Travel Guide

Johnny Park Indoor Parking Services and Pershing Square

Pershing Square is named after General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Force and US Army Chief of Staff in 1921. Located in Downtown L.A., it features a colorful plaza with landscapes by Laurie Olin and redesigned in 1992 by California artist Barbara McCarren make this a landmark of cultural activity. It is one of the oldest parks in Los Angeles. When leaving LAX parking, you may want to take in some fresh air at the park. It is located within the heart of Downtown Los Angeles forming a square between 5th, 6th, Hill and Olive Streets.

Concerts

In the summer there is a series of afternoon and evening concerts such as jazz, salsa, zydeco, swing, and other genres. Grand Performances holds concerts July through September, Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until 2 pm and the third Sunday of the month from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Ford Amphitheatre

The Ford Amphitheatre presents more than 100 shows in a 1200-seat amphitheatre each summer. These shows include jazz, world music, and classical music performances; dance; theater; films; choral events; and family shows. Information about upcoming shows can be found at www.fordamphitheatre.org. Be sure to check out the park after you leave LAX parking.

Parking

Parking is free at Pershing Square Mall if you get it validated at one of the shops. The park is about 20 miles from LAX parking.

Special Features

Called “the closest thing LA has to a central square”, there is a Spanish War memorial and statue of Beethoven give the public art to observe. There is a seasonal ice skating rink (open from Thanksgiving to Martin Luther King’s birthday), a stage for concerts, and a sunken amphitheatre. The park is located 20 miles from LAX parking. There is also free WiFi in the square.

Special Events

Special events are arranged for St. Patrick’s Day, various concerts, Earth Day, Secretary Day, and take your daughter to work day. The first two weeks of July plays host to Shakespeare in the Park. When coming from LAX parking, allow for extra time during rush hour.

Nearby Attractions

Civic Center: one of the largest collections of government buildings outside Washington, D.C., this is where City Hall is as well as the cultural center of Los Angeles. Financial District: Home to the Los Angeles Public Library and Bunker Hills Steps. There is also a secondary plaza opens to public art works by Bruce Nauman, Mark Di Suvero, Michael Heizer, Frank Stella and Robert Rauschenburg. These attractions are just over 20 miles from LAX parking lots.