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Lake Balboa
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
6300 Balboa BlvdEncino, CA 91316
Neighborhood: Lake Balboa
(818) 756-9743
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
65 reviews for Lake Balboa
65 reviews in English
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Review from Rashmi V.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
OMG this place just pureeee serenity to me. I love love loveee this park!! I'm sooo glad that I stumbled upon this park a few years back when I moved out to the valley. As the weather gets better and my son starts walking I plan on taking him here every week. I have great memories going to the park and seeing ducks when I was a baby and I want the same for my son.
There is sooo much to do at this park, walking, jogging, running, looking at the ducks, feeding the ducks, you can paddle boat in the summer and they even have a playground. I wish it wasn't sooo busy all the time, I swear every time I go at any hour I go there are always sooo many people here.
I have a secret and I'm sure not that many people know about it but one day I was just walking around and I heard water..Well I decided to be the curious explorer that I am and followed the water noise I had to climb down and go through trees and I found the most amazinggg secret that this park has to offer..a beautiful stream with rocks and just a place to relax and clear your mind. This park has another waterfall that you can't miss but the one that I'm talking about it's a hidden gem..you have to find it and I'm not telling where it's at..tee hee =D
Recently I took my son here for the first time and he lovedd it..he was taking in the whole park, the pond, the ducks and enjoyed sitting on the slide. Too bad it was cold and it's winter time right now all the trees are bare..Looking forward to when the Cherry blossoms grow again..the Cherry blossom trees are my absolute favorite.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this park to anyone who lives out in the valley..it's a definite MUST!! -
Review from Sam L.
12/12/2011
This place is okay... although I much prefer the quieter Encino park... but this place is much larger and has more to do.
If you go in the summer, you can rent a paddle boat (fun!) or a bike/surrey.
I typically go here for walking around the lake (it's a nice walk) and looking at the ducks and geese. hahaha. The geese here can be pretty vicious... so hahaha... don't antagonize them.
As people have mentioned, the crowds here on Saturday and Sunday are crazy! Also, there are tons of people having parties and picnics here... so it's a little too much for me....usually.
Side note: They just built (well maybe several months ago) some sort of army "training" facility or some sort of military place next to the park (in some of the park area). hahaha. The thing sort of reminds me of the whole X-Files thing... maybe I'm too much of a skeptic about the government but it is kind of creepy. -
Review from May W.
9/26/2011
I remember coming here when it was Cherry Blossom season. Lake Balboa had soooo many cherry blossoms decorating its perimeter and I never wanted to leave!
We went on the pedal boat and tried to get as close to this strange little turbine/waterfall thing as possible before I chickened out and pedaled for my dear life back to the center of the lake.
This is definitely a must-see if you are in the area. So peaceful, plenty of parking, and wonderful views. -
Review from Kislev A.
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fishing and pedal boating in the man-made lake inside the park...
Long curvy meandering paths...
plenty of parking throughout the park...
connects to the "other parks" across the street (really, I almost consider them one park) that has soccer fields and tennis courts...
play grounds for the kids...
rentable pavillions and BBQ grills...
small waterfall...
jobbing path...
bike path...
golf course...
wetland...
japanese garden on the other side of the street...
remote plane flying field...
rentable club house...
restaurant...
What is NOT to like?!?! -
Review from Ken H.
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the BEST yet FREE cherry blossom you can see in LA region.
Cherry Blossom is in its peak now. Go ASAP before its gone.
What a beautiful treasure! I wish they can plant more cherry blossom trees in this park. -
Review from Gigi D.
6/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Lake Balboa is within walking distance and is a nice place to come for a walk around the lake.
Walking and traveling by foot, is my new thing, as I try and get into shape. So I am always looking for new places to walk.
The lake provides a nice smooth path to walk on, and there are benches along the way, if you need to rest, which I try not to do.
It can get a little busy on the week-ends, so I would prefer to go during the week,
It is a nice break from just walking down the streets with all the traffic and stop lights. The path is kinda short, but since it is scenic, going around a couple times is fine by me.
This will definitely be one of the places I come to, repeatedly, for some exercise. -
Review from Gene k.
Los Angeles, CA
6/4/2011 1 photo
This is one of the best parks in LA. Second to Griffith Park but the Valley version.
