WEBSITE:
Griffith Park Website

Keywords: Parking - Flat Surface Parking; Ruins; Stables; Staircases - Exterior Staircases; Staircases - Interior Staircases; Trails; Urban

Site Condition: The old zoo in Griffith Park is one of the strangest ruins in Los Angeles (putting it in the running for strangest ruins worldwide). When the Los Angeles Zoo opened at its current location in the 1960s, the former zoo, a few miles away was not torn down or destroyed. Instead, the zoo was abandoned and converted into a picnic area. Explore one of LA’s best off-the-beaten-path attractions on a half mile hike (or more) through the picnic area past old animal cages and exhibits. This has to be the most unique place for a picnic in LA! Old Zoo Picnic Area is located in a canyon just north of the merry-go-round on the east side of Griffith Park, about five miles south of the current LA Zoo. Dozens of shaded picnic tables and BBQ grills facilitate great picnics. A large grassy field offers ample room for running around. In addition to the outdoor dining necessitates, a collection of empty animal cages are on display. From the bottom of the picnic area, turn left up the paved trail curving up the side of the canyon to the open field above the trees. The road soon passes a line of stone exhibits.

General Notes: updated 8.9.2016 gb / 6.11.2020 lm

Filmography: Starsky and Hutch, Aquarius, The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, Rush Hour (television series), Starlet

Jurisdictions: FILMLA / LOS ANGELES FILM OFFICE - FLICS, Los Angeles City

Within 30-Mile Studio Zone: Y

State Property: N

Closed/Vacant: N