MacArthur Park Park

Address: MacArthur Park, Westlake District, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hours: Open 6:00am-10:00pm daily

Admission: Free (public park), parking fees may apply nearby

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.

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.

• 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.