There are times when we just need to escape the city noise for a bit to somewhere quiet and peaceful, but we don’t always have the time or circumstances to take an entire weekend away. In Los Angeles, one place we can go for a welcome break is Griffith Park, a large municipal park full of trees, hiking trails, and popular attractions. What even many locals don’t know is that you barely have to go past the entrance to experience a sort of *oasis* in the form of a short but beautiful hike and coffee in Griffith Park. And you can bring your fur baby along!
Start by entering Griffith Park at the corner of Los Feliz Boulevard and Ferndell Drive. Free parking is available on the road.
Just inside the park, look for the Ferndell sign and an iron gate at the head of the Ferndell Trail, a pretty quarter-mile path with a stream, lush foliage, trees, and ferns that ends at a playground. Turn left and cross Ferndell Drive to find the rustic The Trails cafe.
The menu make adults and kids both happy with fresh-made options like delicious Quiche, PB & J, and the Snakedog (a hot dog wrapped in puff pastry) -- not to mention the fantastic Stumptown coffee.
Aside from the coffee, the most commonly reviewed -- and loved -- items on the menu are the Avocado sandwich (which pairs great with a fresh-squeezed Strawberry Lemonade on a hot day, by the way), and the homemade pie and pastries!
There is a lovely shaded picnic area to sit, relax, and enjoy whatever you decided to order. This is a tranquil spot to come and take a break from the city, prepare for a hike, unwind after a hike, or bring the kids to play.
If you are up for more adventure than a fantastic coffee, snack, and playground, this is also where you will find the beginning of the trail that leads to the Griffith Observatory.
The 2.5-mile trail offers spectacular views of the Observatory, the Hollywood sign, and the entire Los Angeles basin, then loops back down to Ferndell. This popular hike is just one of the great hiking trails in Griffith Park. Do you love hiking? Have you seen our Ultimate Hiking Packing List yet?
Whether the only trail you want to take is the short one that leads to the cafe, or visit the cafe to grab a bite or coffee before or after a longer hike, one thing is for sure – this is one place worth a visit. Have you ever been to this amazing cafe in Griffith Park? We would love to hear what you think! Looking for more inspiration? Check out some more of our favorite outdoor activities and nature adventures.
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