Timeline
15:36
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Start at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It is a classic zoo with popular exhibits including a chimpan complex, a gorilla area, and a large elephant complex. Use this time to explore the grounds or just find a quiet bench near the rainforest exhibit before the crowds arrive. The walk from here to the next spot is about 30 minutes ESE.
16:06
Walk southeast to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. This antique carousel dates back to 1926 and features a large band organ. Sit nearby on the playground benches or just watch the mechanism work. It is a gentle way to pass the time while the sky begins to change color. The walk from the zoo was 30 minutes, and this spot is 49 minutes from the anchor, but we are using the zoo as our start point.
17:06
Stay at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round area. As the sun sets toward the WSW at 17:06, the golden light from 16:29 will have washed over the park. This open area offers a clear view of the western horizon. Enjoy the final moments of daylight here, listening to the distant sounds of the park.
17:36
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
End your evening with a short walk back towards the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens area. The transition from dusk to night is peaceful here. You can sit in the elephant complex area or the reptile house exterior if it is still open, or simply enjoy the quiet of the northern end of Griffith Park as the stars come out.
Local tip
The zoo is open on Sundays only from 11AM-3PM, but since we are using the surrounding Griffith Park area and the zoo entrance is just a starting point for the walk, you can still access the general park paths. Check the route if you need specific entry details after hours.
Check before you go
- The Los Angeles Zoo is only open Sundays 11AM-3PM. If you are visiting on a weekday, you can still access the Griffith Park paths near the zoo entrance, but the zoo itself will be closed.
- The sunset time is 17:06 on January 15th. Golden light starts around 16:29.
- The walk between the zoo and the merry-go-round is about 30-40 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Los Angeles (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).