Vista Hermosa Natural Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

I was heartbroken and disappointed to see how this park has lost its beauty when it first opened. The landscape is not maintained, weeds have taken over the once beautiful trails. Tree branches that have been cut were just left on the side of the trail to rot. The green roof of the restroom that once had such beautiful green plants are now all dead. At least the water feature is maintained and it was clean but the water was a bit green.

Reminds me of parks in Paris. This one really is a hidden gem. I love the dog friendliness and the abundance of green grassy picnic zones. Perfect to bring a book and lean against a tree. Lots of benches, walking paths and nooks and crannies to get lost in. Highly recommend!

Vista Hermosa Natural Park holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite spots in LA. The iconic view of downtown LA from the park is something you've likely seen in countless movies. I make it a point to visit as often as possible. The park boasts numerous beautiful spaces, ensuring you never feel crowded. Walking through, you'll encounter lovers, birthday parties, and adorable dogs, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. A word of advice: it's wise to leave the park as soon as the sun sets and darkness falls. Skunks make an appearance, and while they generally avoid people, it's a good idea not to disturb them. So, what you might mistake for kittens are, in fact, skunks. It's a natural park, and they have their place there. Just a heads up! Despite the skunk encounters, Vista Hermosa is an excellent place to spend the day. Whether you want to relax under the trees, enjoy quality time with a loved one, or have a paint party with your best friends, this park is the perfect setting. It encapsulates the quintessential LA scene you often see in movies – a true gem in the city.

It's a good clean park, beautiful view of the moon and tall buildings at night, But I give it a 4-Star just because I've been there at night time Only & got chased by a skunk while it did a hand stand, I was scared as Sh!t UPDATE: I'm here Now in the Day Time I Love it, Great atmosphere & Great Views PS: No skunk attacked me Today 🤗

Vista Hermosa Natural Park, managed by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, is a hidden gem within the heart of the city. This urban oasis provides a serene escape from the bustling city life. The park's well-maintained trails offer breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding hills. The lush greenery, diverse flora, and peaceful ponds create a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a rejuvenating hike. The thoughtful design of the park includes educational elements, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The park's commitment to conservation is evident in the carefully preserved natural beauty. The staff's dedication to maintaining the park's cleanliness and tranquility enhances the overall experience. Vista Hermosa Natural Park is a testament to the successful integration of nature and urban living. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat, a scenic workout, or a family-friendly outing, this park is a true haven. Highly recommended for those looking to reconnect with nature without leaving the city limits.

I love to come here to talk to my dog. It's awesome because it has beautiful views of downtown L.A. It's very spacious. The only downfall would be that there are skunks in the area. Please be careful and respect the land please.

Loved this little hidden treasure. Park is small yet very spacious & beautiful. If I would’ve never known of this place I would just drive right past it. There are three different entrances for you to find parking. The main entrance is limited with parking. We were lucky to have found one that was hidden. Restrooms are clean and easily accessible. There is plenty of shade and tables to eat at. No playground BUT there is a giant turtle and snake for kids to play on like mine did. The little water fall is also pretty and calming. The walk is a good trail walk for any age. I saw a variety of people there just sitting, taking and enjoying the views. There is a bench where you can see the city building but it gets a little crowded with people taking pictures. Over all great park for people who live in the area or like me a place to take my grandkids to for a quick outting when I visit the busyness. Definitely worth a visit.

I recently visited Vista Hermosa Natural Park and was blown away by the natural beauty of the area. There are plenty of walking paths that wind through the park, offering scenic views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The park is also filled with lush green open fields, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or outdoor activities. I love spending time in the great outdoors, and Vista Hermosa Natural Park is definitely a must-visit for anyone who enjoys hiking, walking or just being in nature. There's something for everyone here, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. Overall, I highly recommend Vista Hermosa Natural Park to anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape from the city. The park is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature.

This park is a hidden gem and is right there in the hustle and bustle of downtown LA. Great place for a scenic picnic or to walk your dog. Incredible views of downtown and a truly beautiful green space.

