Reservoir Park - Signal Hill
Rate this placeNearby: Somerset Park Fellowship Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Reservoir Park is a scenic park located atop Signal Hill, California.
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Summary
It offers spectacular views of Long Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and the Los Angeles skyline. There are many good reasons to visit this park, such as its beautiful natural setting, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
One of the main points of interest in Reservoir Park is the historic oil derrick, known as the "Hilltop Derrick." It is one of the few remaining wooden oil derricks in the world and symbolizes the rich oil history of Signal Hill. Visitors can walk up to the derrick and learn about its history through informational plaques.
Another interesting feature of the park is the Signal Hill Interpretive Center, located adjacent to the park. The center provides information about the city's history, geology, and ecology. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view multimedia presentations, and attend educational programs.
Reservoir Park is also home to many species of plants and wildlife, including California poppies, coyotes, and hawks. It is a great place for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying nature.
The best time of year to visit Reservoir Park is during the spring, when wildflowers are in bloom and the temperatures are mild. However, the park is open year-round and offers a different experience in each season.
Overall, Reservoir Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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