Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park is named after the famous mining tycoon, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the land himself to the city of Los Angeles. He gave the park to the city as a gift to be used as “a place of rest and relaxation for the masses.” Today, Angelenos and visitors alike flock to Griffith Park for just that and more. This park is the largest municipal park in Los Angeles protecting 4,511 acres of mountains and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.

On-site, there are more than 50 miles of trails — including the trek to the park’s peak at the top of 1,625-foot Mount Hollywood. Griffith Park is also the site of the Old Zoo, where visitors can explore animal enclosures that have been abandoned and untouched for over 50 years. Then, visitors can check out the newer Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden which houses a wide range of animals from koalas to Komodo dragons and many other types of animals from across the globe.

Nearby, park guests can check out the landmark Art Deco-era Griffith Observatory to learn more about the cosmos. The entrance is free, and the views are worth the climb to the top of the hill where the observatory is perched.

Griffith Park is also home to the Greek Theatre, Autry National Center, the Travel Town train museum, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and many numerous smaller attractions — such as the carousel, pony rides and train rides. There are even golf courses, tennis courts, soccer fields and a public pool. The two 18-hole public golf courses are named after presidents Wilson and Harding.