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Hancock Park adventures

Hancock Park Adventures

Hancock Park is a historic cultural and recreational area in Los Angeles, California, known for its renowned natural history museum, LA Zoo, and beautiful green spaces perfect for urban outdoor activities.

138
Acres Protected
3
Miles of Trails
2 million+
Annual Visitors
1914
Year Established

About Hancock Park

 

Hancock Park is a prominent urban park located in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, California. Spanning just under 140 acres, it offers a unique combination of natural and cultural attractions in the heart of the city. The park is home to the renowned Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Originally part of Rancho La Brea, the area became an important paleontological site due to the presence of naturally occurring asphalt pits filled with preserved Ice Age fossils. Visitors to Hancock Park can explore outdoor green spaces perfect for picnicking and walking, while also experiencing some of Southern California's most significant scientific exhibits inside the museums. The park offers an urban oasis with manicured lawns, shady trees, and paths that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Besides its cultural landmarks, Hancock Park serves as a gateway to educational programming and community events focused on wildlife conservation and natural history. The Los Angeles Zoo is a major draw, housing a diverse range of animal species and promoting wildlife preservation. Hancock Park’s easy access from downtown LA makes it a key recreational and educational destination. Its blend of scientific discovery, urban greenery, and family-friendly attractions provide visitors with a wide spectrum of outdoor and intellectual experiences.

Highlights

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La Brea Tar Pits & Museum with Ice Age fossil exhibits

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Los Angeles Zoo with over 1,400 animals

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County featuring extensive collections

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Spacious lawns and walking paths ideal for picnicking and casual strolls

Notable Natural Features

La Brea Tar Pits

A world-famous Pleistocene fossil site where natural asphalt seeps have trapped prehistoric animals for tens of thousands of years.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

One of the largest natural history museums in the western U.S., featuring extensive paleontology, geology, and biology collections.

Los Angeles Zoo

Housing over 1,400 animals, the zoo promotes education and conservation in an 113-acre urban refuge.