Beautiful Gardens in Los Angeles for Some Peace & Tranquil

Composed of an internationally acclaimed collection of trees, ornamental flowers and crescents, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is flanked with lakes, lofty hills, rolling meadows and protected wildlife. Featuring several types of tropical herbs, perennial plants, roses, pumpkins and aquatic flora, the garden gives an array of insights about different kinds of vegetation from all over the world. The Arboretum is also a hub of activities like ornate weddings, yoga, tree architecture talks and group cooking with fresh, local produce. While visiting the 19th century historical Queen Anne Cottage on site, you may be welcomed by playful peacocks passing by!

Timings : 9am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday
Location : North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, California

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is an expansive complex with art galleries exhibiting exceptionally rare and famous murals and a massive collection of unique books. It is home to eminent works of British, Italian and European artworks from the 15th century to the present day. The property houses California’s most acclaimed botanical gardens with Asian style, lakeside seating spaces. Native animals roam the protected grounds and lake, making the area excellent for exploring wildlife and picnics too. A myriad of rare Californian, Chinese and exotic flora, special events like Veteran’s Day and historical presentations by professionals attract visitors from all over the world.

Timings : 10am - 5pm, closed on Tuesdays
Tickets : 13 USD - 29 USD
Highlights :

• Women-led
• Good for kids

Boasting of exceptionally well-manicured landscapes over a sprawling section of La Canada Flintridge city, Descanso Gardens is one of California’s most spectacular botanical gardens with amazing wildlife watching opportunities. It showcases a variety of rare Californian flora and fauna, best visited during spring bloom.

Timings : 9am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday
Entry Fee : 15 USD, Tuesdays free.
Notable collections: Ancient Forest, California Natives, Japanese Garden, Oak Forest, Rose Garden
Location : Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge

Rich in plants from California, South Africa and Australia, the South Coast Botanic Garden is a landscaped recreational site with flowering fruit trees like Gingkoes, Redwood Pittosporum and exotic aquatic birds. Originally a landfill, the oceanfront estate in Los Angeles has been completely altered into a graceful diatomaceous garden with diverse species.

Timings : 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Specialty Gardens :

• Japanese Garden
• Fuchsia Garden
• James J. White English Rose Garden

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a favorite destination in California’s Griffith Park. It is home to 29 endangered species of animals, Californian wildlife and an abode of horticulture.

Timings : 10am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday
Admission : 22 USD (adults), 17 USD (children ages 2 - 12), 19 USD (seniors)
Exhibits :

• Camp gorilla Reserve
• Red Ape Rainforest
• Sea Life Cliffs
• Children’s Zoo

Built over 7 years since 1935 by Japanese landscape architect and first-generation immigrant Mr. Kinzuchi Fujii, Storrier Stearns is included in the National Register of Historic Places as one of California’s best maintained Japanese gardens.

Timings : 8:30am - 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays only
Attractions :

• The Bluff
• Teahouse
• Komainu Statues

The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is a beloved landmark in downtown Los Angeles featuring Zen-style gardens of decorative Japanese plants and trees. The tranquil setting offers perfect balance between modernity and culture, showcasing Buddha figurines, stone lanterns, beautiful water features and authentic Asian plants. The vast Plover Path nurtures magnolia, lotus and cherry trees and has Japanese style bridges winding along waterfalls. You can enjoy watching playful fish and animals at the lakeside Tortoise Garden. At the end of the garden, the tatami-mat Teahouse and tea garden are must visits. They also have a store selling beautiful objects depicting the Japanese and Asian-Pacific cultures.

Timings : 10am - 4pm, closed on Fridays and Saturdays
Special collections :

• Wisteria
• Raphiolepis
• Indica
• Iris
• Azalea

Renowned as Seiryu-en, the Japanese phrase for “Garden of the Clear Stream”, James Irvine Japanese Garden is a traditional Zen garden with exotic Asian plants and cedar bridges that overlook crystalline cascading streams. It follows the horticulture style of Kyoto, Japan. Featuring a man-made stream with architectural elements to depict the journey of Japanese heritage in America, the garden and its special events venue makes a picturesque location for weddings and ceremonies. After taking a rejuvenating tour of this landscaped sloping valley, you can join the nightly cultural events and enjoy dining at the Japanese restaurant embellished with creative stone lamps.

