Just past the park entrance
Intro:
It’s incredible that Wattles Garden Park is so overlooked by locals and tourists alike, especially because it’s in the heart of Hollywood. This is a true hidden gem.
What’s there to see?
The park covers about 50 acres and stretches from Hollywood Blvd in the south (although one would never know it from driving by) up into the surrounding hills. Originally built as a large winter estate by the Wattles family of Nebraska, the park contains hiking trails, Jualita (the original mansion for the estate), beautiful gardens and a multi-acre organic community farm (which is off limits to non-members, unfortunately).
Top Picks:
Unlike neighboring Runyon Canyon, the trails in this park are nearly deserted. On a Friday afternoon in the middle of the summer, the total park population appeared to be two. Literally. It’s unclear if this is always the case, but the overgrown trails appear to be a pretty good indication that few people ever come here. The park’s narrow canyon also blocks out most of the city and the street noise. As a result, there’s an almost eerie sense of quietude and peace. Some of the trails connect to Runyon Canyon at the top of the hill, although the hordes who visit Runyon seem completely unaware that Wattles exists at all. Be aware, there’s an almost 1,000 foot elevation gain from Hollywood Blvd to the peak at the end of the trail.
The Japanese style gate: beyond lie the hiking trails
How to get there:
The address for the park is 1850 N. Curson Ave Los Angeles, 90046. The park is divided into several sections, all of which are accessible from Curson Ave (which runs parallel in between La Brea and Fairfax). Bordering Hollywood Blvd at the south end is the community garden which is fenced off to the public. To reach the mansion, go north on Curson Ave from Hollywood Blvd (up the hill). It’s clearly visible on the right. The entrance to the park is located even further uphill from the mansion (also on the right). To reach the hiking trails, enter the park and head uphill along the concrete sidewalk; the trails begin after the Japanese style gate. Curson Ave is a rather narrow residential street so parking is limited; the best options are probably along Hollywood Blvd.
The view looking back, about 3/4 from the top
Tags: Flowers, Gardens, Hiking, Los Angeles, Outdoors, picnic, Runyon Canyon, Southern California
