citylikeyou — Elysian Park And Griffith Park

Los Angeles / Park

One of the great surprises of Los Angeles is that there are several local places to escape and find a bit of nature. I really dig the hiking trails in Elysian Park, where you can enjoy tremendous views of the bustling city below, including Dodger Stadium, while only hearing the sound of your own footsteps and the rustling of bushes as lizards and small mammals go about their daily routines. Below the trails, there’s also a traditional green-grass park setting, where you’ll find everything from children’s birthday party’s with pony’s, mariachi bands, over-exuberant uncles, and shit-tons of unleashed dogs, to man-whore’s cruising for sex, cracked-out hobos, and gangsters of every flag. Griffith Park is obviously world-renowned for its observatory, but it’s also home to the abandoned site of the old L.A. Zoo! It’s not necessarily undiscovered country, as there are picnic tables and typically a healthy dose of fresh graffiti scrawled over the man-made enclosures, but it is a mildly creepy spot, with a bit of signage explaining its roots. Pack a lunch and climb through the old animal exhibits – just watch out for puddles of human feces, and the more than occasional Urban Outfitters catalog photo shoot.

Website
laparks.org

Address
Elysian Park And Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, United States

Artist

Current city: Los Angeles

ericyahnker.com

Los Angeles-based artist Eric Yahnker seems to have a very odd and dark sense of humour which is reflected in almost all of his works of art. His mixed media and collage masterpieces combine traditional and classic images with some twisted humor and caustic wit. He received his B.F.A. in animation from the California Institute Of Arts and studied journalism at University of Southern California. Eric Yahnker lives and work in Los Angeles, California.

More Places in Los Angeles 123

Los Angeles / Cinema

I grew up a few blocks from the "New Bev", the oldest revival house in Los Angeles. I was there every week in High School and watched everything from Deep End to Wings of Desire. It's no wonder I departed from mainstream cinema, early on. One night towards the end of High School, I went to see a film and wound up talking to this loud and wacky man who told me he had a film coming out called "Reservoir Dogs". Now he now is part owner. These days I go to the New Beverly for their Midnight movies and even had the chance to screen my own film there which was one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Los Angeles / Street Food

Leo's is an institution. I thought there was only one truck on Venice and La Brea but turns out they have eight across LA. Watching them slice pork and pineapple in one fell swoop is both drool-inducing and an art form. Open til 3am most nights I think.

Los Angeles / Museum

There is absolutely no reason to go to this museum, which is the very reason why you should go! If you're stuck on run-of-the-mill, socially-relevant, highly-educational museum experiences, then Chuck E. Cheese would be more enlightening, but if your idea of a good afternoon is sifting through hand-made treasures at an alzheimer patients rummage sale, then I've got your spot! It's very small, dimly lit, and not many of the displays actually function, but it does encapsulate a very distinct, random, getting-away-with-it spirit, which courses through the finest of Los Angelenos.

Los Angeles / Area

Did you ever see the movie “Chinatown” with Jack Nicholson? IT'S JUST LIKE THAT but with good food, good art, and less incest.

Los Angeles / Attraction

Waves of the pacific ocean crashing underneath at your feet, while roller coaster rattles above.