4800 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90027 ·
 
EAST HOLLYWOOD. Barnsdall Art Park is a bit unusual as a park, given that its most prominent feature isn't nature. Rather, it promotes cultural programs and delivers arts-related offerings to the public. Among the attractions are galleries, studios, a theater, and sculpture gardens. In addition, the park is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's 1921 Hollyhock House. This structure, Wright's first in LA, sought to find an architecural vocabulary for residences in Southern California. Rooftop terraces and outdoor living spaces merge with the interior, taking advantage of the climate and the views. Tours of the house are available.

 

Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA

BEVERLY HILLS. This nearly two-mile strip of green runs 14 blocks along Santa Monica Boulevard, from Doheny Drive to Wilshire Blvd and then along Wilshire to Whittier, right through the heart of Beverly Hills. The site of several annual events, the park also has some notable features. Between Camden and Bedford Drives, there is a large cactus garden, one of the largest collections in the world. A jogging path runs the length of the park, past statues and flower gardens. And at the southwest end is the 1931 Electric Fountain, which runs through a changing display of color effects every eight minutes.

 

2960 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 ·

GRIFFITH PARK. Located in the southwest corner of Griffith Park. When visiting the caves, you'll probably feel as if you've been here before. They've been Batman's hideaway, the last stand for many a gunslinger in Bonanza and Gunsmoke and the moon's surface for sci-fi favorites including Star Trek. Take the east side of the road up through the white gate (trail sign 49) and travel a quarter mile to the gate.

 

1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 ·

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE. Located 20 minutes from downtown LA, these gardens are truly a nature lover's retreat. Their heart is a 30-acre California live oak forest that's home to many varieties of camellia. Also popular is the five-acre International Rosarium, a magnificent themed display of roses from around the world. Indoor exhibits offer a great deal to explore as well, and the Hospitality House contains a terrific art gallery with changing monthly shows. If you're visiting on a weekend, be sure to have tea in the Japanese Tea House.

 

701 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 ·

EXPOSITION PARK. Originally a farmers market, Exposition Park is now home to a variety of cultural and recreational centers, along with a lovely 7½ acre rose garden. Among the attractions are the Natural History Museum, California African-American Museum, LA Swimming Stadium, LA Memorial Coliseum, and California Science Center. Admission to the park and rose garden are free, and although area parking can be a challenge (and will cost $5-10), a visit is definitely worthwhile.

 

10899 Wilshire Blvd, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024 ·

WESTWOOD. Tucked away on the north campus of UCLA is this, one of the nation's best sculpture collections. More than 70 works by well-known artists like Calder, Noguchi, Rodin, Matisse, and Zuniga populate five acres dedicated to outdoor art. Maintained by the university's Hammer Museum, the collection grows each year. A quiet oasis, the garden is open year-round and is a lovely destination for a contemplative stroll.

 

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 ·

GRIFFITH PARK. Situated on 4100-plus acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is home to a number of museums and attractions. In addition to hiking trails and bridle paths, it offers visitors pony rides, miniature railroad rides, and bike rentals. Located within the park are LA Zoo, a merry-go-round, LA Equestrian Center, Travel Town Museum (dedicated to transportation), the venerable Greek Theater outdoor performance space, Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and Griffith Observatory, which has been a popular destination for decades.

 

244 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ·

LITTLE TOKYO. Designed by well-known LA landscape architect Takeo Uesugi, this 8500 sqare foot garden is done in the traditional Japanese style. For a tranquil spot located next to the Japanese American Cultural Community Center, spend some time here. The waterfall and bamboo set among wandering paths will sooth any traveler's soul.

 

Lake Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 ·

GRIFFITH PARK. Built in 1924 by the Metropolitan Water District, Lake Hollywood is the most secluded body of water in the area. The dam that restricts it was designed by William Mulholland, who also designed the aqueducts that provide LA with most of its drinking water. Although the lake is not accessible to the general public, many people come here to walk and jog along its perimeter path, which also affords great views of the Hollywood sign and some of LA's architectural jewels.

 

777 Tiverton Ave, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 ·

WESTWOOD. Located on the southeastern corner of the UCLA campus is one of the most extensive botanical collections in the United States. With its frost free environment spread over seven acres, more than 5000 tropical and subtropical plants flourish. Visitors are welcome to stroll though the gardens and also learn about the remarkable life of Mildred Mathias, one of the country's top botanical taxonomists. Tours are available – call for details.