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Exposition Park in Los Angeles
Parks · South Los Angeles

Exposition Park

Exposition Park is a historic green space and museum district just south of Downtown LA, anchored by the iconic Rose Garden. It brings together top museums, the LA Memorial Coliseum, and BMO Stadium in one walkable hub.

Why visit

Exposition Park lets visitors combine a stroll through a gorgeous, free rose garden with world-class museums and historic sports venues, all in a single compact area. It is an efficient, affordable way to experience several of LA's best attractions in one outing.

Exposition Park is a cultural and recreational anchor for Los Angeles, combining open green space with a remarkable concentration of attractions. At its heart, the sunken Exposition Park Rose Garden displays thousands of rose bushes across formal beds, offering a peaceful, free retreat that is especially stunning when in bloom. Radiating out from the gardens are the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum, and other institutions, making the park a one-stop destination for families and culture seekers.

History

The grounds date to the late 19th century and were redeveloped into Exposition Park in the early 1910s, with the Rose Garden and major museum buildings established around that era. The park later hosted events tied to the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games at the adjacent Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and it remains a central venue heading toward the 2028 Games, evolving over the decades into the city's premier museum and sports district.

Insider Tips

  • ✦Visit the Rose Garden in spring for peak bloom.
  • ✦Bundle the Science Center and Natural History Museum in one trip.
  • ✦Avoid driving on Coliseum or stadium event days when traffic spikes.

Photo Tips

  • 📸Shoot the symmetrical rose beds of the sunken Rose Garden in spring bloom.
  • 📸Frame the historic facade of the Natural History Museum from the gardens.
  • 📸Capture the LA Memorial Coliseum's peristyle arches for a classic landmark shot.

Before You Go

  • ✓Check whether the Rose Garden is open, as it sometimes closes for seasonal maintenance.
  • ✓Plan which museums you want to visit, since several cluster here.
  • ✓Consider the Metro E Line to avoid game-day parking congestion.

Visiting with family

The park's open lawns and free Rose Garden pair perfectly with its kid-friendly museums for a full, low-cost family day out.

Where to Eat Nearby

🍽️ Mercado La Paloma for diverse, casual food stalls🍽️ USC Village eateries near the campus🍽️ On-site museum cafes for quick bites

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Exposition Park FAQ

Is Exposition Park free?

Yes, the park grounds and Rose Garden are free; the museums and sports venues within set their own admission prices.

What is there to do at Exposition Park?

You can stroll the Rose Garden, visit the California Science Center and Natural History Museum, and see the LA Memorial Coliseum and BMO Stadium.

When is the Rose Garden best?

It is most spectacular in spring through early summer, though it occasionally closes for seasonal maintenance.

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