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Best Attractions To See At Griffith Park

LA Restores Griffith Park After Fire
credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

General Info (323) 913-4688
More Info

Printable maps are online or the Ranger Station, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, or call (323) 653-4099.

The largest municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park spans 4,000+ acres. You don't explore this one on foot. Best bet is to drive from one destination to the next. There are trails and wilderness areas throughout the park. You'll also find several golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pool (open in summer) and picnic areas.

Major attractions for visitors include the following destinations.

laZoo
credit: www.lazoo.org

Los Angeles Zoo

(323) 644-4200
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This big-city zoo is home to 1,100 animals, birds and reptiles. Bird shows and special events are held throughout the day. See the Komodo dragons and the flamingos.

Visitors view exhibits from the Wild Wes
credit: Mark Ralston/Getty Images

Autry National Center

(323) 667-2000
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The Autry's Museum of the American West has art and artifacts illustrating Western life, Native Americans and Western movie heritage. Interactive areas keep the visit lively. A gem.

Griffith Observatory Re-Opens After $93 Million Renovation
credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Griffith Observatory

(213) 473-0800
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Explore the space and science exhibits, the planetarium presentations and the hands-on displays. Best at night.

Travel Town Museum
(323) 662-5874
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Travel Town is a haven for train lovers of all ages. Ride them, climb on them, watch models in action and learn about Southern California's railroad history. Steamer-train rides available on Sundays.

trainersphoto
credit: www.la-equestriancenter.com

L.A. Equestrian Center

(818) 840-9063
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Stables, riding lessons, exhibitions and more.

horseRental
credit: www.griffithparkhorserental.com

Griffith Park Horse Rentals

(818) 840-8401
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74119078BikeDavidMcNew
credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Griffith Park Bicycle Rentals

(323) 653-4099
www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/bikeride.htm

holidayLights
credit: www.dwplightfestival.com

Other mid-park attractions include:

* Pony Rides - circular track for younger children - More Info
* Miniature Train Ride - an adorable ride through a fake Western town and Indian village
* Merry-Go-Round – a 1926 carousel of high style
* Shane's Inspiration – a huge playground structure designed for universal accessibility

There are many hiking trails throughout the park. A popular trail leads from the Observatory parking lot to the top of Mount Hollywood, the highest point at the park, which has panoramic views of all of L.A.

Finally, December brings the Holiday Light Festival. You can find more info at (213) 367-1255 or check out www.dwplightfestival.com online.

Born and raised in L.A., Andrea Renskoff's knowledge spans trendy hubs to the diamonds in the rough to escapes from the ordinary. She currently writes about food, travel, families, health, wellness and lifestyle.
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