Los Angeles may be known for its traffic, and miles and miles concrete highways and roads, but what you might not guess is that there are some fantastic parks!  There are some huge parks that you can hike and explore, without seeing another person or civilization. There are also a lot of pocket neighborhood parks, that provide a nice place to workout, picnic, or just kick back in the shade and read a book. 

Parks for People

NEW FIND!!!  Court Park at the corner of Centinela and Bluff Creek Drive is a nice little park that has LA Clipper basketball courts and a wonderful kids park, throw in its right next to the Bluff Creek Trail it makes a great place for everyone.  Its also right behind the Clippers training facility (dont expect to play a pick up game with CP3 though... unless your really lucky!)  Parking lot is small.

Where you can play in the ocean breeze

Temescal Canyon Gateway Park:  This is a great park for a hike with a nice view!  It can a little strenuous but I have seen every type of person of person doing this hike. You can pay to park in the park or you can park on the street for free near the high school. 

Kenneth Hahn State Park:  This one of the best parks in Los Angeles!  It offers something for everyone including bbq pits, basket ball courts, trails, workout areas, ponds, waterfalls and wonderful views of LA!  The park is free but costs money on per car on weekends and holidays. 

Culver City Park:  This is a nice park that has walking pathways with hills, Basket ball and base ball and I have seen soccer games here as well.  It is a great place to park and enjoy a great view of the city from up high.  This park is also where the Culver City dog park is located.  There is also a skate park here.

Culver City Veteran's Park:  This is a nice park that offers base ball, basket ball and picnic area.  It also holds a lot events ranging from roller derby, body building competitions and bead shows... so a little something for everyone!  There is also a pool here.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook:  This is a great state park for exercising with a view!  There are dirt trails and a very tall and tough staircase right up the hill with a scenic reward at the top.  You can drive to the top of the park and park for a fee but a lot of people park on the street at the bottom for free.

Mar Vista Park:  This park has base ball, basket ball, roller hockey, tennis courts, workout machines, picnic area, soccer fields, a gym and a pool. 

Cheviot Hills rec center and park:  This is a large park that has base ball, basket ball, archery, tennis, large empty fields, a gymnasium and a pool.  It is located next to a par 3 public golf course with a driving range and across the street from a private golf course Hillcrest Country Club.

Burton Chace Park:  This park is right in the middle of Marina Del Ray Harbor and gives you a great view of the harbor and is a favorite spot to watch the 4th of July harbor fireworks.  This park also holds free concerts during the summer.

Del Rey Lagoon Park:  This is a park located a block away from the beach in Playa Del Rey.  It has basketball, base ball, kids playground, lagoon, and a picnic area.  This area is also a good place to park for the beach or for biking.

Santa Monica Airport Park:  This is a nice park with very nice soccer fields and picnic area.

Virginia Avenue Park:  Newer park in Santa Monica with nice basketball courts and kids area.

Penmar Park:  Located on the eastern side of Venice this is a nice green park with picnic areas and sports fields.

Clover Park:  Nice park for picnics (bbq Pits) and sports fields.