Cute park tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's a small parking lot available and have not had any problems looking for parking. The lawns for picnics are well maintained, but the trail following the perimeter of the park is getting overgrown. Nice to see a variety of plants on the trail though. There are usually a lot of couples or families hanging out and relaxing. Not many sketchy individuals considering the area. Good luck getting your shot in with the "bench", there always seems to be a wait and some will try to hog it. Also, this bench is not the one from 500 Days of Summer, that bench was at a park called Angel's Knoll that closed down a long time ago.

This is a small park located just a bit northwest of downtown LA. There's a small parking lot which is freeee; otherwise, you will need to find street parking, and good luck with that. The area around the park is legitimately sketchy but I didn't see any bad characters inside the park whatsoever. The park could be maintained better. The weeds are high in some areas and the grass needs watering in other locations. Having said all that, it's a nice enough little park with at least one spot for an amazing view of downtown. I have never seen the movie, "(500) Days of Summer," but some people believe the striking view of downtown with the park bench in the foreground was shown in the movie. I can't vouch for that but that particular spot is gorgeous and perfect for a photo op. You'll know the spot when you see it. Worth checking out.

Vista Hermosa is more than just a park--it's a sanctuary. From its leafy trails and family-friendly spaces to dramatic views of DTLA's skyline, it offers a bit of serenity with a city skyline backdrop. Whether you're meeting friends, enjoying solo downtime, exercising, picnicing, or seeking a quick reset between meetings, this little haven delivers.

Here is a park that doesn't get mentioned a lot, and that's good because it means it's not as busy. In and around L.A. there's lots of parks and other stuff to do outdoors. Vista Hermosa Natural Park is thought of as a hidden gem, mostly visited by locals and too far out of the way for tourists. A lot of great photo opportunities in here. There's play areas for dogs, kids, and whoever. A not so nice area surrounds the park but don't let that scare you away. It's not dangerous, just dumpy compared to the more glamorous parts of the city. The park is located west of Harbor Freeway along 1st Street at Toluca. At the entrances are some kind of buildings with solar roofs. Solar energy is great stuff. On the south side is a soccer field. There's a gate but this one is locked usually. Go to the southeast corner to get a view of the skyline. In the park there's also a playground, and a pond fed by a small waterfall. A picnic area is on the west side along the fence. The park is overall pretty clean and safe it seems. Great place where the locals in the neighborhood like to walk dogs. It's also safe for children and families. This is a lot cleaner than many of the other parks to be truthful.

This park is a hidden gem! Located in downtown LA it sits on 10.5 acres with views of the downtown skyline. To see the skyline, from the parking lot go up the stairs and you'll find a bench that sits on the edge near bushes and a large tree Given its location there's surprisingly a parking lot that is not big but it's free. There are many grassy areas which make for a great picnic spot. It's located very close to The Broad so you can stop by this park after visiting that museum.

Lived in LA all my life and finally got to visit this park over the weekend! I came on Saturday around sunset time and the park was pretty lively. Parking was a bit of an issue as the small lot was already full. But street parking wasn't so hard to maneuver around. There were plenty of street parking thats about a 10 minute walk from the park. The park had good vibes overall! Lots of friends and families that hang out here. Theres only 1 bench that looks directly at the DTLA skyline.

I came here to meet up with a group of people to hang out and talk about our mutual hobbies. Seeing the location of the park on a map made me question my sanity as I've been to this area of town many times but never noticed a park. When I arrived in the parking lot, I was stunned by the magnificent trees and other plants that filled the area. Thankfully the organizer gave us a little cheat sheet to find our group so I headed off to meet them. My walk was mostly uphill through some winding paths. I encountered many people, whether walking their dogs, lounging on blankets,or simply getting some exercise. As I'm walking, again I felt silly for never having known this oasis was here. I found our group near some picnic tables. As we met over coffee and pastries, I kept admiring the beauty of the park, something rare to find in the middle of a bustling city. Once our gathering was over, I took some extra time to walk around and take in the sights and sounds. This was a small slice of paradise and I'm happy to have discovered it!

