25 Bucket-List Destinations You Can't Miss in Los Angeles

24. Sunset at Elysian Park – LA’s Best-Kept Secret Viewpoint

Los Angeles is known for its stunning sunsets, but most people flock to Griffith Observatory or Runyon Canyon to catch the view. If you’re looking for a peaceful, crowd-free spot to take in the golden-hour magic of the city, Elysian Park is the place to go. Tucked between Dodger Stadium and Downtown LA, Elysian Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Los Angeles, offering hidden trails, lush greenery, and spectacular skyline views. One of its best-kept secrets is the famous swing, perched high on a secluded hill with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. To find the Elysian Park Swing, you’ll need to take a short hike through winding trails and eucalyptus trees, but once you reach it, the view is absolutely worth it. As you swing back and forth, the entire LA skyline, Hollywood Hills, and beyond unfold before you, creating an incredible moment of freedom and serenity. Even if you don’t visit the swing, there are plenty of other stunning lookout points throughout the park, where you can spread out a picnic blanket, sip a coffee, and watch the city transition from golden hues to twinkling lights. Unlike many of LA’s tourist-heavy viewpoints, Elysian Park remains a peaceful, locals-only kind of place, making it the perfect sunset retreat away from the crowds.