Abandoned places in Southern California – Griffith Park Zoo

Looking for an abandoned place in southern California to have a picnic or BBQ? Maybe you spent the day at the observatory or re-enacting Star Trek scenes at Bronson Caves and now you need a relaxing spot in the park to decompress and nosh. The abandoned zoo picnic and barbeque grounds may fit your need.

Brief History

The Griffith Park Zoo was a city-owned zoo in Los Angeles, California that opened in 1912 with a grand total of 15 animals and closed in 1966. Most of the enclosures were built in the caves-with-iron-bars style which was then standard for zoos. The Griffith Park Zoo was not the first zoo in Los Angeles, that distinction goes to the city owned Eastlake Zoo in East Los Angeles which opened in 1885. In 1958 the city passed a $8 million bond measure to create a brand new zoo. Griffith Park Zoo closed in August 1966 and its animals were transferred to the new Los Angeles Zoo, which opened in November 1966.

Location

Address for Park Center: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Finding the old zoo grounds, although not difficult, can be onerous for individuals new to Griffith Park. My recommendation is to park in one of the parking lots between the merry-go-round and Shane’s Inspiration, preferably close to Shane’s Inspiration. Then head west from there. Within a couple minutes you’ll be able to sit at tables and picnic among these old ruins. As a precaution, check the Griffith Park website before heading out.