Dreaming of walking through endless tulip fields in the Netherlands? Same. But between flight prices, time off, and the whole crossing the Atlantic thing, it’s not exactly a casual weekend plan. Just a quick drive from DTLA, Descanso Gardens offers a surprisingly close version of that experience.
Every year, thousands of tulips bloom across the garden, bringing a little slice of the Netherlands to SoCal. While it’s not a massive Dutch flower field, it’s perfect for a quick escape into color and fresh air.
A taste of Holland without leaving L.A. County
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens spans around 150 acres, making it one of the largest green spaces of its kind in the area. It first opened to the public in 1953, but its origins go back further, when it was part of a private estate owned by newspaper publisher E. Manchester Boddy, who helped shape the landscape into what it is today.
Tulip season is one of the most popular times at Descanso Gardens. Every year, about 35,000 tulip bulbs are planted in January, mostly along the Promenade, filling the garden with color. Right now, the timing matters because most of the tulips have just passed their peak bloom.
While there are still some beautiful patches of flowers, most of the display is nearing the end of its cycle. So consider this a last call to enjoy the blooming season. Still, there are a few remaining late-blooming tulips that may last about another week, depending on the weather, but the season is expected to wrap up by April.
The good thing is that, because of the timing, if you go now, you won’t see the gardens at their fullest, but you’ll still catch a softer, quieter version of the bloom: less crowded, a little more relaxed, and still worth it if you’re in the mood for a spring walk with a hint of color.