16 Parks to Go to When You Want to Have a Lil Picnic in Los Angeles

El Cariso Community Regional Park

• Location: Sylmar
• In addition to walking paths, this large park offers tons of recreation options (including our favorite, pickleball) for those picnickers looking for an activity. It’s also home to a weekly Sunday farmer’s market where you can pick up some fresh food for your picnic before grabbing a table and barbecue grill.
• Link to more information.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Park

• Location: Baldwin Hills
• Looking for endless space - 308 acres to be exact? This park has it all - grassy areas, walking trails, a lake, a japanese garden, and even a disc golf course. There are covered picnic areas with barbecue grills for extra sunny days. No wonder entry is $10/car. 
• Link to more information.

Mineral Wells Picnic Area

• Location: Griffith Park
• There’s no question Griffith Park belongs on this list, but specifically we recommend the Mineral Wells Picnic Area for your next picnic. There’s easy parking, it’s secluded from the city, and there’s plenty of space to spread out although picnic tables are limited.
• Link to more information.

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park

• Location: La Crescenta
• Of all the parks for picnics, this is the most dog-friendly. It includes a dog park including a small/timid area, human/dog walking trails, and shaded picnic tables. Just be mindful that people often walk their dogs off leash around the park for better or for worse.
• Link to more information.

Hahamonga Watershed Park

• Location: Pasadena
• With beautiful mature trees, picnic tables, walking trails, barbecue grills, and a disc golf course, what could make for a better picnic spot? Oh, how about ample free parking! Watch for horses, as this is a popular equestrian area.
• Link to more information.

Whittier Narrows Park

• Location: South El Monte
• Not one, not two, but three lakes grace this park. On top of that, there are several walking trails through this huge park, as well as plenty of picnic tables. The only down side? There’s a small parking fee.
• Link to more information.

Point Fermin Park

• Location: San Pedro
• At the Southernmost tip of LA County lies this scenic park. In addition to picnic tables with ocean views, you can easily pop over to the Korean Bell of Friendship and the Point Fermin Lighthouse. Remember your sunscreen, since there’s not much shade at this seaside spot.
• Link to more information.

Brand Park

• Location: Glendale
• Tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood by the hills lies this secluded park. In addition to a grassy lawn, the park’s picnic area is situated under tall palms and just down the hill from hiking trail access. There’s also a gorgeous library at the center of the park!
• Link to more information.

Vista Hermosa Natural Park

• Location: Echo Park
• If you’re looking for a view, this is the place for you. This is a famous spot for a prime LA skyline view, and to top it off there are lots of trees and walking trails. Get there a bit early for a good parking spot!
• Link to more information.

Will Rogers State Historic Park

• Location: Pacific Palisades
• Sister to the beach of the same name, this park has views of the city and canyons, along with picnic tables and hiking trails. There’s also a polo field, so if you’re lucky you can watch a match. Borrow a state park pass from the library for free entry!
• Link to more information.

Pan Pacific Park

• Location: Fairfax
• Surrounded by the city, this park is walking distance from great attractions including The Grove, but still manages to feel like an escape. Park for free in the lot before claiming a picnic table and/or barbecue grill and settling in.
• Link to more information.

Lake Balboa Park

• Location: Van Nuys
• Home to a lake of the same name, park for free at this popular valley park before claiming a picnic table for the afternoon. Enjoy walking paths, and if you forgot something you might be able to get it from a weekend cart vendor!
• Link to more information.

LA State Historic Park

• Location: Chinatown
• If you can manage to find a parking spot in the neighborhood, this park is worth the search. Between downtown views, well-maintained green areas, and walking paths you won’t regret selecting this spot for your next picnic.
• Link to more information.

Polliwog Park

• Location: Manhattan Beach
• You may find a polliwog or two in the pond at this park. If that’s not your speed, play a round of disc golf before cooling off in a covered picnic area and grilling up some burgers. Just watch for geese and…what they leave behind.
• Link to more information.

Abalone Cove Park

• Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
• Stunning ocean views are the main attraction at this beautiful spot. Grab a picnic table with a view of the great Pacific, slap on some sunscreen, and make a note to stay tuned for updates. One day soon we hope the trails and cove access will reopen!
• Link to more information.

Barnsdall Art Park

• Location: East Hollywood
• One of LA's best skyline picnic spots, this hilltop park pairs sweeping city views with a sprawling lawn perfect for sunset hangs. Wander the grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, catch an art exhibit, or simply spread out a blanket and watch the city light up below. Parking is limited, so arriving early is your best bet.
• Link to more information.

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