I am in love with this park! When you want to go somewhere quite but not have to leave the city this is the place. It is literally a hidden gem inside all of the trees and bushes. The little hills are great for rolling down and it's the perfect place to read a book and catch some rays

BE CAREFUL. Park closes at "sunset 18:33" not at 7pm. Ranger keeps the parking lot gate open even though the park is closed. Then once you park your car and leave they leave a ticket. I hope they have enough funds to now keep the park clean. Take care yall.

There is parking available and also restrooms. It is a nice hidden park that has nice views of Downtown Los Angeles. Has a small trail that goes on a loop. It also has a playground for kids. Great place to have a picnic.

Wow! I can't believe I've lived here all this time and never been here! Was feeling major Fast and Furious vibes from this view for some reason. I came on a Saturday during the day and it was just so nice and quaint. There's plenty of grass space to picnic and there's tables as well away from from the grass. There are toilets! Not terrible, could definitely be worse. Parking could be a little difficult. I entered in on the North Gate (which be mindful of there is a West and North Gate) so it depends. Echo Park too packed? Come here :)

A little pocket of serenity in the middle of LA! Stopped by on a Monday afternoon for a solo picnic and it was absolutely beautiful! There's a small parking lot at the West entrance and a short trail that leads you to all the greenery. You simultaneously get to experience luscious greenery and a scenic view of LA's skyline! Many families are there with kids, couples on dates, and doggos on walks! I had so many cute puppers come crash my picnic, but I think they were more so interested in my latte haha. Lots of greenery, shade, and doggos makes it the superior picnic spot!

I guess it's right there in the name, but Vista Hermosa is a beautiful park with a beautiful view. It's right outside downtown, so you get to enjoy the scenic overlook without having to drive in and deal with the parking and crowds. We went last month for a Saturday afternoon playdate with our toddler and his (parent-imposed, but of course very real) best friend. Parking was easy, right by the (or one of the) entrance(s), and the park wasn't crowded. It was a lovely place, and we didn't even see all of it, just the top part, I think, with the giant snake and turtle sculptures. These were really cool features that the kids seemed to enjoy, particularly the stone slide surrounding the turtle. There was plenty of space to spread out and sit while the toddlers toddled around. They paid more attention to like the dirt and leaves on the ground than the splendid views, but the grown-ups appreciated the scenery. If you want an exceedingly pleasant place to tire out your children, pay a visit to Vista Hermosa Park. I look forward to coming back for more play dates. Maybe next time we'll bring a picnic.

A really beautiful park. My boyfriend and I had a picnic here and it was very easy to find shade. The view was great.

I enjoyed my first visit to this park today. They have a small parking lot and plenty of nearby street parking. This park is very spacious and green. Lots of areas to choose from and easy to social distance. Picnic tables to eat at too. Lovely views of the city. I look forward to returning.

Ok first timer here ! I was in awe each step I took around this park. Looking for los angeleses hidden gems well this was one that did not disappoint. Everyone around was within there 6 feet social distancing and we were all able to enjoy the park along with my dog. I was a bit saddened as I did not see the waterfall I read was here. Maybe durning this time covid has stopped more than the population at this time. I'm hoping one day I may see this waterfall. The views here are priceless there are so many benches to sit and stay within the distancing and be out for a hour. Most definitely will be back.

By far my favorite park because of the view that it offers. Whether it is to have a picnic on the grass by bench with the view or if you're here at sunset/night time to catch the city lights, I highly recommend it! The times that I've been here, I came just for the sole purpose of taking photos of the bench and the beautiful DTLA view but after coming back multiple times with friends, I was able to soak it in and really look at this place for what it is. This place is such a nice area to walk your pets, have a little date, or even meditate at. If I were to be in the area more, I would definitely find myself here. The downside of this place is that parking is tough. The spaces are limited to whatever is in the lot and if you are unable to, then street parking is your best bet.

WOW! Thanks to my fellow Yelpers, as this easy to overlook gem is on point! We came here to enjoy a picnic with a view of DTLA before riding the swan boats in Echo Park. The park is so much bigger than you can see from the street. Lots of greenery, super tranquil and simply wonderful. Parking is tight but we were able to find a spot without issues.

