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Echo Park Lake
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
751 Echo Park AveLos Angeles, CA 90026
Neighborhood: Echo Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
90 reviews for Echo Park Lake
90 reviews in English
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Review from Greg a.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
walk there almost every day and the place is a mess. just like a lot of things in flux to be improved, the working of it tends to be a eyesore, but hopefully the results will be worth it.
i really go there for the squirrels. totally adore the squirrels, the little buggers. happy things they are. -
Review from Mico C.
Santa Clara, CA
2/9/2012
Terrible, just terrible.
Jake: there's something black in the green part of your eye.
Evelyn: oh, that. it's a... it's a flaw in the iris.
Jake: flaw?
Evelyn: yes, it's sort of a birthmark. -
Review from Jim A.
Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2011
lotus festival!
hopefully this place rocks even more after they clean it up! -
Review from Roland R.
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been running around this lake ever since I moved to LA many many years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed many festivals here (ie. Lotus Festival, Filipino Festival, etc.). Now that I've moved to downtown LA I hardly make it to Echo Park but from time to time I'd come back because its a nostalgia for my early years in LA.
I have to say the people that come here have changed. It use to be just Mexicans but now it's a mixed crowd of all ages, ethnicity, and culture. Now you can see high school couples on a cheap date, frolicking in the grass as the boys try desperately to reach "2nd base", hipsters walking their unique and fancy dogs (ie. labradoodle, greyhound, and shar pei), Asians walking around and smoking while texting, little ninos and ninas running a muck, etc.
I've also discovered one late night while trying to squeeze in a cardio workout that Echo Park Lake is also a cruising spot for gay, Mexican, cowboys (men dressed in tight Levi's jeans, wearing a cowboy hat, and drenched in Preferred Stock cologne which I can smell a quarter mile away). Just an FYI to my homosexual friends who's into cowboys and Preferred Stock. (Disclaimer: This was a few years ago so that might've changed but try strolling around there after 10:30pm).
Just a quick tip, enjoy Echo Park Lake while you can. The city plans to shut it down for a year or two while they clean up the lake and hopefully bring the lotuses back! For now, I wouldn't eat the fish you catch from there (yes, the city actually puts fish in the lake - cool). -
Review from Jan C.
Glendale, CA
9/27/2011 15 Check-ins Here
Closed until spring 2013 !! :(
But hopefully this will help the lotuses come back! I can't wait. But you can still run/walk around the sidewalk but the park itself is fenced. -
Review from Orsolya D.
North Hollywood, CA
Mill Creek Park, located in Youngstown, Ohio, is one of the largest inner-city parks in the United States (Google this, smart guy). No, no I didn't mistake Yelp LA for Ohio. Merely, I grew up in Ytown and and thusly was spoiled with the magnificent Mill Creek Park. Mill Creek Park, amongst several lakes, ponds, and creeks; has a pond called the Lily Pond which is slightly algae infested, slightly run down with trash here and there, and filled with ducks, geese, and turtles. It was one of my favorite places because my father (before he passed.. RIP...) used to take me there. What does ANY of this nonsense babble have to with Echo Park Lake? That they bare a VERY strong resemblance to each other even though they are located 3,000 miles apart.
Alright, so Echo Park lake has some traits which the Lily Pond doesn't: street vendors, a pond which gets drained due to the guns thrown into it by gangstas, and palm trees; but overall, it still reminds me of my childhood home.
Echo Park Lake's murky waters provide a calming (even if slightly dirty) setting for your next picnic. The kiddos can enjoy the playground and high population of Canadian and standard geese, Mallard ducks, and of course: our lovely LA pigeons; while the adults take a walk around the pond or prepare lunch. With both shaded and sunny areas, it is nice to just sit and listen to the voices of children, quacks of ducks, and the drip of the fountain in the middle of the water.
Sadly, you will also encounter couples practically in the midst of sex (control the PDA, you sickos!), dirty water and trash, and a run-down boat house. All very sad because this could be beautified. Word is that Echo Park Lake is being rehabilitated but that has been the word for a while and I have seen no results.
