Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

Explore Vista Hermosa Natural Park in Echo Park

Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

Woman standing at Vista Hermosa Park Overlook, looking out to the Los Angeles downtown skyline

Woman walking a path among trees at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Woman on grassy lawn at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

Wander along the half-mile walking path lined with coastal sagebrush and chaparral. Areas of grassy knolls are perfect for playing frisbee with your dog, and an abundance of live oaks and sycamores offer shady spots for grabbing a cat nap or reading a book. A waterfall, and turtle and snake sculptures add artful elements.

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking the Los Angeles downtown skyline in Vista Hermosa Park Echo Park

Woman standing above a small waterfall in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

Woman enjoying a spacious lawn area at Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

But probably the best thing is seeing the iconic skyline peeking through the trees. It’s a beautiful blend of urban and natural landscapes. Find the double bench on top of the hill and enjoy the view!

Woman walking a treelined pathway in Vista Hermosa Park Los Angeles

From the CA 110-N, take exit 23C toward W 3rd St./Miramar St. After taking the ramp and merging on W 3rd St./Miramar St., turn right onto S Beaudry Ave. Make a left onto W 2nd St. After about 0.3 mile, turn right onto N Toluca St. Park in the lot on the right-hand side or along Toluca St. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View