I have probably spent more time at Griffith Park than I have at any other spot in Los Angeles, but until a few weeks ago I had never heard of the Park’s Old Zoo Picnic Area. Thanks to Beth who organized a lovely afternoon picnic there, I was able to see this spot firsthand and wow was I glad she chose it! The Old Zoo Picnic Area is exactly what it sounds like – a picnic area surrounding (and inside) the old Griffith Park Zoo (now abandoned, of course) – and it’s a place you have to check out.

You can eat a sandwich and then climb inside monkey cages, tagged-up bird cages, or walk down stairs into strange caves that houses who knows what. You can even eat inside the zoo as some of the cages have been outfitted with benches and grills. The whole thing is exciting and creepy at the same time. It’s really crazy to think that animals lived in these small spaces as you get to really see what it would feel like to be confined to a zoo. Needless to say, I wanted out after a few minutes. The zoo opened in 1912 and closed in 1966. Few people know about it and it’s not super easy to find – you could easily walk right past it without noticing it. Once you do though you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a great L.A. secret.

To get there take Crystal Springs Drive north through the park and turn left onto Griffith Park Drive. You’ll see a sign after the turn. Drive a few hundred feet and you’ll see parking. Walk up the hill and look for the caves (above). Pick a spot and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by a relic of L.A.’s past.

Old Zoo Picnic Area
Griffith Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

(photos courtesy of Atlas Obscura)