Angels Knoll

Sometimes, a friend will confide with me that they recently went thru a bad break up. Upon, hearing the news, I tell them to watch the movie — 500 Days of Summer. It’s a great teaching tool for love, relationships, and everything in between. You can fall for someone in the most unconventional way, so don’t always believe that your story is going to be the garden variety tale.
Rachel Hansen (played by Chloë Grace Moretz) gives great advice — «Just because she likes the same bizzaro crap you do doesn’t mean she’s your soul mate.»
Angel’s Knoll is the setting for the park bench scene in the film noted above. Even though it’s currently closed, I thought I’d write about, cause some of you are dire hard fanatics of the flick. Once, you people embrace a moment that you can connect with, you guys don’t miss a beat.
I’m sure some of you would even try to re-​enact the scene. Whatever toots your horn. But, the last time I was walking up Angel’s Flight, the park was gated off from the general public. So much for sharing a warm moment with someone special or telling your partner the brutal truth that they were never good enough for you.
Seems like there aren’t any concrete plans for developing the surrounding land. There were complaints about trash and loitering at the park, so the powers that may be decided to just fence the whole thing off in order to reduce the depreciation of the grounds. Anyways, I hope they do open it up soon. I too have been waiting for a girl like Autumn. I just despise people like Summer.

Bf and I climbed 100+ stairs on a Sunday afternoon. I really enjoy the fall. The dreadful heat has finally left.
I’m not sure of the rest of Angels Knoll, but the stairway was still open. It was a nice walk.

I’ve been the Duchess of this park in the past, but since moving buildings and moving jobs, I haven’t been back recently.
From my time near Angels Knoll, it was one of the few grassy parks in DTLA… and you get to oversee the city and that darn litigation billboard to boot. It’s not as big as it may seem in pictures (I’ve seen people take their engagement photos here and it looks like a Central Park like of place), but a nice quiet spot to enjoy lunch or take a breather from corporate America.
It was also here where I’ve:
— seen 40+ goats here in September one year. the goats were here to eat the overrun vegetation and weeds growing here. imagine leaving late at night (think midnight) from work and seeing a hill full of goats. yea, I thought I had gone crazy)
— experienced so many rats that hide during the day and come out at night
— seen poo and random things left behind by the homeless and not so homeless
— the iconic view as memorialized in (500) Days of Summer
I remember locating a DTLA map from 2007 and seeing how this place, along with the concrete park below and Angels Flight, was the site of the proposed third tower of Cal Plaza. Finding that map in 2011, I was thankful that we still had the park and had it open so that there were still some grassy areas to enjoy. The closing of the park may be the developer’s realization of some version of a proposed Cal Plaza, Tower 3. Hopefully not, but I certainly can see (from my daily walks through here) the detriments of keeping this park open.
‘Tis nice while it lasted.

Angel’s knoll is an awesome little park in DTLA. When I moved to downtown four years ago, I moved into the Metro 417 Apartments which is right across the street. My first apartment there had an awesome view of the park, with City Hall in the distance. I moved to LA from San Francisco, which is a very beautiful city, but places like Angel’s Knoll helped ease the transition to the concrete jungle of LA, and I really appreciated that a place like this existed.
Sadly, the park was closed a few weeks ago. That’s why I’m starting a petition and a facebook Group that you can join to show support if you want to re-​open Angel’s Knoll and keep it as a public park. I am petitioning the city to get involved in either purchasing it and making it an official park, or for them to be involved with the park’s sale to restrict its use so that it can somehow remain a public park.
Here’s my petition:
Here’s the facebook group:

Friday, August 9, 2013, by Neal Broverman
The Angels Knoll park above the Angels Flight funicular, the spot where Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon Levitt had a lovely moment in (500) Days of Summer, has been closed to the public to keep out the homeless and prepare for a property sale – the upper space of the park, where JGL’s character described his love for architecture and his plans for improving LA’s skyline, and the Hill Street concrete plaza at the foot of Angels Flight, across from Grand Central Market, are now both off-​limits. A successor agency to the now-​shuttered Community Redevelopment Agency owns the park and is trying to sell it – bureaucrats thought clearing the space of people would help, the Downtown News reports.
The Hill Street space was thronged with homeless people; according to Grand Central Market owner Adele Yellin, some were defecating in the space. On top of it all, when the park was first fenced off a few weeks ago, officials didn’t include a gate, so the no one could remove the overflowing garbage bins inside, and a rat problem soon took over. The city added a gate and cleaned up the space on Wednesday, but both parks remain closed. There’s no timeline for a sale of the parks and many are steaming that it’s now inaccessible: «I think it looks awful,» one downtown worker says. «Yes, now it’s clean, but you can’t go inside.»

Knowing how much I loved (500) Days of Summer, my bf took me to this park on my birthday weekend last year. We came on a Sunday evening since we were in Little Tokyo. There were a few couples around trying to get pictures in like us. It kind of sucks that you can’t really enjoy it because someone else is hovering around, waiting for their chance to take a picture. Win some lose some.
The park itself has a bunch of homeless people wandering around, as does the whole downtown area. Hope you can stand the smell of urine. Props to Tom Hansen for seeing the beauty in a place like this.

