Best Spots For Flying A Kite In Los Angeles
When it's time to go fly a kite, literally not figuratively, don't struggle to find the best spots in the city — they're right here. Explore a park or beach, or just slip off to this scenic overlook at these awesome area locations. While the weather's beautiful and families are filling the parks, head out and get that pretty little creation airborne at the best places to fly a kite in L.A.
Bruce's Beach
North Highland and 27th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
www.c.i.manhattan-beach.ca.us
Price: free
Talk about a chill place in which to fly a kite. This is a spot for contemplating, a quiet corner of the Southland many believe is a beach but is actually a park with none of the accouterments except a basketball court. Find it directly above the Lifeguard Training Center on the walking path along the beautiful stretch of oceanfront north of Manhattan Beach Pier. Formerly known as Parque Culiacan, Bruce's Beach offers elevated terrain and an abundance of open space for unleashing your kite to fly high over the ocean.
Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-0263
www.laparks.org
Price: free
If you're shopping The Grove but you'd rather be flying a kite, you're very close to the perfect place to do just that. Pan Pacific Park is next door to the mall, a small patch of green in the middle of the city. This relaxing place to take your craft up, up and away offers ambiance as well. While it's a great place to kite, be cognizant of the kiddos when you've got eyes on the sky here — this a popular playground as well.
Silver Lake Meadow
Silver Lake Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
www.silverlakereservoirs.org/
Price: free
At Silver Lake kite aficionados will have no trouble with dogs under foot or chasing them through the park. Without the threat of doggy bombs, get a good run around the park with that kite worry free. This little patch of ground on the east side is about as tranquil as it gets in LA. Because it's not a true park, this little meadow boasts fewer squishable little people running around. One thing: Keep an eye out for athletes practicing yoga and tai chi in the same serene patch of grass.
Westwood Park
1350 Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 701-2957
www.laparks.com
Price: free
Westwood Park is a big deal for the college community as UCLA students and professors escape campus to enjoy the freedom at this green outpost. There are a bunch of recreational offerings on the premises, but kite flying is among one of the most popular this time of year. Make a day out of it at the barbecue pits, community room, indoor gym and picnic tables. Heads up here, however, little ones do frequent the playground from time to time.
Related: Best Beaches for Kids in Los Angeles
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
6300 Hetzler Rd.
Culver City, CA 90232
www.laparks.com
Price: $6 parking
You'll have to take nature's stair climber to reach this perfect launching spot, so be sure to be fit enough before heading here. Flying a kite with views to die for means you might lose that kite in the sky staring at the expanse of Santa Monica, the Pacific, downtown L.A. and the Griffith Park Observatory. Stop by the Visitor's Center for up-to-date area information, or take a hike on nearby trails through restored native habitats. Neither alcohol nor dogs are allowed here, so expect a scenic, serene flight every time at Baldwin Hills.
Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
