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Best Parks On the Eastside

Los Angeles is an urban sprawl. But right in the middle of the city, just east of Downtown, you can find many great green spaces that are fun for you and great for your kids to appreciate the beauty of our city. If you’re looking to explore the outdoors with your kids, check out some of the Best Parks on the Eastside of Los Angeles. 

Photo: @betsyaimeec

Los Angeles State Historic Park
Chinatown-1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This is the Downtown/Eastside area’s newest park. Nestled in between Lincoln Heights and Chinatown, it is a great place to come bring the kids for a picnic, or if you have an infant, come for a scenic stroll with the Los Angeles skyline in the background. Bring your umbrella for shade, because this place is so new the trees are still babies too!

Lincoln Park in Lincoln Heights 
3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90031

Lincoln Park has a skate park, a playground and senior citizen area. There is something to do for everyone in the family. There’s also plenty of parking and a lake the kids will love. Just remember you can’t feed the ducks!

Ernest Debbs Park in Montecito Heights
4235 Monterey Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90032

If you want to feel like you left the noise of the city behind! This is the park for you. Scenic hiking trails, greenery and open space make this the perfect place to explore with the kids. Bring a picnic blanket or enjoy the benches in the main space. Nestled in the quiet hills of Montecito Heights, this park is a refuge from the noise and traffic we associate with LA life.

Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

We still can’t figure out if this is the “true” Eastside, but nonetheless hundreds of people from the surrounding neighborhoods enjoy the endless hiking trails and amenities of this park. They have a playground designed for special needs children called Shane’s Park, and the Fern Dell hiking trail is a perfect oasis for your little ones. This is a must-see activity for every Angeleno.

York Park
4956 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042

This tiny park, is mostly a giant play area in the middle of York Blvd. This is really a treat for parents as you can grab coffee across the street at Cafe De Leche, a juicery next door or walk down the street and grab a bite to eat. The playground is gated so you can rest easy that your kids are protected from the busy street. This is the perfect place for a parent playdate. Because this is LA, they even have some work out machines for adults.

Vista Hermosa Natural Park
100 N Toluca St., Los Angeles, CA 90026

This place used to be a secret, but now that it’s out on the open we might as well tell you that this is the best place to get Instagram worthy shots of your kids with the LA skyline in the background! There is small hiking trails, a play area, benches and plenty of green areas. Host all your family picnics here. Just come early because parking is limited.

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connie m chevalier

Thursday 4th of June 2020

Enjoy this site. It has given me a lot of places to see. thanks.

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