I just recently discovered this wonderful park since I wanted a easy, clean place to start jogging. This was it. Its well kept, quiet and peaceful, and clean! I am definitely gonna add this place as a favorite for not only exercising but relaxing! Great place!

My best friend who is from SoCal showed me this spot and I was absolutely amazed. It looked so unreal, like a captured film right before my eyes. Going up to this view, you will pass grassy spots with people chatting, eating, hanging out, and walking around. I love the multi-purpose use of this space! The bench itself is placed perfectly to see just enough of the DTLA view. Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.

One of the best places to catch a view of the dtla skyline. Perfect spot for sunsets as well. The park isn't that big but there are plenty of places to catch a view. Free parking lot as well.

This is a nice park to visit if you're looking for amazing views of the city! Here you will find all sorts of people: there are people lounging, working Out, walking, and taking photos. Never a dull moment here! I went on a weekend so parking is a little crowded but you can drive around the side streets and find some street parking. There were a lot of people are the park but it doesn't mean you can enjoy it regardless. During Covid a majority of the people are wearing masks and if they are not there is enough space to keep your distance from them. The park is very green and spacious so you'll be able to find a spot to relax even if it's crowded. Take a look at a one of the photos I captured there and make a trip out there yourself if you're looking for this unique view of the city!

This is a very nice park with lots of green space that's tucked away in DTLA. The navigation system led me to the entrance of the park opposite the parking lot, but I still was able to find parking down the hill in one of the 2 hour slots next to the school. You'll find that the park is very well kept up. There's not a lot of trash lying around, the huge grass lawns are green, and the kids play areas look clean. There are also plenty of trash cans around the park. I stayed here for about an hour and did several loops on the trail surrounding the park. It's very short any flat, which is why I went around it so many times. I also went up and down the stairs near the bathroom. Like everyone says, there are great views of DTLA from many places at the park. While I was there, it wasn't busy so I took pictures at my leisure. The only downside is that one of the water fountains wasn't working. Thankfully, there's another water fountain near the parking lot that was working just fine.

What a hidden gem I found..thanks to my dog becuase I was looking for something like that in yelp. From that day I am taking my dog daily here.. This park is very big and you can see many people enjoy some great time with their family and enjoy spectacular views of downtown LA SKYLINE. You can also find 2 beaches here, one with facing tke skyline is my favourite.. You can easily see people to photography here

A perfect date spot park. There's big grass area with plenty of shades for folks to sit and lay around on a blanket. I also saw people having birthday parties and little fancy picnics in the area too. There a bench with an awesome view of the city for pictures. When I was there, nobody was at the bench, but it can get busy. There also bathrooms around the park and it wasn't super clean, but they're there. There's a parking lot but it gets filled quickly, there's a lot of street parking. Parking is free for both the lot and street!

I wanted to go to the park where the bench scene from 500 Days of Summer is located, but I chose the wrong park. The bench is located at Angels Knoll. Didn't matter, I also wanted to visit this park and I was not disappointed. There's a parking lot, but it was full of film trucks so we had to find free street parking which was challenging, but we were so lucky to find a spot. Several trails to follow. You will find many different places to sit. There are tables if you want to have a picnic. The area is so clean!! People walk their dogs here and I was happy to see there were no dog poop around. Plenty of grassy areas to sit in or out of the shade. Found a restroom and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was actually clean and no graffiti in site!! There's a play area for kids as well. One particular bench is very popular due to the view of the DTLA skyline. We had to patiently wait our turn to sit there and take pics due to the fact that there was a photographer there taking several family pics. After we took a few shots, there was already a couple there waiting for their turn as well. Beautiful place to hang out and relax or read. Plenty of people, but didn't feel crowded. Everyone was more than 6 feet apart. Enjoy!!

