While in Downtown Los Angeles, visit MacArthur Park, a historic set of grounds. Named after General Douglas MacArthur, who led a long list of battles, the park features a picturesque lake with a fountain. Sunbathe on the grassy shores of the large circular basin and enjoy the views of swaying palm trees reflecting on the water.
Access the park by walking between a pair of copper-colored pillars that guard the entrance. Gaze beyond the lake at the jumble of skyscrapers sprouting from the downtown district. Spot the various little islets on the water from your spot on the grass and set up a picnic in these serene surroundings. Join the joggers and cyclists along the path that skirts the perimeter of the lake.
In the northwestern corner of the park is the Levitt Pavilion, where free concerts are arranged in summer. Let your kids frolic in the play area and relax by the picnic tables. Watch games of soccer and other sports on the grass.
Take photos of the Los Angeles skyline as the sun begins to descend beyond the horizon. The park has developed a reputation for being somewhat unsafe after dark. Expect safer conditions during daylight hours in this authentic and historic Los Angeles park. It was constructed in the late 1800s, when it was transformed from a refuse dump. The site is free to enter and opens to the public daily from morning until early evening.
MacArthur Park is in the northwestern outskirts of the Downtown Los Angeles zone. Ride the metro system to the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station or hop on a bus to a stop beside the park. While in this part of the city, ensure you see other nearby sights such as the Teragram Ballroom, the Grammy Museum L.A. Live and Lafayette Skate Plaza.
