Franklin Canyon Park: The Peaceful LA Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed
🎥 Let’s Talk About It: Franklin Canyon Park (Los Angeles)
If you’ve been craving a quiet, scenic spot in LA that feels far from the chaos—but doesn’t take forever to get to—Franklin Canyon Park might be your new go-to destination.
Tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, right above Beverly Hills, this underrated gem is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in Los Angeles. Whether you’re hiking solo, bringing the family, or just looking for a calm corner of nature to eat your lunch, Franklin Canyon Park delivers.
🌿 Quick Fact Sheet: Franklin Canyon Park Review
- 📍 Location: Beverly Hills-adjacent, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains
- 🚗 Parking: Free street parking near the entrance (yes, free)
- 🚻 Bathrooms: Yes – clean and stocked (huge win)
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Very—ideal for strollers, kids, or grandparents
- 🌳 Cleanliness: Trails and picnic areas are well-kept
- 😊 Vibe: Quiet, relaxed, and full of respectful nature lovers
- 🧭 Safety: Feels very safe, even for solo visitors
- 🥾 Trails: Multiple trails available, plus a lake and duck pond
- 📸 Photo Spots: Bridge crossings, lake reflections, shaded wooded areas
- 🥪 Picnic Potential: Perfect for bringing lunch or snacks
- 🅿️ Parking: Free, easy, and available (unlike most of LA)
Why Franklin Canyon Park Stands Out in LA
There are plenty of places in LA where you can go for a hike or picnic, but Franklin Canyon Park is one of the few that offers a true escape—without driving to Malibu or paying to park.
What makes it different?
- It’s huge, but doesn’t feel overwhelming.
- You’re surrounded by trees, yet it’s not hard to find your way.
- It has peaceful energy, even on weekends.
- And the views are magical in the early morning or golden hour.
Whether you’re taking content photos, decompressing after a long week, or bringing your kids to feed the ducks, Franklin Canyon Park is a versatile spot worth bookmarking.
Pro Tips Before You Go
🧴 Bring sunscreen — it gets sunny on the open trails
💧 Water is a must, even if you’re just walking around the lake
📵 Cell signal can be spotty in some areas (great excuse to unplug)
🐢 Be ready to spot turtles, ducks, and even the occasional deer
Final Verdict
Would I go again? Absolutely.
Would I explore more of the trails next time? No question.
Franklin Canyon Park checks all the boxes—easy access, nature, quiet vibes, and space to breathe. It’s one of those places that instantly goes on your “Why haven’t I been here sooner?” list.
📥 Planning a Weekend Visit?
Make sure you’re subscribed to our Los Angeles weekend newsletter for free things to do and secret spots like this!
