Serrania Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

This park represents the absolute definition of a great place over the past 10 years of my life. I raised both my dogs from puppyhood there, played ball with my children there, and had more lunches and meals there than I can count. I never had my cars broken into or robbed from. I flew my first drones there while learning to fly. As a meeting point it rocks. As a mountain hiking spot its a good start with a few trails with ascending difficulty. The people are locals and I never had problems with any. The one and only thing that ever came up was there was a little time when animal control would come out and ticket dog owners for uncollared dogs but the community would warn park visitors about the rare occasions when it was happening. The community rallies around keeping unwanted persons out. Its one of those places you have no fear of letting daughters and wives to alone but, society being what it is, being aware of your surroundings at all times is our critical survival tool. All in all a great park to walk or...

'Secret' Dog Park of Woodland Hills

Probably the worst-kept secret of Woodland Hills, but this is a great place to let your dogs run around...provided they are dog/people friendly. Aggressive dogs & their owners are quickly shunned by the clannish, protective people there, so perhaps steer clear if you're looking to the be alpha jerk who ruins other people's good times.

That said, if you're looking for just a park, park; perhaps avoid this one as the dogs have really taken over. There are some dog-free areas including a well-maintained children's playground that is both shaded and fenced off to keep out dogs and rattlesnakes. Did I mention their are occasional rattlesnakes? Yeah, watch out for that.

There are also some nice shaded areas that are less dog-frequented, so a good place for a picnic.

Additionally there is a not-obvious trail that will take you up to Mulholland with some great views of the valley. Can get a little steep at times and there is very little shade,...

In the last 10 years or so, Serrania seems to have become an unofficial dog park so I've noticed a decrease in families and people without pets coming to the park for the day or an afternoon.

There is a large play area that is surrounded by a very tall gate so parents with children can feel comfortable and safe and not worry about their children wandering off or possibly having to deal with a aggressive dog. It has a very large sand pit that is clean with quite a few play structures, swings, and open space to play. The playground used to be packed with children and their families but sadly, that isn't the case anymore.

The rest of the park is mostly used by dogs and their owners. Some, especially parents with young children, may not be comfortable as many of the dogs are let off of their leash. It's still a beautiful park in a quiet residential neighborhood but it just may not appeal to...