You have to take the good with the bad and although Echo Park Lake may not be perfect, it still provides a respite from your daily wear and tear. For me, if I squint hard enough, I can almost pretend I am 4 years old with my father in Ohio.Listed in: Recession Proof Activities, Perfect Neighborhood Parks
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Review from Glen C.
Carson, CA
3/5/2011
I remember back when I was a teenager, I would hear stories of Mexican gangsters hanging out here. Cut to today, I finally checked it out thanks to Javier's awesome bacon-wrapped hotdog event to support battered women shelters. It's not a bad park....like Javier J. said...it has "interesting character". Very true!
There's this Asian park in San Fransisco's Japan Town or some kind of Asian town, I honestly forgot which one...but that's what it reminds me of, but replace "Asian" with "Mexican" or "Latino" because you see old folks of those nationalities kicking back playing chess, checkers, etc. on the tables. I mean, you will most likely find a Roberto Del Rio instead of a Bobby Fisher at the chess tables, but it looks like pretty intense competition! The lake and fountain around here is pretty nice. Some Yelpers and I were joking at the random missing rail piece in the middle.
I was like "Damn, looks like someone stole a copper plumbing water fountain!" because it had some CAUTION tape and/or stand ups right in the middle that kind of resembles a crime scene. You get your normal homeless and/or crackheads around that collect and/or steal your aluminum cans. LOL, Marlon almost got his Monster beverage stolen and he didn't want it anymore because it was touched by one of the random non-Yelpers at the park! It was pretty hilarious! :P
All in all, not a bad park, but not the best park I've ever been to. There were NO crimes around at the time, which was a plus. It felt great going to Javier's bacon wrapped hot-dog event to help out the battered women's shelter and all. I didn't have a bad time, it was rather fun hanging out with all of the Yelpers that showed up :) -
Review from Johnny F.
Lawndale, CA
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
DUCKS EVERYWHERE!!!!
I came here for Javier J.s bacon wrapped hotdogs which I would have to say were damn freakin good! There were plenty of tables and seating for many to enjoy the park and the shade. A small little playground for the young ones and several other people selling food from carts. I recommend the corn with everything on it! There's plenty of space to have a bbq for a large group and family gathering. Plus...DUCKS EVERYWHERE!! -
Review from Julio M.
Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA
7/8/2011 6 Check-ins Here
+Center of the neighborhood.
+Ducks!
+Great for running.
+Nice view overlooking downtown.
-No more lotus flowers :(
-Lake is very dirty.
Bottom line: It's not the cleanest park but it's certainly beloved by the neighborhood, with great reason. -
Review from Eduardo G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A nice park despite the fact that it doesn't seem to be well kept. I came here for the bacon wrapped hot dog event and afterwards went around the whole park.
There's a path that goes all around the lake. Lots of grass area to sit on and watch the ducks in the lake.
The park wasn't crowded. There is no parking but it was fairly easy to find some on the street.
They have picnic tables, grills, not so clean restrooms that are dark inside with no light lol, i don't recall seeing any swings etc.
All this park needs is some major upkeep and it would be a great park. -
Review from Bruce W.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always think of the artist Carlos Almaraz when I'm here...
An amazing atmosphere around this lake. Used to walk around it with my friend Kim... lots of laughs along the way!
Sad when I heard that the Lotus Flowers died out... they were the inspiration for the annual Lotus Festival in the park.
I forget how easy it is to get here and be out walking in a jiffy. Good for heart and soul! -
Review from Sonia J.
Los Angeles, CA
4/6/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I like the walk with the dogs and it's close to my house... I don't like the dead turtles floating in the lake nor the people trying to fish them out-- I hope that they aren't going to go home and cook them. The water is completely disgusting... I would seriously take my dog straight to the groomer if he fell in... and straight to the vet after that... it's that stagnant and gross... I see people fishing and its supposedly catch and release... The fountain is cool and the grass is green.. people take their kids their. I probably err on the side of cleanliness if I had a kid...
