Los Angeles Parks

Beverly Gardens Park
Beverly Gardens Park, at 1.9 miles long, features a rose garden, cactus garden, the Doheny and Wilshire fountains, and old walking paths. The park is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

Disneyland
It’s known as Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Either way, Walt Disney’s concept of a dream place with rides, animation, and childhood fables has created a wonderful escape for children and the young-at-heart. Disneyland, located an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, is a colorful environment where children get to interact with their favorite storybook characters and act out scenes from their favorite movies while strapped into reality rides. The amusement park’s popular Fantasyland celebrates childhood tales, from Snow White to Peter Pan. Disneyland is located off of the Interstate 5 Freeway, at 1313 Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim (Orange County).

Greystone Park
Verdant garden settings and a soft-flowing fountain soothe the eyes of visitors who promenade through Beverly Hill’s beautiful Greystone Park. It is often the host site of many weddings and corporate functions. The 18.5-acre park, which is the home of the former Doheny Mansion, is located at 905 Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills. The mansion the largest home ever built in Beverly Hills, according to park and community supporters. “The Bodyguard,” “Ghostbusters II,” “Indecent Proposal,” and many other motion-picture movies have featured Greystone Park in scenes.

Griffith Park
Griffith Park, one of Los Angeles’ most filmed sites, has been entertaining the public since the early 1900s. It contains four municipal golf courses, a merry-go-round, several world-renown attractions, and the famous “Hollywood” sign that is often featured in movies and on television shows. The recreational area, at more than 4,100 acres, is the nation’s largest city park. It is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Camping, golfing, horseback riding, swimming, and hiking are just some of the activities that visitors may enjoy at the park.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area
This sightly park is decorated with 140 different trees representing nations that competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Gentle streams and beautiful lakes also beautify the 315-acre park, which is located between La Cienaga and La Brea boulevards.

Knott's Theme Park
Long gone are the harvesting days of this old berry farm now known as Knott’s Theme Park, the site of world-class roller coasters. Perilous Plunge, which blasts boats down a world-record 115-foot water chute, is one of many exhilarating rides available at the 160-acre theme park. It is located at 8039 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park (in neighboring Orange County). Call (714) 220-5200 for more information.

Roxbury Park
Youths will not want to leave Roxbury Park, which is the home of Beverly Hills’ largest children’s playground. It features two basketball and four tennis courts, a volleyball court, baseball and soccer fields, and barbeque grills. Roxbury Park is located at 471 S. Roxbury Drive. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sherman Oaks Castle Park
www.shermanoakscastle.com
This family fun park features a miniature golf course, batting cages, and an arcade. The park, shaped like a castle, is located at 4989 Sepulveda Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Admission prices vary. Visit the park’s Web site for more information.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/home.asp
Desperate cries for help will be heard from passengers aboard the twisting, turning and looping mega roller coaster Scream – a new addition to the amusement rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Scream debuts at the water park in spring 2003. Six Flags features a host of other extreme rides on its property. Supposedly, it has more roller coasters than any other place on earth, according to park organizers. Visitors can pack a lunch, because Six Flags has private picnic areas. The water park is located in Valencia at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway. Its entrance fees and hours of operation vary. Visit the park’s Web site for more information.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Look into the making of your favorite motion-picture movies by visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. This world-renown theme park entertains visitors with its special effects demonstrations, stunt shows, and rides. Studio guests also have an opportunity to collect television and movie memorabilia. Virtual rides such as Jurassic Park and Universal's newest attraction, Terminator 2: 3D, make passengers feel like they’ve been sucked into movie screens. Universal is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Park hours vary, depending on the season. It is located off of the Hollywood Freeway (170) at Lankershim or Cahuenga exits in Universal City. Admission is $47 for adults and $37 for children ages 3 to 9.

Will Rogers State Historic Park
The late entertainer Will Rogers, who became an honorary mayor of Beverly Hills in 1926, donated his private ranch and grounds to become a place where families can congregate for relaxation and fun. The 168-acre estate, willed to the state of California in 1944, is a historic site managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The park features Rogers’ former 31-room mansion, horse stables, and many Native American rugs and baskets. The park is located between Santa Monica and Malibu at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Admission is $6 per vehicle.