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Angels Knoll
Categories: Local Flavor Active Life Parks Local Flavor, Parks [Edit]
356 S Olive StLos Angeles, CA 90013
Neighborhood: Downtown
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
95 reviews for Angels Knoll
95 reviews in English
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Review from Diane A.
Santa Clarita, CA
1/1/2012
Such a great place to visit and relax in the middle of busy downtown Los Angeles. We rode the Angel's Flight trolley, soooo adorable. it's 25 cents one way, and even though its a short ride, its sooo cute to ride.
We went to the bench that was on 500 days of Summer...the park was closed when we got there (closes at 5pm and we were there at 6pm). But since we were already there, we jumped over to just sit on the bench and take pictures. hahahah. -
Review from Joanna R.
3/22/2012
Uh. Haha. This place is pretty ugly. But the only reason it's amazing is cause .. well, obviously Joseph Gordon Levitt once sat there!
Heheheheheh. (: -
Review from Athena L.
Newport Beach, CA
Ahh, yes. The infamous bench featured in the movie, 500 Days of Summer. This isn't the only bench on the hill. There are several benches all around, but they all have shitty views.
Actually, the view isn't all that great. I just wanted to come here because it was in the movie. It's a pretty cool spot to take pictures with your lovah, but other than that... nothing too great about this spot. My boyfriend and I came just to sit and eat some macarons, take our picture, and left within 15 mins.
Some cons:
- There's bird (?) feathers EVERYWHERE. It was sooo gross.
- There's always a lot of people waiting for the bench, so don't be surprised if you have random people coming up to you and asking if you could get up so they could take a picture.
- Be prepared to walk up a huge flight of stairs to get to the actual benches.
- Parking sucks.
- There are two trees that grew right in front of the bench, so it blocks about half of the view when you take your picture. lol -
Review from Maria L.
Riverside, CA
1/31/2012 6 photos
What a treat!
It was my first time really getting to explore downtown LA, and after a trip to the Fashion District, my boyfriend and I came here. Aside from the 500 days of summer bench, the view from this park is a real treat. As busy as LA always seems to be; this feels like the one place where people can come and relax and to view the the wonders of downtown. We came just as the sun was about to set, and I think that's the most perfect time to come! You get a little bit of sun, then all of a sudden all you see are the city lights.
It's beautiful and peaceful.
Just know that if you're trying to take a picture with the 500 days of summer bench, you will probably have to wait. There's lots of couples who come here JUST to take a picture on the bench. -
Review from Brenda G.
Whittier, CA
4/3/2012
One of my favorite places in LA.
It's the perfect place for a picnic or just to sit and overlook the city :) -
Review from Anne A.
Encino, CA
3/31/2012
You have to come here and sit on the bench and take your "500 Days of Summer" photo (that's if you're a fan of the film). Even if you're not, the view here is picturesque including a view of the Bradbury Building. You'll see bums here as it is DTLA but they won't hurt you. Just smile (or ignore them) and keep on walking.
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Review from Kerry B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I moved to L.A., I expected 365 days of balmy 70-degree weather. The movies don't show "June Gloom" or rainy sleety days that seem to go on for weeks and months throughout the winter. The movies don't show people bundled up on the beach because those ocean breezes are frickin' freezing!
In reality, I'd say L.A.'s climate can best be described as "sweater-weather" most of the time.
So, a few days after Christmas, when the temperature spiked to 78-degrees, I figured I'd better capitalize on the bragging rights of every L.A. resident and get outside and explore.
Where better than the beautimous park featured prominently in "500 Days of Summer," which of course I watched on DVD the night before. I knew many of the places in the movie; in fact, the karaoke bar scenes were shot at the infamous Redwood Bar, a pirate-themed downtown dive frequented by some of my friends. I didn't recognize the park in the movie, though, but I found it on yelp and realized it was below the Wells Fargo Center near Olive.
I snagged a meter with 45 minutes already paid. Two quarters in these meters only get you 10 minutes, I think it's $4.00 for an hour. The meters take credit cards too. Next time I go, I'll probably take the subway (pershing square stop) and walk up the hill. From Olive, I walked up some back stairs that led to some cafes for the financial worker bees. The grassy knoll is tucked away on the hill adjacent to Angel's Flight when you walk above the fountain and the cafe seating area. You can get there through a less-dramatic fence door on Olive too.
