Griffith Park Day Trip Itinerary: Fun Things To Do

Griffith Park is in Los Feliz, a historic neighborhood in Los Angeles. The Park spans over 4,000 acres and is located at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Often referred to as the “Central Park” of California, Griffith Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions such as riding a miniature train, visiting a zoo, taking a guided horseback tour, exploring museums, relaxing under the shade of trees, or having a family picnic. There’s something for everyone in Griffith Park!

History of Griffith Park

The land was first bought in 1882 and used as an ostrich farm by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith. The primary goal was to entice locals to purchase nearby real estate projects. Later, Griffith believed that the ghost of its previous owner haunted the land. As a result, he donated 3,000 acres of land to the city of Los Angeles.

Fun Things To Do at Griffith Park

Griffith Park Observatory Los Angeles

Griffith Park Observatory is the most visited attraction in Griffith Park. The exterior of the Observatory features an Art Deco design with three domes and a large courtyard with its centerpiece, the Astronomers Monument. Visitors can view various exhibits at the Observatory, including the Central Rotunda and the Ahmanson Hall of the Eye. The lower level features more modern exhibits focused on the Ahmanson Hall of the Eye. The Hollywood Sign is visible from the Griffith Observatory courtyard and offers an excellent opportunity for taking photos. Admission to the Observatory building and the grounds is free.

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Griffith Park is home to the Los Angeles Zoo and is an excellent destination for families. The zoo has a beautiful garden setting and an impressive collection of animals, although it is smaller than the San Diego Zoo. The Los Angeles Zoo is well-maintained and informative, with signs about animals and their habitats at each exhibit. The best way to tour the zoo is by starting at the back and working your way down to the entrance. Parking is free, and admission is budget-friendly.

Autry Museum Learn About the American West

The Autry Museum of the American West is adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo. It was established by Gene Autry, an actor and original cowboy, to share the story of the American West, its cultures, perspectives, and traditions. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, costumes, textiles, firearms, and musical instruments. There are interactive exhibits for adults and children and a section for kids to play. Ticket prices are about the same as those at the LA Zoo. Website.

Travel Town Museum Climb Onboard Locomotive

Travel Town is an attraction located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It features a collection of locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, and motor cars that date back to 1880 and the 1930s. Visitors can explore some locomotives and experience what it would feel like to be an engineer on one of the massive train engines. The original miniature train at Travel Town was from Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch. These days, non-steam locomotives are in service but still pull the original Melody Ranch Pullman-style coaches.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Free Train Rides

Just a short walk away from Travel Town in Los Angeles, you’ll find Live Steamers. On weekends, visitors can climb aboard beautifully built and maintained 7½” gauge model trains with pocket-sized railroad passenger cars. Take a 15-minute ride on over two miles of track through a miniature world with tiny towns, low-hanging tunnels, and dainty bridges. And the best part? Train rides are free! The Live Steamers are in Griffith Park at 5202 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, California.

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad Since 1948

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad opened its doors in 1948 and has been a beloved spot for families ever since. Your adventure begins at the Los Feliz passenger station, where you can purchase train tickets. The journey on the miniature train is approximately one mile long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. In addition to the train ride, you can also enjoy pony rides. The Park is at 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, California, and tickets are reasonably priced.

Sunset Ranch Horseback Trail Rides

Sunset Ranch, located in Hollywood, allows visitors to experience the Old West. The Ranch offers guided trail rides into the Hollywood Hills, on the corner of Griffith Park. Since relocating from Culver City in 1954, Sunset Ranch has been a popular destination for horseback riding enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a two-hour evening ride to Mount Hollywood featuring views of the Los Angeles basin and the San Gabriel Valleys. The Ranch’s address is 3400 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, California.

The Old Zoo at Griffith Park

The original cages and buildings of the Griffith Park Zoo were left abandoned. From 1912 to 1965, this area of the Park served as the Los Angeles Zoo. Nowadays, the old zoo is a popular hiking spot, thanks to countless blog posts and social media shares. However, visitors should know there is little to see here besides graffiti and a strong urine smell. While the empty cages can be explored, it’s worth noting that entering fenced areas may result in a fine from park rangers.

Famous Hiking Trials in Griffith Park

The Park features many hiking and equestrian trails through the mountains. One of the most popular destinations is view the Hollywood Sign up close. The Hollywood Sign can be accessed via Canyon Drive, which leads to a fantastic view of Los Angeles from behind the sign. One option is to hike to the Hollywood Sign Viewpoint for great photo opportunities. Another popular hike is to Bronson Canyon to view the caves. Griffith Park trails can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

Getting to Griffith Park

Directions: Griffith Park is located to the west of the Golden State Freeway (I-5), approximately between Los Feliz Boulevard in the south and the Ventura Freeway (SR 134) to the north. Once you leave the freeways, follow the signs into the Park. The Park is open every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

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