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Best Parks In Los Angeles

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(credit: John D./Yelp)
Recreational parks have long been a favorite gathering place for families, friends and even romantic rendezvous. The best parks offer visitors plenty of activities to keep them thoroughly entertained and plenty of open green grass for being one with nature. The following are parks in Los Angeles that no local or tourist should go without visiting.
Griffith Park
(credit: CBS)

Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.laparks.org

Griffith Park is one the largest urban parks in the country and can best be described as the Central Park of Los Angeles, only not as well manicured. With more than 4,000 acres of land, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities from picnicking, hiking and horseback riding to golf, soccer and tennis. Griffith Park is home to a handful of other worthwhile attractions such as Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, the Griffith Observatory, the LA Zoo and the Travel Town museum.

grandpark_nye
(credit: Grand Park)

Grand Park
210 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-8080
www.grandparkla.org

Nestled between City Hall and The Music Center in downtown LA lies Grand Park. This urban oasis serves as a cultural hub for community-driven events, entertainment and festivals. The park is comprised of four distinct areas includes a community terrace, two event lawns and a memorial fountain that changes colors at night. Check the Calendar of Events of weekly happenings for the best days and times to visit.

greystone mansion
(credit: Michael S./Yelp)

Greystone Mansion and Park
905 Loma Vista Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 285-6830
www.greystonemansion.org

Originally the land of LA's biggest oil tycoons of the day, Greystone Mansion and Park has since been deemed an historical landmark worthy of preservation at a price of $1.3 million. The castle-like mansion was formally dedicated as a public park by the City of Beverly Hills in 1971. The park was featured in several feature films, including "The Muppets," "The Social Network" and "Spiderman," just to name a few. The place is filled with all sorts of beautiful plants, walkways, a koi pond and beautiful views of the city that will make you feel like royalty just being there.

Related:Best Los Angeles Theme Parks

Barnsdall Park
(credit: Jessie M./Yelp)

Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.barnsdall.org

Barnsdall Art Park is considered one of the most incredible parks and playgrounds in Los Angeles. At Barnsdall Art Park, you'll find much more than open green spaces for frolicking in the sun. You'll also find a 10,000-square-foot municipal art gallery featuring emerging artists making a cultural impact in Los Angeles through their art work. You'll even find a weekly farmers market and free studio art classes every Sunday in addition to frequent theater productions.

exposition park
(credit: Michelle T./Yelp)

Exposition Park
701 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(213) 744-7458
www.expositionpark.org

With so much to do and see, Exposition Park can be a little bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. Its 160 acres of land houses The California Science Center, The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the historic Rose Garden among the The Coliseum and Expo Center. Exposition Park remains a significant historical attraction for Los Angeles.

Related:LA's Best Permanent Museum Exhibits

Niki Payne is a freelance writer covering all things Entertainment in Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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