Griffith Park sprawls across more than 4,210 acres in the heart of Los Angeles, offering enough room to explore for hours without feeling crowded. The park’s hiking trails wind through chaparral-covered hillsides with views toward downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign, and most of the main trails are open to dogs as long as they’re leashed. Popular routes like the path to Griffith Observatory or the trails around Crystal Lake give you varied terrain—some steep sections, some gentler stretches along shaded ravines.

Beyond hiking, the park has a real mix of things to do. There’s a playground and picnic areas where you can take a break, restrooms scattered throughout, and sports fields if you’re interested in watching games. The park also has options for biking and horseback riding if you want to vary your routine. If you’re visiting with family, there’s a merry-go-round that’s been running since 1926, which can be a nice way to break up a day at the park.

The landscape changes depending on where you go—some areas are open and exposed, which is great on cooler days but brutal in summer heat. Other sections have tree cover along the creek areas. The park can get busy on weekends, especially near the Observatory and main parking areas, so arriving early or exploring the less-traveled trails on the east side means quieter hikes.

Bring plenty of water since there aren’t many shaded rest spots, and watch for rocky terrain that can be rough on paws during hot months. The park’s size means you can find solitude even when other visitors are around if you’re willing to venture onto the less-obvious trails.