LA’s Extraordinary Places to Learn and Enjoy
The following gardens are beautiful places to enjoy and gather ideas:
Descanso Gardens: Descanso Gardens is a unique Southern California landscape distinguished by its specialized botanic collections, historical significance, and rare natural beauty. Our mission is to practice exemplary stewardship of Descanso’s distinctive character and assets; offer people an experience close to nature; and cultivate understanding of the natural world and people’s place in it through inspiration, education and example.
Huntington Library: In 1903 Henry Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. The propertycovers 207 acres, of which approximately 120 are landscaped and open to visitors. More than 14,000 different varieties of plants are showcased in more than a dozen principal garden areas.
LA Arboretum: Occupying the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a unique 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and located in the city of Arcadia. Home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species, The Arboretum also houses outdoor historical landmarks representative of the major phases of California history.
Natural History Museum: Inside the urban wilderness that opens next year, visitors will be able to spot birds and butterflies, learn to observe and track species with our scientists, engage in gardening workshops and nature walks with our educators, and poke around a new civic green space that is all too rare in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Airport Avenue Demonstration Gardens: Whether you want to play, relax, or entertain in your outdoor space, there is a beach friendly demonstration garden here for you! Once you know what you enjoy most, the plans and plant palettes are available on the website.