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Old LA Zoo Los Angeles

4.6

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Old LA Zoo, a historic park in Griffith Park offering unique photo ops and picnic spots.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow

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Old LA Zoo Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Old LA Zoo, a historic park in Griffith Park offering unique photo ops and picnic spots.

4.6

(1k reviews)

"A fascinating glimpse into LA's past, perfect for photographers and history buffs!"

TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are available near the old zoo entrance.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Freely

The area is open to the public with adjacent picnic spots; no strict 'abandoned' feel.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,435 reviews

Type

Zoo

Address

4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Website

laparks.org/parks

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Animal Enclosures

Various locations within the park

Explore the eerie remnants of concrete cages and structures, offering a glimpse into the zoo's past.

Walt Disney's Barn

Near the main zoo area

Discover Walt Disney's historic barn, a free attraction where many Disney innovations were conceived.

Picnic and Hiking Areas

Adjacent to the zoo ruins

Enjoy a picnic or a leisurely hike amidst the natural beauty of Griffith Park surrounding the old zoo.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Old LA Zoo

The Old LA Zoo is a public park area within Griffith Park, not a fenced-off attraction. You can drive and park nearby, making it accessible for exploration and picnics.

Best Time for Exploration

Visit during daylight hours for safety and to best appreciate the ruins and surrounding nature. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, better photos

Crowd

Low

When

Weekend afternoons

Why

Lively atmosphere, families

Crowd

Medium

When

Late Spring/Early Fall

Why

Pleasant weather for exploring

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is B’s spooky scary storytime submission about her and her friends experience hiking to the abandoned LA zoo in Griffith Park and coming across something scary and unnerving.

@ashleeinc

114.1K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are available near the old zoo entrance. +1

🚶‍♀️ Explore Freely

The area is open to the public with adjacent picnic spots; no strict 'abandoned' feel.

The most unusual animal at the LA Zoo. Special thanks to zookeeper Felix Simmons. #lazoo #animals #oldanimals #worms #hiddengems #losangeles #documentary

@beachboyz2men

86.3K likes • 488K views

Exploring the ruins of the Old LA Zoo 🦁🐵🐍 This zoo first opened in 1912 and housed everything from lions, bears, and monkeys to elephants and birds. By the 1950s, the zoo was considered outdated and c...

j.t.films

2.3K likes • 53.2K views

📸 Great for Photography

The ruins and natural setting make it a popular spot for photographers.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking on trails and uneven terrain.

[LINK IN BIO] The Old LA Zoo has many abandoned hidden areas you can explore! 🫣 🍃There are also many rumors of the park being haunted.👻Who are you taking with you? Click the link in our bio for our LA...

secret.losangeles

12K likes • 298.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Plenty of parking lots are available near the old zoo entrance. +1

🚶‍♀️ Explore Freely

The area is open to the public with adjacent picnic spots; no strict 'abandoned' feel.

📸 Great for Photography

The ruins and natural setting make it a popular spot for photographers.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking on trails and uneven terrain.

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no concessions on-site, so pack accordingly for your visit.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Old LA Zoo for its unique historical atmosphere and free access, making it a great spot for photography and picnics. Some note that it's more of a park with ruins than a traditional 'abandoned' site, and recommend visiting during daylight for the best experience.

"The Old Los Angeles Zoo is one of those weird, unexpected gems tucked into Griffith Park. If you like quirky urban history, a little graffiti, and a short, fun walk that doesn’t feel like your average nature trail, this place is worth checking out.

The walk to the old enclosures is easy and short, maybe 10–15 minutes from the parking area, with only a little elevation gain. Definitely kid-friendly. You’ll find plenty of open picnic space along the way too. Parking was super easy when we went, tons of spots available, and it’s free, which is a win in LA.

Once you get there, you’ll see the old animal cages and stone structures from the zoo’s original layout back in the 1930s. It’s got this kind of eerie charm, like a time capsule crossed with a movie set. There’s graffiti all over the place, but it doesn’t ruin the vibe; honestly, it adds character and gives the site this layered, lived in look. Some of the cages and rooms are open, so you can walk inside and explore. Great photo ops all around, and kids absolutely loved climbing in and out of the old enclosures.

