Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

Explore Vista Hermosa Natural Park in Echo Park

09.18.2024
Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

Woman standing at Vista Hermosa Park Overlook, looking out to the Los Angeles downtown skyline

Woman walking a path among trees at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Woman on grassy lawn at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Wander along the half-mile walking path lined with coastal sagebrush and chaparral. Areas of grassy knolls are perfect for playing frisbee with your dog, and an abundance of live oaks and sycamores offer shady spots for grabbing a cat nap or reading a book. A waterfall, and turtle and snake sculptures add artful elements.

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking the Los Angeles downtown skyline in Vista Hermosa Park Echo Park

Woman standing above a small waterfall in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

Woman enjoying a spacious lawn area at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

But probably the best thing is seeing the iconic skyline peeking through the trees. It’s a beautiful blend of urban and natural landscapes. Find the double bench on top of the hill and enjoy the view!

Woman walking a treelined pathway in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

From the CA 110-N, take exit 23C toward W 3rd St./Miramar St. After taking the ramp and merging on W 3rd St./Miramar St., turn right onto S Beaudry Ave. Make a left onto W 2nd St. After about 0.3 mile, turn right onto N Toluca St. Park in the lot on the right-hand side or along Toluca St. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View