I came here for the first time in August 2020, just a few months after earning my MBA. It might just be just a few pieces of paper (including honors distinction!), but it represents 3 years of hard work, studying late nights + weekends, missed workouts + social events all while working a full time job, traveling and racking up student loans. Worth it? F YES! So I wanted to commemorate and celebrate this huge milestone with a fun + flirty photo shoot. My friend/photographer suggested Vista Hermosa Park because of its stunning views and beautiful scenery. What a hidden gem! The park features walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannahs, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground with native Mediterranean vegetation. I definitely want to come back and have a picnic here or go for a hike. It was crowded probably because everyone was eager to get out after being quarantined for months. You may have to wait or take turns taking photos of the buildings, as people who visit take advantage of the view of DTLA. We wanted to take photos by the water fountain, but I assume they turned it off due to COVID :( There's a tiny parking lot here but you'll most likely have to park a few blocks away in the surrounding neighborhood and walk a bit. I highly recommend adding Vista Hermosa Natural Park to your bucket list of things to do in LA!

The DTLA skyline scene from 500 Days of Summer was shot here. There's a small parking lot with free parking and the park closes at sunset. Watch where you step, as folks walk their dogs and beware of muddy/soggy grass when veering off the trail.

The dodger park was too packed so we came here to catch a view and ohhh boy did the view caught us. Me and my boyfriend came out here for a date since we were close by. We stopped by a taco vender, the smoke shop to get a swisher, and you know the rest was a play. It's worth the walk and there's curfew to the park so be aware to not get locked in cause we almost did! The parking sucks no lie, if the parking to the park is packed you gotta go around the streets to park and the rest is a mission but don't give up it's worth the view !

Very nice view of the DTLA skyline. We came and sat on the grass for a nice relaxing time. Be careful of the areas next to the park as some are a bit risky. But we walked there from Westlake and had no issue.

Really nice park & you can see the city from here. The 500 days of summer bench scene is here! There's nice trails to hike. Small parking lot at the top not sure where there's more parking.

Very cute spot to picnic, walk (uphill), take photos, and catch the sunset skyline. There is a parking lot toward the bottom of the park, and also street parking along the other gates around the park. The park sign says closes 30 min after sunset, but on Monday they began closing the gates and kicking people out (pretty strictly) before then.

Great park and great vibe. Although I saw two people aggressively harassed and intimidated by park police as they were being tickets for having their dogs lying next to them off leash. Be warned.

What a hidden gem in the busy downtown neighborhood. Amidst the high rise concrete jungles, this is a natural oasis that's full of tress and beautiful flowers. I was researching for a Photoshoot spot for my daughter's graduation, I found many of the graduations picture on google that were taken here. The beautiful view had just mesmerized me. I decided to go and check out this place. This park has many play grounds for the children and hiking trails for the adults. Many people also come here to have a picnic and to enjoy the spectacular view of downtown LA skyline. There is a spot at the top of the park that has the full view of the downtown skyline. There are two beaches here, one is facing the skyline and the other is facing the park. For those of you who are dating, this is like the romantic inspiration point in the old Hollywood movies. For Photoshoot, golden hours bring out the best shots with golden sunlight splashes all over the skyline, the result is spectacular. Parking is limited in the park but you find a few spots on the street.

Beautiful park overlooking DTLA with a play area for kids on Colton St entrance. The art installation of a giant serpent winding around the sand is beyond cool. Some seating area of long benches here to accommodate big groups. Grass area can be a little hilly but that's just part of the charm. Bring your own water as water fountain doesn't work. Not sure if restroom's working but I wouldn't recommend using it.

A little nature in the middle of downtown. Great for a quick workout or a stroll to take nature in.

When I began to study Los Angeles and what I should see as a tourist, I Googled movies that had LA scenery in them. Besides the famous movie, "Rebel Without A Cause", the list included a movie that had a fabulous view of Downtown Los Angeles. I bookmarked the park with the bench on which the main character sat and contemplated life. I don't remember seeing the other cool things that are here at this park. First of all, there are several entrances and at least two parking lots. Some amenities are functional restrooms, water fountain, Turtle themed slide, Snake shaped climbing area, picnic tables and benches, and spacious grassy areas for children and pets to run around! A big bonus is that it's FREE and open daily from sunrise to sunset! I want to see the movie again and find out what else I missed seeing... What was that movie? "500 Days of Summer", starring Zooey Deschanel Go see this movie if you haven't... if you don't like the story, just enjoy the views of LA... I'd like to return to this park at sunset, and also when it's darker for the city lights!