Please note: I have seen many many people peeing there and there are a ton of aggro unneutered dogs so keep your dog on a leash and be cautious around dogs you don't know... -
Review from Julia V.
Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2010
The park is huge. With a big lake.
Who woulda thunk a plot of lumpy grass with cattails, concrete picnic tables, locker-esque restrooms (that's right, locker, not locker room) and playgrounds could exist so close to the freeway and actually appear family-friendly?
Echo Park Lake's size is formidable. Not as big as any of the famous parks, but big enough to be envied.
There are no parking lots, but plenty of street parking around the park, itself. Trust me, I drove its perimeter many times looking for the perfect place to park. It's not that there weren't plenty of spaces available; there were. It's just that I felt particularly picky that day and my Asian female driving skill did not feel like it was operating at full potential.
And let's not forget the lake. It takes up about half the area of the park and is fountained and simply landscaped. It's a nice addition to the park...from afar. Like many things in life, once you see more of it, you find that it is a large, mucky, cesspool as shallow as an interviewer for adult films. In other words, don't toss your kids a floatie and tell them to go play in the water.
Overall, it's not a bad park. A few homeless people harmlessly wander around, but there are many families having picnics or people just playing with their kids and dogs. The bathrooms are something to watch for, though. Imagine a brick port-a-potty without any windows. I would recommend holding it or driving home. -
Review from Marla V.
1/23/2011
very picturesque. my love planned a picnic for us there since I had never been. I was excited and not disappointed.
such a good vibe at this park...you never know the randoms you'll run into at a park...but everyone was very much into their own worlds and those who weren't were very friendly.
We set up our little picnic right by the water and geese and ducks all around. they were sooo cute. Sure this park is in a big city and sort of near the freeway...but somehow those noises were drowned out by the great people and birds at the park...(there are a lot of bird feathers on the grass but that didn't bother us.)
There's also people selling ice-cream, sodas and ballons which made this park all the more colorful. I love it. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice walk after sitting in LA traffic is always welcome and this place is good for it . This was one of the neighborhoods I grew up in (literally across the street from the lake) so I've seen the park evolve from the early 80's until now.
It's in the middle of the city. As it's conveniently located close to Sunset Boulevard, Glendale Boulevard, Temple Street and the 101 Freeway, you can pretty much get to it from anywhere you are. There are tons of shops nearby on Sunset Boulevard so you can always walk here (yes it's within walking distance) after to read some of the books you bought at Out Of The Closet. I used to find parking right next to the park when I'd go to the Echoplex. Just check the signs. Sometimes during the day, parking is hard to find. I often find parking if you go around the block to Glendale Boulevard, before you turn around the lake by the Angelus Temple.
There were paddle boats that you could rent here back in the day. Now the paddleboat shack is kind of ugly looking and the boats are gone (probably moved over to MacArthur Park, if those are still even going). There used to be a fountain in the middle that would always be going. I don't ever see it anymore. Perhaps it's got something to do with the fact that theyr'e supposed to be renovating the park soon. The island in the middle used to be open. Now it's not. That's good for the animals, since they can go here and not be bothered by people.
You'll find the food vendors nearby. Bring some bread to feed the ducks and geese (there are tons of them). You might see the occasional turtle as well and plenty of seagulls and skuas. I don't know what happened to the lotus flowers that used to grow here, but they used to be nice. There's a playground for kids and some picnic tables. I believe the bathroom works too. There are people fishing (I don't think I could eat anything I fished out of here though).
I see a good mix of people -- urban people just relaxing, the occasional homeless person, kids, hipsters, runners, casual bikers and just good everyday people. Check it out before it's torn up and turned into something else. It's a very pleasant park if you make the most of it, and there's a nice view of the city buildings from here. And don't forget to feed the ducks!! -
Review from Madeline H.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2011
It's hard to find nature spots in LA that are enough to satisfy my mountain upbringing AND close enough to my house that I don't have to take an entire day to experience them.
