The Best Parks in Lakewood

Safe, clean, and surrounded by greenery, Lakewood is a tranquil Los Angeles County city that is favored by young and growing families. While there is much to see and admire in this SoCal town, its parks and recreation areas shine through as some of its biggest draws. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read a book, a go-to trail for a morning jog, or a spacious spot to let your kids run freely, there is a Lakewood park that’ll capture your heart.

These are the Best Parks in Lakewood, CA

Monte Verde Park

Monte Verde is considered a hidden gem in the Lakewood parks and recreation system. Smaller in scale and tucked away between residential communities and a waterway, this City of Lakewood park is an ideal spot for a stroll and a picnic with your family.

The S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge, amphitheater facility, and nature trail are the main attractions of Monte Verde Park and make up the sum of its natural beauty. The S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge is a 3,000 square-foot classic mountain cabin with exposed beams and cozy details like a fireplace, a covered patio, and a wall of windows overlooking the park and outdoor amphitheater. The lodge and its gorgeous surroundings are one of the principal reasons why this beautiful Lakewood park is a popular spot for weddings, engagements ceremonies, and other milestone celebrations.

The quarter-mile-long nature trail in this Lakewood park loops around its perimeter and guides you to several ecosystems representing elements of the native California landscape. You’ll come across an oak grove, a dry creek, a fern dell, along with other natural beauty.

Rynerson Park

Rynerson Park is named after Jacqueline Rynerson, former mayor of Lakewood and a leader in the acquisition and development of her namesake park. Located on the east side of the San Gabriel River—just south of Del Amo Boulevard—this pretty Lakewood park greatly illustrates the city’s commitments to make Lakewood a Sportstown city.

Residents who like exercising outdoors often name Rynerson as their go-to park in Lakewood, CA. Not only does Rynerson provide 40 acres of open space for recreation, but it also offers a great bike trailhead, pretty walking trails, outdoor workout equipment, picnic shelters, and baseball diamonds operated by Lakewood Little League.

Is your favorite exercise buddy your trustee pup? Adjacent to Rynerson Park is the Homerun Dog Park, an awesome recreation ground that welcomes dogs and their owners for a day out in the sun.

Del Valle Park

Traveling to Lakewood with kids? Adding Del Valle Park to your itinerary of places to see is simply a must. Not to be confused with the Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, Del Valle in Lakewood is great for the little dreamers to thrive.

Located on the corner of Arbor Street and Woodruff Avenue, this park in the center of Lakewood is named after Jose del Valle, an inspiring liberator and statesman of Honduras. However, this popular 12-acre Lakewood park is also widely called “Airplane Park” for the jet fighter plane proudly displayed on its southwest corner. Other amenities on the premises of this park in Lakewood, CA include athletic fields, game courts, picnic shelters, a playground, and a seasonal wading pool.

Del Valle Park is also home to the Lakewood Youth Center and the location for many concerts that take place throughout the summer. When you visit this Lakewood park, make sure to check out the Veterans Memorial Plaza, which is the site of the annual Memorial Day event that occurs in the City of Lakewood.

San Martin Park

Is your child more into princesses than airplanes? Then swap Del Valle for San Martin Park on Ocana Avenue. This Lakewood Park is where fairytale dreams come to life—it’s affectionately called "Pumpkin Park" for the original Cinderella-themed pumpkin carriages installed as play equipment when the park was originally built.

The original pumpkin carriage has been replaced with a newer one—a few other additions have also been made to further enhance the dreamy effect of this Lakewood Park. Visit today and you’ll come across a castle playground, toy horses, and spinning pumpkins that make anyone feel like a kid daydreaming about a princess kingdom. 

Mayfair Park

Mayfair Park is another awesome recreation spot located in the central part of Lakewood on the corner of Clark Avenue and South Street. This park’s name comes from the surrounding housing tract that was then known as the Mayfair District; it has served as Lakewood’s flagship recreation facility since 1951. However, it is also sometimes referred to as Pan Am Park in Lakewood, CA since it is home to the city’s annual Pan American Fiesta taking place each May.

Work out on the athletic fields and game courts, have a barbecue at the picnic shelters, play a round on the tennis court, let kids run around the playground, and cool off in the pool on-premise (open seasonally). Mayfair Park is as classic of a Lakewood park as possible.

Cherry Cove Park

Hidden away in the Cherry Cove housing tract, the namesake park is an idyllic spot to head to for a peaceful jog or spend family time. Kids love playing in the sanded playground area, and there are several benches nearby where you can relax and keep an eye on them running around.

This Lakewood park also offers a large grassy area where many residents come with their dogs. Pack a picnic and a good book, and have a low-key day out in the sun with your family or your four-legged friend—it’s only a matter of time until this quaint park in Lakewood, CA starts getting filled to the brim with people looking for a sunny spot to relax.

Pan American Park

While Pan American Park isn’t located within the premises of the city of Lakewood proper, it’s mere minutes away and a favorite among residents. Located in Lakewood Village in Long Beach, this city park offers a gym, picnic areas, a playground, and outdoor sports fields and courts to visitors.

Surrounded by lots of greenery, this park near Lakewood, CA is also a great spot to take your dog. While it’s not the most manicured park on the list, it’s open, compact, and with lots of open space, making it an awesome place to relax in nature.