AAA Magazines

17 things to see and do in Los Angeles' Griffith Park

Griffith Park Observatory at night Griffith Park Observatory at night. Photo by Jim Krantz

Los Angeles’ showcase city park celebrates its 125th birthday this year, and, at five times the size of Central Park, it can be tough to find your way through all that Griffith Park has to offer. Beyond the zoo and the world-famous observatory, there are 70 miles of hiking trails, four golf courses, and two museums dedicated to trains. Follow along for some of my favorite things to see and do (and where to eat) in this beloved urban oasis.

The North Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Hollywood

The North Trail. Photo by Jim Krantz

1. The park is a hiker’s paradise. To visit the park’s relatively quiet interior, set your sights on the North Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Hollywood. Along the way, it passes Amir’s Garden and the new memorial to victims of the fire of 1933, which took the lives of 29 civilian firefighters. The mostly flat Main Trail, which runs close to the edge of nearly half the park, is popular with trail runners, some of whom might be training for the annual Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon.

2. Every summer in the Old Zoo Picnic Area, the Independent Shakespeare Company produces one popular play and a lesser-known work by the Bard. Performances are Wednesday–Sunday, and admission is free. Bring a blanket and snacks. 

The Roosevelt Golf Course

The Roosevelt Golf Course. Photo by Jim Krantz

3. In addition to four distinct golf courses (Wilson, Harding, Roosevelt, and Los Feliz), the park is also home to a driving range and the Marty Tregnan Golf Academy. The first three courses mentioned are named for the presidents who were in office when they opened. The nine-hole, par-three Los Feliz course is great for beginners.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. Photo by Jim Krantz

4. The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, an all-volunteer institution, is dedicated to scale trains and is open to the public on Sundays. Check out the historic cars and steam plant or take a train ride. The route follows a track for more than a mile through tunnels, across bridges, and past miniature towns. 

Sunset Ranch

Sunset Ranch. Photo by Jim Krantz

5. Most of the park’s wide trails are well-suited for those wearing horseshoes. Take the smaller cowpokes to Griffith Park Pony Rides, book a guided ride in the park from local stables like Sunset Ranch or L.A. Horse Rentals, or check out the public events at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on the north side of the park.

6. Download the free app Soundwalk and listen as you explore the southern areas of the park. The immersive audio experience from sound artist Ellen Reid changes depending on where you’re walking or hiking. The app is free through 2023.

7. Travel Town is an offbeat museum that spotlights railway transportation in the West. Historic engines and railcars are on display, several of which you can enter. There’s also a miniature railway to ride, and it’s free!

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Photo by Jim Krantz

8. While the original Griffith Park Zoo had a spotty reputation, today’s Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a modern must-see. It’s a leader in conservation efforts, and it was a major partner in the successful recovery of the California condor.

9. Want your breakfast served with sing-alongs, silly rituals, and guest lectures? The Los Angeles Breakfast Club, founded in 1925, still meets every Wednesday morning at Friendship Auditorium. Nonmembers are very welcome.

A bust of James Dean at Griffith Observatory

A bust of James Dean at Griffith Observatory. Photo by Jim Krantz

10. Numerous movies and TV shows have been shot in Griffith Park, but the only one with a monument is Rebel Without a Cause. A bust of James Dean, who starred in the 1955 movie, sits on the western edge of the grounds of the Griffith Observatory and is another good spot from which to see the Hollywood Sign. 

Amir’s Garden

Amir’s Garden. Photo by Jim Krantz

11. Griffith Park has several “volunteer gardens,” but Amir’s Garden is arguably the finest. It was built in the ruins of a fire, beginning in 1971, by Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh. This 5-acre irrigated oasis has shady spots and winding garden paths aplenty. The garden is most easily reached from the Mineral Wells Picnic Area.  

Hugo Ballin murals

Hugo Ballin murals. Photo by Jim Krantz

12. Opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory is the world’s most visited observatory. It hosts free stargazing nights, and the art deco building itself is a work of art—don’t miss the stunning Hugo Ballin murals in the central rotunda. The observatory also houses an impressive and free museum about space exploration and the cosmos. 

You may also like: Most romantic places in Southern California

Autry Museum of the American West

Autry Museum of the American West. Photo by Jim Krantz

13. The Autry Museum of the American West tells complex and inclusive stories about what it means to be a Westerner. Its current Investigating Griffith Park exhibit focuses on the park itself. 

the Wisdom Tree

The Wisdom Tree. Photo by Jim Krantz

14. Perched atop Burbank Peak, the Wisdom Tree is the sole surviving pine from a 2007 wildfire and has become a makeshift shrine for hikers. Unfortunately, rock stacking and tree-climbing have done some damage, so visitors are encouraged to take only photos and help pick up litter before continuing onward. 

