Hey families! Find playgrounds, BBQ spots, historic golf at Holmby Park in LA. Hours, maps, tips + fun facts. Perfect day out near Beverly Hills. Plan now!
Picture this: You’re in the middle of busy Los Angeles, but suddenly you find a quiet spot with big trees, happy kids laughing, and the smell of burgers on the grill. That’s Holmby Park for you! It’s like a secret garden tucked away in Holmby Hills, right near fancy houses and close to Beverly Hills.
If you’re a mom or dad looking for a easy place to take the family, or just someone who wants a break from city noise, this park hits the spot. It’s got everything from swings for little ones to a tiny golf course that’s been around forever. Plus, it’s free to get in, and you can bring your dog too, as long as they’re on a leash. I love how it’s not too crowded, even on sunny days. Let’s chat about why Holmby Park in Los Angeles is your next go-to spot.
Think about a day where you pack sandwiches, grab the kids, and head out without any big plans. Holmby Park makes that simple. It’s small but packed with fun. Families come here to relax, and it’s super close to UCLA if you’re in that area. No wonder people call it a gem in West LA. Ready to learn more? Let’s start with how to get there.
Finding Holmby Park is a breeze. It’s at 601 Club View Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90024. That’s in the Holmby Hills area, super close to Beverly Hills and UCLA. If you’re driving from Sunset Boulevard, it’s just a quick two-minute hop. Or from the 405 freeway, take the Wilshire exit and head west – you’ll be there in no time.
Parking? No sweat. There’s free spots in the lot right by the park, and street parking too. But here’s a tip: Go early on weekends because it fills up fast with families. Imagine pulling up, finding a spot easy, and starting your day without stress. That’s what makes Holmby Park Los Angeles so nice for quick visits. If you’re using rideshare, just type in “Holmby Park” and you’re set. Buses stop nearby too, like on Wilshire Boulevard.
Compared to bigger parks like Griffith, this one’s smaller and easier to handle. No long walks to find a spot. Just park, play, and go. Perfect for busy parents.
Holmby Park started way back in the 1920s. The land was a gift from the Janss family, who wanted a nice spot for people to enjoy. They got a pro named Paul Howard to design it, and boom – by 1927, the lawn bowling greens were ready. That’s LA’s oldest club for that game! Then in 1929, they added the pony golf course. It’s tiny, but folks loved it right away.
Fun fact: Stars like Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan used to bowl here. Can you imagine? They rolled balls on the same grass you can today. It’s like stepping into old Hollywood. The park sits next to the Los Angeles Country Club, so it’s always had that fancy feel, but open to everyone.
This history makes visits special. You feel connected to the past while having fun now.
The park got renamed Armand Hammer Park for a bit, after a big businessman who saved the golf course from closing. Now it’s back to Holmby Park, but the golf still honors him. In 2025, there are cool updates like walking tours in the neighborhood on November 9. You can learn about old homes and stories.
Trends? People love yoga classes here, and there might be pug dog meetups. The club has 150 members from 19 countries – that’s a lot of friends from everywhere! Events like bowling tourneys keep it lively. It’s not just a park; it’s a spot that grows with the city.
Compared to new parks, Holmby feels timeless. No big changes, just steady fun.
Holmby Park has tons of stuff to make your day great. Here’s a quick list:
What makes it better than Griffith Park? It’s smaller, so less crowds and easier to watch kids. No long hikes to find things. Everything’s close. Yelp folks say it’s a gem tucked between mansions – quiet and pretty.
One stat: The park’s open from 5am to 10:30pm every day. Plenty of time for fun!
Families flock here because it’s made for kids. Try these ideas:
Tip: Bring sunscreen and water bottles. The shade is nice, but sunny spots get warm. Imagine your kid sliding down while you chat with other parents. Yelp reviews say the playground shade is a winner for hot days.
Compared to beach play, no sand in shoes here! Just grass and laughs. One family story: A mom said her toddler spent hours on swings, happy as can be.