If you go here! Make sure to take Angel’s flight up!
Pretty great view of the surrounding area! You don’t see too much but it’s a nice view of LA. It’s not a great view, but it is something different. Many ppl come here to view the ‘500 days of Summer’ bench and take pics so there’s usually a line forming right behind it! Some people are annoying and sit there for long periods of time. Thanks guys.
There’s a lot to do around the area so don’t hesitate to look around! There are a few homeless people here and there, especially at the front of the park. I had a homeless guy shout something about wiping blood off of something to me. Creepy. There’s the smell of pee at a lot of places, but it goes away once you’re away from the stairs!
A must see if you’re in the area!

The first time I saw «500 Days of Summer» I recognized almost every single part of Los Angeles in the scenes («Hey! That’s the Bradbury Building!») except for this park.
Yes, this is THE park where Summer and Tom sat on that now iconic bench.
As for the reviewers complaining about the homeless and the stench of urine, GET OVER IT. If you know downtown Los Angeles you know what to expect.
So when I finally came to this little park, I was underwhelmed. I also know that movies are magic, and nothing is ever what it appears to be like.
I went on Saturday, March 23^rd around 5 pm. A female security officer kindly told us that the park was closed, and that they were still observing winter hours. We told her that my friends were here from out of town and that they wanted to take a picture on THE bench. She let us go ahead and get our little photo shoot over with.
The plaque that was once on the back of the bench has been stolen.
The view is ok. The park was empty. The grass was not that green or pretty. Plenty of shade and lots of fences around to remind you were you are. You can walk up the short flight of stairs to get there, or take Angel’s Flight up and then walk down some stairs to get to the park.
P. S. Not a homeless person in sight or the smell of urine :)

My 100^th review, and it’s a 5-​star review!
The landmark known from 500 Days of Summer, this teeny park is a relief from the hustle and bustle of LA. You will have to take the Angels Flight railtrain to get to it, or walk up a long flight of stairs. The park has a lot of grass, a great view of LA buildings, lots and lots of thorny cotton trees, the famous bench, and the regular hobo or two.
Before coming here, check out their hours and don’t forget your camera!

**THE BENCH, VIEW, AND TOURISTS of ANGELS KNOLL**
You can either hate or love the fact that 500 Days of Summer RUINED Angels Knoll.
Awkward couples, tourists, and even the homeless will RUIN the experience for you (especially on weekends).
But overall, you just HAVE TO stop by if you’re nearby.
I’ve enjoyed the movie and I’ve enjoyed the view.
But was it worth it?
Perhaps, if you don’t mind sitting on the grassy knolls instead of the benches.
The city line is nice. .. the buildings are even nicer.
After 5 minutes of sitting, I was over it.
It’s not isolated, it’s no longer romantic, and the surrounding shady peeps put me on HIGH ALERT.
Head over to the nearest bar for a cocktail and you should be fine.
RECOMMEND for a quick 5 minute visit and then BOUNCE, bro.

This park is now known for 500 Days of Summer. The bench that Tom and Summer sat on is in the middle of the park. There was a couple taking pictures, but not a long wait before it was my turn to sit on it. I was quite breath taken by the view, it was exactly what I thought it would be like in real life. A parking structure, some building, lots of cars, and the busy LA city noise. I didn’t mind it. This park is not like the parks in my area, its a lot smaller, and louder. However I was willing to make the trip out to LA to find Angels Knoll, I wanted to sit on the bench with my boyfriend.
Angels Knoll is free. They have hours. as well. A great place to take pictures. Free wifi. And quite romantic! You may feel lonely if you go alone… since there are many couples there waiting for their turn on the bench.
I did not sit on the bench for long, I felt bad after about three minutes. Although I did wait my turn, I felt unworthy! My boyfriend and I switched to the bench at the back of the park. Quiet. Romantic.
A great park to visit! Even out of the area, I believe this park lives up to its name. its quite beautiful.

500 Days of Summer. Tom’s bench is here. That’s all I needed to hear to compel me to visit this place since I am quite the fan of that movie. My boyfriend and I came here at night and it was such a nice surprise. I mean how does such a place exist in the middle of Concrete City?
We had to wait a while for this couple to get off the bench. They took a really long time since apparently they came prepared with snacks and everything. It was worth it just to say I’ve sat on the bench. Besides the bench, there isn’t much else. It’s literally a hill with a few benches around and a lot of creepy looking trees. But the view of the city is pretty nice.
Super romantic. Take your date here! ⁴⁄₅

Let’s get this out of the way now!
YES, this is the park made famous by the movie 500 Days of Summer!
Now, that’s not the reason I love this little park so much.
I love it because it’s by far one of the most peaceful, beautiful places in all of Downtown Los Angeles. It also boasts some of the best views of the Downtown LA skyline.
It’s free to get into
It’s relaxing
It’s a great place to take pictures
It’s got free WiFi
It’s romantic
It’s a nice spot for a picnic
It’s simply awesome
Check it out!

