Gloria Molina Grand Park is a 12-acre public park at 200 N Grand Ave in Los Angeles‘s Civic Center and Bunker Hill district, stretching four blocks from the Music Center plaza down to City Hall. Opened in 2012 as Grand Park and renamed in honor of the late county supervisor Gloria Molina, it is the city’s civic front lawn, best known for its wade-able membrane pool, Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, and free public events and concerts.
What to Expect at Gloria Molina Grand Park
The park is laid out as a sequence of distinct spaces running downhill from Grand Avenue toward Spring Street. At the top, the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain anchors the Music Center end, with a large circular basin and jets that can be programmed to leap, drift, or sit still. Below it, the Event Lawn and Performance Lawn host everything from yoga and farmers-market-style programming to large community festivals, with an intimate performance area suited to small concerts and shows.
The park’s signature feature is its shallow, wade-able membrane pool, which invites visitors to walk through the water, a rarity in downtown Los Angeles. The landscape is dotted with shade trees, colorful seating, and plantings that mark each block’s character. Grand Park is also home to some of the city’s best-known public gatherings, including the annual Fourth of July block party and New Year’s Eve celebration, and the park maintains a calendar of free events through its official site.
- Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain: A large, choreographed fountain at the Grand Avenue end, close to the Music Center and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, popular for photos and cooling off on warm days.
- Wade-able Membrane Pool: A shallow pool you can walk through, set among lawns and seating, and a favorite with children.
- Performance Lawn: An open lawn with an intimate performance area used for concerts, dance, and community programming.
- Event Lawn and Civic Setting: Open green space framing views of Los Angeles City Hall, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
- Free Seasonal Events: Signature celebrations such as the Fourth of July block party and New Year’s Eve countdown draw large crowds to the park.
Gloria Molina Grand Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Civic Center / Bunker Hill, Downtown Los Angeles |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 5:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to enter ($); some special events may be ticketed |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro B/D Lines at Civic Center/Grand Park Station; Metro A/E Lines at Historic Broadway; paid garages nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | grandparkla.org | +1 213-972-8080 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Mornings are the quietest time, with joggers and office workers sharing the lawns; early evenings bring the best light on City Hall and the fountains. Weekend afternoons and event days draw crowds, so arrive early for popular programming and check the official site for the current calendar and fountain or pool operating schedules. The Metro B and D Lines stop at Civic Center/Grand Park Station directly beside the park, and the Historic Broadway Station on the A and E Lines is a short walk away. Paid parking is available in nearby garages, including those serving the Music Center and the Civic Center.
The park’s terrain slopes gently from Grand Avenue toward Spring Street, with paths and ramps connecting the blocks, making it generally manageable for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms are located at the park’s service areas. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk, you can reach the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad and Grand Avenue’s museums, Los Angeles City Hall’s observation deck, and the food stalls of Grand Central Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours and best time to visit?
The park is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10 PM. Weekday mornings are quietest, while late afternoon offers the best light and a lively atmosphere, especially on event days.
Is there an admission fee or do events require tickets?
Entry to the park is free. Many events are free as well, but some special programming may require tickets or registration, so check the official website before you go.
How long should I plan to spend at Grand Park?
Plan one to two hours for a walk through all four blocks, time at the fountain and pool, and a stop on the lawns. Allow longer if you are attending a concert or festival.
Is the park accessible and family friendly?
Yes. Paved paths and gentle slopes make the park navigable for wheelchairs and strollers, and the wade-able pool, open lawns, and fountain make it well suited to families with children.
When planning your Los Angeles travel guide or comparing verified parks and event venue in Los Angeles, pair this stop with standout local spots including FIGat7th, Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 8000 Sunset Strip, and Abernethy's (0.2 km away).
