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Los Angeles State Historic Park: A Downtown Oasis

Discover Los Angeles' history and natural beauty at this 32-acre urban oasis, offering recreation, cultural events, and stunning downtown views.

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Los Angeles State Historic Park, a 32-acre green space adjacent to Chinatown, offers a unique blend of recreation, history, and culture in the heart of Los Angeles. Once the site of a Tongva village and later the Southern Pacific Railroad's River Station, the park provides stunning views of the downtown skyline and a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.

A brief summary to Los Angeles State Historic Park

Local tips

  • Take the Metro A Line to the Chinatown Station for easy access to the park.
  • Check the park's website for upcoming events, including cultural festivals, concerts, and guided tours.
  • Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with views of the downtown skyline.
  • Be aware of anti-gridlock zones if parking on the street.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Metro A Line's Chinatown Station is adjacent to Los Angeles State Historic Park. From Union Station, take the Metro A Line towards Azusa and exit at the Chinatown Station. The park is a short walk from the station. A one-way fare is $1.75, which includes two hours of free transfers.

  • Walking

    From Los Angeles Union Station, the park is approximately a 1-mile walk. Head north on Alameda Street, then turn left onto N Spring Street. The park will be on your left. Allow approximately 20-25 minutes for the walk.

  • Driving

    From the 101 Freeway, exit at Alameda Street and turn right onto N Spring Street. From the I-5 Freeway, exit at Broadway, go west, and take N Spring Street to the left when Broadway splits. Parking is available in the park's main lot at 1501 N Spring Street for $2 per hour, up to $8 per day. Free street parking is also available, but be mindful of anti-gridlock zones.

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Discover more about Los Angeles State Historic Park

Los Angeles State Historic Park (LASHP) provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation and education in the heart of Los Angeles. Situated on the former site of the Southern Pacific Railroad's River Station, the park serves as a vibrant reminder of the city's rich history. LASHP is located in the known territory of the Tongva people. One large Tongva village, Yang Na, sat within a mile of today's park. The Tongva were renamed Gabrieleño after Mission San Gabriel was founded in 1771. In 1781, Governor Felipe de Neve founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de Los Angeles del Rio de Porciuncula just over a mile from what is now the park. The pueblo founders used Native American labor to build the Zanja Madre, or main irrigation ditch, to bring the river water to the growing pueblo and its fields. Remnants of the bricked-in version of the Zanja Madre can still be seen adjoining the park. In 1876, the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived, linking Southern California to the transcontinental railroad system for the first time. The park site was used as the main Los Angeles station and railyard, becoming the entry point for a flood of travelers and newcomers to Southern California. The River Station welcomed thousands of migrants and sparked the explosion of Los Angeles into a major American city. Today, within its 32 acres of open space, park visitors can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown as they discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. Visitors can run, walk, bike, have a picnic, fly a kite, rest under a tree or look for urban wildlife. Free guided interpretive programs are offered at the park, including Junior Ranger programs and sunset campfires.

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