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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Los Angeles (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Los Angeles, California.

 

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Los Angeles, California.

If you live in (or are traveling to) Los Angeles, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.

fly drone los angeles

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Los Angeles, CA. Source: VFR Map

Los Angeles Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Los Angeles (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.

When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.

Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .

Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.

So those are the federal rules.

But what about local Los Angeles drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in California. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Los Angeles. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.

Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Where to Fly a Drone in Los Angeles

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Los Angeles area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.

 

1 — MacArthur Park

2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

MacArthur Park is located within close proximity to downtown Los Angeles and sits in Class G airspace. The park was originally named Westlake Park and was later renamed after General Douglas MacArthur in the 1940s. It features a natural spring-fed lake, soccer fields, a playground, an amphitheater, and other recreational activities. The lake and the view of the Los Angeles skyline make it ideal for drone pictures/videos. Please fly with caution and do not fly over people in the park.

fly drone mac arthur park

Source: Bahniuk

2 — Silver Lake Meadows

2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Silver Lake Meadows is a sprawling green space located in Los Angeles, California. It sits adjacent to the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe Reservoirs. Drone pilots will enjoy the openness of the space, walking paths, and the view of the mountains off in the distance.

Fly Drone Silver Lake Meadows

Source: Junkyardsparkle

3 — Lake Hollywood

3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Lake Hollywood is a manmade reservoir located within the Lake Hollywood State Park. The Reservoir was built in 1924 by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. It was created by the Mulholland Dam and has a water capacity of 2.5 billion US gallons. The park features a paved road that goes around the reservoir for walking, bicycling, jogging, and other recreational activities. The location has a view of the Los Angeles skyline in one direction and the famous Hollywood sign in the opposite direction.

fly drone lake hollywood

Source: Clinton Seeds

4 — Hermosa Beach Pier

1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

The Hermosa Beach Pier was originally a wooden structure built back in 1904. The pier was rebuilt in 1914 after it was washed away. The new pier extends 1000 feet and is constructed entirely of concrete. The location is great for drone flying because it’s in Class G airspace. Incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal town of Hermosa make for some great drone shots. One additional thing to note about this location is Hermosa Beach’s local drone ordinance, which requires drone operators to obtain an operating permit and identification number assigned by the City.

fly drone hermosa beach pier

Source: Keith Yahl

5 — Wilders Addition Park

607 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

Wilders Addition Park is located near the Pont Fermin Lighthouse, in San Pedro, California. The striking bluffs tower above the Pacific Ocean, creating a truly picturesque scene that looks like something right out of a movie. Locals and visitors will tell you that the sunsets are some of the best around. With expansive ocean views, historic lighthouses, and a beautiful landscape, this location has something for every drone pilot to enjoy.

Amazing drone video from the Sunken City in San Pedro, California

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Los Angeles

If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Los Angeles area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.

Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Los Angeles.