Explore Griffith Park by taking advantage of its many recreational activities. Hike or jog the 53-mile long trails system consisting of fire roads and horseback trails. Take a sightseeing walk around its 4,210 acres to see famous attractions like the Hollywood sign and Forest Lawn Cemetery. Golfers can put in 18 holes at either Harding Municipal or Wilson Municipal golf courses or at two additional smaller courses and tennis fans will find courts available for both fee-based reservations and public free-of-charge use. Bicycle rentals are available through Spokes and Stuff Bike Shop (spokes-n-stuff.com) seven days a week and The Plunge swimming pool is open during the summer months.
Experience the park's year-round attractions. The Griffith Observatory (griffithobservatory.org) in 2011 is open daily each Wednesday through Sunday with interactive sky-watching parties and astronomical exhibits within its Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Gene Autry's Museum of the American West (theautry.org) preserves and shares the development of the historical West through recreated settler exhibits, video presentations, and artifact and tool displays. Railway enthusiasts find Travel Town Transportation Museum (laparks.org) open every day of the year except Christmas; they'll enjoy the donated, purchased, and preserved locomotive equipment and memorabilia displays.
Enjoy Griffith Park with children to experience its many family-oriented entertainment and educational opportunities. The Los Angeles Zoo (lazoo.org), located on park property, includes live animal habitats and a botanical gardens area. A main children's play area is located near the Griffith Park Center housing the famous Merry-Go-Round, which rotates to a working military organ-played soundtrack, and smaller playgrounds are scattered throughout the park. Children can ride the L.A. Live Steamers (laparks.org) small-scale train and track model for free on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Picnicking grounds and group sports facilities, such as kids soccer and softball fields, are also available.
Watch the Griffith Park Calendar for updates and postings to take in seasonal attractions, concerts and plays. The Greek Theatre (greektheatrela.com) outdoor facility hosts special events, such as plays and concerts, with 5,700 seats. The Independent Shakespeare Company (independentshakespeare.com) hosts the annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, which features many free performances in the summer. Holiday activities include a Christmas light display and Easter egg hunt.
Ride through Griffith Park's bridal paths and patrol roads on horseback. Two privately owned stables are run on park lands and riders may canter, trot or walk along the trails on their own horses or rented steeds. Pony rides are available for young children visiting Griffith Park on a private fenced-in track and covered wagon rides in miniature, pony-pulled model wagons are also available for a fee.
