mark in Hollywood, notably serving as a filming location for the enigmatic "Under The Silver Lake," along with cinematic classics like "Pulp Fiction," "Gangster Squad," and "Grease." Additionally, the reservoir's picturesque surroundings have provided a backdrop for television series such as "The L Word: Generation Q" and "You," further solidifying its status as a beloved cultural and recreational hub in the heart of Los Angeles.