Parks & Open Spaces in Los Angeles

While Los Angeles may seem like the typical metropolitan city, anyone who takes the time to look beyond the buildings and glittering lights will realize that some of natures most stunning vistas are woven into the streets and surrounding areas. The diversity in habitats, from beaches to wetlands to mountains, allows LA to be rich in greenery, and nature enthusiasts will love exploring the native flora from the thousands of hiking and biking trails. With the ocean to the west, Los Angeles is cradled mostly by the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountain ranges. The Santa Monica Mountains, which run from the Hollywood Hills to Ventura County, are known not only for their beautiful peaks and lush woodlands, but also for Mulholland Drive, the famous road that runs much of the length of them. At the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains is the largest municipal park in the US, Griffith Park.