I was pleasantly surprised that there was a good portion of green space, plenty of benches and that same stunning view featured in the movie. This is one place that actually looks bigger in person and surpassed my expectations. It wasn't too crowded at about 2 pm and of course I took pics of "the" bench, but ultimately settled comfortably on a shady bench overlooking the Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market and a few not-too-ugly parking garages.
Angels Knoll is a definite five stars for a place to savor the sun when you can get it.
And... I was glad I brought my sweater. I used it as a pillow as took a few minutes to sit back, relax and enjoy an awesome L.A. day. -
Review from Joseph A.
500 Days of Summer..
Cool spot to chill if your in the area... -
Review from Jen C.
Pomona, CA
4/2/2012
I came here with friends since one of them saw this park in the movie 500 Days of Summer. This is a small park but it was nice. There was a couple having professional photos here. There's a small tram to go up the hill too. It costs 50 cents or 25 cents with a Metro pass. They also have a specific bench for the movie (I guess where they sat?). I don't know, I didn't see the movie. Anyway, it's a nice little park to go to for a picnic or walk your dog. There's also a lot of buildings and shops that you can walk around after hanging around the park.
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Review from Neil B.
La Jolla, CA
1/6/2012
I had no idea that the (500) Days of Summer bench was here, and I didn't even know which bench was the one. Then I saw the plaque.. Haha. It's a nice place to just sit around and enjoy the view, but there are a lot of homeless people here at times. Kind of makes me feel weird walking around this park, but it's still amazing to think that Tom and Summer were sitting here.
I hope to come back here again with "that girl." It's a nice place to have each other's company. Just remember that the bench may not always be open because a lot of people come here to sit at that specific bench, so you may have to wait a while.
I don't know if this park/bench would have the same meaning if it wasn't for the movie. Haha. But either way, go visit! -
Review from Cheri. A G.
Los Angeles, CA
My favorite little spot to sit and relax while on one of my walks around DTLA.
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Review from Sam L.
12/21/2011
Last time I was downtown for fabric shopping, I checked out the infamous 500 Days of Summer bench! :) You know I did! :)
Ahhh... come back here and kiss the person of your dreams. :) It's supposedly good luck?!
I just realized that I guess I sound like a hopeless romantic... I suppose I am... a big softie on the inside. -
Review from Ciara G.
9/15/2011 2 photos
I wanted to sit on the bench. Yes the 500 days of summer bench.
Couldn't believe that the bench on the grassy knoll from that movie was in DTLA. Shows how much I made it down that way prior.
Yeah I'm starstruck by a bench.
How El Lay of me.
That bench, on the grassy knoll, with great views of the city around, rocks.
PS...I'm missing my short stint of a daily dose of downtown. CORRECTION, I miss the surroundings not where I was going. If ya know what I mean...Listed in: I LOVE El Lay!, DTLA and all its glory
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Review from Winnie H.
8/4/2011 2 photos
The goat-mowers are in town.
Go now!!!
Almost every year, the city brings in a herd or two of goats to graze the enclosed empty lot next to the park. It's like a buffet for these guys as they munch on the overgrown vegatation under shady trees.
They're fun to watch and I noticed they have a lot of baby goats this year. They're adorable!! Now these kids I like. ;)
Grab a sack lunch, sit in the park, and watch these guys work. It's a fun way to spend your time.
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8/8/11 UPDATE
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They came, they grazed, and they pooped. The goat mowers have left the building. Gotta wait till next year to see them again. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
Whoops I can't say I was here but I was at Angel's Flight. There were bums sitting around the area where you board the tram/funiciclar ride.
Still need to visit the park but I'm not sure if I'll ever have time to make it back here given LA is a big sprawl -
Review from Matt P.
7/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Angels Knoll is an isle in a sea of concrete and steel. This small park is a well shaded escape from the urban hustle and flow of the city below. The tall tree canopies and shadows from the 50 story plus high rises offer enough shade that on a hot summer day, taking a break from life in this small park can be quite comfortable. It's a great spot for eating lunch, taking a date here, or just enjoying some greenery in the heart of the city.
And yes, it's that park featured in 500 days of summer. -
Review from Lana N.
(500) Days of Summer bench.