I like to bring a bag of old bread and feed the ducks, then call my mom or dad while I walk the path around the lake.
Great for a break from being inside without the commitment of a national park. -
Review from Erica R.
Glendale, CA
8/30/2010
I came here for the first time after finding out about "Maria" and that the park is soon going to be closed for 2 years (in two months time) in order to dredge out the lake.
I have only come a couple of times in the morning, and the place is home to a regular morning crowd, people reading the paper on the benches in the morning, people jogging/walking around the lake, and people strolling lovingly with a significant other. Parking is super easy to find, although you may have to park down some side streets, but worth it to experience the beauty of the place.
I jogged one of the days around the lake, deciding to forgo the monotony of the gym and was not disappointed. I ended up running more than I had intended as beauty of the lake and the cool weather inspired me to keep going. Additionally, there was minimal dog poo, so I wasn't constantly having to keep my "head down" to avoid the horrors of what some dog owners typically don't clean up.
I took off a star because the place looks a little dreary in the morning (once again, I've never been here past 10am) and it's a little dirtier than I would like, but this is the outdoors and to be expected to an extent. Come on down before they close its doors for a couple of years! -
Review from marlon e.
Chino, CA
6/3/2010
No drinking
No playing soccer
No street vendors
NO!!!
NO!!!
NO!!!
No one follows the rules!!!
damn it!!!
It can be a nicer place i just hope the community takes care of it. -
Review from mary b.
Pasadena, CA
4/28/2010
This is a review about a lake in Los Angeles and how to enjoy it like you were born here.
This is a slice of history in the city of Angels.
Come here on the weekends with the family armed with stale bread for the ducks and small change to put the little ones into a paddle boat.
Be careful at night at any LA park but don't be afraid to have a Sunday picnic here. Pick up a couple dozen tamales on Sunset at any number of the family owned Mexican eateries and share them with close friends at the lake.
Have dinner at Taix afterwords on Sunset and Glendale in Echo Park. It is one of the oldest restaurants in LA and shares that beautiful ancient spirit of Echo Park.Listed in: Parks and places mother nature…
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Review from Jeff B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2011
Echo Park has been here forever. Every few days, I get the early-morning urge to walk to the park and around the lake a few times. There are always a few people there walking, jogging, or feeding ducks. The park is gorgeous, even though some of the pavement is showing its age. The views are spectacular. The downtown skyline above the lake, framed by palmtrees is one of my favorite views in the whole city.
I keep hearing a rumor that they're going to close it for rennovation. I intend to get as much use out of my neighborhood park as possible before they do that! Warning to the city: Don't screw it up! -
Review from Jax U.
East Bay, CA
1/25/2009
The memories I've had here when I was a child were great, and I wanted to relive them with my dog.
I remember venturing to the park, running aimlessly around the lake, chasing ducks and using the paddle boats till my little heart couldn't take it anymore.
Another memory that peeks through is one that I always desired to come true. Aside from the great adventures I had here, I longed for a dog, specifically, a miniature schnauzer. One that emulated the bounds of energy I saw running at the lake. I too wanted to bring my own dog and play ball for hours.
Years later and one wish come true, I own a dog. Not just any dog, but an adventurous pooch that I adore. AJ and I try to change our walk every so often and check out a new scene. I hadn't been here in a couple of decades and decided to take the sweetest. What a great idea it was because he ran around like nobody's business while he studied the ducks along the way.
The parking was a cinch for me as there were many spots. The grass is plenty, with a large area to circle peacefully. Though the lake is man made, it's still a very calming way to spend a sunny afternoon. There are benches around the lake and a play area for the little ones. Just be aware of the crap (literally) scattered around the lake. Have an urge to paddle boat? Craving ice cream during your walk? How about a paleta?
There is even a lotus festival that is featured once a year. Echo Park Lake has it all.
