Updated on Jul 08 2024 5:46am
Nestled at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains lies Griffith Park, a sprawling municipal park in Los Angeles, California. Boasting a plethora of attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the iconic Griffith Observatory overlooking the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park is renowned for its cinematic allure and natural beauty.
Beyond its cultural offerings, Griffith Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting an extensive network of hiking and equestrian trails. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, the park offers something for every adventurer, with panoramic views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign. Hikers are allowed to use the entire 53-mile network of trails, fire roads and bridle paths.
The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, situated in Park Center between the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Feliz park entrance, has been a cherished Los Angeles family attraction for over five generations. Open weekends throughout the year, as well as weekdays during the summer and over Christmas and Easter vacations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this historic ride was built in 1926 by the Spillman Engineering Company and brought to Griffith Park in 1937. It features 68 finely carved, jewel-encrusted horses, each adorned with detailed draped blankets, sunflowers, and lion's heads. Accompanying the carousel is a Stinson 165 Military Band Organ, reputed to be the largest band organ on the West Coast, playing over 1500 selections of marches and waltz music.
Bronson Caves, located in Griffith Park, is one of the world's most famous filming locations. These man-made gouges and tunnel, remnants of a rock quarry opened by the Union Rock Company in 1903 and closed about twenty years later, have served as versatile backdrops in hundreds of movies, serials, and television shows. Most famously, they appeared as the Bat Cave entrance in the 1960s "Batman" television series. The caves' jagged, dry landscape has depicted various locales, from distant planets to iconic western settings. Notable films shot here include John Ford's "The Searchers," "Ride the High Country," Frank Capra's "Lost Horizon," and "The Sword and the Sorcerer." The caves also feature in classic TV series like "Gunsmoke," "The Lone Ranger," "Rawhide," "Bonanza," "Little House on the Prairie," "Star Trek Voyager," and "Wonder Woman." They contributed to the eerie ambiance of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," and were used in "Adventures of Captain Marvel," "Dick Tracy Returns," and "The Three Musketeers." Bronson Canyon is accessible by a short walk over a bridge and up a gated driveway on the east side of Canyon Drive.
The Griffith Observatory stands as an enduring symbol of scientific exploration and cinematic history. Immortalized in the classic Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean, the observatory has played a starring role in numerous films spanning decades, from The Terminator to La La Land. Visitors can pay homage to Hollywood's golden era with a glimpse of the bronze bust of James Dean adorning the grounds, a fitting tribute to his iconic performance. Beyond the silver screen, the observatory's allure extends to the realm of video games, as seen in Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines, and even intersects with science fiction in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Future's End." With its timeless charm and cultural significance, the Griffith Observatory continues to inspire wonder and curiosity among visitors and filmmakers alike, solidifying its place in both cinematic and scientific history.
Opened in 1929, the Griffith Park Carousel holds a special place in the hearts of visitors and Disney enthusiasts alike as the very carousel that sparked Walt Disney's imagination and inspired the creation of Disneyland. Legend has it that Walt Disney sat on one of the benches surrounding the carousel, watching his children gleefully ride the merry-go-round, while he envisioned a place where families could immerse themselves in fantasy and wonder. Today, the carousel stands as a living monument to Walt's dream, enriched with the history and nostalgia of generations past. As visitors take a whirl on its intricately carved horses and listen to the cheerful strains of its music, they are reminded of the enduring magic that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, located at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, has been a beloved attraction since 1948, offering miniature train rides for visitors of all ages. Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays, this charming ride features the FREEDOM TRAIN and the COLONEL GRIFFITH. The mile-long track winds through a scenic route, passing by pony rides, lush green meadows, an old Western town, and a Native American village, providing a delightful and nostalgic experience for all who visit. For more information, visitors can call (323) 664-6903.
The Autry Museum of the American West is dedicated to exploring and sharing the diverse stories, experiences, and perceptions of the American West. By connecting the past to the present, the museum aims to inspire a shared future. The Autry presents a wide array of exhibitions and public programs, including lectures, films, theater, festivals, family events, and music, while also engaging in scholarship, research, and educational outreach. With a collection of over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts, including the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, one of the most significant in the United States, the Autry's galleries display significant Native American objects and depictions of the American West by famous artists and entertainers. From the gold rush era to cowboy gear, these galleries uncover the complex stories of American expansion and its impact on native communities.
The Travel Town Museum, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) without the need for reservations, offers a rich historical experience in Griffith Park. In the late 1940s, Charley Atkins, a Recreation and Parks employee, and his rail enthusiast friends envisioned a steam locomotive as an attractive addition to the Griffith Park miniature railroad ride. Initially conceived as a "railroad petting zoo" for children to imagine themselves as engineers, the idea gained momentum with support from former Recreation and Parks Department General Manager George Hjelte and Superintendent of Recreation William Frederickson. The City of Los Angeles Harbor Department donated two engines destined for scrap, and major California railroads followed suit, providing further equipment donations. Dedicated on December 14, 1952, Travel Town evolved into a combined transportation museum and recreation center, re-grouped and re-dedicated in 1965. Today, it continues to grow and develop, preserving the legacy of Charley Atkins, who passed away in 1959.
Griffith Park has left an indelible mark on the silver screen, serving as a versatile backdrop for numerous iconic films over the years. From the atmospheric noir of "Sunset Boulevard" to the whimsical romance of "La La Land," the park's sprawling landscapes and iconic landmarks have provided filmmakers with a canvas to weave their cinematic tales. In the timeless classic "Back to the Future" series, Griffith Park takes center stage as Marty McFly accelerates to 88 mph, embarking on his time-traveling adventures from its scenic vistas. The park's tunnel emerges as a recurring motif, featuring prominently in "Throw Momma from the Train" and serving as the entrance to the fantastical world of Toontown in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." With its rich cinematic legacy, Griffith Park continues to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers, cementing its status as an integral part of Hollywood's history.
Griffith Park has not only been a prominent setting for cinematic productions but has also provided a picturesque backdrop for various music videos, adding a melodic dimension to its cultural repertoire. Adam Lambert's "If I Had You" finds its vibrant energy amidst the park's lush greenery, while Ellie Goulding's "Guns and Horses" captures the ethereal beauty of the landscape against the backdrop of her haunting melodies. The park's iconic tunnel becomes a focal point in Simple Plan's poignant music video for "Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?)" as the silver Trans Am emerges, setting the stage for a dramatic narrative. With its diverse vistas and timeless charm, Griffith Park continues to inspire musicians to weave their tales of love, loss, and longing against its scenic panorama.
Griffith Park houses a diverse array of wildlife, adding a touch of wilderness to the heart of Los Angeles. Among its inhabitants was the famous mountain lion, P-22, whose decade-long residence in the park captured the public's imagination. While P-22 may have been the park's most renowned feline resident, he was not alone, with previous mountain lion sightings dating back to the late 20th century. Urban ecologists diligently monitor the park's wildlife, conducting studies on raptors and providing valuable insights into the local ecosystem. Signs warning of rattlesnakes serve as a reminder of the park's untamed nature, while coyotes roam the landscape, their presence a testament to the park's role as a haven for native wildlife. The recent creation of a Miyawaki forest near the Bette Davis Picnic Area has further enriched the park's biodiversity, attracting Western toads from the nearby Los Angeles River and highlighting Griffith Park's vital role in preserving and nurturing urban wildlife.
the Central Park of Los Angeles
Address
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone
323-913-4688
