MacArthur Park
Park Historic Los Angeles park with a central lake
MacArthur Park, west of downtown Los Angeles, has a shallow lake, bandshell and informal recreation; visitors stop for concerts, community events and the surrounding neighbourhood’s restaurants and bakeries.
MacArthur Park is an urban public park in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The park was originally named Westlake Park and was renamed MacArthur Park in 1942 in honor of General Douglas MacArthur.
The park’s most prominent feature is an artificial lake that occupies a central portion of the grounds, and the park contains lawns, walking paths and recreational areas across roughly 32 acres. It functions as a local civic and recreational space and is visible from surrounding streets.
Over time the park has been the focus of urban development, municipal maintenance, and community events; its lake and open areas have been central to the park’s public use.
Geographically the park sits in central Los Angeles at approximately 34.06047 N, 118.27696 W, in the Westlake district just west of downtown Los Angeles.
- Name and size: Renamed from Westlake Park to honor General Douglas MacArthur in 1942; the park covers about 32 acres in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- Access: Located adjacent to major thoroughfares and public transit routes, making it one of the more accessible urban parks near downtown Los Angeles.
What to See #
- MacArthur Park Lake: An artificial lake near the center of the park that occupies a significant portion of the park's roughly 32 acres and is a focal point for visitors and events.
How to Get to MacArthur Park #
MacArthur Park sits west of downtown Los Angeles near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Alvarado Street. It is a short walk from the Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro B Line (Red/Purple Line) station. Street parking and paid lots serve the park; downtown traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Tips for Visiting MacArthur Park #
- Go on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and buskers near the lake.
- The park's drought-era history and sculptures are often missed - look for the lily pond and the 1920s-era bandstand.
- Cross Colorado Avenue to sample nearby ethnic eateries - this is a neighborhood that has kept many of its long-running restaurants.
Best Time to Visit MacArthur Park #
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant urban-weather balance; mornings are best for a quieter experience.
Weather & Climate near MacArthur Park #
MacArthur Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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