Los Angeles State Historic Park

This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.

COVID-19 Guidelines (June 21, 2021)

Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:

Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
Be COVID-19 Safe– State Parks continues to follow guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health:
- Fully Vaccinated Persons: Face coverings are not required in public outdoor settings.For indoor public settings, such as museums and visitor centers, all vaccinated individuals are to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
- Unvaccinated Persons: Face coverings are required in indoor public settings such as museums and visitor centers.
Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Phone Number

(323) 441-8819

Park Hours

The park is open 8am-sunset.

Parking fee: $2/hr, up to $8/day

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Driving Directions to Los Angeles SHP

Los Angeles State Historic Park is located at 1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, directly adjacent to Chinatown and the Metro Gold Line. The park is located just 1 mile away from Los Angeles Union Station, making it accessible from several routes.

There is paid parking at 1501 N Spring Street, the main parking lot of the park, at $2/hour, up to $8 daily. There is also free street parking around the park, but please pay close attention to anti-gridlock zones between 4-6pm.

If you are traveling northbound or southbound on the 101F, exit Alameda Street, turn right at the off ramp and Alameda turns into North Spring Street. The park will be on your left.

If you are traveling on the I-5 Freeway, exit Broadway, go west and stay in the left lane. When Broadway splits in two directions, take North Spring Street to the left.

View on Map

Online reservations are not available for this park.

Park Brochure

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Drinking Water Available

To keep up to date on Los Angeles State Historic Park information, please visit: Los Angeles State Historic Park’s sister website.

Los Angeles State Historic Park provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation and education in the heart of Los Angeles. Within its 32 acres of open space directly adjacent to Chinatown, park visitors can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown, as well as discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles.

In 2006, California State Parks developed a temporary, 13-acre portion of the park so that the public could enjoy the park immediately. Since that time we have developed partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to allow for creative and innovative public events. State Parks invites you to continue to engage in the past, present and future of Los Angeles at Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Things To Do

You can run, walk, ride a bike, have a picnic, fly a kite and even look for urban wildlife such as birds traveling down the Pacific flyway. Do all of these things and more while inventive architectural features in the landscape hint of the park’s history. The Metro Gold Line zips past the south side of the park on raised tracks following the course of a water system that stretched from the Los Angeles River to El Pueblo in the early 1800s. It may be difficult to imagine, but this place was once a fertile basin, and within a mile of the park is the last recorded location of Yang-na, a large Tongva village. The history of the Southern Pacific Railroad’s River Station, opened in 1875, includes a waterwheel, freight house, roundhouse, depot and station yard. Rows of deer grass now hint of the vanished railroad tracks, and you can stand and reflect on the travels of the thousands of people who arrived here from all over the country and world. The Pacific Hotel opened here in 1879 and once served “25 minute meals” to River Station passengers. The approximate shape of the hotel is marked today by a boundary of recycled glass.

Several historical buildings are within walking distance of the park. On the north side, the Flat Iron Building is the second oldest industrial building standing in Los Angeles and dates from 1890. On the southern end of the park, the Capitol Milling Company building from 1883 is easily visible. Surrounding the Park are the historic and ethnically diverse communities of Lincoln Heights, Elysian Park, Solano Canyon, Chinatown, Chavez Ravine and William Mead Homes.

Special Event and Filming Permits

For special events or to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you need to contact the Special Event and Film Permit Coordinator at LASpecialevents@parks.ca.gov for information on requirements and fees.

Accessibility

All pathways and restrooms are accessible.

Park Activities

Free guided interpretive programs and public events are offered at Los Angeles State Historic Park. For information visit our events calendar, or call park staff at (323) 441-8819 or (323)441-8401.

Additional Visitor Services

L.A. Pattie Shack, LLC (Food Service)

Volunteers

Become part of our Volunteers in Parks program to help protect and preserve your heritage! We are seeking volunteers to assist with interpretive programs, special events and other special projects. We invite you to share your special talents, passion and enthusiasm. Being a volunteer, you work with State Parks Rangers and Park Staff, participate in outstanding learning opportunities, and volunteer experience helps you when applying for all types of employment. Contact the Park Interpreter at (323) 441-8819.