Timings : 10am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday
Location : San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, California

Housed within Los Angeles’ renowned Getty Center, J. Paul Getty Museum is one of Los Angeles’ top sightseeing locations fostering art as it is for centuries. Richard Meier has used travertine stone to curate an Italian style curvature at the majestic entrance. The museum campus having pristine lakes, ravishing gardens and rare flora, is also an ideal spot for enjoying picnics and leisure visits.

Timings : 9am - 5:30pm, Monday - Sunday
Admission: Free
Highlights: Central Garden, Cactus Garden, Cardinale Seduto, Irises
Location: Brentwood, Los Angeles, California

Robinson Gardens is a serene, iconic estate encircling the central mansion which was once home to Harry Robinson and is the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the garden is beautifully manicured and has varied collections of orchards, vegetables, ornamental Californian flowers and tropical foliage.

Timings : 9am - 4pm, closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Admission : 11 USD (adults), 4 USD (child)
Gardens :

• Italian Renaissance Garden
• Kitchen Garden
• Former Mall Garden
• Palm Garden
• Rose Garden

Named after America’s top 3 horticulturists who started the place with exotic home-grown ikebana flower seeds brought from Japan’s Imperial gardens, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is housed within Long Beach’s California State University. With an exceptional collection, the garden is a popular destination for tourists as well as intrigued students from all over the state.

Timings : 9am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday
Highlights: The Zig-Zag Bridge, Zen Gardens, Tea House
Location : Earl Warren Drive, Long Beach, California

Located in the heart of San Diego, this sylvan oasis is a mission-design venue for special events and ceremonies. Sitting at the beautiful confluence of the LA River and Arroyo Seco, L.A. River Center and Gardens is known as “every bride’s dream”. Entering through the ivy-covered gates, a circular driveway guides you to the orchard of ficus trees, fountains and lovingly nurtured roses, lilies and agapanthus flowers. Serving as a lawn for dancing and dining, the patio of the event space is dappled in shade by centuries-old Californian oaks. Housed within grounds is a history museum highlighting the heritage of Los Angeles River and the city.

Timings : 7am - 4pm, Monday - Sunday
Top attractions on-premises :

• San Fernando Courtyard
• California Building
• Main Courtyard

Envisioned first to be a family garden, the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden houses one of the richest collections of native Californian trees, grasses and ornamental flowers today. This quaint and compact oasis is a nature lover’s paradise along the shores of Manhattan Beach. Known for its rejuvenating atmosphere, aromatic flora and birdwatching spots, the garden demonstrates earth-friendly, drought-resistant horticulture. Visitors can watch bees, butterflies and pollinators at work near the on-site lake. The Butterfly House, named so for its V shape, has a startling water-holding capacity of 530 gallons for tending to delicate bushes and is a sight to behold.

Timings: Visitors: 6am - 8pm, Monday - Sunday, Volunteers: 9:30am - 11:30am, Fridays
Admission : Free
Notable collections :

• Island Snapdragon
• Red Fairy Duster
• Beach Primrose
• Sage Leaves

Also known as the California Botanic Garden, Rancho Santa Ana and Botanic Garden is a beloved landmark in a remarkable neighborhood of Los Angeles, opposite to the North College. It is home to a million native Californian plants, cultivars and hybrids. There is a section for exotic flora from tropical, Mediterranean and desert climates too.

Timings : 8am - 5pm, closed on Mondays
Location : North College Avenue, Claremont, California

As the name suggests, Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Los Angeles is a revered spiritual center with a hilltop temple and well-manicured meditation gardens. The property features a spectacular lake and a windmill-shaped chapel beside it. Located a short stroll away from the Pacific Ocean, this visitor center has sparkling waterfalls, fountains, sculptures and floral beds creating a soulful atmosphere.

Timings : 12pm - 4pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Admission : By reservation only
Location : Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, California