Bordering the 5 freeway (to the north), the 110 freeway (to the east), Dodger Stadium (to the south) and Park Drive (to the west), this 600-acre spread may not be as large as Griffith Park, but it's still Elysian.

Supposedly handed over by the king of Spain in 1781, Elysian Park retains much of its primal landscape. Native plants and wildflowers reign, especially in the open-air Chavez Ravine Arboretum, which houses trees that are some of the largest and oldest of their kind in California. Located near the arboretum are the park's picnic areas with barbecue pits. Families can easily fill a day picnicking, attacking the play areas, admiring the views and playing volleyball, tennis and softball. Those antagonized by proximity to families take to the quieter hiking trails meandering throughout the park, offering a peaceful escape from the city (and the picnic tables). The park offers one indoor rental space, the Grace E. Simons Lodge, and several outdoor ones that can be used for parties, weddings and corporate events. —Mai Dinh