There's the Japanese Garden, you can play golf, go running, play ball, have a picnic and many other things that one can think of. It's a pretty decent park. It's maintained fairly well for what it is in the valley. On the weekend you see a lot of people playing soccer which is cool seeing families out enjoying a good time.
The Orange Line Bike Pathway cuts into the Park. It's a pretty scenic ride I have to say. It's great for families to get on their bikes and go around the park. I would advise doing training ride since there's a lot of people unless your a beginner cyclist getting out there.
Overall a great park in the valley!! -
Review from Raymond L.
Northridge, CA
4/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Let me start off with the fact we ALL know this is a MAN made lake. Its bottom is cement, as well as the sidewalks around it.
It's a nice place to hang out with family or friends. The park opens at 9am, closes right before sunset. Just listen to what the park's workers say on their horns.
I agree when the trees blossom it's a really pretty sight.
At times, the park can feel a little trashy, but it's all a matter if you pick up after yourself, and if the grass has been worn down or not. Regardless, a fun place to have a picnic. -
Review from Jessica Y.
Glendale, CA
A huge man-made lake. Perfect place for a stroll, jog, cycling, duck watching, fishing (miniscule suckers), BBQ, and picnics. Catch this place during the fall and spring seasons; more shade and avoid the summer crowd.
The way I see it, it's a big playground for segregated species of birds. The duck clan, the geese gangstas, pigeons, crows... oddly separated by color too. I call them geese gangstas because they're not afraid to bully you for your bag of chips. Oh shit, that goose is huge, take all the chips you want. Damn you, obese goose..
Wanting to do something active other than jogging (unprepared with exercise apparel), I begged my boyfriend to rent a two-person surrey bike ($20/hour). (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) We started off the easy bike path, but easily off-roaded to the advanced bicycling trail.
Hardest cycling experience of my life! Serious cyclists looked at us (surrey cyclists) with confusion, obviously we look like hardcore Asian tourists.
Thankfully, the trail winds around the whole park, including the golf course and regular parks adjacent to the lake; after a 40-minute stroll, we were on our regular path in no time, whew!
Conveniently, there are snack and ice cream trucks to provide drinks, snacks, and ice cream. We really needed the water.
I don't think I will do something active on my next visit here. I would probably just come here for a relaxing picnic, under the shade, maybe a nap, and a beer.
NO MORE attempts to be adventurous, although it was a very amusing and fun experience all together.Listed in: Tha Valley!, FUN
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Review from Kevin K.
Van Nuys, CA
11/26/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I've always loved this park ...it is by far the best park in the valley ... even those who know the valley sucks like this park ...
It has something for everyone ...playgrounds for those with kids ... grassy rolls and bbqs for those with families or otherwise interested...beautiful lakeside for athletic loggers or romantic couples....bike rentals....and paddle boats...
Tons and tons of ducks and cranes and birds of all types make this a wonderful urban oasis
U can come here and forget your troubles and relax and not remember that you r in a flood control basin
If you fish ...bring your pole
This is a great place to come alone as a family...as a couple or by yourself
Do yourself a treat
I find it a five star experience for sure -
Review from Olivier A.
Lake Balboa, CA
3/28/2011
I love playing football here, We usually get a pick up game going and theres always atleast 3 random people willing to play . I love the space at this park!
Bike riding is fun here too. -
Review from Marlene O.
Burbank, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice place to just hang out. Its normally really clean , green and huge. I love having picnics here, we bring the dogs and enjoy the scenery.
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Review from Lindsay M.
Encino, CA
8/24/2011 3 photos
The Lake is a beautiful place to go during the day and especially at night. The stars are perfect and the lighting that hits the water is just gorgeous. It's very peaceful and relaxing.
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Review from Brinda J.
5/16/2010
I'm sorry to all my fellow yelpers for giving two stars. But read what I've got to say. And keep in mind this was from driving 50 miles, sitting in an hour traffic for this:
1. Wanted to see the cherry blossoms. Obviously, I was late. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE AN EXACT TIME TO WHEN THEY WILL BLOOM AND REMAIN BLOOMED??
2. Is that a lake? Or a pond? Seriously.
3. It's man made. How pathetic.
4. No parking during the weekend. Yes it's obvious why.
5. It's pretty, clean, and well taken care of, so that's a good point.
6. Japanese Garden closed on a Saturday! That's just bull! I mean you would get so many people on a Saturday! Stupid.
7. Decent park for those who can't make it to the beach or a proper park...hence
Meh, I've experienced better. I really have! Lake Arrowhead, Lake Big Bear even (heaven forbid) Lake Elsinore.
