There are many gorgeous parks in Los Angeles, and normally I wouldn’t write about a specific one, but I stumbled upon a hidden gem located in San Marino near Pasadena. Lacy Park is 30 acres of green space with two walking loops, plenty of open grass areas, playgrounds, The San Marino Tennis Center, and picnic areas.
It is surrounded by huge and opulent mansions that rival or exceed Beverly Hills. The park is free for residents of San Marino and $5 per person for non-residents on weekends. I can tell you it’s worth it and the money goes toward its upkeep making it safe, serene, and lovely.
The park was originally Wilson Lake, but the land was purchased by the city in 1925 and dedicated as an exclusive park. It’s very close to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens and the Langham Huntington Hotel.
I went there because I heard about it on a neighborhood Facebook page as a place recommended for walking a baby in a stroller. The inner loop is approximately ¾ of a mile in length and the outer loop is approximately 1 mile. Both are paved making it easy to stroll if you have a stroller, walker, or scooter. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a leash. Fido can enjoy a drink at a dog fountain and doggie poop bags are available throughout the park.
General George Patton Memorial
As you enter the park, you will see the George S. Patton, Jr Memorial, and historical marker. General Patton, who was a war hero during WWII, was born in 1885 and raised on a family ranch near where the Huntington Library is now. His father was one of the founders of San Marino.
The San Marino Historical Society sits on the park property.
The Rose Garden
The arbor for the Rose Garden was illegally demolished by the city but was reconstructed in 2020 to resemble the original construction aided by San Marino Heritage. It is maintained by Friends of the Lacy Park Rose Garden, a volunteer organization and funded by neighborhood donors.
Lacy Park
1485 Virginia Road San Marino, CA 91108
This is definitely one of the best parks in LA County. It really feels like you’re in a forest!
I agree with you, Bryan. It’s an amazing green space in LA.