A nice little tiny small park in the middle of DTLA (in Little Tokyo), famous for its cameo in the 500 Days of Summer movie - the bench has a little plaque on it now to commemorate its one shot wonder. The bench is almost always taken by other fellow fans, but there are plenty of other benches also nearby, though shrouded by trees. The view from the bench is meh, nothing spectacular... bring out a blanket to lay out on the grass (and maybe have a picnic!) if you're really looking to enjoy the park.
Overall, the park is a nice little haven for anyone looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of LA life; just stay away from the infamous bench and don't be tempted to break out any electronics for the free wi-fi! -
Review from Philip T.
9/13/2011
Nice park in downtown with a decent view. Good place to read a book or relax.
Expect to wait a bit as there are a plenty of people taking pictures of the
famous bench from the movie 500 days of summer.
Parking can be a bit tough as there is only street parking. A lot down the street charges $6 all day on weekends.
Also, at the park there is free wifi! -
Review from Tina B.
Riverside, CA
9/25/2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A nice peaceful oasis in a bustling city.
Came around 4:00 p.m.
While we were getting there, we didn't know that Olive was a one way street. We didn't even notice we went backwards on a one way street until we saw people pointing furiously in the other direction and then we figured it out... HOLY CRAP!
Scared for my life much?
Luckily we got to the other side of the street and made a right before the light turned green. Whew! Close call. That would have been an end to beautiful day.
We parked on the right hand side of the park where the parking meters are after making several u-turns.
A piece of advice, take the street before Olive St. and then make a left, then another left to park on Olive St.
The entrance in is at the top corner of the park. I almost didn't recognize this place coming here. It's pretty much a hill of trees and grass in the middle of a gray city.
Pretty cool. It felt really nice there. Don't expect it to be Centennial Park or anything fancy. It literally is just a hill. Nothing big or fancy.
There are a P L E N T Y of hobos. They're just sitting there relaxing and don't bother you. Just chilling like any other person. There is security there just in case.
A lot of couples will be there lounging around, etc.
Yes, there is FREE WIFI. Unique indeed..
The grass does look a bit un-kept but I was expecting it to be. There are other benches in the park with different views.
Of course, I came to sit on the 500 Days of Summer Bench. There was another couple sitting on the bench. We didn't want to be rude so we let them sit there for 30 minutes. We shouldn't have been as nice as we were.
They were such rude kids. Seriously. We went over there and told them to get the EFF off. haha I'm kidding but we asked if we could sit there and they moved.
FINALLY!
And yes the view is perfect. Exactly like the scene. It felt really nice. So romantic :)
Pictures, pictures anyone?
Make sure to be mindful of people who are coming specifically to sit on that bench. Otherwise, there will be an angry couple out to get you.
Toodles. -
Review from Emily M.
Carson, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This tiny park is really peaceful and quiet even though you are in the busy city of LA. There are plenty of benches to sit on and just look down at the street.
If you love the movie 500 Days of Summer, then you really need to come here and sit on the bench where they filmed parts of the movie.
If you want to have a date with someone, this park is a good spot to just sit and talk with your special someone:) -
Review from Carolyn D.
Fountain Valley, CA
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Because this was in (500) Days of Summer, I just had to see it myself. It's a lot smaller than what'd you expect but I loved it just the same. Too many hipsters were taking photos in the actual bench that Joseph Gordon-Levitt sat in.. I must say, I was a bit sad that I couldn't sit there myself, but it's a nice little park where you can relax and view a small part of LA.
Gotta warn you, as the sun sets more and more transients start to fill the area & they use the narrow stairs as their restroom. Take the street up the side and enter the back gate to avoid the stench. -
Review from Mai N.
8/13/2011 2 photos
Opted to walk up the massive stairs instead of the trolley for exercise! The view at the top was amazing. Some benches had a better view of the city. Of course the bench from 500 days of summer had the best view. The park was so relaxing. There were people just hanging out, sleeping, or having picnics.
The park was a lot smaller than I had expected but it was still lovely. -
Review from Lisa W.
6/30/2011
Known for the 500 Days of Summer Bench, Tom`s favorite place.
This place is usually empty, but if you come really early in the morning, you might see a couple of bums just sleeping. This park isnt that big, but it`l really nice, has lots of shade and is really peaceful. It`s definitely a nice place to have a picnic and chill. -
Review from Leslie A.
