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Spring is here. Baseball is back. It’s time to recharge, and we’ve got a few ideas for you.
On our mind right now are a quartet of beautiful spaces (both big and small) where you can take a beat, take a breath, and steady yourself for the season to come. And you can get there by Metro too, which means you a) save dollars on parking and b) skip those gnarly traffic migraines. Plus, each of the park/garden spaces mentioned are open to the public and/or easily available through reservation.
So let’s see where the spring might find us.
Wander the Central Garden at The Getty -> Set below The Getty Center’s iconic stone facades, the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden designed by artist Robert Irwin features a terrace of greenery sculpted by literally hundreds of plant types all, woven together into a colorful tapestry that sings with the spring season. The Getty’s popularity means you won’t necessarily find solitude here, but beauty abounds, and admission is always free. And there’s lots of art to check out once you finish your garden walk! Plus, if you want to beat the parking (rates are as high as $25 per vehicle) you can ride Metro’s rapid 761 bus line through the Sepulveda Pass. No matter how you get there, just remember to make a museum ticket reservation in advance. Go Metro: Take Line 761/233 to Sepulveda / Getty Ctr.
Take a Wellness Break at Grand Park -> Gloria Molina Grand Park isn’t a big secret, but on Wednesdays and Fridays, they host a recurring Health & Wellness Break to help get you moving and reset your body. Beginning at noon, the 45 minute-ish flows take place on the performance lawn (between Grand Ave and Hope St), backdropped by City Hall. It’s a great little weekday respite if you live and/or work in DTLA. Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station
Smell the Roses at Exposition Park -> This little 7-acre garden doesn’t always attract the attention it deserves, but when spring rolls around the Exposition Park Rose Garden lights up into one of the most colorful (and mood boosting) spots in the city, with 200 varieties of roses blooming amongst 20,000 rose bushes. The March blooms are still a bit lackluster, but it should be in full color as we get to the end of April, and then remain in fine form through deep into the fall. Pro-tip: nearby museums include the California Science Center (always free admission), the California African American Museum (always free admission), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (free for county residents on weekdays after 3 p.m.). Do a little planning and make a day of it! Go Metro: Take the E Line to Expo Park / USC station.
Steal a Few Quiet Moments at LA River Center & Gardens -> Once upon a time the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens were the corporate home for Lawry’s Foods, but for the past quarter century the facility has been an office space and public park managed by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority. The mission style architecture and burbling fountains make it a popular wedding venue rental, but on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can stop in for a quiet moment or hang out and read a book while immersed in hacienda vibes. Before you go, maybe pop into the California Building to check out a self-guided exhibit hall which details the history of the Los Angeles River, its current status, and future related projects. Just remember, sometimes the park will be closed for private events! Go Metro: Take the A Line to Lincoln/Cypress station OR take Line 90/94 to Ave 26 / Idell.
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