The Japanese Garden is located at Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Woodley Park and is a tranquil beautiful oasis. This garden was constructed in the 1980s and was designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana. Based around the idea of showing the beauty of reclaimed water, this garden is gorgeous with several attractions, including a zen garden and a tea house. The Japanese Garden is used for various events, including wedding ceremonies and filming for TV shows and movies.
Griffith Park Zoo makes for either an eerie or a fascinating sight depending on how you see it. Opened in 1912, the zoo had a successful run until 1966 when it was abandoned to make way for the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The deserted zoo is now dotted with small and big animal cases and picnic tables. Visitors can spend their time exploring the numerous hiking trails as well. The most popular path being the hike to Bee Rock from where you can enjoy great views of the environs. Alternatively, you could climb inside a monkey cage or have a picnic at one of the bear enclosures. The cages and the uncanny surrounding also gives you the chance to click some offbeat pictures.
Valley Park is a beautiful park in Hermosa Beach. Meant for families, this community park has a huge space for picnics, barbecues and a small playground for children.The park also has basketball courts and an amphitheater where many events are held. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, this 5.3 acres (2.1 hectares) park is definitely worth a visit with your family for a fun-day out or to play a game of basketball.
Draped in verdant greenery, this stunning mountain range serves as a retreat away from the city life unfolding in the vicinity. The Verdugo Mountains State Park and Open Space Preserve invites avid hikers to scale its sloping inclines replete with wooded forests, towering trees and shrublands. Among the wildlife which thrives here, keep your eyes peeled for mountain lions, coyotes and the elusive small bird, wrentit. Sprawled across 244 acres (98.7 hectares), Verdugo Mountains State Park and Open Space Preserve makes for a fascinating getaway for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Built for the 1932 Olympic games, Exposition Park is now a venue for many sports and cultural events. Originally known as "Agricultural Park," it houses a sports arena, coliseum, museum, science center, rose garden, a swimming stadium and expo center. The park is bustling with activities throughout the year with events like Annual Bug Fair and Science Camp. The Rose Garden can be hired for special events and the Coliseum hosts popular sports events. Exposition Park also plays host to the L.A. Food Fest, a culinary extravaganza attracting food lovers from far and beyond.
The large expanse of open space at Los Angeles State Historic Park is a place of recreation for a majority of people living in its vicinity. The park can be used for any activity of choice such as playing, riding bikes, picnicking or even hiking. You can also embark on self-guided tours of the area. It's a great place for family and group outings. Several events, too, are held within the park premises. Those looking to immerse themselves in nature will be delighted to observe the different birds that can be seen here. With so many things to do, the park makes for a refreshing outdoor excursion.