Burbank, CA
7/31/2011
We ordered food at Chimu Peruvian Soulfood and walked the stairs up to this park to enjoy a picnic and the view. We found a bench to sit on immediately. It was not hard though to spot which bench was from 500 Days of Summer because a steady stream of tourists would sit and take pictures. So predictable was the behavior to the Yelp reviews it was almost comical!
We decided to go sit on it too once we'd finished eating and a space opened up. I mainly wanted to see how the view was by comparison. And yes, there are less trees obstructing your view, but it's pretty darn good from any part in the park since the whole area sits up on the hill. There's lots of nice trees to provide shade and relaxation.
If you sit on the bench featured in the movie, you will take pictures. It's unavoidable. Your arms will involuntarily grab any camera in plain site and take a picture. In our case, a kind girl from BC came and snapped our photo together after watching us do a series of solo shots. It was fun.
I thought it would have been nice if Angel's Flight made a stop at the park, but instead you can take it to the top and take the staircase down. We, on the other hand, worked for our lunch by climbing the staircase and walking back down for the round trip.
It wasn't a bad hike at all; I would recommend this park for tourists and locals alike. Bring a picnic with you or some takeout from Grand Central Market! If you come on a Sunday like we did the meters are free! -
Review from Tiffany O.
Carson, CA
8/15/2011 1 photo
It's a nice place to visit if you're in the area.
Parking is kind of a pain (street/metered). I remember the first time i wanted to go check out the view from the park benches, and we had to give up because we couldn't find parking. The second time was relatively easy, so it all depends on the time you go.
The view is nice, but not as breathtaking as other places such as views from the Getty or the observatory. The park benches are usually taken as well, and many people for the (500) Days of Summer bench, so don't expect to spend too much time sitting on it. -
Review from Ashley K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/14/2011
If this is on your bucket list... beware its also on about a thousand other people's lists.
there are bound to be couples sitting on the infamous 500 DAYS OF SUMMER bench. And there may even be a line to take a picture on it. haha.
Its worth a trip if you are in the area. But dont get your hopes too high, the park is superrrrr small. And there are the occasional bums and hobos enjoying the luxury of green grass.
If you are going to Bottegga Louie for lunch, its a short walk to this park. So leave your car in the lot and walk over and enjoy the stroll. -
Review from Joel A.
Chino, CA
3/26/2011
I brought my girlfriend here after a day of walking around J-Town, Chinatown and Downtown. After walking over three miles it was a welcome rest.
At the risk of sounding like I'm talking shit on other reviewers, I'm going to be candid. Yes this park was in a movie. Yes it was romantic and cute and sweet and there is a bench dedicated to it. Lots of people visit it only for the fact that it was part of a touching movie.
Please don't take any of that into account.
This park is a wonderful little gem. It is a perfect example of a cross section of LA. You have concrete and glass buildings all around. You have homeless people relaxing under a tree not bothering anyone. There are locals taking a break and sipping their lattes and tourists coming to take a picture of the view from a scene of their favorite movie. It sums up Los Angeles perfectly. But despite all that you have a lovely bit of relaxing nature situated in the middle of an ever bustling concrete jungle.
There are people who complain that their view had a branch in the way. I'm sorry your experience didn't mirror the perfectly manicured scene from an indie movie where every detail was accounted for.
Other people complain about the homeless people. It's downtown LA. A metropolitan city. There are going to be homeless people. I've never once been hit up for money while here. I'm sorry that you live in your sheltered pristine city where you don't see these people. But here, at this park, they are doing the same thing you're trying to do. Enjoy a little bit of shade and some green grass amidst a sea of buses, cars, people, honking horns and the flurry of the city.
Someone complained about the leaves on the grass. Seriously? It's a park. With trees. Trees that have leaves. And the security guard is there to make people feel safe. Probably from the scary homeless people who are sitting on the grass minding their own business.
Honestly, if you come here because of the movie, that's fine. There is nothing wrong with that. But the thing is, if you come here only to see the one bench and see the particular view, then you're doing yourself a disservice. What makes this park worthwhile and all the more enjoyable is the area directly surrounding it. By exploring the connecting streets and seeing what encircles this place makes you appreciate the calm and comfort of this small corner of the city. It has a lot of charm and a lot more to be appreciated for than just "that one scene in that one movie". -
Review from Janea W.
