Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is an 8.5-acre green space in South Los Angeles, at Compton and Slauson Avenues. Its trails, native plant communities, stream and picnic areas make it a nature-focused stop within the city.
- Setting: South Los Angeles, at the corner of Compton and Slauson Avenues.
- Landscape: Native plants, oak trees, rolling hills, riparian areas and a running stream.
- Facilities: Nature center, trails, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and parking.
- Planning: Confirm hours and any access details with the City of Los Angeles before your visit.
What the park offers
The park recreates elements of a native California landscape in an urban setting. Its grounds include native plant communities, oak trees, rolling hills, riparian areas and a running stream.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks gives the park’s establishment date as 1972. The site also has a nature center and an outdoor amphitheater.
Trails, gardens and outdoor areas
Trails and a strolling path give you a way to walk through the landscaped grounds, while grassy areas and picnic tables offer places to pause. The park has restrooms, drinking water and ADA access.
Dogs are permitted on leash. Picnic and barbecue areas are available, but barbecues require a permit. The park also allows wedding use, event facility use and filming.
Hours and access to verify
Check the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks’ official site before you go for current hours, admission details and any access notices. The City directs visitors to a separate page for park hours.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The park has an auto entrance and parking access from Compton Avenue, as well as pedestrian entrances along its north side. For drivers, take the Slauson exit from the Harbor Freeway (110), continue east on Slauson Avenue to Compton Avenue, turn left onto Compton, then immediately right into the parking lot.
How do you get to the park?
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is about a 5-minute drive from Sand Piper. The motel offers rooms suited to a visit to the park.
The park map shows a route toward the Blue Line and Slauson Station via Alameda Street. It does not provide transit timetables or service frequency, so check current transit information if you plan to use public transportation.
Pairing the park with another local stop
Mary McLeod Bethune Park is another South Central green space to consider on a separate outing or as a second stop. Its location and facilities are covered in this guide to Mary McLeod Bethune Park.
FAQs
Where is Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park?
The park is at 5790 Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90011, at the corner of Compton and Slauson Avenues.
What facilities does the park have?
Facilities include a nature center, trails, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, parking, an amphitheater and ADA access.
Can you barbecue at the park?
Barbecue areas are available, and using the barbecues requires a permit.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on leash.
What public transit information is available?
The park map indicates a route toward the Blue Line and Slauson Station via Alameda Street, but it gives no timetable or service frequency. The South Central Metro stations and routes guide covers the wider local network.