Westwood Hills Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westwood Hills Park, located in California, offers visitors a serene natural escape within the bustling city of Los Angeles.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This urban park provides several compelling reasons to visit, including its picturesque surroundings, diverse wildlife, and engaging hiking trails.

One of the main attractions of Westwood Hills Park is its stunning views. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, the park offers panoramic vistas of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and nearby canyons. These breathtaking views make it a perfect spot for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking some tranquility amidst the city chaos.

The park is home to a variety of interesting points of interest. The most notable is the "TreePeople's Mulholland Gateway," a unique outdoor theater built into the hillside that offers a natural amphitheater experience. Visitors can enjoy performances, educational programs, and community events in this beautiful setting. Additionally, the park features several picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse fauna found in Westwood Hills Park. The area is a habitat for numerous bird species, including hawks and owls, making it a great birdwatching destination. The park is also home to a range of mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and foxes, which can often be spotted along the trails.

Interesting facts about Westwood Hills Park include its historical significance. The park was once part of the vast land holdings of film director Cecil B. DeMille, who used the area to film some of his famous Western movies. This historical connection adds an intriguing dimension to the park's allure.

The best time to visit Westwood Hills Park is during the spring or fall seasons. During these times, the weather is mild, and the park is adorned with colorful wildflowers and lush greenery. It is recommended to avoid the park during the summer months as temperatures can be quite high, making hiking and outdoor activities less enjoyable.

To ensure accuracy, it is advisable to verify the information provided by cross-referencing multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, travel guides, and visitor testimonials.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks