The California State Park system boasts 280 memorable locations, from the enormous Anza-Borrego State Park to the “crown jewel,” Point Lobos. But did you know that there’s a tiny state park hidden in South L.A.?
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park is widely regarded as California’s smallest state park by area, at only 0.11 acres. Despite its minuscule size, Watts Towers holds State Historic Park status, preserving a collection of 17 towers and structures built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921 and 1954.
The story of Watts Towers
Sabato “Simon” Rodia was born in southern Italy in the late 19th century, immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager before settling in Watts around 1920. In 1921, he purchased a small triangular lot and began building 17 interconnected towers and structures, made with steel rebar framework wrapped in wire mesh and covered with mortar. He built them almost entirely by himself over 3 decades, embedding steps and ladders into the sculptures in lieu of scaffolding.
The tallest tower extends about 100 feet into the air, supported by long columns, which were at one time the longest reinforced concrete columns in the world. Found materials adorn the spindles, including broken pottery, tiles, glass bottles, shells, and stones.
Around 1954, Rodia declared his work to be finished, deeded the property to a neighbor, and moved away. He never returned to the site, and city building officials eventually ordered the towers for demolition, but preservationists fought to save them.
The towers were added to the National Register of Historic Places as an example of American folk art, and the site became a State Historic Park in 1978.
California’s smallest state park
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park remains standing on a tiny, triangular section of land in South L.A.’s Watts neighborhood, bordered by railroad tracks and residential streets.
These days, the park is fenced off, and visitors can view the towers from the surrounding streets. Close-up access is only possible on guided tours, which run on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
You can visit the nearby Watts Towers Arts Center for exhibitions, information about the towers, and guided tour information.
📍 Location: 1765 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
🌐 Learn more: California State Parks and Watts Towers Arts Center