2/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Que linda! Stop #2 on the V-Day DTLA "tour" planned by the bf. This one was a surprise, as I was not expecting any sentimental nods at all...bf detests all that is cheesy!
I love LA. It is my hometown and my life blood. I love the smog and the traffic and the spread-out feeling; I love the people and the buildings, the freeway, the beach, the city, and the horrible public transportation.
I love that you get to discover little vignettes like this small park in the middle of all of these very serious buildings in DTLA. What a treat!
And it is romantic: couples bundled under blankets watching the city crawl around their feet, dining on picnic baskets, drinking from hidden pocket flasks; vagrants packing their stolen grocery carts full of garbage bags with their personal belongings, also drinking from not-so-hidden paper bags...people exercising and people watching. It's just a fun and unique experience.
I would love to come back during the summer when it is a little warmer, but it's also guaranteed to be much more crowded.
Winter, closes at 5. Summer closes at 8.Listed in: Valentines Day
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Review from Jerick G.
Garden Grove, CA
8/15/2011
Never knew that this place has a lot of history. It only makes me appreciate LA more and make me come back here again and again. I surprised my girlfriend here for our 4th year anniversary. We took the trolley and it felt like we were going to go to Heaven or something haha.
Upon entering, there were many people conspicuously sitting in the grass as they wait for a couple to leave the (500) Days of Summer bench. You may also encounter those who come here at a daily basis and get annoyed at taking people's pictures there haha. As small as the place seems, the view and the atmosphere is more than enough. I wouldn't be surprised if I drove all the way here just to hang out and chillax, distance is not a problem. -
Review from Angela C.
San Diego, CA
6/5/2011 4 photos
We came on a Saturday, early afternoon, and were actually able to find parking. Several people seemed to come here because of 500 days of summer, and we were no exception to that! Its a nice area, but it would become a bummer if it got even more popular. A few people had cameras out and were eagerly waiting for the infamous bench. (including us, but we couldn't get on it)
The thing that is nice about this place is 1. The View 2. Can sit on benches to enjoy the view and sun 3. Not TOO crowded nor loud. 4. Its simple. It's a nice place to just lay out and enjoy a small picnic or chat with friends or a date. If you'd prefer not to hear your date, go to a movie instead!
There are a couple bums, People can be messy -- Leaving their sandwiches on the bench which became the *best* seat reserver for empty benches fyi, and somehow a bird must have gotten pissed at me and pooped on my arm, but regardless, I'd love to go again and just chill. -
Review from Elaine N.
As I mentioned in my Angel's Flight Railway review, my friend and I drove 6.5 hours just to visit Angel's Knoll.
During our trip, we had only made a couple of stops. I believe the only things I ate that day were a bag of caramel Bugles and an almond Snickers bar. I might have had half a bottle of water.
After walking around the California Plaza and quacking at ducks, we walked down the stairs to Angel's Knoll. We stopped for a minute to smell the fresh air (see no pollution, smell no pollution!). We stood there awkwardly for about fifteen minutes, waiting for the couple on the bench to leave.. We weren't assertive enough, so another couple came and we had to wait an extra five. There were people sitting around having picnics, and a family or two playing frisbee. Not too peaceful, not too loud.
No goats as some mentioned. I didn't see/smell any homeless people, either.
It was nice sitting on that little hill, looking up and seeing the AT&T building. The view was not the same as the movie, I think they must have doubled the screen or something. If you create an imaginary horizon line and keep your eyes above it, there might be the same effect. If not, parking lots aren't that bad.
On the lowest bench, there is a plaque that reads, "Days (95) and (488); Tom's favorite place becomes one of Summer's too," and Elaine's.. (:
Being here gave me a new interpretation to the ending of (500) Days of Summer. Hint: location of exits!
We also walked around downtown and went a few other hotspots from the movie. The Bradbury, Million Dollar Theatre, Broadway Bar, everything was closed. The apartments were inaccessible to the public. Sadface. Still, the little escape to SoCal was not one to forget.
With tired eyes, tired minds, tired souls, we drove back home.
T'was an amazing day, thank you for the adventure. Here's to a shoutout to Jamie.Listed in: Makeout Spots!
