Living in LA, you might find that you rarely venture outside your neighborhood. Your commute, the markets you frequent, and your favorite restaurants create a familiar radius that can be surprisingly hard to break out of.

I was the same way. I knew in my head that Griffith Park was massive, but it took me a while to truly appreciate how incredible that space is. Recently, as I started hiking again for exercise, I've come to recognize the park's value anew.

It spans 4,310 acres. New York's Central Park is about 843 acres, so Griffith Park is more than five times that size. It's no exaggeration to say it's one of the premier large urban parks in the U.S. Its location is also perfect—about 8 km north of downtown LA and just a short distance from Hollywood.

Having such a vast natural space right in the middle of the city feels almost surreal. Unlike cities on the East Coast, LA has a reputation for having a weak "park culture," but just knowing about Griffith Park can dispel that misconception.

The most iconic spot is undoubtedly the Griffith Observatory. Opened in 1935, this observatory surprisingly has no admission fee. It's free.

You can enjoy stunning views of downtown LA, planetarium shows, and space-related exhibits—all for free. There are also great photo opportunities with the Hollywood sign in the background, especially around sunset. Personally, I love going up about an hour before sunset.

You can see the daytime LA, the sunset over LA, and then the city lights come on—all in succession. Experiencing these three views from the same spot is still breathtaking, even for those who have lived in LA for a long time.

The hiking trails are also a must. There are over 50 miles of trails throughout the park.

With varying difficulty levels, both beginners and experienced hikers can find a trail that suits their skill level. The most popular is the Mt. Hollywood trail. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can even see the ocean in the distance. I've been trying to start my hikes between 6:30 and 7:00 AM.

Hiking early in the morning or in the evening is much better both physically and visually. The sports facilities are also impressive, with two tennis courts, a golf course, and even horseback riding trails. It's rare to find so many amenities in one place in LA.

Griffith Park is also the best family outing spot. The LA Zoo is located within the park, home to over 1,200 animals, making it a popular weekend destination for families. When my kids were younger, we often combined visits to the observatory and the zoo on the same day.

The layout is convenient enough to cover everything in one day. Next to it is the Travel Town Museum, an outdoor train museum where you can see retired locomotives and freight cars up close. I took my son there when he was in elementary school, and we ended up going three more times. Boys just love it here.

If you visit on the weekend, you'll see the true face of LA residents. Picnicking, biking, jogging, and walking dogs are all common sights. There are also many Korean families. In the picnic areas with barbecue grills, the smell of grilled pork belly wafts through the air, while kids are playing ball nearby, and seniors are sitting on blankets, chatting leisurely. I understand well what this space means to Korean immigrants who have settled here.

You can easily spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon here. However, be sure to check the regulations. You must clean up your trash, and due to fire hazards, there may be designated barbecue-free zones depending on the time and place.

During California's wildfire season, this is especially important. It's a good habit to check the park's website in advance.

To summarize the information: park admission is free, and most facilities are open year-round.

The Griffith Observatory is closed on Tuesdays, so avoid visiting on that day. The LA Zoo has a separate admission fee. Parking is available in several lots within the park, most of which are free, but on weekends and holidays, the area near the observatory fills up quickly after 10 AM. It's also a good idea to park in the lower lots and walk up or use the DASH shuttle. From my experience, arriving before 9 AM on Saturday is the best way to ensure a hassle-free visit.

I've spent too long living in LA without truly enjoying it. Between commuting, raising kids, and paying bills, I've overlooked the great things this city has to offer. That's why Griffith Park holds personal significance for me.

It's a place that feels like a rediscovery of LA's essence. If you live in LA and have never really visited, I highly recommend it.

Pack a pair of sneakers, grab a bottle of water, and head up early in the morning. You'll understand right away why LA residents cherish this park so much.

https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/griffithpark/