Los Angeles State Historic Park
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.Park Facilities
Parking
Drinking Water Available
Drinking Water Available
To keep up to date on Los Angeles State Historic Park information, please visit: Los Angeles State Historic Park’s website.
Los Angeles State Historic Park provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation and education in the heart of Los Angeles at the former site of Southern Pacific Railroad’s River Station. 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.
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 event permits and questions, please email LASpecialevents@parks.ca.gov.
Filming Permits - to perform commercial or student filming or photography, you need to contact Film Permit Coordinator Melony Light at Melony.Light@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 call park staff at (323) 441-8819 or (323) 441-8401.
Additional Visitor Services
Cargo Snack Shack, located next to the park entrance, serves burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, cocktails, and more. For hours and more information, please visit their website.
Volunteers
Come join the volunteer team at LA State Historic Park!
We are seeking volunteers to assist with interpretive programs, events, and more. We invite you to share your special talents, passion and enthusiasm with our team!
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.
Please visit this page for more information.
