One of my favorite things to do as a family is to pack up a lunch, a few toys, a big ol’ blanket and have a picnic in a gorgeous park. I mean, is there really any other way to spend a gorgeous LA day? We’ve rounded up the best parks for a picnic in Los Angeles – so get out and play!
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
100 North Toluca Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 250-1100
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Located at the western gateway to Downtown, 10.5-acre Vista Hermosa Park is an urban natural park featuring walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannas, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground amidst native Mediterranean vegetation. Locals know it’s the perfect park with a lot of open space for picnics with a stunning view of DTLA. The parking lot is small and street parking can be a pain.
James Irvine Japanese Garden
244 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 628-2725
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Founded in 1971, the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is one of the largest ethnic arts and cultural centers of its kind in the United States. The award-winning James Irvine Japanese Garden is a quiet sanctuary in the busy bustling city of Los Angeles. Albeit small, this park is the perfect solution for a quiet moment in your hectic work life day.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone: (310) 454-8212
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What was once Will Rogers personal ranch estate, is now a state park. A popular spot for exercising and fitness, Will Rogers State Park is also a perfect park for families to spend an afternoon on the grassy lawns. Parking is $12, the park is open every day including holidays.
Exposition Park Rose Garden
701 State Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Phone: (213) 763-0114
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Right in the center of the California Science Center, the African American Museum, and the Museum of Natural History is the Exposition Park Rose Garden. Easily located just off the Metro Expo line, The Rose Garden at Exposition Park has been an LA City park since 1928. The fragrant and beautiful roses, grassy lawns and majestic fountain make for the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. The Rose Garden is closed every year from January 1st to March 15th for pruning.
Burton W. Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 305-9595
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Right on the Marina, Burton W. Chace Park consists of 10 acres of lush lawn and trees that extend into the Marina’s main channel, offering magnificent boat and ocean vistas. Built-in barbecue grills and tables invite picnicking for families and the free outdoor summer concerts that run from July through September each year on Thursday and Saturday nights are fun for the whole family.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (323) 857-6000
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Although not your typical picnic spot, the LACMA is fine spot to have an outdoor packed meal. Every Friday night at the LACMA is free jazz, featuring some of LA’s best jazz musicians. Bring your picnic, your blanket and chairs and tuck into a spot on the grass areas surrounding the pavilions for a night of free jazz.
Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (323) 939-8874
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Pan Pacific Park is one of the most popular, family-friendly parks in the city. Founded in 1935, Pan Pacific Park is located on the site of the landmark Pan-Pacific Auditorium. Picnic tables and barbecue pits are located throughout the 28-acre park. After lunch take a stroll on the paved path that winds through the entire park.
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 802-5000
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Encompassing 18 acres, Pollliwog Park is the largest park in the South Bay area. The picnic area consists of 15 tables, 8 of which can be reserved for a minimum of two hours and a maximum of 6. The picnic area is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Three gazebos, which can be reserved in advance for two-hour periods, are also favorite spots for family get togethers. Other park attractions include children’s play areas, the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, City Historical Museum, 9-hole disc golf course, and the Polliwog Park Dog Run.
Brookside Park
360 North Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
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Covering 61 acres, Brookside Park is Pasadena’s largest park, located just south of the world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium and very near Kidspace Children’s Museum. Brookside Park contains several picnic tables; barbecue pits in most popular picnic areas; two lighted softball diamonds; a lighted field for flag football and soccer; tennis, badminton and handball courts and a kids play area.
Amir’s Garden
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 913-4688
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Amir’s garden is a definite LA hidden jewel, located in Griffith Park and taking some effort to get to, Amir’s garden is a gorgeous spot to picnic with breathtaking views. Pack a picnic and park by the Mineral Wells Picnic area just off Griffith Park Drive near the Wilson Golf Course in the northeast corner of the park. Head up the wide and frequently used fire road until you pass Water Tank #73, where just around the next curve you’ll find tables and a sign marking the entrance to “Amir’s Garden.” Amir’s Garden is a shady refuse with plenty of picnic benches in honor of park-lover Amir Dialameh.