Ahh, yes. The infamous bench featured in the movie, 500 Days of Summer. This isn’t the only bench on the hill. There are several benches all around, but they all have shitty views.
Actually, the view isn’t all that great. I just wanted to come here because it was in the movie. It’s a pretty cool spot to take pictures with your lovah, but other than that… nothing too great about this spot. My boyfriend and I came just to sit and eat some macarons, take our picture, and left within 15 mins.
Some cons:
— There’s bird (?) feathers EVERYWHERE. It was sooo gross.
— There’s always a lot of people waiting for the bench, so don’t be surprised if you have random people coming up to you and asking if you could get up so they could take a picture.
— Be prepared to walk up a huge flight of stairs to get to the actual benches.
— Parking sucks.
— There are two trees that grew right in front of the bench, so it blocks about half of the view when you take your picture. lol

What a treat!
It was my first time really getting to explore downtown LA, and after a trip to the Fashion District, my boyfriend and I came here. Aside from the 500 days of summer bench, the view from this park is a real treat. As busy as LA always seems to be; this feels like the one place where people can come and relax and to view the the wonders of downtown. We came just as the sun was about to set, and I think that’s the most perfect time to come! You get a little bit of sun, then all of a sudden all you see are the city lights.
It’s beautiful and peaceful.
Just know that if you’re trying to take a picture with the 500 days of summer bench, you will probably have to wait. There’s lots of couples who come here JUST to take a picture on the bench.

500 Days of Summer.
Cool spot to chill if your in the area…

I wanted to sit on the bench. Yes the 500 days of summer bench.
Couldn’t believe that the bench on the grassy knoll from that movie was in DTLA. Shows how much I made it down that way prior.
Yeah I’m starstruck by a bench.
How El Lay of me.
That bench, on the grassy knoll, with great views of the city around, rocks.
PS…I’m missing my short stint of a daily dose of downtown. CORRECTION, I miss the surroundings not where I was going. If ya know what I mean…

Opted to walk up the massive stairs instead of the trolley for exercise! The view at the top was amazing. Some benches had a better view of the city. Of course the bench from 500 days of summer had the best view. The park was so relaxing. There were people just hanging out, sleeping, or having picnics.
The park was a lot smaller than I had expected but it was still lovely.

As I mentioned in my Angel’s Flight Railway review, my friend and I drove 6.5 hours just to visit Angel’s Knoll.
During our trip, we had only made a couple of stops. I believe the only things I ate that day were a bag of caramel Bugles and an almond Snickers bar. I might have had half a bottle of water.
After walking around the California Plaza and quacking at ducks, we walked down the stairs to Angel’s Knoll. We stopped for a minute to smell the fresh air (see no pollution, smell no pollution!). We stood there awkwardly for about fifteen minutes, waiting for the couple on the bench to leave. We weren’t assertive enough, so another couple came and we had to wait an extra five. There were people sitting around having picnics, and a family or two playing frisbee. Not too peaceful, not too loud.
No goats as some mentioned. I didn’t see/​smell any homeless people, either.
It was nice sitting on that little hill, looking up and seeing the AT&T building. The view was not the same as the movie, I think they must have doubled the screen or something. If you create an imaginary horizon line and keep your eyes above it, there might be the same effect. If not, parking lots aren’t that bad.
On the lowest bench, there is a plaque that reads, «Days (95) and (488); Tom’s favorite place becomes one of Summer’s too,» and Elaine’s. (:
Being here gave me a new interpretation to the ending of (500) Days of Summer. Hint: location of exits!
We also walked around downtown and went a few other hotspots from the movie. The Bradbury, Million Dollar Theatre, Broadway Bar, everything was closed. The apartments were inaccessible to the public. Sadface. Still, the little escape to SoCal was not one to forget.
With tired eyes, tired minds, tired souls, we drove back home.
T’was an amazing day, thank you for the adventure. Here’s to a shoutout to Jamie.

For all you 500 Days of Summer fans…
This is the park where Tom and Summer come and sit on a bench and enjoy the view of downtown LA and he draws the architecture on her arm. They have «the bench» here and it’s unmistakable which bench it is because it’s labeled with the name of the movie!
My friend and I paid 25 cents each and took the mini trolley called Angels Flight up here to the park. It’s right by the food court where Mendocino Farms is! So it’s a perfect place for a date – just grab a couple sandwiches and walk right on over to the park! Although the park is pretty small, there’s a good amount of benches and the view of downtown LA is really nice on a summer day. The park is overall very peaceful and quiet, so it’s also an ideal place to just think, read, or journal. I love how this mini park is hidden away in the middle of the crazy busyness and hustle & bustle of downtown. If you ever need a little escape, this place is simply perfect.