Heavenly Elysian

Elysian Park is the oldest park in Los Angeles and offers stellar views of downtown

07.20.2022
Hike Elysian Park in Los Angeles

Founded in 1886, Elysian Park is LA’s oldest park, and one of its biggest. Spanning 600 acres, this urban playground has multiple attractive features that will keep you coming back for more. With hiking, biking, and jogging trails to horseshoe pits and disc golf, you have ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors from within the city limits. 

One of Elysian Park’s best features? Its location: it’s right by Dodger Stadium and up high on a canyon that affords a beautiful 360-degree view of downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains, and all the way to the ocean. Explore niches within the park: Angels Point with its view of the stadium and DTLA, known for housing a large postmodern metal sculpture reminiscent of the 1980s, or Chavez Ravine Arboretum, which contains over 100 varieties of trees from around the world, including the supposedly oldest and largest kauri, tipu, and Cape chestnut trees in the US.

Hike Elysian Park in Los Angeles

BONUS: After watching a sunset from atop one of the canyons within Elysian, stay after dusk to witness the spectacular view of Los Angeles at nighttime. The twinkling lights from the towns below are truly awe-inspiring.

Elysian Park is located at the intersection of the 110 and the I-5. Parking available on the street. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Lena Marceca

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View

  2. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View

  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View
  4. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View

  2. Pretty View Campground

    Situated at 8,300 feet near the summit of Mount Pinos, Chula Vista is the best stargazing spot within two hours of the bright Los Angeles lights.

    View

  3. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View

  4. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

    View