DK Travel : Los Angeles : Griffith Park

Griffith Park

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Griffith Park is a 4,000-acre natural playground of rugged hills and gentle valleys, draped with native oak trees, manzanita, and sage and crisscrossed by hiking and horseback trails. The country’s largest urban park owes its existence to the Welsh Griffith Jenkins Griffith (1850–1919). In 1896, Griffith donated a large portion of his estate to the city with the proviso that it become “a place of recreation and rest for the masses.” Today, the park is filled with picnic areas, golf courses, and tennis courts.
For more information on Griffith Park log on to www.ci.la.ca.us/RAP/grifmet/griffith.htm

Top 10 Features

1. Griffith Observatory & Planetarium

The sparkling white observatory has been the park’s chief attraction since 1935. It’s closed for renovation until early 2006, but a small satellite facility with planetarium shows and exhibits is in operation.
2. Greek Theatre

A favorite LA outdoor concert venue, the 1930 Greek Theatre presents a summer season of top musical talent in its leafy natural bowl setting. With just over 6,000 seats, it’s great for close-ups of legends.
3. Mount Hollywood Trail

The popular trek to the top of Mount Hollywood, the highest point in Griffith Park, rewards hikers with plenty of exercise and sweeping views of Los Angeles. Trailheads are located at Fern Dell and the Observatory.
4. Merry-Go-Round

A slice of nostalgia in the midst of futuristic LA, this beloved 1926 Stillman carousel has 68 exquisitely carved horses complete with real horse-hair tails.
5. Los Angeles Zoo

Some 1,200 animals are found here, including koalas and chimps. The breeding program has brought the California condor back from near-extinction.
6. Autry Museum of Western Heritage

This great collection of art, artifacts, and memorabilia demystifies the history and mythology of the American West. Star exhibits include a Colt handgun collection.
7. Travel Town Museum

A good-sized fleet of vintage locomotives, freight and passenger cars, and several cabooses (goods trains) draw railroad aficionados to this outdoor museum. Children love riding the miniature train.
8. Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills

Buster Keaton and Bette Davis are among the celebrities interred in this parklike cemetery dotted with patriotic art and architecture. It was founded in 1917 by Hubert Eaton, who invented the “full-service cemetery” concept satirized by Evelyn Waugh.
9. Bronson Caves

Scenes from Star Trek , Batman , Bonanza , and countless other film and TV productions were shot in this former rock quarry and its caves. Tucked away in a remote corner of Griffith Park, it requires a short hike.
10. Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

Generations of children have boarded the three miniature trains that chug along a 1-mile (1.6-km) track past pony rides, a Wild West ghost town, a Native American village, moving over a bridge and through a tunnel, past grazing goats and a cactus garden.

Practical Information

Griffith Park is perfect for picnics, especially in the leafy oasis of Fern Dell. Alternatively, the Golden Spur Café at the Autry Museum serves breakfast and lunch. Sunset Ranch Stables (3400 Beach-wood Drive) leads hugely popular Friday night horseback rides through Griffith Park. Griffith Park: Open 5am–10pm Griffith Park Ranger Station: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr Griffith Observatory Satellite: 4800 Western Heritage Way Autry Museum of Western Heritage: 4700 Western Heritage Way Travel Town Museum: 5200 Zoo Dr Bronson Caves: Follow Canyon Dr to the end, then hike up a quarter mile (400 m) past the gate just east of the last parking lot