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Descanso Gardens: A Tranquil Urban Retreat

Discover a serene escape at Descanso Gardens: Explore diverse botanical collections, art, and family-friendly activities in a beautiful urban oasis.

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Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, near Los Angeles, offering a serene escape with diverse plant collections, historical significance, and natural beauty. It features themed gardens, a historic house, an art gallery, and family-friendly activities.

A brief summary to Descanso Gardens

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially for non-members, to ensure entry and save time.
  • Visit on the third Tuesday of the month for free admission, but reserve tickets online in advance.
  • Explore the gardens during different seasons to witness a variety of blooms and seasonal events.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available on-site, but arrive early on weekends and holidays.
  • Check the Descanso Gardens website for the latest information on events, classes, and special exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Descanso Gardens is located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. From either freeway, exit onto Descanso Drive. The gardens are a short drive from the exit. Follow Descanso Drive to the garden entrance. There is ample free parking available. Valet parking is available Friday–Sunday, 10:30am–4pm for $12.

  • Public Transport

    Descanso Gardens is accessible via public transportation. Metro operates a bus that stops near Descanso Gardens. From downtown Los Angeles, take the Line 409 bus to the Verdugo Blvd & Hilldale Dr stop. From there, it is a short walk to the gardens. The bus fare is $2-$4.

  • Walking

    If you are nearby, such as in La Cañada Flintridge, walking to Descanso Gardens is a pleasant option. Use a map app to find the best route to 1418 Descanso Drive. Once you arrive on Descanso Drive, follow the road to the garden entrance.

Unlock the Best of Descanso Gardens

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Discover more about Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens, located in La Cañada Flintridge, California, is a 150-acre urban oasis offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature. The gardens boast a rich history, dating back to the Tongva people who originally tended the land. In 1784, the land became part of Rancho San Rafael, granted to José María Verdugo by the Spanish governor. Later, in 1937, Elias Manchester Boddy, owner of the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News, purchased the property and established Rancho del Descanso. Boddy developed the land into a working ranch and built a 22-room mansion. He also cultivated extensive camellia, rose, and lilac collections, with assistance from horticulturists. During World War II, Boddy purchased nearly 100,000 camellia plants from Japanese-American nurseries whose owners were being sent to internment camps. In 1953, Boddy sold the property to Los Angeles County, and in 1957, the Descanso Gardens Guild was formed to manage the gardens. Today, Descanso Gardens features nine botanical collections, including the Rose Garden with over 1,600 roses, the Japanese Garden with a teahouse and native Asian plants, and the Camellia Collection, which is the largest in North America. Visitors can also explore the Oak Forest, with trees that are centuries old, and the California Natives Garden. The Sturt Haaga Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibitions, and the Boddy House serves as a museum and interpretive center. Additional attractions include the Descanso Railroad, a miniature train ride, and various seasonal events, such as musical performances, workshops, and family activities. Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, offering free parking and wheelchair accessibility. Visitors can purchase food and drinks at the on-site cafe and enjoy them at the picnic tables near the entrance.

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