For a man made lake, this could have been MUCH BETTER.... -
Review from JayChan H.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/1/2010 8 photos
From deep within there is a song that springs forth during the wondrous celebration of nature called spring.
Sakura sakura
Yayoi no sora wa
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi ka kumo ka
Nioi zo izuru
Izaya izaya
Mi ni yu kan Saita sakura
Mina mi te modoro
Yoshino wa sakura
Tatsuta wa momiji
Karasaki no matsu
Tokiwa tokiwa
Iza yukan
When the cherry blossoms come out it's hard not to fall in love with Lake Balboa. 2000 trees, hundreds of ducks and geese and plenty of human celebrants share the beauty of spring in Los Angeles. It would be a darn shame if you miss this.
The joy spring, the fountain of pleasure
Is deep inside you whether you're diggin' it or not
Once you're aware of this spring
You'll know that it's the greatest
Treasure you've got!
Take time to visit the lake. Early mornings during the week are best. Weekends the park is full and parking is harder to come by. -
Review from Joy J.
Tarzana, CA
8/16/2010
I absolutely love this park! I often go to sit and read. There's always a nice breeze, and plenty of trees to find shade under. It's such a large park, that you don't ever feel that you are invading someone else's space.
We just had a birthday party there this weekend, and it was a blast. Word to the wise though, if you are going to have a birthday party here, you need to get there when it opens (6 am) to claim any sort of "uncovered" picnic table. I suggest scouting it ahead of time, so you know exactly where you want to go that morning. If you want a covered picnic area, you need to make reservations a few months in advanced. Even more time for the summer months.
A few tips:
- you can always find parking in the dirt/unpaved parking lot
- don't parallel park or you get a $45 ticket
- the park closes at sunset and if you're not fast enough, they will lock you in
- don't feed the birds or the park enforcers will start shouting at you to stop
- on the north side of the park is a small waterfall.
- don't accidentally fall into or touch this water. It's reclaimed! But it makes for a nice scenic environment. -
Review from Roman T.
Los Angeles, CA
"Roman, where can I take a girl out on a date if I'm broke and at the same time not look like a douche?", you ask. Well fear not my poor friend, Lake Balboa has you covered.
Right now is the perfect time to check out this great place. Their 2,000 cherry blossom trees start blooming around the end of March. I don't have to tell you how breathtaking the sights are when they all bloom, just look at all the great pictures Yelpers posted.
You can also rent those pedal boats and take your date out in the middle of the lake, where she'll have to kiss you or be forced to swim back. Oh yeah.... I forgot.... you're a cheapskate.
Fine, grab a camera and enjoy all the beautiful trees, birds and fish with your date. Or make her cook and have a picnic.
While this place can certainly provide hours of fun for free, not looking like a douche will be all on you. So don't blame Lake Balboa if your date thought a couple of hours with you was a painful experience.....Listed in: MY ROTDs!!!, My photo adventures....
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Review from Sarah D.
Van Nuys, CA
7/3/2008
"Balboa Lake" is actually several different areas combined. The actual lake is In the center, surrounded by a cement 1.3-mile walking path. True, it's all man-made, but it's the closest to "nature" you're going to get in the Valley. Weekday mornings are a great time to get some exercise. It's easy to park, there aren't many people out, and (even in the summer) it's still a bearable temperature before 10:00 a.m.
Although I rarely see people taking advantage of them, the lake also rents out paddle boats and kayaks. (You have to get a swimming certification and take a class to kayak, which I have. Secretly, it makes me feel cool to know that I'm "authorized" to kayak...even though I've only gone twice.)
The lake's regulars include a few old geezers fishing (for what, I'm not quite sure), recently retired couples out for a walk (or a shady sit), a few unemployed folks BBQ-ing (not a bad way to pass the time, if you ask me), a smattering of vigorous dog walkers (with surprisingly well-behaved pooches), and a gaggle of geese (honking loudly). All in all, it's a pleasant crowd.
