Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, entertainment industry, and sun-kissed beaches, often overshadows another of its alluring assets: its stunning gardens. While the city’s parks rightfully garner attention, a deeper exploration reveals a treasure trove of meticulously cultivated landscapes, each offering a unique and captivating experience. From traditional botanical gardens showcasing diverse flora to serene Japanese gardens promoting tranquility and reflection, Visit the Most Beautiful Gardens in Los Angeles offers an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Prepare to be enchanted by the horticultural wonders that await within the city’s hidden oases.
This article will guide you through some of the most exceptional public gardens in Los Angeles, each possessing its own distinct character and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturalist, a casual nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, these gardens offer something for everyone.
Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
Nestled in the charming city of San Marino, just outside Pasadena, the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens presents a sprawling sanctuary of natural beauty and cultural significance. Spanning 130 meticulously landscaped acres, the Botanical Gardens feature an impressive collection of 16 themed gardens and a conservatory, all set on the grounds of the former San Marino Ranch.
The Huntington’s themed gardens are a testament to the diversity of the plant kingdom. The California Garden showcases the unique flora native to the state, while the Shakespeare Garden features plants mentioned in the Bard’s works. Perhaps most impressive is the Desert Garden, one of the world’s largest outdoor collections of cacti and succulents, a testament to the resilience and beauty of arid-adapted plants.
Beyond the gardens, the Huntington Library boasts an extensive art collection and a remarkable collection of illustrated manuscripts, including a Gutenberg Bible. A visit to the Huntington is an immersive experience, offering a harmonious blend of art, literature, and natural beauty. Guided walking tours of the gardens are available for a fee, providing deeper insights into the botanical wonders on display.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
Phone: +1 626-405-2100
Descanso Gardens
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens provides a serene escape into nature’s embrace. This 150-acre oasis encompasses a diverse landscape of gardens, woodlands, and chaparral, welcoming over 750,000 visitors annually.
Descanso Gardens is renowned for its extensive collection of camellias, with over 40,000 bushes blooming in the 20-acre California live oak forest from October to March. The vibrant hues of these delicate blossoms create a breathtaking spectacle. The Rosarium, home to 4,000 roses, is another highlight, with peak bloom occurring from April through December.
Beyond the camellias and roses, Descanso Gardens features a variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Lilac Garden, and a California Garden. Visitors can explore winding trails through the oak forest, discover hidden groves, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Phone: +1 818-949-4200
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, situated in Arcadia, is a sprawling 127-acre sanctuary showcasing a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, flowers, and historic buildings. The grounds are thoughtfully arranged into several large sections, with dedicated gardens highlighting the flora of Africa and Australia.
The Arboretum features a captivating array of natural and architectural elements. A picturesque waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool, while a prehistoric forest transports visitors back in time. Lake Baldwin, fed by natural springs, provides a serene backdrop for exploration. The grounds also house a research center, greenhouses, and several historic buildings, adding to the Arboretum’s rich cultural and historical significance.
Address: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007, USA
Phone: +1 626-821-3222
South Coast Botanic Garden
Perched on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula, just south of Los Angeles International Airport, the South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre haven showcasing over 2,500 plant species. Often referred to as "The Jewel of the Peninsula," the garden places a strong emphasis on drought-resistant plants, reflecting the region’s climate.
The South Coast Botanic Garden boasts a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. Visitors can explore a serene lake, engage their senses in the Garden for the Senses, and discover the wonders of the Children’s Garden. The Japanese Garden offers a tranquil retreat, while other specialty gardens showcase the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom.
Address: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA
Phone: +1 424-452-0920
Exposition Park Rose Garden
Located in South Los Angeles, the Rose Garden at Exposition Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This 7-acre garden boasts an impressive collection of 15,000 rose bushes representing over 100 different species.
The Rose Garden is a vibrant and fragrant oasis, attracting USC students seeking a tranquil study spot, as well as couples and photographers capturing special moments. The garden is open daily, with the exception of a maintenance period from early January through mid-March.
Exposition Park is also home to a variety of museums, including the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum. Visitors can seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor activities, enriching their experience in this cultural hub.
