Friday, January 1, 2010

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a great new park in Culver City that includes trails, a visitor's center with exhibits, and gorgeous views over the Los Angeles basin. Here is the visitor's center designed by San Diego-based husband and wife Safdie Rabines Architects:


To get up to the visitor's center you can drive up, walk up a winding mile-long trail, or climb up a long, steep stone staircase:

There are beautiful 360 degree views of the Los Angeles basin from the top of the hill:

The master plan for this area is to connect Kenneth Hahn Park, Culver City Park, and Baldwin Hills Park and then to connect the parks to the beach with the Ballona Creek bike path.


If you want to hike up to the visitor's center, park on Jefferson and find the marked trailhead just to the East of Hetzler Road. You can also drive up Heztler and park at the visitor's center parking lot at the top of the hill. More info about the architecture and architects is available at the American Architects website.


View Baldwin Hills Park in a larger map
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8 comments:

  1. C NealJanuary 11, 2010 at 5:50 AM

    Is that an oil field I see in the satellite view, just south of the park? That looks like a fun place to visit.

    Or how about this place:
    http://www.vigorousnorth.com/2007/01/natura-obscura.html

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  2. VanessaJanuary 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM

    Yes - you are correct. That is an oil field. There are active oil pumps visible from Culver City Park, Baldwin Hills Overlook, and Kenneth Hahn Park (which used to all be an oil field). I included a picture of an oil pump in my post on Kenneth Hahn Park.

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  3. Brian AldrichFebruary 16, 2010 at 10:11 PM

    I'm sure most of you already know that this was the site of the Baldwin Hills dam that broke in the 60s. The dam was never rebuilt. But this beautiful park is here.

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  4. ThorstenFebruary 27, 2010 at 2:33 PM

    Another great and interesting place. I will be back in L.A. this summer for 3 weeks ;-)

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  5. VanessaApril 4, 2010 at 4:47 PM

    Thorsten, You must really like it here! I've been busy at work, but I still try to update my blog when I have a chance. Let me know if you need more ideas of stuff to do on your next extended visit to LA. You can reach me at: laplacesblog@gmail.com

    Take care!

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  6. UnknownMay 3, 2010 at 8:24 PM

    Hey cool place. I made a video review of it because it is sooo cool. Thanks for letting me know. Let me know what you think http://www.pineapple.la/baldwin-hills-scenic-overlook-in-culver-city/ Thanks. Jennifer

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  7. robinOctober 14, 2010 at 9:04 PM

    Great place to go and get a great workout!!!

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  8. sourceoutdoorOctober 26, 2010 at 9:43 AM

    I've been looking for new ideas to try out on weekends, and this seems like such a great spot. I love the third picture from the top- seems like you are in nature and then you get this amazing view from the top. Love it, thanks! :)

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