Amazing oasis in the middle of an unsuspecting neighborhood. An amazing plot of land, beautiful with tons of shade. Perfect for walking the dog, having a picnic or any form of outdoor activity. Great place. Can get a bit crowded at times. Great views of the downtown Skyline. One of my favorite places to walk in LA

I first came to this parking overlooking downtown Los Angeles soon after it opened in 2008. I happened to see a story in the Los Angeles Times -- still available if you search online -- that told how this was the first public park opened in the city since 1895. Only a third of Angelenos live within a quarter-mile of a park, compared with 97 percent of Bostonians and 91 percent of New Yorkers. It was great to see this park pop up in a lower-income part of Los Angeles. The 10-acre park was built on an old oil field. It was constructed with conservation in mind and includes native plants, meadows, ponds and a 20,000-gallon cistern that recycles water for use in irrigation. The giant models of snakes and turtles that kids can climb on were built with help from prop artists from the movie industry. It's a great place to capture views of downtown and just to relax.

This hidden gem is beautiful! Great views and very clean! You have all sorts of people working out, lounging, playing, and even laying around reading a book or having a picnic on the grass. There are picnic tables all over and even a little area for kids to play. The parking is a bit small but there's always parking outside on the street. The restrooms are pretty clean and maintained. The view of Downtown LA is amazing! (Sorry I didn't include those pictures.)

Hidden little park with space to have a pic-nick or have a small walk. You get a nice view of the city, but may have to wait in line for people taking pictures. There is parking on the street but it has a parking lot on site.

This is a very cute park! Wish I'd known about this place sooner. I visited late in the afternoon on a Tuesday, and it was nice to sit and stare at the greenery with students relaxing here and there. It was a nice, quiet pocket of community that I appreciated. One tiny thing is that I do wish they had recycle bins!

I've been dying to come here since 2013 when I first saw an influx of IG photos of this spot. I finally came here, 6 years later. It was a cloudy day, but the fog didn't cover the beauty of LA! I love skylines and this is a hidden gem located right in the heart of downtown LA. I had no idea I lived so close to this cute place. It is a perfect spot to take cute photos, for a cozy picnic and even maybe for a nap. Park seems really safe and there are many families here. I love that there is so many parts to this park. There is a mini playground for kids and a pond! In the middle of a park! Best of all, there is parking. Yup, even in downtown LA. I came here on memorial day so there was little to nobody here in the morning.. it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves! Beautiful sights and I cannot wait to come back.

I have to admit the only reason I visited this park was to take a picture at the bench that overlooks the view of DTLA. However, after visiting the park I was pleasantly surprised how nice of a park it is especially based on it's location. It's a great place to relax or have a picnic. The only downside is the parking. Spaces are very limited so you might have to find parking on the street.

I love green spaces in urban areas, but this one was mediocre for me. Pros: -Free parking, but the lot is small -Accessible paths. There are ramps and stairs -There are water fountains and restrooms -There is a children's play area near the top -Paths are paved for walking/pushing a stroller/etc. -Lots of places to sit along the way Cons: -Dog poop all over. Seriously, why aren't people picking up their dog's poop? -Can't tell if people are homeless or just lying on the ground. But you may be startled by people just laying near bushes as you enter -People are having parties and sitting on the ground. I would not trust laying down in this park. It doesn't seem like the cleanest place. Overall, I'm glad I saw this place because I've been meaning to check it out. However, I will most likely not visit here again.

Nice park. I went under the impression it had a walking trail. It does however it's about 1/4- 1/2 of a mile. It's a really short circle. But plenty of room for kids to play or adults to eat or just lay out under the sun. Restroom was clean. Many benches & park tables to eat at also

Great place for a quick walk or hike ... perfect place to forget about the city .. although you can take some great pics of downtown

The park is really well groomed, beautiful scenery, lots of space to relax or to have a picnic. Amazing views of the city! Highly recommend!