Griffith Park in Los Angeles

Griffith Park is one of the largest and most majestic urban parks in the United States. It holds many of Los Angeles' greatest treasures: the Greek Theatre, the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and numerous historic carriages. The park was named after industrialist Griffith J. Griffith, who purchased this land and bequeathed it to the city of Los Angeles as a park area. The park has expanded several times over the years.

On any given day, locals and tourists of all ages can hike, bike, enjoy a picnic, meditate, or attend a concert.

How did the history of Griffith Park begin

In early 1776, the Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza led a group of colonists on a long journey from Mexico to San Francisco. Among the soldiers was José Feliz. By the end of his service, he had acquired over 6,000 acres of land.

Initially, Griffith was not a wealthy man. By 1873, he had moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a correspondent on profitable special projects. His wealth grew, and in 1882 he acquired 4,000 acres of the ranch. Later, he met Christina Mesmer, the daughter of a wealthy hotelier, and married her. Subsequently, rather unpleasant events unfolded.

How it all ended

On September 3, 1903, the Griffiths and their son were vacationing in Santa Monica. In the presidential suite of the Arcadia Hotel, Griffith ordered his wife to kneel and pointed a gun at her. He asked her numerous questions indicating deep paranoia, then shot her. Miraculously, Christina jerked her head aside, and the bullet cost her an eye but did not kill her.

Griffith, who portrayed himself as a staunch teetotaler, turned out to be an aggressive alcoholic prone to paranoid delusions. He was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison and a fine.

In 1912, Griffith tried to donate money to Los Angeles for the construction of an observatory and the expansion of the park, but the city was no longer interested in his funds. When Griffith died in 1919, it was revealed that he had left money to the city in his will.

The park, which was funded, became ideal for hiking, and ornithologists cherished it as a prime bird-watching spot. Although Griffith died disgraced by all, his dream of the park came true.

What to see in Griffith Park

Griffith's dreams for the park, for which he left substantial funds, included the construction of the Greek Theatre and Griffith Observatory, which were completed after his death. In addition to these landmarks, the park also hosts the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry National Center, a train museum, and an equestrian center.

The park features golf courses and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, while many miles of hiking trails make it a favored destination for hiking enthusiasts and mountain walkers.

Griffith Park Attractions

• Griffith Observatory
  One of Los Angeles' prime attractions, not only as a city center but also as a space observatory, planetarium, and astronomy museum. Additionally, it's free to visit.
• Los Angeles Zoo
  Located on the eastern side of Griffith Park. While not as famous as its southern neighbor, the San Diego Zoo, it offers locals and visitors the chance to see animal species from around the world, as well as some local wildlife.
• Autry National Center
  A museum dedicated to the history of the American West — both its reality and its myth. It hosts an extensive collection of Native American artifacts and memorabilia from the Old West, as well as costumes and props from Hollywood’s most famous cowboys.
• Hollywood Sign
  Situated on Mount Lee, which was added in 2010 following the successful "Save the Peak" campaign to raise funds to purchase the land and prevent it from private development.
• Greek Theatre
  Part of Griffith’s original vision for the park. Constructed in 1930, this open-air venue seats 5,700 and is one of Los Angeles' major entertainment venues, frequently hosting top pop performers.