I attempted to sneak AJ in but the lady in charge wasn't having it. When I asked she said, "Sorry, dogs are not allowed". I responded, "Look at him. Isn't he sweet and don't you think he'd like it?". She presented me with a kind smile and said he wasn't allowed. We tried.
We continued our walk, ran across the bridge, relaxed for a few minutes as we watched quacking ducks, took some photos and were set to leave. AJ and I were almost in the clear until I put his leash on. He had been rubbing himself on the grass earlier, but I dismissed it. I now noticed why he was doing that. The culprit: duck poop. All over him. Just great.
I immediately ran to my near parked car, grabbed a towel and tried to clean it out. I'm glad I came prepared because you never know what dogs can get themselves into. Now that I look back on it, I let out a little giggle. It happens.
Despite the "incident", we loved it here and will visit again. A must do for dog lovers, families, sun bathers, joggers or anyone who wants to enjoy their surroundings. I'm glad I was able to make a childhood dream come true and bring my own dog to a park I once loved. -
Review from Dave A.
8/3/2008 2 photos
I shouldn't have even been there. I got on the wrong freeway so I decided to descend down the 210 west to the 2 south and into hollywood, and on my way I passed by the glimmering Echo Park lake. Home of the Lotus Flower Festival.
I noticed the paddle boats were out. Hey, the paddle boats are out!! I want to do that, so carpe diem right? Ten minutes later I was paddling around in the middle of the lake.
There is street parking directly across from the boat house. If you need to use the rest room there are some public ones there, but look around. The bathrooms are dark little closets that lock from the inside and it would be easy to get jacked in there.
A palitero man is always hanging around outside in case you want an ice-cream for some calories to burn on your adventure.
It's so easy. Just walk into the boat house, drop off your drivers license and $7 cash for a half hour or $10 for an hour with the lady behind the bars and walk out onto the dock.
There's a couple of really bored dudes and some life jackets out there. Grab a jacket and step carefully into the boat. I was alone but the boat can carry up to four people. Settle in on either the left or the right side, and then the guy will kick you out into the open water. His only advice - don't go under, that water is pretty nasty.
Grab your rudder stick and begin peddling. Yes peddling, not paddling. It's like peddling a bike. And where to? Well, it's all up to you. This is also some serious aerobic exercise, especially if you peddle against the current. There are floating barges of plant life around to avoid, and even though they aren't moving, the current will give you the illusion that they are heading straight towards you.
Peddle past the big fountain shooting that nasty water dozens of feet into the air. It is beautiful out there. The water glimmers, ducks and low flying birds pay you visits, and there is a lovely cool breeze rising from the water.
Get out to the middle, stop peddling, relax and let the current take you for a minute. Breath deep and just take a moment.
Funny thing, as I was out there I started to think about the Sopranos. There's a scene where Tony takes Big Pussy out on his private boat to share some news with him. If you need seclusion, the FBI won't find you out here. Scheme to your hearts content. This is still LA after-all. Just look up, you can see downtown from the lake.
Peddle back, dock yourself and get out. You may want to bring a clean shirt. I was dripping with perspiration by the time I returned, but so invigorated.
And on second thought, maybe you should get that ice-cream when you get back, you'll really want it then. -
Review from eric h.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2010
Even though my son and I constantly visit our big 'ol park next door, Elysian, we usually ride the extra minute or so to Echo Park everyday for a walk around the lake.
Besides the wildly photogenic trek around the lake, there usually are plenty of things for Charles and I to do: feed the ducks, chase the geese, play on the swingset, count the flowers, chit-chat with local friends always kicking it, and his new favorite pastime: pushing his own stroller.