Address: 701 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Phone: +1 213-763-0114
The Getty Center, Central Garden
The J. Paul Getty Museum, commonly known as the Getty, is a world-renowned art museum with two campuses, each featuring its own impressive garden. The manicured gardens at the Getty Center campus are a work of art in themselves, designed by the visionary artist Robert Irwin.
The Central Garden at the Getty Center is a captivating landscape featuring zigzagging walkways, a stone waterfall, and a floating maze of azaleas. The garden is home to over 500 plant species, creating a diverse and visually stunning environment.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Phone: +1 310-440-7300
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, situated in Griffith Park, offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and botanical exploration. While the zoo is primarily known for its animal exhibits, the habitats themselves are equally impressive, showcasing a diverse array of plant life.
The Botanical Gardens at the LA Zoo feature several specialty gardens, including a collection of contraband plants confiscated by airport customs. The Cycad Garden is a living time capsule, showcasing plant species that have existed since the age of the dinosaurs.
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Phone: +1 323-644-4200
California Botanic Garden
The California Botanic Garden, formerly known as the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, is located in Claremont and encompasses 86 acres dedicated exclusively to California native plants. The garden showcases a diverse collection of over 22,000 plants, including impressive wildflower displays.
The California Botanic Garden also serves as a resource for individuals interested in developing and maintaining native gardens. In addition to its botanical offerings, the garden features art installations, festivals, shows, concerts, and seasonal events.
Address: 1500 N College Ave, Claremont, CA 91711-3157, USA
Phone: +1 909-625-8767
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens
Located on the UCLA campus, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens is a 7.5-acre public garden showcasing around 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Visitors can explore ancient trees, fern gardens, and subtropical woodlands, as well as gardens dedicated to Hawaiian flora and California native plants.
The garden features a small amphitheater, known as "The Nest," constructed by staff and volunteers using Northern California incense cedar and boulders from Duarte, California.
Address: Lath House, 707 Tiverton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Phone: +1 310-825-8260
Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
The Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, situated just a quarter-mile from the Pacific Ocean, is a 10-acre sanctuary honoring the five major world religions. The grounds feature a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where a portion of his ashes are said to be enshrined.
The gardens are meticulously manicured, offering a peaceful environment for personal reflection. Outdoor pathways and meditation benches provide quiet spaces for contemplation, while indoor sanctuaries are available for silent meditation and prayer.
Address: 17190 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Phone: +1 310-454-4114
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Malibu offers visitors a glimpse into ancient Greek and Roman art within a recreation of a first-century Roman villa. The villa features a reflecting pool, fountains, sculptures, and four gardens that blend Roman architecture with open space and a variety of Mediterranean plants that existed during the Roman Empire.
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
Phone: +1 310-440-7300
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, a 1.3-acre oasis on the campus of California State University Long Beach, is a hybrid art form combining elements of Japanese garden design with the natural beauty of Southern California.
Address: Earl Warren Dr, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA
Phone: +1 562-985-8420
Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden
The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, a volunteer-run demonstration garden in Polliwog Park, focuses on California native plants.
Address: 1237 N Peck Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA
Phone: +1 310-546-1354
Virginia Robinson Gardens
The Virginia Robinson Gardens, 6.2 acres of tropical gardens on the former Robinson estate in Beverly Hills, feature over 1,000 palm trees, a heritage rose garden, and an edible garden.
Address: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210-2805, USA
Phone: +1 310-550-2087
The Japanese Garden
This traditional 6.5-acre Japanese garden in Van Nuys, located on the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, features waterfalls, lakes, streams, a dry meditation garden, a tea garden, and a traditional Japanese shoin building.
Address: 6100 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406-6450, USA
Phone: +1 818-756-8166
James Irvine Japanese Garden
This secret Japanese garden, known as Seiryu-en, is located in the sub-ground level of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in L.A.’s Little Tokyo district.
Address: 244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Phone: +1 213-628-2725
In conclusion, to Visit the Most Beautiful Gardens in Los Angeles is to embark on a journey of discovery, revealing the city’s hidden natural treasures. From expansive botanical gardens to intimate Japanese retreats, these landscapes offer a diverse range of experiences, inviting visitors to connect with nature, find tranquility, and appreciate the artistry of horticultural design. So, escape the urban landscape and discover the enchanting gardens that await in Los Angeles.
