Descanso Gardens is located in La Cañada Flintridge, near Los Angeles. This lovely garden offers visitors the chance to appreciate nature, explore history, and discover tranquility. Spanning 150 acres of lush greenery, this historic garden showcases stunning floral displays while serving as a vibrant museum, an important cultural center, and a serene retreat.
Why visit Descanso Garden?
The winding paths of the Garden are covered by tall oak trees. Absorb the delightful fragrance of blooming camellias as you listen to the quiet flow of nearby streams. This calm spot is a place for people who love nature and want peace.
Descanso Garden’s history
Descanso Gardens has a rich history that dates back to 1784 when Spanish Governor Pedro Fages first deeded the land. In the early 20th century, E. Manchester Boddy transformed it into Rancho del Descanso, planting camellias and other ornamental plants. During WWII, Japanese-American nurseries contributed significantly to their horticultural legacy despite facing adversity. Later, Boddy sold the property to Los Angeles County, ensuring its preservation as a public treasure. Today, Descanso Gardens stands as a testament to resilience and cultural heritage.
Seasonal blooms
Descanso Gardens offers a spectacular display of nature’s beauty throughout the year. Winter brings the vibrant hues of 34,000 camellias, creating a magical atmosphere. During spring, the garden comes alive with the soft scent of blooming lilacs and the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, creating a dreamy, fragrant atmosphere. As summer unfolds, vivid roses take center stage, bursting into brilliant color and transforming the landscape into a vibrant floral canvas. Every season at Descanso Gardens has its unique charm, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Cultural highlights of Descanso Gardens
The Japanese Garden is a serene retreat within Descanso Gardens, featuring koi ponds and traditional architecture that reflect Japanese design principles. It also symbolizes the contributions of Japanese-American horticulturists during challenging times in history. The Boddy House brings depth to the garden’s cultural experience, featuring elegant architecture and providing insight into the lifestyle and legacy of E. Manchester Boddy. These spaces create a harmonious blend of beauty and history that visitors can explore and appreciate.
What to explore at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens features a variety of themed spaces, each designed to appeal to different interests and offer a unique experience.
| Garden Area | Highlights |
| Camellia Forest | Features thousands of camellias, many sourced from Japanese-American nurseries during WWII. |
| Japanese Garden | A serene space with koi ponds and traditional architecture reflecting Japanese influence. |
| Rose Garden | A vibrant display of roses peak during the summer. |
| Oak Woodland | A 7.7-acre area showcasing native plants and recreating California’s past landscapes. |
| Boddy House | A historic mansion offering glimpses into the life of E. Manchester Boddy. |
Visit timing
Descanso Gardens is open year-round from 9 AM to 5 PM, making it accessible no matter the season.
Tickets
- Adults: $15
- Seniors (65+) & Students (with ID): $11
- Children (5–12): $5
- Children under 5: Free.
Membership options are also available for frequent visitors, offering perks like free admission and early access to special events such as “Carved” or “Enchanted Forest of Light”.
Location
Descanso Gardens is located at:
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Parking is free, but arrive early on weekends or during special events as spots fill up quickly.
Seasonal Events
It hosts several signature events throughout the year that transform its grounds into magical experiences:
- Carved (October): A pumpkin festival featuring hand-carved displays, illuminated installations, and family-friendly activities like hay mazes and model train rides.
- Enchanted Forest of Light (Winter): A nighttime spectacle with interactive light displays set against the garden’s natural beauty.
- Spring Bloom Walks: Guided tours showcasing seasonal flowers like lilacs and cherry blossoms.
Descanso Gardens truly lives up to its name—Descanso, meaning “rest” in Spanish. It’s a place to admire nature and where you can slow down your pace and immerse yourself in the beauty around you. Whether you’re strolling through the Camellia Forest or marveling at illuminated pumpkins during Carved, every visit feels like an invitation to reconnect with nature, history, and yourself. Descanso Gardens stands out as one of Southern California’s most beloved and iconic natural escapes.
FAQs
Why is it called Descanso Gardens?
It is called Descanso Gardens because the name “Descanso” comes from the Spanish word for “rest” or “repose,” which perfectly captures the serene nature of the gardens. Originally, the property was known as Rancho del Descanso, or “Ranch of Rest,” when it was owned by E. Manchester Boddy in the 1930s and 1940s. Boddy envisioned the estate as a peaceful retreat and developed it with lush gardens and a vast collection of camellias. Today, it continues to honor its name by offering visitors a restful escape into nature’s beauty.
Is Descanso Gardens worth going to?
Descanso Gardens is worth visiting for anyone looking to connect with nature, history, and culture. This 150-acre botanical haven offers a serene escape from urban life, featuring stunning seasonal blooms like camellias, lilacs, and roses. The gardens also provide a glimpse into history through the Boddy House and the Japanese Garden, highlighting the resilience of Japanese-American horticultural traditions during WWII. With family-friendly activities and special events like “Carved” and “Enchanted Forest of Light,” it offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Southern California.
Is there a free day at Descanso Gardens?
Descanso Gardens offers a free day on the third Tuesday of every month, known as “Free Tuesday.” However, advance tickets are required and become available on the first day of each month at 10 AM. These complimentary tickets do not grant access to exclusive events such as “Carved” or the “Enchanted Forest of Light.” Furthermore, on Memorial Day, veterans, active-duty service members, and their families can take advantage of free admission without the need for prior registration.
How much time should you plan to spend walking through Descanso Gardens?
The time it takes to explore Descanso Gardens depends on your pace and interests. You can quickly walk through the gardens in about an hour if you’re just looking for a brief overview. However, if you want to truly appreciate the beauty of the gardens, including the Camellia Forest, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and other attractions, plan for at least half a day. This allows you to stop and enjoy the scenery, take photos, and perhaps attend a guided tour or event. Many visitors find that spending a morning or afternoon here is ideal for a stroll and to fully immerse themselves in the gardens’ tranquility.