I hear they will close the lake for a couple years to renovate it. Well, its pretty old and it really needs it, but we both will surely miss it. -
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
9/1/2008
OK... I have never been to the Echo Park Lake before... I have been in Echo Park numerous of times just never to the lake. I have been wanting to go to the Lotus Festival that they have but never made it out. Driven by it countless of times and always admired it from a distance. So, last night I finally get to visit. So, when my date asked me if I was cool coming here I replied with jokes about cholos and "Mi Vida Loca"... (I was not being serious).. (it was after dinner that we came)
It's beautiful. A little smelly in certain spots when you walk around the lake.. The boy felt bad as I would make comments about certain spots smelling like ass... He felt bad for bringing me here. But, I reassured him that I didn't mind. It was actually fun and different... Not to mention refreshing that he would be into going for a walk around the lake.... The fact that there were two guys fishing last night was a little odd. I didn't notice that they caught anything but I wanted to ask them what sort of fish does the lake have. I assumed it may be carp..(gross) I wouldn't fish nor eat any fish caught from this lake.... At any rate I will be coming back.. I want to rent one of those pedal boats to roam around in the lake on a leisurely Sunday afternoon...Listed in: On the quest for Mexican stuff
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Review from sook w.
Los Angeles, CA
10/10/2008
Central park it ain't. Okay, I haven't been but c'mon I've seen movies and I can tell there are some salient differences between Echo Park and Central Park. It also no Jardin de Luxembourg. We can go on in this strain and list nice parks and note Echo Park is not a nice park, but for what it is, it kinda rocks.
What it is is a ghetto park where you can jog in a loop around a fake lake that kinda smells fighting insane herds of territorial geese and flocks of pigeons that will rise en masse with a furious sound right in front of your face like a 1000 winged army and scare the living bejesus right out of you. Hitchcock knew birds were scary and now I do too.
When you've tired of running the path, you can buy a grape soda for 50 cents from a cooler toting vendor. It's good times. Also, once a year, the lotus blossoms bloom and they are monstrous and quite a sight to behold.
Jardin de Lux: http://www.tunliweb.no...
Echo Park: http://www.timeout.com... -
Review from Martin C.
CA
1/24/2007 1 photo
Amazing 110 year old urban park, originally a reservoir, now home to epic two day city festival "Lotus Festival" every July, celebrating cultures of the Pacific Rim.
Busy from dawn to dusk with runners, walkers, fishing, boat rentals. A great thing to see is the huge variety of wild and domestic birds. Ducks and geese everywhere raising young and surviving in the hood. Historic lighthouse styled boat house, WPA statuary, a fountain and the afore mentioned lotus which grow out of the slim every June through October, with huge leaves and gorgeous flowers.
The park is a bit hectic and urban, a meeting of many, don't go if some trash and shopping carts offend you.
Many personal problems or situations have been solved by taking a walk around that lake. -
Review from Hannah E.
2/27/2009
When I was a kid, I fell into this lake while feeding the friendly ducks some bread, and my mother immediately took me home and gave me a bath in whatever the kid-safe equivalent of bleach is. And my mom isn't even the washing-hands-before-meals type. That's how dirty Echo Park Lake is.
But you know what? It doesn't matter. Like someone else said, it's a city, deal. Don't put any limbs in the lake and be grateful that there's something like this at all so close to downtown LA. You can feed ducks, watch swans, run on the track around the lake, introduce your dog to other dogs, sunbathe, and eat various ice cream/sno-cone treats from the vendors who are always pedaling around the perimeter. Remember that it's a city, so maybe don't sprawl your expensive personal belongings everywhere and then fall into a deep sleep. -
Review from Lew H.
Los Altos, CA
2/24/2007
Echo Park Lake is perfecto.
It's beautiful and dirty, rough and polished (esp. around the Summer Asian Lotus festival), and kind of ignored by most white folks but embraced by its ethnic community.
It's the perfect break from a shitty day, week, month, year, not as long as the hipster Silver Lk res. to walk around and great for a nap.
PS: [side completely tangent note] if people want to see two cool videos, check out my Bl. Mand. blog - the CARPENTERS Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft"and MARRS Pump up the volume. Until my walk around the Lk. yesterday, watching those videos was the highlight of my week. -
Review from Javier J.
7/8/2009
Echo park has character. Interesting character. Which is a lot more than what I can say about the people who are around this area.