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Review from Nora U.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2011
If you're a fan of "500 Days of Summer" this is definitely a spot to visit. You'll see a bench with a plaque denoting "Tom's favorite spot." This was the first time I've ever done a tour of downtown LA and found it to be quite charming. The weather was gorgeous (you can't beat SoCal sunshine and warmth) and everyone seemed so chill.
Because it is amidst all the businesses, Angels Knoll provides a nice little solace for those looking to take a little break. It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or to just sit back and rest up before your next agenda of the day.
It's smaller than what you think from the movie, but still a place to check out if you have the time (definitely a different vibe than Hollywood and the beaches). -
Review from Keila N.
12/7/2010 4 photos
Scot informed me about Angels Knoll. It wasn't the most convenient day for me to climb up these stairs. I was in my dress clothes and carrying various items in my hands. Nevertheless, I thrive on explorations and adventures, and didn't want to pass this opportunity.
The Angels Knoll is immediately adjacent (south) to the Angels Flight from Hill Street. It is a therapeutic climb. There's an area almost at the end of the climb where you can sit on a bench and overlook the city. There's free wifi in this area-perfect for working during the day.
I climbed to Grand and stopped by Famima to grab a bottle of green tea. I sat by the Christmas decoration and forgot all that was troubling me. -
Review from Jamie C.
1/1/2011
Angels Knoll is novel because it was featured in (500) Days of Summer (there's even a plaque on the bench that Tom and Summer sat at), but I'm glad that that movie made it so much more famous than it was because it really is a very nice place. It's is sort of a island of greenery amongst the concrete buildings of downtown LA. It's very quaint, though not especially well-kept.
Good for:
- picnic on a warm sunny day. Be sure to pick a nice patch of grass because it's not 100% grassy.
- musing about urban life and the human condition as we struggle to reconcile between building cities and preserving nature
- rolling down the hill
- a cheap but romantic date
- admiring the urban landscape while aspiring to become an architect
- reading in the sunlight/underneath the shade of a tree
- showing off to your friends that you went to a famous movie set
Other than being a nice park with a nice view (or not-so-nice view, depending on your taste), it's really nothing else. I think what makes it so special depends on each person. We expect it to be special because it was so special in the movie, but really it was only special because it was special to Tom. Most people could just walk by and think, meh, and be done with it, and that's totally fine.Listed in: LA Bucket List
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Review from Vicky T.
Cerritos, CA
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for Valentine's day with the BF after our brunch. It was a nice day out, but a little chilly. This place looked pretty awesome on 500 Days of Summer, but when I got here...my first thought was "That's it?"
Don't get me wrong, it was a nice experience, but I just expected it to be bigger. Its a really small area with benches here and there and one bench in particular with the "500 Days of Summer" logo. Angel's Knoll is a perfect place to relax and get away from the loud city noise of LA. You can relax, read a book, listen to music, or perhaps take a nap, and just enjoy the scenery.
I would still recommend this place, although it did not meet my expectations, I wouldn't mind coming back here! There's no other place like it! -
Review from Kristel Y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
On a somewhat rainy Sunday morning, I decided to check out Angel's Knoll. I figured, I love (500) Days of Summer and I'm new to LA, so why the hell not.
I parked on the street right next to the park. Metered parking that accepts credit cards, I believe it was $2-4 (I forget) for like two hours. On a Saturday afternoon I can imagine it gets pretty tough to find parking, so I recommend going during an off-time.
The park itself is...what you make of it. As other Yelpers have pointed out, there are homeless people there, but it's not unsafe in any way. I'm a short Asian kid with glasses (the first one to get mugged, seriously) and I was fine. I didn't feel unsafe at any point.
Bring your camera because the view from the park is as beautiful as it was in (500) Days of Summer. I even took a moment to sit on Tom's Bench (you can tell which one it is--there's a plaque, in case you're not familiar with the movie) and it was beautiful...even though it kind of smelled like pee around me.
But that's beside the point. It's easy to see why this is Tom's favorite place in the city. There are actually a few benches in the park, so even if Tom's bench is occupied, you'll still have a pretty great view of the buildings.
A definite must-see.Listed in: Favorite LA Spots
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Review from Vanessa R.
