Lake Balboa Park, known officially as Anthony C. Beilenson Park, is the San Fernando Valley's answer to New York's Central Park. Lake Balboa, a man-made lake filled with reclaimed water from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, is the centerpiece of this urban oasis, which provides city dwellers with endless opportunities to experience nature and to engage in healthy outdoor pursuits.
Parking and public transportation at Lake Balboa Park
Parking is free at Lake Balboa Park and there are several large parking lots on the grounds, which can be accessed through the entrance on Balboa Boulevard. During times of peak usage, usually on weekend afternoons, overflow parking is available in the dirt lot on the northwest side of the park. The Metro Orange Line provides bus service to the Balboa Orange Line Station on the north side of the park at the corner of Balboa and Victory Boulevards.
Best and worst time to go to Lake Balboa Park
Lake Balboa is one of the most popular parks in the San Fernando Valley, so if you are looking for some peace and quiet you might want to avoid weekend afternoons when the park is full of birthday parties and bouncy houses. Early mornings and right before sunset are perfect times to take a stroll around the lake, and if you love cherry blossoms then you must visit in March or April when the 2,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees on the grounds are in bloom.
Admission to Lake Balboa Park
Admission to Lake Balboa Park is free and dogs are welcome if they are on a leash. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, but will occasionally close during particularly rainy weather.
Must see/do at Lake Balboa Park
Lake Balboa Park is the perfect place for a family outing with barbecue pits, picnic tables, picnic pavilions and a universally accessible children's playground. The 27-acre Lake Balboa gives visitors plenty of space to enjoy jogging, walking, fishing, boating, remote control boating and bird watching. Bike rentals are available, with a wide assortment of styles on hand including Surreys, tandems and cruisers.
Other places to visit near Lake Balboa Park
Lake Balboa Park is part of the larger Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, which offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Golfers can get in a round at one of three golf courses – Encino Golf Course, Balboa Golf Course and Woodley Lakes Golf Course. Garden lovers and tranquility seekers will enjoy the Japanese Garden, while sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the numerous playing fields at the Balboa Sports Center and the Hjelte Sports Center.
Insider tip for visitors to Lake Balboa Park
The lake attracts an impressive array of waterfowl throughout the year – everything from American Coots and Belted Kingfishers to Snowy Egrets and Mute Swans. While it may be almost impossible to resist the urge to offer the birds some of your sandwich, be aware that feeding the birds is strictly prohibited.
Author's bio: Amy Clites is a writer, content creator, actor and proud resident of the San Fernando Valley. She is also an avid gardener, cook, reader and traveler and writes regularly about these topics and more on her blog ZeitClites and on Twitter at @AmyClites.