When you want a pick-me-up or are in the mood for serenity, visit a botanical garden. Los Angeles has several of them, and they are spectacular. One is Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. It’s gorgeous any time of the year, but particularly in Spring when it’s tulip time.
The flowers that bloom in the spring tra la!
The coming of spring means plenty of blooms at Descanso Gardens. Vivid red, yellow, pink, and white hues pop against the lush green landscape.
They’re often mixed with friendly helper plants like tiny daisies to help ward off bugs.
Some of the other spring blossoms you’ll see include deep orange clivias, magnolias, crab apples, flannelbush, and cherry trees, which look ethereal in the Japanese Garden.
California poppies are also in bloom. I love how they look as they gently blow in the wind.
You will get your steps in
The bowl-shaped garden grounds at Descanso encompass 150 acres, with some of it up into the hills.
I guarantee you will feel revitalized by the glory of spring and the nature surrounding you.
Descanso Gardens is biodiverse
The grounds are divided into a variety of natural and cultivated environments. The tulips and rose garden are close to the entrance area, with plenty of benches to enjoy the display.
If you’re looking for more exercise, you can hike through the Oak Woodland, California Garden, Oak Grove, Camellia Forest, Lilac Garden, Ancient Forest, and Hilltop Garden, which are spread up and throughout the property.
There’s also a small Japanese garden where you can meditate and be awed by the wispy pink cherry trees when they are in bloom.
Take a self-guided tour through majestic heritage oak trees that are between 300 and 500 years old. Or, hike up to the hilltop garden for a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Mountains. Kids love Descanso Gardens because they can see native birds, ducks, geese, wildlife, and colorful carp.
There are secret hideaways and tree-covered benches throughout the grounds where you can contemplate the beauty around you, get away from the world, savor solitary time for yourself, or spend time with family and friends.
You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it
My girlfriend used to take her elderly mom there all the time. She would whiz around in her motorized scooter and always enjoyed it while my friend tried to keep up with her.
More spring blooms
Click on the images below to view them full-size.
Special programs and events
Learn about nature, life, and culture by taking classes to learn gardening skills or attending a concert, festival, or art display. Descanso Gardens hosts its amazing Halloween-themed Carve event in October and its Enchanted holiday light show in winter.
Watch my Instagram reel about one of the art displays in the garden.
Come back again and again
Yearly memberships are reasonable and help support its upkeep. Members can show up anytime they like during operating hours without a reservation and can enter the grounds at 8 am before the garden opens at 9. Non-members must reserve timed tickets.
Seniors get a discount. We all love those!
If you’re in Los Angeles and are looking for a tranquil and picturesque environment in a natural setting, be sure to visit.
Every time of year at Descanso Gardens is a different experience. Don’t miss it.
Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Visit the garden’s website here.
Where to stay
Click on the map below.
Nothing screams spring like beautiful blooms..thank you for this!
Thanks, Carol. We all need it.
Wow, just looking at these beautiful flowers makes me feel good. I wish we had something like this in our neck of the woods!
So glad you like it Antionette. It’s such a great place to walk around. If you’re ever in LA.
Beautiful pictures. Just looking at the pictures is soothing. I can’t wait for tulips to bloom, but the daffodils are stunning this year.
Thanks Meryl. I love daffodils too and got some yellow ones from Trader Joes that bloomed in a vase for days.