Lake Hollywood Reservoir

Lake Hollywood Reservoir. Photo by Jim Krantz

15. Since it first appeared in 1923 on Mount Lee, the Hollywood Sign has been a beacon for millions. Google searches for viewing areas will likely send you to two overcrowded spots, but there are many other options. To dodge crowds, try the Mount Hollywood Trail north of Berlin Forest, the West Observatory Trail, or the Lake Hollywood Reservoir.

You may also like: Best ways to see the iconic Hollywood sign

The merry-go-round

The merry-go-round. Photo by Jim Krantz

16. Walt Disney had fond memories of taking his children to the merry-go-round, and you can see a treasure trove of early Disney memorabilia, including Walt’s miniature railroad set, at the Carolwood Barn, which used to reside on Disney’s Holmby Hills property. The merry-go-round runs weekends and is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, near Park Center. The Carolwood Barn is generally open the third Sunday of the month at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. 

Greek Theatre

The Greek Theatre. Photo by Jim Krantz

17. The Hollywood Bowl might be more famous, but many Angelenos prefer the more intimate outdoor surroundings of the circa-1930 Greek Theatre. When the pandemic halted concerts, the theater showed drive-in movies in a parking lot.

Where to eat in Griffith Park

Trails Café

Trails Café. Photo by Jim Krantz

On the north end of Fern Dell, iconic Trails Café is a must-try. Grab an iced coffee or tea or relax in the shade with a fresh-baked pastry or the café’s famous Snake Dog (a hot dog wrapped in puff pastry). Lots of vegan options, too.

A hot dog at Franklin’s Café and Market

A hot dog at Franklin’s Café and Market. Photo by Jim Krantz

Near the Roosevelt Golf Course, the recently renovated Franklin’s Café and Market offers a selection of to-go items for impromptu picnics, as well as artisan baked goods, hot sandwiches, and an espresso bar.

Crossroads West Café on the Autry Museum’s outdoor plaza has surprisingly good (and healthy) eats. Huge salads and yummy street tacos help fuel a second round in the galleries or a hike into the mountains.

You may also like: After sundown, another world emerges in the wilds of Griffith Park

Fun facts about Griffith Park

  • When Griffith J. Griffith and his wife, Christina Mesmer, donated 3,015 acres of Rancho Los Feliz to the city of Los Angeles on December 16, 1896, it was explicitly for use as a public park. Their donation was made specifically for the everyday Angeleno, and no admission was to be charged for entry so it would not become a playground for the rich.
Bronson Cave

Bronson Cave. Photo by Jim Krantz

  • Through the late 1920s, the Union Rock Company operated inside Brush Canyon. The scars it left behind have made an intriguing backdrop for Hollywood producers for decades, but the canyon’s Bronson Cave is probably best known as the “batcave” from the 1960s TV series Batman.
California holly

California holly. Photo by Jim Krantz

  • The large shrubs in the park covered in berries are a native plant called toyon, commonly known as California holly. The name for Hollywood reputedly was inspired by these plants. In 2012, toyon was also named the official plant of the city of Los Angeles. At Christmastime, the berries are a festive bright red.
  • Parky the Kangaroo was the park’s mascot in the 1950s. On weekends, he walked the grounds with a pith-helmet–wearing ranger who handed out park info and warned against littering.
P22, a mountain lion in Griffith Park

Mountain lion P-22. Photo by Miguel Ordeñana

  • Griffith Park has its own mountain lion. P-22 was first spotted on camera in the park in 2012 after crossing the 405 and 101 freeways. Now he’s an effective “spokescat” for urban wildlife issues, and the park celebrates P-22 Day every October.
  • From the western edge of the park, it’s easy to peek into nearby Universal Studios, where you can make out part of the backlot and some of the theme park attractions. Warner Brothers Studios is visible to the north.
  • The Gabrieleño-Tongva people have lived here for generations, and the first European to visit was Juan Bautista De Anza, who tracked an overland route from Sonora, Mexico, to San Francisco. The De Anza National Historic Trail follows this route and runs through Griffith Park.

Casey Schreiner is the author of Discovering Griffith Park (2020) and Day Hiking Los Angeles (2016), both published by Mountaineers Books. He’s also the founder of modernhiker.com.

Follow us on Instagram

Follow @AAAAutoClubEnterprises for the latest on what to see and do.

Read more articles

You'll find more of the articles you love to read at AAA Insider.

Travel offers and deals

" "

Hot travel deals

Get the latest offers from AAA Travel’s preferred partners.

" "

Travel with AAA

See how we can help you plan, book, and save on your next vacation.

" "

Entertainment savings

Save big with AAA discounts on tickets to your next adventure.

" "

Travel with confidence

Purchase travel insurance with Allianz Global Assistance.

back to top icon