Background

Descanso Gardens: A Tranquil Urban Retreat

Discover natural beauty and tranquility at Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical oasis in La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles.

4.7

Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, offering a serene escape with diverse plant collections, a redwood forest, and cultural experiences. It's a place to explore natural beauty and enjoy 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 weekends and special events.
  • Visit on the third Tuesday of the month for free admission, but reserve tickets online.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available on-site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive gardens and walking paths.
  • Check the Descanso Gardens website for seasonal events, workshops, and bloom updates.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Descanso Gardens is located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways in La Cañada Flintridge. From the 210 Freeway, exit at Descanso Drive and head north. The entrance is on the left. There is free parking available in the gardens' lot. Valet parking is available Friday - Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM for $12.

  • Public Transport

    The Metro bus line 409 stops near Descanso Gardens. From downtown Los Angeles, take the 409 bus to the Verdugo Blvd & Hilldale Dr stop. From there, it is a short walk to the gardens. A single ride on the Metro bus costs $1.75.

Unlock the Best of Descanso Gardens

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens, located in La Cañada Flintridge, California, is a 150-acre urban oasis showcasing diverse botanical collections and natural landscapes. The gardens offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, inviting visitors to explore themed gardens, a redwood forest, and a variety of horticultural displays. Originally part of the vast Rancho San Rafael granted to José María Verdugo in 1784, the land's modern history began in 1937 when Elias Manchester Boddy, owner of the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News, purchased the property. Boddy transformed the area into a working ranch called Rancho del Descanso, building a 22-room mansion and cultivating extensive camellia, rose, and lilac collections. In 1942, he purchased approximately 100,000 camellia plants from Japanese-American nurseries whose owners were being forced into internment camps. In 1953, Boddy sold the property to Los Angeles County. Descanso Gardens features nine main botanical collections, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and California Garden. Visitors can explore the Descanso Railroad, an art gallery, a café, and a gift shop. The gardens also host various events, including musical performances, yoga classes, and nature workshops. The site earned museum accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2004. Today, Descanso Gardens is managed through a public/private partnership between Los Angeles County and the Descanso Gardens Guild. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

Popular Experiences near Descanso Gardens

Popular Hotels near Descanso Gardens

Select Currency