I used to come to this park a lot on my own when I was able to. The fountain is a sight that is pretty interesting. While also being near a freeway, it still has a feel that you're somewhere not the city. It all depends on which direction you're pointing to.
Believe me, Echo Park has been a place where my direction in life has been contemplated many times. It's a great place to sit and just think. And if you have a couple of bucks burning a hole in your pocket, it's a great place to rent one of those cheesy romantic date two seater boats and just paddle into the middle of the water and ponder.
There's also something romantic about this place. As gritty and dirty the water and some of the areas are, you can really find something nice if you smudge your eyes just a little and take a look at it.
For the most part, it used to be full of lotus flowers. Though it's not so much that filled.
They often throw events here and well, what can you say, it's got enough space to cover it. Over all, a great park and a great place to sit and let life pass you by as you figure out what to do next. Or just enjoy the moment here with someone else. The options are endless.Listed in: Take a hike
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Review from Randy L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2008
People apparently feed the birds steroids quite a bit? I've had to run AROUND badass Goodfeathers-style pigeons who would not move nor back down for nuthin. Something would always crack me up every time I was here, whether it be some kid who decided that his little sister would make a great target for his RC car and chase her into the ducks, or an aggressive benchwarmer chasing me screaming "whatcha choons man, whatcha choons?" while trying to pull one earbud out to check out the choons, to the feet you'd see in the more arboreal areas, presumably connected to some passed-out reveler or the next aggro-bum shift, taking a break. I've since learned to NOT use the white iPod earbuds and to tuck the shitty-got-them-free-from-Shure-no-really! ones into my shirt. Not making eye contact at dusk is also helpful. You really should be moving anyways, unless you like rock peddlers.
If you want to bring your family down here for the weekend, by all means do so. It's a picturesque little break away from all the urban grey. Just watch out for the dog n' bird shit pinatas and don't let the kids stray too far. -
Review from Caleb B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2007
Echo Park Lake is soooo LA...
Fans of one of my favorite films "Chinatown" remember Jack Nicholson's Jake Gittes rowing around this lake --
Crackheads find reason to visit this lake --
Families find reason to visit this lake --
It's pretty yet kind of sketchy --
And there's an amazing view of downtown skyline, which is less of a view and more of a polite backdrop. Sort of a in a Hollywood Studio sort of way. When in Rome...
When in Rome, check out Echo Park.
_C$Listed in: Uniquely LA, The City of Angels: Sober Fun
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Review from John B.
9/22/2008
Um I kind of expect more from this place. Interesting lake, but it's kinda dirty. On the walk from where I parked to the park, I passed this guy getting out of a white mercedes SUV with black chrome rims, who was tatted all over his body, including his head. It's like yeah, ok, what do you do for a living, buddy?
Anyhow, there was some event going on and lots of guys selling useless snacks and drinks from carts with annoying horns. The only interesting food item was a guy who was selling roasted corn on a stick.
Worth the trip at least once if you live in LA I guess, but it's not really anything that special. Unless you're a teenager who needs a place to make out with your girlfriend or something. There was lots of that going on. -
Review from Deirdre M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2009
Dogs, children, people grilling all times of day, paddle boats, swans asleep in a row along the buoys late at night, couples giggling and snuggling on the grass, hibiscus flowers and bird of paradise..
yeah, it's a bit gritty..deal, it's a city! This is my green refuge when my apartment is too small.
PS: RIP beautiful lake-lotus! How will they have a lotus festival this year? :(Listed in: notcher average tourist, echo park/angelino…
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Review from panida r.
Valley Village, CA
9/9/2009
Such potential! After spending two days straight here last weekend to help a friend film a short, I've decided that I've had enough echo park lake for the rest of my days.
Day 1: Okay, I'll hold the fort down. Meaning watch all the equipment and organize stuff. Why is this homeless guy talking to me? What is he saying? He relayed his life story and more to me while I was being polite by nodding. Finally--I broke it off by saying i had to get back to work. No one else approached me but there were plenty of 'suspect' people lazing around the park sleeping at all hours.
