A Guide to the Best Parks in Brentwood, CA

Brentwood, one of Los Angeles’ most polished and tranquil neighborhoods, is defined by its tree-lined streets, manicured green spaces, and understated luxury. Residents enjoy many parks combining peaceful scenery with well-maintained fitness, recreation, and leisure amenities. Many green spaces are woven into daily life, ideal for morning jogs, weekend picnics, or enjoying the coastal air.

For anyone exploring the best parks in Brentwood CA, the neighborhood’s public and semi-public spaces reflect balance, design, and a deep appreciation for outdoor living.

The Barrington Recreation Center is one of the neighborhood’s leading hubs for sports and organized activities. It features several baseball diamonds, tennis courts, open fields, a gymnasium, and a playground. The facility also includes a large off-leash dog park, which has become a community favorite for pet owners.

The park’s size allows for simultaneous activities without feeling crowded. Fitness enthusiasts often use the walking trails that loop around the athletic fields. Seasonal programs, such as outdoor fitness classes and recreational leagues, add to the park’s vitality. Barrington Recreation Center represents Brentwood’s balance between active living and community connection.

Crestwood Hills Park lies in the northern part of Brentwood and showcases mid-century modern design integrated into the natural landscape. The surrounding Crestwood Hills neighborhood, developed in the 1950s, is known for its architectural significance, and the park mirrors that same thoughtful aesthetic. It features a playground, picnic tables, and a large open field framed by eucalyptus and pine trees.

The elevated location provides sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains, making it an appealing spot for quiet reflection or small outdoor gatherings. Residents appreciate the park’s understated character and well-kept facilities. For those seeking green space that feels distinctly local, Crestwood Hills Park adds an architectural and historical dimension to the best parks in Brentwood CA.

Located just beyond Brentwood’s border in neighboring Santa Monica, Douglas Park is a regular destination for residents. The park features ornamental ponds, grassy lawns, and multiple tennis courts. Its balance of natural beauty and recreational opportunity makes it a versatile outdoor space for nearby Brentwood locals.

The ponds attract ducks and turtles, adding a tranquil element to the landscape. The park’s design emphasizes accessibility, with walking paths and shaded seating. Many residents choose Douglas Park for a leisurely afternoon outdoors or a relaxed weekend meetup.

Veterans Barrington Park honors military service in a welcoming recreational environment. It is located near the Veterans Administration campus and features expansive lawns, mature trees, and walking paths connecting to the adjacent dog park and recreation center. It is also home to organized community events throughout the year.

The park’s broad fields are ideal for casual sports and gatherings, and the surrounding open space offers plenty of room for individual activity. The blend of purpose and relaxation makes this area a meaningful fixture of Brentwood’s public landscape. It contributes to the sense of civic pride and care that characterizes the neighborhood.

Kenter-Elkins Trek Park is near the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers a more natural environment than some of Brentwood’s manicured spaces. The trails connect to Kenter Canyon and Bundy Canyon, making it a popular entry point for hikers and joggers who prefer a quiet, residential starting point for their routes.

The park includes open grassy sections, shaded benches, and access to trails that climb gently into the surrounding terrain. The sound of nearby creeks after rainfall and the views toward the canyon create a refreshing retreat without leaving Brentwood. Kenter Canyon Park’s understated beauty exemplifies the connection between the neighborhood’s residential charm and its proximity to nature.

The Barrington Dog Park is one of the most frequented public spaces for pet owners in the area. Located next to the recreation center, the park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, shaded benches for owners, and a well-maintained surface designed for easy cleaning. It’s a social space where neighbors gather daily, creating community among residents.

The dog park’s organization and upkeep reflect the neighborhood’s high standards. It’s a regular part of daily life for many. The design encourages activity and comfort, contributing to the park’s consistent popularity within Brentwood’s broader recreation system.

San Vicente Mountain Park sits at the northern edge of Brentwood, offering sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Santa Monica Mountains. Once a Cold War-era radar station, the park has been transformed into a recreational area accessible by trails connected to Mulholland Drive and neighboring canyon routes. Hikers and cyclists frequent its network of paths, enjoying the combination of moderate elevation gain and panoramic lookouts.

The park includes interpretive signage highlighting its history as part of the Nike Missile Defense System, blending cultural interest with natural beauty. On clear days, visitors can take in views extending to the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles. Its peaceful setting and historical elements distinguish San Vicente Mountain Park as one of the most scenic outdoor spaces in the region.

Mandeville Canyon Park offers one of the most secluded outdoor experiences near Brentwood. Located within the expansive Mandeville Canyon area, the park and its surrounding trails provide miles of open terrain for hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. The environment feels distinctly natural, characterized by chaparral-covered hillsides, oak groves, and views of the surrounding canyons.

The park’s quiet relative to Brentwood’s central parks makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer unstructured exploration. The trails link with fire roads leading deeper into the Santa Monica Mountains, creating routes suitable for casual walkers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. 

Brentwood’s parks and natural spaces reflect the same elegance and attention to detail that define its residential neighborhoods — and no one understands that connection better than Mary Lu Tuthill. With decades of experience representing some of Los Angeles’ most sought-after properties, Mary Lu brings unmatched insight into what makes Brentwood a desirable place to call home.

Interested in Brentwood real estate? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find your dream Brentwood home!