There isn't any bike riding or rollerblading allowed around the lake; however, a five-mile path surrounds the entire park area. It's safe, clear, and free of children and pedestrians. (Bonus: The Orange line, through the Valley, leads right to the bike path. So, you can ride--sans car traffic--to and from the park.) There's also a 5K dirt path for joggers and runners (although that is an endeavor I cannot understand).
If you still need some outdoor entertainment, you can also hit up the public swimming pool, the 18-hole golf course, the driving range, the Japanese Garden, the soccer fields, the cricket greens, the archery center, or the playground. So, as your mother would say, "Go outside and play!"Listed in: Majestic Van Nuys, Get Off Your Lazy Butt
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Review from Ayelet I.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2008
I started going on walks here every weekend with my mother at 13. It was perfect for us, starting on a simple fitness routine that ended up serving as a catalyst for me, as I started going on walks around the entire block of the park, golf course, and army reserve base, almost every single day once I reached college, before or after classes/work. Ten years later I still head over some days off to get in some early morning exercise energy boosts.
Yet, I have mixed feelings on the place. It's perfect for people looking to jumpstart an easy walking or running routine, families with small children who can bike around the lake or surrounding paths, and picnicking or a small party. It's fairly well maintained and it has bathrooms that while not exactly pleasant are manageable.
The lake itself is the problem. It's man-made and very obvious about it, smelling pretty foul with fish swimming around that look like the three-eyed one from The Simpsons. There is a massive amount of bird shit lining the cement path around the lake too, meaning you have to spend your time looking down and maneuvering around the green poop of the many ducks walking around. It's also seriously congested if you go on a weekend any time after 11 a.m.
Still, if you want a peaceful place to get out and enjoy from freshish Valley air, this is as good a place to do so in the area, but get anywhere near the lake and you may just wish you'd stayed home and run on the treadmill instead. -
Review from Tom T.
Sherman Oaks, CA
8/30/2006
If you live in the Valley, you know Lake Balboa, but did you know that you can go kayaking here? It's a great workout not only for your shoulders/arms/back, but also (for you pilates fans out there), your core muscles.
You, too, can be on the lake in 3 easy steps:
1. Pass a safety swim at an LA public pool. This involves wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, jumping into the deep end of the pool, and not drowning (it's easier than it sounds - if treading water is too tiring, just float on your back for 10-15 minutes)
2. Sign up for an instructional class at the Lake Balboa lifeguard station (where the paddle boat rentals are). Class costs maybe ~$20.
3. After taking the class, pay something like $25 for a pass that gives you 20 rentals.
Now you're ready to terrorize some ducks!
Combine this workout with biking/jogging/blading around the perimeter of the park (5 mile loop) and swimming at the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Pool ($1.50 per swim; free in the summer w/ a LA City library card), and you no longer have any use for your gym!
Oh, and if it's your thing, go hit some golf balls afterwards at the driving range or check out the Japanese Garden (admission fee required) across the street.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from willis s.
Loma Linda, CA
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
very pretty park, beautiful cherry blossom trees. but ive never been here outside of spring. so this review is based on the spring season. i am a huge park nerd, if there is such a word, but i'll stop rhyming now, cause it's starting to be absurd. lol
but i'll start with the bad. there are gnats. its hard to chill and relax when theyre hovering over your face. another downside is if you drive to the park, the park hours end a little early for me.
but all the downsides can be remedied. you'll have ample time if you arrive earlier and there are areas where there are no bugs. theres a golf course right there, so you can buy food or use the restrooms. the park has alot of open space to lay out, benches to sit, tables to eat, and is very picturesque. oh, theres also the usual bum or two, but what park doesnt?
so dont forget to bring your cameras! but not for the bums, but for the pretty cherry blossoms. did i mention there were nice cherry blossoms? -
Review from Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/29/2010
#118 in http://365losangeles.b...
Spring is afoot and if you haven't got a ticket to Japan for cherry blossom season, you've got about a week or two to head over to the next best thing--the cherry blossoms at Lake Balboa in Van Nuys.
We headed out here on Thursday and the lake was busy with family picnics, young and old couples strolling hand in hand, and artists with paintbrushes and easels. Walking around the lake, showered with cherry blossom petals, there really wasn't a better way to spend a weekday afternoon.
The man made lake is filled with reclaimed water and is home to many different species of birds. In the nearby vicinity is also the Japanese Garden, a golf course, an archery range and even a model airplane field. Pretty awesome stuff out there in Van Nuys--who would have thought?? -
Review from Jesse F.
