Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park is a verdant, beautiful, and rejuvenating getaway in the swanky City of Angels, spread across 3.9 acres. It is a key highlight of the Los Angeles River Greenway. Whether you want to unwind with your significant other amidst nature, have a picnic, play with the kids, or get fit under the open sky, this park is ideal. Besides being home to over 100 trees native to California, Lewis MacAdams offers the unique opportunity to spot exotic birds, butterflies, and mammals. You can also admire Verdugo Hills from here and click memorable photos to treasure for years.
Let’s delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of the park before you plan a trip.
Background on Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park
Once known as Marsh Park, Lewis MacAdams enjoys proximity to Glendale Narrows, the part of the Los Angeles River which boasts a natural soft bed. The park allows you to easily access the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone and River Bike Path.
What is unique about this sprawling green space is that it is designed to clean the water flowing from the city streets before the same meets the Los Angeles River. Throughout the park, you will find Bioswales or earthen ditches for drainage. These are lined with native plants and river rocks to naturally cleanse polluted water as it seeps through clay, rocks, and sand.
Moreover, certain regions of the park are at a lower level to facilitate the filtration and collection of water, which helps replenish the underground aquifer or storage system. The aim is to combat the arid climate of LA.
Where Is Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park and How Do You Get There?
Situated on 2944 Gleneden Street, Lewis MacAdams is next to the 9-mile-long Glendale Narrows. If you hop on your bike, you can access it via the LA River Bikeway. Metro buses numbered 180,182, 90, 92, 94, 296, and 603 can also drop you off close to the park.
If you take the metro, another option is to get off at the Cypress/Lincoln station on the A-line and walk about half a mile to reach the place. You must be a little careful, though, as the path is along a busy freeway interchange, and you must cross numerous on/off-ramps.
If arriving by road, note that there is ample parking space on site and charging stations for electric vehicles.
What to Expect When You Visit Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park?
The park has 3 entrances on 2944 Gleneden Street, 2999 Rosanna Street, and 2960 Marsh Street and is open all days, from 7 am to 4.30 pm. Moreover, since it’s easily accessible via wheelchairs, everyone can soak in the beauty and outdoor fun that Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park offers. Bike trails make it a pleasure to explore this lush green space, and you can bring your canine friends, too, as long as they are on a leash.
Drinking water facilities and restrooms are also available, so you can comfortably spend a whole day here. The park has picnic tables, designated grounds, and grassy spots for relaxation. A loop trail with as many as 13 fitness equipment stations encourages you to get in shape while breathing fresh air. Play equipment inspired by nature and outdoor classrooms cater to active and curious kids.
The park also has an elegant outdoor pavilion featuring arches and peaked ceilings lined with dark wooden beams. It is suitable for various events and can hold over 200 people. Just make sure you get the necessary permits before hosting any function. Lewis MacAdams has plenty of scenic spots for filming and photoshoots, too.
What Else Can You Do When You Visit?
When you visit Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park, spend some time admiring the tranquil beauty of the Los Angeles River and sit on a bench under the shade of a native tree. Enjoy strolls or go on a bike ride so the breeze can play with your hair. Also, snap a picture with the sculpture of Lewis MacAdams — well-known journalist, poet, filmmaker, and political activist.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars around the park, too, if you feel hungry or need a refreshing drink after spending some time in the sun. The closest options are Lingua Franca, Frogtown Brewery, Spoke, and Wax Paper Frogtown. You can also head to the Echo Park Lake to explore more of nature. If you are a sports enthusiast, try and catch a baseball game at the Dodger Stadium.
The Riverfront Park is perfect for lazing around under the sun, spotting native plants and pretty birds, working out in the open, and having fun with the little ones. But it is also integral to adventurous hikes and tours that help you delve into LA’s authentic culture, history, and unforgettable views. So, make sure you buy the tickets for such thrilling events in advance so there is no last-minute rush, and you can have a seamless experience.
FAQs
Where and how big is Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park?
Located on 2944 Gleneden Street, Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park is spread across 3.9 acres. It is adjacent to the Los Angeles River section called Glendale Narrows.
What are the facilities available at Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park?
The park is wheelchair-friendly and has restrooms, drinking water facilities, picnic tables, an event venue, bike trails, and photoshoot locations. It offers onsite parking, allows dogs on leashes, and has 2 open-air classrooms, 13 fitness equipment stations, as well as play equipment for kids.
How far is Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park from LA River Recreation Zone?
It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach LA River Recreation Zone from the park if you take CA-134W and US-101N.
Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park is the perfect spot to forge a deep connection with nature as you soak in the beauty of the Los Angeles River, walk or bike around the place, dig into picnic goodies with loved ones, or break a sweat at one of the fitness stations. But that’s not all.
You can go on an exciting tour and hike involving the park to discover the hidden gems of Los Angeles beyond celebrity homes. Learn about the intriguing history of the Los Angeles River, the spooky past of Echo Park, the picturesque bounty of Elysian Valley, and more. Navigate multiple hills and staircases to enjoy a unique adrenaline rush and capture awe-inspiring views.
If time permits, plan a trip to Griffith Park and indulge your curious soul at the observatory there. Or you can make some wild friends at the Los Angeles Zoo. A visit to the Autry Museum of the American West is highly recommended for history buffs, as you can enjoy an impressive range of exhibits and attend insightful lectures or fun festivals. And if you are enthusiastic about different cultures, head to Little Armenia or Thai Town.