PLAYA TO PARK TRAIL
BUILDING A BRIDGE FROM BALDWIN HILLS TO THE BEACH

After months of Los Angeles residents having limited options for recreation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Park to Playa Trail is complete just in time to offer Angelenos a long-awaited and safe opportunity to explore the outdoors.  

The Park to Playa Regional Trail is 13-miles long and connects a network of trails, parks, and open spaces from the Baldwin Hills Parklands to the Pacific Ocean.  The trail has six segments: Stocker Corridor, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Blair Hills – Segment C, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Culver City Park, and Ballona Creek Bike Path. It represents the first regional trail in South Los Angeles.

“When we broke ground on this trail eight months ago—the world looked entirely different,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “Despite this, some things remain the same, or perhaps have become even more important. The value of human connection and opportunities to experience the beauty of our natural environment has become paramount to our wellbeing. Today we celebrate the Park to Playa Trail, which represents the best of what public agencies can do, when they come together, to create special spaces and experiences for our community.”

The trail was built in seven different segments over the past ten years, with the connection between Hahn Park and the Stoneview Nature Center representing the final segment—and previous missing link—to the now seamless trail.

The Link – Baldwin Hills Parklands shuttle bus service transports park visitors from the Metro Expo La Cienega Station to Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area and the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. 

The Parklands Shuttle operates 8 am – 6 pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays. Rides are .25 cents one way. The shuttle is free for Seniors and children under 5.

The shuttle has three routes with stops located at the La Cienega/Jefferson Metro bus stop adjacent to the Expo Station, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. 
Shuttles run on a 20-minute route, are airconditioned, and ADA accessible.

“Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas understands that trails connect people not only to the outdoors but to each other–and this bridge stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to community engagement and empowerment,” said the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Director, Norma E. García-González. “The Park to Playa Bridge and Trail will become a destination for hikers and nature lovers; a recreational route for the community that will join together Hahn Park and Stoneview Nature Center, onto the Ballona Creek and finally to the Pacific Ocean, forming a 13-mile trail. It even includes a wildlife corridor, a landscaped path for small animals to cross La Cienega Blvd.” 

Baldwin Hills Conservancy Executive Officer David McNeill added, “Not only will this connection provide a safe elevated crossing for pedestrians and bicycles, it creates an opportunity for wildlife to visit both ridgelines which increases the region’s biodiversity. While the ongoing expansion of Baldwin Hills Parklands has brought a lot of openings, the anticipation from the public for this bridge has been higher than I have seen in years. The Conservancy has been getting emails and calls for months leading up to this day. We’re just grateful the final piece of Park to Playa has come to fruition.”

This is how we run to the beach.