Los Angeles, CA
3/14/2008
Balboa park is great for a few things. The biggest reason to go is the cherry trees. Every year, me and friends go out and do Japanese style hanami under the blossoming sakura. The trees apparently were a gift from Japan.
The other neat thing about this place is you can come bring your kayak and do some practicing in the calm water.
The down side of this park is all the fucking ducks. I mean, there are so many of them. Not really the cute ducks either, the weird short beak black ones... And people feed them. Don't feed the ducks. People complain about all the duck poo and then turn around and give the ducks food. Missing a connection here? Also, it really messes with wild life, so please do not feel the ducks.
Anyway, cool place to hang out, but rather go somewhere a little more out there. -
Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
4/7/2008 1 photo
It's nice and all, with cherry blossoms blooming and ducks everywhere. However, there isn't a whole lot to do here. You just kind walk around and stay on the path until you get bored and then walk on the grass to change it up. I don't really care for the man made lake, it's just sort of big and flat.
The park looks the same from everywhere, at least to me. It would be a sweet spot to bring a blanket and a picnic basket, but other than that it's a whole lot of serenity with not a lot going on. It's nice to see cherry blossoms against the blue sky, though once is sort of enough for me. Three and a half stars, rounded down.Listed in: Cultural Adventuring, Valley Edition
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Review from B G.
Encino, CA
6/29/2011
I take my dog here 3 mornings a week. It's got great paths away from the lake, and the walk on the lake is pleasant.
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Review from Amber N.
Van Nuys, CA
3/13/2008 4 photos
Balboa Lake is an 80 acre water recreation facility within the Sepulveda Flood Control basin.
The centerpiece of the park, Lake Balboa, is a 27 acre lake filled with water reclaimed from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.
Facility Hours Of Operation:
Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Lifeguard Hours: 9:00 a.m. to Dusk
Fishing: During Park Hours
Boating: 9:00 a.m. to Hour Before Sunset
**The park is subject to closure during rainy weather **
Facility Features: BARBECUE PITS
CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
PICNIC TABLES
Special Features: 1.3 MILE JOGGING/WALKING PATH
BIKE PATH
CASCADE
CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES (JAPANESE)
FLY FISHING AREA
LAKE W/ FISHING (NO SWIMMING)
LAUNCH RAMP
PARKING LOTS
PEDAL BOATS
PICNIC PAVILIONS
PRIVATE BOATING (ONLY BOATS W/ NO MOTORS UNLESS ELECTRIC TROLLING)
REMOTE CONTROL BOATING COVE
RESTROOMS
Sports Programs: FISHING
KAYAK
KAYAK FITNESS PROGRAM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The lake area is a perfect place to have a picnic with a special someone or a friend...you can even bring lunch there for yourself and enjoy the peaceful nice surroundings. Nice trees and geese and ducks as well.
Cherry Blossom trees are in full bloom mid March....and the trees are LOVELY....a TRUE MUST SEE.
I like to go here and take pictures when the Cherry Blossems arrive 8))
All and all....Balboa Lake is a wonderful place to have close by...and I really like it
Couldn't ever see myself spending more than 2 hours here tops...thats if I was with someone.
alone maybe 45-1 hour -
Review from Beth T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2008
Sigh....cherry blossom trees in full bloom everywhere! As we found a place to park mid-morning on a weekend day, I just couldn't get over the beauty of the trees. The weather was perfect as sis and I took a walk around the man-made lake. I know people have mentioned the smell but I noticed nothing, maybe it isn't hot enough yet.
Although it was still fairly early there were plenty of couples, families, people with their dogs and cos players out and about under the trees. It was fun to watch all the cos players taking pictures under the blossoms, apparently it's a tradition to do this and it must be very popular too as we saw many more costumes arriving as we were leaving.
I actually thought for the amount of birds, ducks and geese meandering about the pond area there would be more poo but the walkway was pretty clean. We brought bread and although you aren't supposed to feed the avians we still ninja'd them a bit of carbs. As we looked into the pond too I noticed very large fish - of the koi variety as well as carps (at least this is what the old man who walked by told us)
I also really liked the idea that the bike path/running path is separate from the walking/picnic area - this works out for both sides I think. It's definitely a place I will bring sis's bike or my roller skates to for a little workout in the near future.
