The Park to Playa Trail is a 10.9 mile hike which begins near the Baldwin Hills in Culver City through a nearby park and down a bike path heading towards Ballona Creek Wetlands located near Marina Del Rey. While the hike is rated as easy, it is still of enough length in my opinion to ensure that it should not be done as a beginner hike, at least not if attempting to take the entire journey. However, you could break it down and do the Culver City portion as a beginner hike, but be sure to bring enough water and a light snack if desired.
My first attempt at this happened July 01, 2024 and included the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, passed the Stoneview Nature Center around the top of the uphill climb, down the trail and across the bridge into the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. I visited the area to go up to the scenic overlook, as well as to have a look at a waterfall.
Take Metro to the Trails
If you don’t drive and wish to hit up the trails here, you can take the Metro E line from Downtown LA to the La Cienega / Jefferson stop and walk up to Obama Blvd, hang a left and walk up Obama which turns into Jefferson. The entrance to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is on the left, along with an option to test your stamina at the Culver City Stairs.
Scenic Overlook Panorama
Now the above photos are of the path itself, however, there are opportunities to also see some amazing scenic views. So let’s take a look at some of the scenic photos taken on my journey, starting with a panorama of the view from the scenic overlook.
Onward to Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Across the street from La Cienega Blvd is the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, which includes more trails to explore and even a Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden includes a pond area with Koi fish and turtles. The trail maps show an upcoming connection across La Cienega Blvd, however that connection has already been built. The
Lavender Chiveevi Artwork Panorama
And as I did with the panorama of the view from the scenic overlook, I also got the best panaroma of the Lavender Chiveevi Artwork possible, which is painted on the side of a wall of a waterway.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
The portion shown on the maps as still to be built is the Mark Ridley Thomas Bridge. This spans over Lacienega Blvd and connects the trail to the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
Doris Japanese Garden
Located inside the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a Japanese Garden which includes a pond with a bridge, Koi fish and turtles.
