Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

"This area was the former bed of the LA River, until the 1800s. It is known as the bottomland. A major flood in 1815 wiped out the original pueblo, and caused the river to change course (and again in 1825), freeing up this section of land below the bluffs for agricultural use, such as for vineyards. These were cultivated primarily for commercial winemaking, an industry which made Los Angeles famous. Years later, the Southern Pacific rail yard would dominate this area. There were maintenance sheds, machine shops, a roundhouse and turntable, and the River Station depot. During construction of the Metro light rail, excavation revealed remnants of the rail yard’s past, as well as the zanja madre, or mother ditch. This was a brick-lined aqueduct that brought water to the pueblo. Originally, the zanja madre was an open earthen ditch. Between the bluffs (along Broadway) and the former river bottom, once existed an engineering marvel: a 40-foot diameter water wheel that harnessed river water into the aqueduct, which ran south through Olvera Street, and beyond. At Avila Adobe in Olvera Street, a section of this brick aqueduct can be seen from within the structure that has more exhibits, located in the courtyard behind the adobe, by looking straight down the stairs (when it’s open). Another section can be viewed along the railway of the A Line (formerly the Gold Line), below the bluffs along Broadway. It was left exposed after excavation for passengers to view."

"Such a beautiful park! I love how open it is, the views of the mountains and downtown, and learning the history behind it. There are restrooms, places to sit, and lots of walking pathways. A great place to spend the afternoon!"

"Does Los Angeles State Historic Park allow dogs? Yes, it is a very dog friendly park. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Los Angeles State Historic Park is one of our favorite state parks to visit. There are public restroom stalls that are kept fairly clean. Picnic tables are spread out throughout the park. There is a small paid lot (we use the Yodel app to pay, but you can pay at the park as well). You can also find street parking. My reason for docking off one star is the frequent presence of off-leash dogs in the park. I think the park could improve enforcement of on-leash rules due to safety reasons. We've encountered situations where unattended off-leash dogs approached us, posing potential risks. Recently, however, we’ve been seeing state park rangers patrolling the park more often, reminding visitors to keep their dogs on a leash. We consistently check the park events calendar before our visits. Unfortunately, large events are often hosted, restricting the park's accessibility for regular visitors."

"Came here for the first time for Vegandale and it a great venue! My only complaint is that there is not enough shady spots and it was hot in the late Fall season (I would HATE to come in the summer for this reason), but overall, it is spacious, clean and accessible! If Vegandale keeps coming here in the future, I'm there!"

"A Los Angeles gem. I love this park. I've come here for music festivals, movie screenings, group hangouts, and to walk my dog. It was recently rehabbed a few years ago and the renovations came out great. It is a well kept park with plenty of green grass, sitting areas, shaded areas, and bathrooms. I take my dog on walks here occasionally and she has the time of her life running on the grass. The park has a great view of the downtown skyline as well. Parking during events can be tricky, but if you come on any normal day, there is paid parking inside of the park which is affordable, you just need an app, as well as plentiful street parking."