With the happy families, the many hanami groups, the cos players and the cherry trees this most certainly didn't feel like LA. I kept thinking what a lovely date this would be, hanging out among the blossoms, drinking sake and eating lil' bites. On a gorgeous spring day you can't really get much better than this.Listed in: Happy Trails to You
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Review from Justice E.
Encino, CA
5/19/2008
Seriously? People are giving this place 4-5 stars?!?
1. It's man made.
2. It smells like duck sh*t.
3. Everyone and their mom comes here so parking is a b*tch.
4. Why go to a lake when the beach is just 20 minutes away?!
WTF!? If you want scenery, go to the Japanese Gardens. If you want to walk, there's a 4 mile trail around Balboa Park. -
Review from elissa b.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
4/4/2011
Caution on the bike path. Even though there are running paths and places to walk, people use the bike path for everything except biking.
If you do chose to bike, be extremely careful. No one is paying attention to you, and they won't give you space so you have to stop and walk your bike. I had the misfortune of getting my ribs broken, and side of my face slammed trying to move out of the way of a family who insisted on moving into my bike, even though they were facing me! I moved to the side, they would move to that same side, I moved to other side, so did they, so I moved again, and they moved again...... that's when I wiped out. All I could do was watch the blood pour from my head while the man jumbled something in Farsi.....
It's a nice park with a great bike path, but I will never come here again. -
Review from Shingo A.
3/21/2010 3 photos
Cherry (Sakura) is in full bloom. And from looks of it, end is near. Saw lots of Japanese people having picnic lunch near the cherry tree. Wasn't as impressive as I imagined but had a good time eating "home made" bento under the shade of a tree. Lots of ducks, geese,
pigeons, and seagulls on the property. I saw several huge carps swimming in the lake. -
Review from Mike S.
Encino, CA
1/7/2008
Balboa is both great... and pretty crappy depending on what you're there for and how many times you've gone. For runners... well, its no bad if you're only looking to go about 3-5 miles... there's a bike path that goes all the way around the park which is exactly 5 miles long, and there's also a dirt path starting from the parking lot on Burbank that is about 3.1 miles long (5K). So for the recreational runner/jogger/cyclist, its not so bad.
If you're going there for the lake, well... I hope you're having a BBQ there, 'cause outside of watching the old guys fish, and chasing the geese around and laughing as they spread their wings and hiss at you, not much goin' on there either. I mean... its pretty, I guess?
Its a chill place to get some fresh air or have a picnic or something... I wouldn't really know since I only go there for light workouts when I don't feel like running too hard in the hills.
There's also lots of wildlife in the nearby Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve, which is near the Sepulveda dam. Lots of spiders and rabbits... and I've seen snakes there. But... eh... I wouldn't suggest going there by yourself. For one thing, there aren't many people there, so no one would be able to hear you scream if something happened. The other thing... I'm pretty sure that a part of the basin is used by gang members as a meeting place so uh... haha, stay away at sundown. Also, there are some unsavory characters that hide in the bushes over there... so... like I said, don't go alone.
Eh, I gave it 3/5... 'cause at the very least, its chill... and there are lots of people running around on the bike path and dirt trails, and inside the park... so I dunno, maybe you can meet someone cool there. Unlikely, but hey... *shrug* -
Review from H P.
Van Nuys, CA
5/12/2010
Ahhhh....Lake Balboa Park
During the week and during the weekend this place is a completely different experience.
During the week...
let's say a typical Wednesday afternoon. 3, maybe 4pm.
The playground is full of nanny's (or as I like to call them..panchitas) and stay at home mom's. One or two fathers who brought the kids to play after school. Not too crowded, not too loud. A few ppl grilling meat and a few ppl fishing. There are bikers and runners enjoying the Orange Line adjacent bike path that passes through the park and a few annoying ppl feeding the birds.
If you stay long enough you'll get to enjoy the best part of this park. Dusk. It's really a picturesque scene. You won't be able to resist taking out your camera phone.
During the weekend.
First...parking. Parking is hell here. Finding a spot takes a few rounds around the park. I'd say 2 out of 5 times there will be some annoying ppl trying to save that spot for someone. So good luck w/that argument. Another thing about parking...park in parking spaces or parallel only. Do not park head in so you fit in a smaller space. Parking enforcement likes to frequent this park and they won't hesitate to slap that $45 fine on your windshield.