It’s not a traditional “attraction” with signage or plaques explaining the history, so if you’re coming here expecting a museum style experience, you’ll be disappointed. But if you go in knowing it’s more of a DIY exploration spot, it’s really cool.

Dropped one star because some areas are a little run down and could use cleanup, and it’s not super well marked, so it’s easy to miss a turn or end up on a side trail if you’re not paying attention. But honestly, that’s part of what makes it feel like a hidden spot rather than a polished tourist trap.

Great for a quick adventure, especially if you’ve got kids with energy to burn or you’re looking to do something unusual in LA without spending a dime. Bring water, your camera, and maybe a flashlight if you want to check out the darker enclosures. Definitely worth the stop."

Bryan Erickson

"Picnic tables in the area which was once a cage. You can see the places where the animals were kept as well as many different cages. Free parking near by with a short walk to the site. All very clean and well kept."

Gary Standke

"We love coming to the old zoo. You can see where they used to keep the animals. Some cages are open but most are locked. They're also great hiking trails going up the mountain. As well as a nice playground area with plenty of benches and grass. You can have a lovely picnic and lay out under the trees. There are so many great places to choose from."

Amber LaSane

What People Like

Historic ruins

Free admission

Photogenic setting

What People Dislike

Can be overgrown

No concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old LA Zoo is located within Griffith Park. You can drive and park in designated lots near the zoo ruins. Look for signs for the 'Old Zoo' or 'Spring Canyon' parking areas. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops near Griffith Park Drive. +1

Yes, there are several parking lots available near the Old LA Zoo, making it easy to access for visitors. +1

Yes, you can take a bus to Griffith Park. Check local transit schedules for routes that stop near Griffith Park Drive, which is a short walk from the zoo area.

It's quite straightforward to find. The main zoo area is adjacent to a family-friendly park and picnic spots, and it's well-known for photoshoots.

Using GPS and searching for 'Old LA Zoo' or 'Spring Canyon' in Griffith Park will guide you directly to the parking areas. From there, it's a short walk to the ruins. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to visit the Old LA Zoo. It's a public park area within Griffith Park and is free to explore. +1

As a public park area, the Old LA Zoo is generally accessible during daylight hours. Griffith Park itself has specific hours, typically from sunrise to sunset.

There is no admission fee to enter the Old LA Zoo. It's a free attraction within Griffith Park. +1

Yes, visitors are generally free to explore the former animal enclosures and the surrounding grounds. +1

While the zoo itself is no longer operational, it's a public park area and not strictly 'abandoned' in the sense of being inaccessible or off-limits.

📸 📸 Photography & Exploration

The abandoned animal enclosures, particularly the larger concrete structures and tunnels, offer unique photographic opportunities. The surrounding natural landscape also provides beautiful backdrops.

Yes, there are local rumors and stories about the Old LA Zoo being haunted, adding an intriguing element for some visitors.

The Old LA Zoo, which operated from 1912 to 1966, housed a variety of animals including lions, bears, monkeys, and elephants. +1

It's generally safe to explore during daylight hours, but be mindful of uneven terrain and the condition of the old structures. Stick to marked paths where possible.

Walt Disney's Barn is a free attraction located near the Old LA Zoo. It's the original barn from his home where he worked on early Disney projects, and it's considered a birthplace of innovation for him.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Amenities

The Old LA Zoo area is a popular spot for picnics. There are adjacent picnic areas, but no on-site restaurants or food vendors.

Absolutely! The area surrounding the old zoo ruins is perfect for picnics, with plenty of space and scenic views.

Restroom facilities are typically available in Griffith Park, often near picnic areas or parking lots. It's advisable to check park maps or signage upon arrival.

The main amenities are the picnic areas and the natural hiking trails. The focus is on outdoor exploration and enjoying the park setting.

Dogs are generally allowed in Griffith Park on a leash, but always check the specific park rules and regulations for the most current information.