This hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge offers a delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California. Expect to find more than 600 varieties of camellia (these are best seen in January and February, when there are around 34,000 of the plants in bloom) and some five acres of roses. There are also lilac, orchid, fern and California native plant areas, but the real stars here are the two most notable springtime blooms: rows of tulips and a Japanese garden filled with cherry blossoms. Kids—and train-obsessed adults—will love the miniature railway, too. Make sure to scope out the newest iteration of the gardens’ on-site restaurant, Farmhouse, which serves delicious farm-to-table food and cocktails in a rustic indoor-outdoor setting.
Photograph: Courtesy Descanso Gardens | The rose garden at Descanso Gardens. 
Photograph: Michael Juliano | Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out | Cherry blossoms at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano | Tulips at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out 
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano 
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano | Carved at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano | Carved at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out | Enchanted at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out | Enchanted at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out | Enchanted at Descanso Gardens 
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out | Enchanted at Descanso Gardens
A garden both cultivated and wild, every visit is unique with seasonal blooms, art exhibitions, programs, and holiday experiences.
Time Out says
5 reasons to visit Descanso Gardens this season:
1️⃣ Experience the SoCal seasons
No matter when you visit, something is in bloom. Wander through colorful displays of camellias, tulips, roses, lilacs, cherry blossoms, and California natives as the gardens change with every season, offering a new experience year-round.
2️⃣ Find Your Next Adventure
Whether you're joining a family festival, taking a nature walk, learning a new gardening skill, enjoying live music, exploring an art exhibition, or unwinding with a wellness class, there's always something happening at Descanso.
3️⃣ Savor the Garden at Farmhouse
Turn your garden stroll into a delicious day. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch at Farmhouse at Descanso, where fresh California flavors, craft cocktails, local beer and wine, and beautiful garden views are always on the menu.
4️⃣ Wander Through Enchanted Forest of Light
When the sun goes down in winter, the magic begins. Follow a mile-long illuminated trail filled with dazzling light displays, immersive art, and unforgettable moments that have made Enchanted Forest of Light a Southern California holiday tradition.
5️⃣ Discover the Magic of Carved
Fall comes alive at Carved, where giant hand-carved pumpkins, thousands of glowing jack-o'-lanterns, whimsical art installations, and festive displays transform the gardens into an unforgettable Halloween celebration for all ages.
Details
- Address
- 1418 Descanso Dr
- La Cañada Flintridge
- 91011
- Price:
- $17, seniors (65+) and students with ID $14, children (3–12) $8, children 2 and under free
- Opening hours:
- Daily 9am–5pm (summer till 7pm)
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