You can ride/rent a pedal boat on the weekend. (everyday during summer) or rent a bike. They have tricycles and bikes that fit four. I believe the proper name for those are Surrey bikes.
The crowd on the weekend is insane. Lot's of ppl around the lake. The playground is full and all picnic tables around the lake will be occupied. A few birthday parties. A few jumpers. Jumpers aren't technically allowed at this park but park rangers do not enforce that rule.
I'd say if you want to have a party or a gathering at this park during the weekend you would have to get there early.
I give this park a 4. The positives out weight the negatives at this park. And the lake, you can't beat that. -
Review from Raymond F.
Pasadena, CA
11/29/2008
Great park to run at
Riding the bike path can be dangerous due to people that cannot control a dog -
Review from Edward B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/15/2007
Great place to take a girl on a walk around the lake...
You can go fishing, too!
And there's secret spots where you can catch baby fish...
This place gets really crowed on the weekends though... Everyone and their mothers come out to have birthday parties... They have sheltered areas with tables for that.
Caution though... sometimes it smells... The water in the lake is 100% reclaimed water... Skinny dipping in the lake is a BAD idea... -
Review from Teri O.
Calabasas, CA
8/15/2008
The beach is just 20 minutes away? Are you kidding me? Do you live in Los Angeles? Nothing is twenty minutes away in LA except your next door neighbor.
I like this place as it's huge and has tons of walking/biking paths. It's the middle of the fricking Valley, so don't expect the Gardens of Versailles for godsake.
The landscape is drought resistant and colorful, there is a lot of shade, but it's still pretty hot in the middle of summer. Walk to Victory and do a power walk along the Orange line path or go through the Encino golf course.
The weekends are out of control and crowded, but during the week it makes for a nice place to do you bit of outdoor living. -
Review from Shirley A.
Sherman Oaks, CA
8/18/2009
Strolled through here last night with my guy and was pleasantly surprised. I've known of this place, just never made a point to come by. We came just before dusk and it was pretty packed. I can imagine how busy this place gets mid-day in the summertime, which would be a negative for me, so I'll stick to my late afternoon strolls.
However, it looks like a great place to have a picnic and spend an afternoon tucked away under a tree to read a book. The expanse of the lake and manicured grounds are really beautiful! -
Review from laura j.
Topanga, CA
1/18/2009
This is my favorite place to walk around. If you're interested in walking 5 miles with some great scenery, you should walk around this park. Make sure you walk around the PARK and not just around the lake/golf course/park trail. Those are great walks, but they're not the 5 mile track that I'm talking about. If you walk around the park, which runs along Balboa, Burbank, Woodley, and Victory, you'll be doing the 5 mile walk/run.
This park is great to go with friends, pets, or even to meditate by yourself. -
Review from Marie D.
Burbank, CA
8/16/2009
Lake Balboa and the surrounding grounds are "ok" - I say ok only because the park is pretty much constantly PACKED. On the weekends it's near impossible to find parking. By the lake there are tons of birds/geese and as you can imagine they crap everywhere - so make sure you check your shoes if you're strolling down by the water.
The kids area has a big playground which is ok - but again, always PACKED.
Nice place to go for a walk with the family, though. The Japanese Garden which is kinda on the other side of the park is super nice (but you do have to pay to get in). -
Review from Charles N.
West Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2008
It is a nice little lake and environment. I usually go there and fish and catch Tilapia. They are mostly small-finger length to 12" long, and put up a good fight. Carp up to 8+lbs or so are also in there. The grounds are nice and there is plenty of shade.
Runners and bikers, skaters and walkers abound, enjoying the scenery.
Its not a super place to fish for big ones...but for one who wants to wet a line and have a guarantee getting something, its great. Especially for the kids. Seeing them with a big smile at catching a tiliapia is a treat. I go and give them tips etc. Its always good to also tell them to pick up trash and leave the place cleaner than when they found it.
Lake Balboa is lovely and would be nice for a BBQ, family event, or just chilling. I've seen people kayaking and paddle boating and it looks like fun. -
Review from Aimee J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2009
They used to do free archery here on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. It was a lot of fun and a great date night activity.
However, I did not enjoy being felt up while being instructed how to pull back the bow.
