Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

Explore Vista Hermosa Natural Park in Echo Park

Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

Woman standing at Vista Hermosa Park Overlook, looking out to the Los Angeles downtown skyline

Woman walking a path among trees at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Woman on grassy lawn at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Wander along the half-mile walking path lined with coastal sagebrush and chaparral. Areas of grassy knolls are perfect for playing frisbee with your dog, and an abundance of live oaks and sycamores offer shady spots for grabbing a cat nap or reading a book. A waterfall, and turtle and snake sculptures add artful elements.

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking the Los Angeles downtown skyline in Vista Hermosa Park Echo Park

Woman standing above a small waterfall in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

Woman enjoying a spacious lawn area at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

But probably the best thing is seeing the iconic skyline peeking through the trees. It’s a beautiful blend of urban and natural landscapes. Find the double bench on top of the hill and enjoy the view!

Woman walking a treelined pathway in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

From the CA 110-N, take exit 23C toward W 3rd St./Miramar St. After taking the ramp and merging on W 3rd St./Miramar St., turn right onto S Beaudry Ave. Make a left onto W 2nd St. After about 0.3 mile, turn right onto N Toluca St. Park in the lot on the right-hand side or along Toluca St. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View