Franklin Canyon Park

Nestled in the middle of Beverly Hills, the 605-acre Franklin Canyon Park is a great place to visit for scenic hikes and trails. The park is located at the Eastern end of the Santa Monica mountain range, near the Benedict Canyon. This makes for some stunning natural views that offer a great escape for the busy city life for visitors.

The park is popular for its three main trails. The Discovery trail is a 0.3 mile loop that sits at the bottom of the canyon. Families walk through the black walnut woodlands here, which is stroller friendly. The popular Hastain trail is 2.3 miles long and has considerable elevation changes. At its highest point, you can view West Los Angeles, the lower canyon and occasionally, even the Pacific Ocean. You will also come across the Heavenly Pond, which is a popular spot for ducks and birds. The Berman trail takes you over the Santa Monica mountains.

The scenic beauty of the park has been the scene of many films and TV shows such as The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and True Blood. Visitors can also stop by the Sooky Goldman Nature Centre to grab some snacks and view a few exhibits. Other locations to visit here include an amphitheater and an auditorium.