Mission Viejo, CA
5/16/2011 1 photo
I came to experience the park bench from "500 Days of Summer". It was a nice change from all of the concrete landscape around it.
There is a beautiful view of LA (which is also shown in 500 days of Summer) that is hidden from the eye at ground level.
I also liked seeing a part of old LA, the Angels Flight, a very short rail car that travels up and down the hill. It's nice to see that the past isn't ways destroyed by the future. -
Review from Brian I.
There are many films set in Los Angeles, but the film 500 Days of Summer (2009) does more for Los Angeles by treating it like a character. The film does this by showcasing familiar and historical places in Downtown Los Angeles. The character, Tom (played by Joseph Gordon Levitt), is an aspiring architect and through him you are able to meet this fascinating city. At Angel Knoll there is a park bench, now distinguished with a plaque for the film, is Tom's favorite spot because you have a great view of the city and it is a very significant location in the movie. When I saw the film for the first time, I was ecstatic because that was the same bench I often sat and read and it had been my favorite spot, too.
I'll name a few things you'll note while sitting on the bench. Angel Flight, the landmark funicular railway that takes you from Hill Street to the California Plaza, is to your left. Two skyscrapers, One California Plaza (completed 1985) and Two California Plaza (completed 1992), are behind you. I like hanging out by the California Plazas because of the fountain and they have performances there at times. Grand Central Market is in front of you to your left and that's been around since 1917. The Continental Building, on Spring and 4th, is visible and also mentioned by name in 500 Days of Summer and it is Los Angeles' first skyscraper, standing only 13 stories, built in 1904.
Angel Knoll isn't a big park. It's between Olive and Hill and 3rd and 4th. The closest Metro is Pershing Square (which has three entrances). Angel Knoll is on a hill with grass and trees and benches. You can see people taking naps. You'll also see people having picnics. It's actually pretty safe. They have Wi-Fi. They're open during certain hours since it is a public park. Because of 500 Days of Summer, Tom's bench is often busy with people taking pictures or sitting on the bench in appreciation of the film or because it is a bench after all. It's a great place for pictures because of the view. The first time I visited the park, a family came into the park to give out sandwiches and iced tea and that was pleasant.
In 500 Days of Summer, Tom says to Summer, "There's a lot of beautiful stuff here too though. I don't know. I just...wish people would notice it more." This quote resonated with me a lot because I used to not like LA a lot. What I don't like about LA is traffic and there's a lot of rude people out there it is a mess at times--"It's not fog, it's smog." When you really take the time to get to know LA more, you'll find that it is actually a pretty cool place because it's so diverse and so rich in history. There are a lot of buildings to check out for its historical value or maybe they're just cool. There's always something going on and there's plenty to do if you're willing to go out and try something new. There are festivals, art shows, concerts, movies, and plenty of places to dine. Angel Knoll reflects that feeling I have with LA because it's a calm park with on a hill in the middle of the urban madness of LA. -
Review from Jeff H.
5/9/2011
The experience here can vary, depending on who's using the park for the day. But it's definitely a nice place to chill on the various benches and reminisce about the movie.
Don't get caught up in canoodling or sparks-flying-conversation while lounging on Tom's bench... there's usually another couple (im)patiently waiting for their turn. And if they want a photo taken, happily oblige them. Disregard those cynical thoughts about dramatic breakups where this sentimental picture you're capturing will result in being torn up. Maybe it will last...
Free WiFi now?! I didn't try... but it's a thought for another day. -
Review from Karen C.
Irvine, CA
3/17/2011
My boyfriend took me here as our first stop before diving right into LA culture spots. It was definitely a sight to be seen!
First, don't be overwhelmed by the bums taking naps under the trees! It actually looks like a good nap spot to me! Second, when we got to the bench, there was already a couple sitting on it.. so we sat on a bench nearby and looked out onto the streets of LA on THAT bench for a while instead. I must say, the view was okay on the "other" bench. Eventually, the couple left and we finally got to sit on the actual 500 days of summer bench. There's a cute little engraved picture of Tom & Summer on the back on the bench enlisting what day(s) they sat on the bench :]
Anyways, the view from this particular bench was breathtaking. The buildings were eclectic and quirky, while the view of the little tiny cars and tiny people was a nice reminder that there is plenty of beauty around us.. we just have to take the time to look around :]
