LA's Memorial to MLK

Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove in LA

Woman at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove in LA

The 400-acre Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is an urban respite born out of a flood in 1963, when the Baldwin Hills Dam broke, tragically leaving land destroyed and lives lost. It was later transformed into a beautiful park, home to trails among landscaped lawns, picnic areas, and—at the park’s highest point, overlooking LA’s skyline—the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove.

Take a short walk up to it from the park’s main entrance. On the way, enjoy wide-open views all the way out to the ocean. Head south, passing a wide, grassy area favored by Frisbee players, and walking up to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, backed by the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.

Woman standing at the obelisk at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove

Downtown LA beams below. The memorial features an obelisk dedicated in 2018 in honor of Dr. King’s 1963 March on Washington, where the civil rights leader gave his historic speech, “I Have a Dream.” An excerpt from this speech is inscribed on the obelisk, and several other MLK quotes are etched on large stones surrounding its footpath, where you can also find benches. Backtrack a bit to the vendor area, where you can stop for a snack, and return the way you came.

Tip: For those who want to do a big day hike, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove is also a highlight on the 13-mile Park to Playa Trail.

From Downtown Los Angeles, take the I-10 West to the 110 South to the 10 West and Exit Washington Blvd. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Breonna Carter, @MountainsQuake

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View