Want to move? Holmby Park has sports for everyone.
The golf is an 18-hole pitch and putt, called Armand Hammer Golf Course. It’s under $10, sometimes just $3! Shots are short, 50 yards max, so kids can try. Staff give tips, like how to hold the club right.
Lawn bowling: The club offers free lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Roll balls smooth on the green – it’s relaxing. Stat: Members from 19 countries, so you might meet new pals.
Jog or walk the path with your dog on leash. It’s flat, no hills to tire you out.
Better than gym classes? Free and outdoors! Reviews say the greens might be shaggy sometimes, but it’s fun anyway.
Picnics are the best at Holmby Park. Hacks: Bring a blanket for grass spots, bug spray for evenings, and easy food like cheese and crackers. Tables are first-come, no reserves, so arrive early.
Best times? Weekday mornings for quiet, or weekends before noon to beat heat. Avoid 2pm sun. In 2025, check for events like yoga on November 2 or bowling games.
Compared to Will Rogers Park, more shade here means cooler picnics. One hack: Pack games like frisbee for after eating. Families love it – no big crowds, just chill time.
Expert tip: Clean up after, keep the park nice for next visitors.
Don’t stop at the park – check nearby spots. Just five minutes away is Beverly Gardens Park, with pretty fountains and paths.
Ten minutes? Head to UCLA gardens for more green space and free walks.
Love fancy houses? Tour the mansions in Holmby Hills – spot old Playboy Mansion site from afar. It’s like a movie set.
These add-ons make a full day. Better than staying in one place. Walk from the park to see big homes, feel like a star.
Holmby Park opens every day from 5am until 10:30pm. That’s plenty of time for morning jogs or evening picnics. It’s unstaffed, so it’s like dawn to dusk fun, but the gates stay open late. If you’re planning a family outing, aim for daytime when it’s busiest with kids. Check weather apps too, since LA can get hot. This schedule makes it easy for quick visits after school or work. No closing early surprises here!
Yes, dogs are welcome at Holmby Park as long as they’re on a leash. Pick up after them to keep the grass clean for everyone. The shady paths are perfect for walks, and you’ll see lots of pups enjoying the jog loop. It’s not a off-leash area, so hold tight near playgrounds. Families love bringing pets – it adds to the fun vibe. Just bring water for your furry friend on warm days. Super spot for dog owners in LA!
Totally free parking at Holmby Park! There’s a lot right by the entrance and street spots around Club View Drive. But on busy weekends, get there early to snag one – it fills up with picnic groups. No fees or meters to worry about, which is a big win compared to downtown areas. If it’s full, nearby streets work fine. This makes visits stress-free for families driving in. Easy access keeps the park popular.
Absolutely, Holmby Park is toddler heaven! The playgrounds have safe slides, swings, and soft ground. Shade from trees keeps it cool, and clean bathrooms are close by for quick changes. Parents can watch easy while kids play. No big crowds like at beaches, so less worry. Pack snacks and toys for grass time too. Reviews say it’s ideal for little ones – quiet and fun without overwhelming them. Great for first park trips!
Pony golf at Holmby Park costs just $3 to $10, depending on age and day. It’s an 18-hole pitch and putt, super short for beginners. Open daily, no need to book – just show up. Fun for families, with staff tips on swings. Equipment rental is cheap too. Compared to big courses, this is budget-friendly and quick. Kids love it as a game, not hard work. Perfect intro to golf in LA!
In 2025, Holmby Park has fun events like walking tours in Little Holmby on November 9, exploring history and homes. Check for yoga classes or bowling tourneys – the lawn club hosts games often. The park calendar on laparks.org has updates. No big crowds, just local vibes. If you’re into meetups, watch for dog groups or family days. It’s a spot that keeps adding new things. Plan ahead for free fun!
Holmby Park equals easy joy for LA families. It’s got history, fun, and peace all in one spot. Grab your blankets, head out this weekend! Share your pics below. Pin this guide!
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