Summer Sunsets On The Hollywood Hills

Escape the fast pace of city living head to the hills for a brief getaway.

The hustle and bustle of our busy life’s in the Los Feliz and Los Angeles area can make it is easy to forget that the nature and beauty of the Hollywood Hills is nearby and awaiting our arrival.  One perfect place to enjoy the view of the city’s skyline is at Barnsdall Art Park who proudly hosts a series of summer events. 

On Friday nights through the end of August you can head up to Frank Lloyd Wrights exquisite Hollyhock House and partake in the 2013 Summer Wine Tasting.  The Hollyhock House is currently closed for renovation, but its exterior is a stunning example of Wrights signature style and the House grounds are open for you to roam and enjoy.  You and your guests can relax in the gated gardens on the west lawn, mingle with other guests, or bring a blanket and have a romantic picnic. 

The tasting is hosted by local boutique winery Silverlake Wine and is held at sunset so you can enjoy the spectacular view from the hills.  Tickets are $25 per person and the tasting runs from 5:30pm-830pm.  Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance because this popular event fills up quickly.  If you arrive to the tasting prior to 5p you can take a tour of the Municipal Art Gallery.

For more summer fun and more family friendly selections head to Barnsdall Art Park for their Wednesday Farmers Market that is held from 12p-6p through the end of December and check their adult or youth art class schedule.

Griffith Park, Los Feliz: A Disneyland in the birthplace of Mickey Mouse

Griffith Park has so much to do that it could contend with Disneyland. From a zoo to an observatory to a water park, this is a playground right here in Los Feliz.

It could take months to get to everything in Griffith Park, but I think everyone should go there for a least a day or two.

Here is a list of the things to do there:

27 tennis courts

3 golf courses

4,310 acres

Autry National Center *

Greek Theatre *

Griffith Observatory and Planetarium *

Hiking and Equestrian Trails

Los Angeles Zoo *

Merry-go-round

Miniature train and horse ride *

Outdoor Basketball Court

Picnic area

Soccer Field

"The Plunge" swimming pool*

Travel Town Museum *

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn *

I will be publishing a separate blog for each of the items with the asterisk, so look forward to great guide to this amazing place!

The highlighted items will have their own blog posting coming up.

Do you have any memories of Griffith Park? Have you been there lately?

If so please share your knowledge and memories by posting a comment.

The Best Place to Watch the Sun Rise in Los Angeles

There are few things that will get me out of bed before the sunrises, but the breathtaking view from a top Griffith Park in Los Angeles is definitely one of them.
Griffith Park is located on Los Feliz Boulevard.  It is the 2nd largest city park in California and brings a much needed touch of nature to the Los Angeles area.  Not only is the hiking there great to watch the beautiful sunset, but the park has other attractions to enjoy such as the Greek Theater, and LA Zoo, Mt. Lee the home of the Holly wood sign.

To hike to watch the sunrise on the parks west entrance at Ferndale Nature Center you must arrive bright and early.  The hike is quite enjoyable as it is enclosed under gigantic sycamores and winds along a small brook.  It is impressive how quickly you can remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city, and be greeted by the beauty and silence of nature.  Needless to say, this hike t is an invigorating way to start your day.

Along the hike you are able to see an impressive views of Los Angles, ones you’ve not yet seen if you have not made this hike.  The hike takes approximately 45 minutes each way, so pack your water and some light snacks to recharge once you reach the top.  Even though the hike is 1.5 hours in total the incline of the trail is gradual so it is accessible to those who are not avid hikers.

When you make it to the top of the trail at Griffith Observatory go around the back to the viewing deck where you can enjoy a full circle view of Hollywood.  Watching the sun rise means getting up early, but I assure you the view is worth the trek and early morning start!

Griffith Park is easily accessible to surrounding neighborhoods such as Los Feliz, Franklin Village, Atwater Village, Glendale, and Hollywood.