Located 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty. There is always something blooming, so each visit is unique. 80 of the 160 acres are open to the public and feature seasonal and horticultural displays. Now on its fourth year, their Enchanted Forest of Light is one of the area’s most popular holiday events
Garden Highlights
The Rose Garden stretches 5 acres and is home to more than 1,600 roses! There are great collections of species, old garden, and modern roses.
Cross an arched bridge to reach the tranquil Japanese Garden. The teahouse is especially beautiful in the spring when all the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Descanso Gardens is home to North America’s largest Camelia Collection. They are in full bloom from early autumn to spring.
The California Native Garden is an 8-acre garden that reflects the state’s variety of native flora. Our favorites are the Matilija poppies, or “fried egg” flowers.
See and Do
Boddy House– Tour the historic home of Descanso Gardens’ founder, E. Manchester Boddy. Free with admission.
Sturt Haaga Gallery– Art gallery with rotating exhibits throughout the year, focused on the intersection of contemporary art and the sciences represented by the garden. Free with admission.
Enchanted Railroad– Take a ride on a 1/8 scale replica of a diesel train. Tickets are $3 per rider.
Café Descanso– A casual outdoor dining option that showcases fruits and vegetable from nearby farms and gardens. Open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Special Exhibit
Enchanted Forest of Light is a large-scale light show that can be enjoyed on a stroll through the Gardens. The mile-long pathway takes you past twinkling flowers, magic lanterns, interactive walkways, and even a magical stained-glass house (new this year).
Note: The show runs from November 17, 2019 to January 5, 2020. Tickets to Enchanted have timed entry and must be purchased online. We recommend purchasing well in advance, as they are known to sell out.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