Not to mention the geese--those things are aggressive! Be careful, they will approach to scavenge for food.
Day 2: Sweltering hot day. More people who agree to be extras. People screaming as they drive by. Oh some student organization selling food to raise money for their mural. Mmmm horchata.
As the sun set one of the ice cream men barfed while laying next to a homeless guy chatting. Beautiful eh?
note*: Avoid bathrooms at all costs. Beyond disgusting. 'nuff said. -
Review from goldenticket ..
Austin, TX
9/17/2007 1 photo
Echo Park Lake is great. I live super close so i always walk around the lake listening to music. It has its share of homeless/sketchy people but its never been a problem. There are signs posted that the area at night its patrolled by plain clothes police officers.
On weekends its usually jumping. kids playing soccer in the grass. families having cookouts/parties, vendors selling food or toys for kids. also on weekends people usually set up around the sidewalk selling stuff like kinda of a garage sale.
Its a good place to hang out and relax and read a book or just go for a nice walk. -
Review from Evan L.
1/16/2011 27 Check-ins Here
What can I say about the lake that will best describe it to someone who is unfamiliar? It's in my backyard, I run around it two or three times each week, and it smells funny in different spots depending on what day it is. The only reason I wouldn't give it five stars is because there's always some ass trying to feed the ducks right in the middle of the path while I'm trying to run. Can't you at least bring the ducks over to the grass, out of the way of the people who are walking or running? Just stand, like, two feet to your left and you'll be totally out of our way. I know it's not the LAKE's fault that people are morons, but the lake encourages the people by having ducks there!
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Review from Gretchen H.
Savannah, GA
7/11/2007
I have a thing.....
And I know....well...I know you might laugh.
But...it's my thing.
That thing?
It's...pigeons.
I....LOVE..pigeons. In fact, if you know anyone that owns homers or tipplers, please let me know...I like rollers too, but that's just too much for me.. :) I'd rather see them *fly* in circles instead of roll around. I bet some of you are confused now.
Echo Park lake is the best place for bird entertainment - ever! Go get a bag of bird seed from the 99cent store and enjoy. Yes, you'll attract geese and ducks and those weird squeaky water fowl, but it is a lot of fun.
Or maybe I'm just a big dork. -
Review from Robert Z.
San Gabriel, CA
12/4/2008
If I can remember correctly, the track around this lake is 4/5 mile. It's cool that I can run around this lake, but the scenery is nothing pretty. Keep in mind that you are near the heart of Los Angeles... air pollution and smog.
The place seems dirty, and the air quality sucks too. Echo Park Lake resembles more of a lagoon, than a lake that you can dip your feet into, but I could just be exaggerating. This place is full of ducks and pigeons, so you will occasionally see their droppings as you run along the track. Food wrappers and other trash will also be sighted along its path!
I'll only come here on occasion (i.e. Lotus Festival), or anytime I hit up Langer's Sandwich (4-stars). -
Review from Christina o.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't feel safe whenever I am here. I always worry about someone running up behind me and scaring the shit out of me. I don't ilke that there is hardly ever any parking available. It stinks that the lotus festival is no more because there are no more lotuses growing. i'm glad I did get to go a few times and take pictures of the lotuses that grew back then. I think I would be happier with this park lake if there were more people walking around it more of the time, like mine at Silver lake. I don't know how people think that this park and silver lake are the same. They aren't far from one another but the surrounding area is far different. Hmm. I'm not really a fan but it is interesting to come here from tiem to time and watch people do their hula hooping, tai chi, pilates, yoga, and all kinds of other activities.
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Review from Ben G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/2/2008
As we sat around waiting for the F Yeah Fest scavenger hunt to start, my team and I pondered - "Why don't we hang out here more? This is awesome." You could have a picnic by just eating all the food the vendors around this place sell. Chili spiced corn on the cob? Yes Please.
I don't konw if we won the scavenger hunt, but I have a shaved head, a new tattoo, and a lifetime of regret because of it!
