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While Los Angeles may seem like the typical metropolitan city, anyone who takes the time to look beyond the buildings and glittering lights will realize that some of natures most stunning vistas are woven into the streets and surrounding areas. The diversity in habitats, from beaches to wetlands to mountains, allows LA to be rich in greenery, and nature enthusiasts will love exploring the native flora from the thousands of hiking and biking trails. With the ocean to the west, Los Angeles is cradled mostly by the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountain ranges. The Santa Monica Mountains, which run from the Hollywood Hills to Ventura County, are known not only for their beautiful peaks and lush woodlands, but also for Mulholland Drive, the famous road that runs much of the length of them. At the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains is the largest municipal park in the US, Griffith Park.
Barnsdall Art Park
Hollywood Blvd. & Vermont Ave., Hollywood, CA
Perched up on Olive Hill in East Hollywood, Barnsdall Art Park is a great destination for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a striking view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. In addition to hosting local and international art exhibits throughout the year in its main building, the LA Municipal Art Gallery, this park is also home to the Junior Arts Center and the famous Hollyhock House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Bronson Caves
2960 Canyon Dr., Los Angeles, CA
A Los Angeles landmark, Bronson Caves in the Griffith Park area are as popular among nature lovers as they are among TV and film buffs. These caves have made an appearance in many known films, including Star Trek: Voyager, Army of Darkness, The Scorpion King and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This also served as the “Batcave” in the classic Batman TV series. The park features multiple trails for visitors to enjoy.
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Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
All 160 acres of this public garden in the Los Angeles area offer nature lovers a slice of perfection. The botanical collections and horticultural displays at the dense, lush Descanso Gardens are renowned. Visitors can wander through areas like the Lilac Garden, the Iris Garden, the Japanese Garden, Camellia Forest and the Sundial Garden, or they can simply relax in the Under the Oaks Theater, aboard the Enchanted Railroad or next to Mulberry Pond. Classes, lectures and special events are frequently held, there’s a gift shop and wedding space is available.
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Exposition Park Rose Garden
701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Since 1928, the Exposition Rose Garden has attracted droves of visitors each year with over 20,000 rose bushes. A vibrant and captivating refuge, this vast sunken rose garden in Los Angeles is also a prime destination for Los Angeles weddings and photographs. Closed January 1st to March 15th each year for pruning back of the roses.
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Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
UCLA North Campus; Tel. 310.443.7041
Spanning more than five acres of the UCLA campus, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is one of the most impressive in the country. Over 70 sculptures from renowned 19th- and 20th-century artists are tucked in among flowering trees and grassy knolls. The both figural and abstract works are displayed, illustrating the varying approaches to sculpturing.
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Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027; Tel. 214.913.4688
Covering more than 4000 acres, L.A.'s biggest park makes NYC's Central Park look like a median strip. The park features two golf courses, pony rides, a train museum and the stunning L.A. Griffith Observatory (which is currently closed for renovation). It's great to get lost in this green oasis in the gray land lined with freeways.
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James Irvine Garden
244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; Tel. 213.628.2725
Located at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, the James Irvine Garden is a tranquil and beautiful destination. Also known as Seiryu-en, “Garden of the Clear Stream,” this carefully constructed Japanese garden in Los Angeles covers 8,500 square feet with bridges, statues, flowers and Japanese plants.
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Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
UCLA Campus; Tel. 310.825.1260
Located on the UCLA campus, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is home to “one of the most important living botanical collections in the United States.” Specimens from all over the world grace this seven-acre garden. There are approximately 5000 species from 225 families growing in this lush, expansive Los Angeles garden.
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Sand Dune Park
33rd & Bell; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Aptly named, Sand Dune Park is home to a 100-foot high sand dune that features many options for ascent, including a switchback, up the face and trails winding through indigenous plant life. A fun Los Angeles park for kids of all ages, Sand Dune Park features three acres of space for play, including swings, a merry-go-round, climbing equipment, picnic tables and an open pavilion.
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