When the news was announced that Runyon Canyon was set to be closed from April to July almost every green-juice guzzling, Lululemon wearing Angeleno just about lost their mind. Where would they go for sweaty celeb-spotting views of the city? Believe it or not, there are other parks in the city that provide amazing views, sweaty hikes and even some eye candy (if you look hard enough). Enter – Franklin Canyon Park.
This sprawling area of green grassy goodness makes up acres and acres right in the heart of Beverly Hills. Its tucked away so well tourists wouldn’t dare to venture off Rodeo to find it. There’s a duck pond (where the opening scene of “The Andy Griffith Show” was set), a three-acre lake, loads of places to picnic and nearly five miles of hiking trails. The lake and pond also serve as permanent and seasonal home for birds in the Pacific – who knew? Celebrities Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid have been spotted there on occasion.
And the best part, you guys – is there’s parking! Isn’t that reason enough?