14 Hidden Gardens That Offer A Lush Escape Around Los Angeles

Just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean, this 10-acre hidden garden in Los Angeles haven boasts everything from lush gardens, rolling hills, fountains, statues, incredible flora, and a stunning spring-fed lake with swans gliding atop.

It was founded by yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and features the Court of Religions, which encompasses the world’s five principal religions. Yogananda believed the harmony of these faiths is what unites everyone. Off the main trails, you’ll find dozens of paths to hidden nooks where visitors can meditate and take in the enchanting scenery.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has cleared over 15,000 square feet of grass surrounding the John Ferraro Building to plant “California-friendly” drought-resistant landscaping. This has already reduced water used for irrigation by 92% annually.

There are two sections to the garden, one features Mediterranean plants suitable for the Southern California climate. The other has a Southwest theme with tons of succulents and perennials. Both make this place one of the prettiest hidden gardens in Los Angeles.

Follow the yellow brick road to this eclectic, hidden garden of flowers in Los Angeles. Located in the Hollywood Hills, as the name reveals, this Oz-inspired garden is a magical place created by local wizard Gail Cottman. Its vibrant, mosaic pathways and steps create a playful contrast with the fresh greenery. Some say there’s a copy of the key floating around, while others say the locks are changed regularly to keep unwanted visitors out. 

Take into account that these gardens are available for group visits of 20 to 25 people, who can arrange a 2 to 2 1/2 hour outing that includes a guided tour of the gardens. Any non-profit organization in need of an event to raise funds, or for a retreat for its board, or as a special reward for its donors, can also utilize these facilities.

In 1971, Amir Dialameh single-handedly turned a scorched and barren hillside in Griffith Park into a cascading oasis for hikers and horseback riders.  It’s shaded with jacaranda trees and covered in rose bushes, geraniums, oleander.

To get to it, though, you’ll need to go on a half-mile trek uphill from the trailhead at Mineral Wells Road and Griffith Park Drive. As expected, the views are absolutely worth it.

Nestled amidst Pasadena’s urban hustle, Arlington Garden stands as one of the hidden gems of Los Angeles.. Offering a serene escape from city life, it’s a dedicated public garden born from community revitalization efforts. 

Discover diverse plant life along meandering pathways, enhanced by an informative mobile app. Beyond its beauty, Arlington Garden fosters sustainability and community engagement through events and educational programs. It stands as a symbol of hope and renewal in the heart of Pasadena, showcasing the allure of hidden gardens in Los Angeles.

This breathtaking, authentic Japanese spot will immediately transport you to another world. As one of the best hidden gardens in Los Angeles, it blends aesthetics and philosophical ideas to create an explosion of natural fragrances and sights. 

It features three different gardens to create a surreal experience. Begin with the Zen meditation garden, then wander along the Chisen or “wet-strolling” garden, and end at the Shoin Building with an authentic tatami-mat teahouse.

The rooftop of one of the city’s major attractions, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, is probably the last place you’d expect to find tranquility. You’ll get to marvel at Frank Gehry’s gleaming masterpiece and the porcelain roses that pay tribute to Lillian Disney’s two favorite things (porcelain and roses), making it a must-visit on our list of hidden gardens in Los Angeles.

The LA’s Police Academy is the last place you’d probably look for a stunning green escape, but it happens to be one of the loveliest hidden gardens in Los Angeles. So much so that it was declared Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #110 in 1973.

Located in the Chavez Ravine area of Elysian Park next to Dodger Stadium, the Rock Garden is not open for casual visits, but it can sometimes be seen during special events held at the Academy.

This was initially designed as a community meeting place by renowned architect and member of the Pasadena Garden Club, Myron Hunt. It’s located on the Arroyo banks, and La Casita was built as a public works project to provide employment during the Great Depression.

It’s now a flourishing slice of heaven with a butterfly sanctuary and countless native plants, making it one of the most amazing hidden gardens in Los Angeles.

Crowded trails don’t exactly elicit a sense of serenity, so heading to this tranquil, lesser-known gem is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and leave the world behind. 

This 9.4-acre wetland preserve forms part of the Dominguez Watershed and is teeming with life, including willows, shrubs, herbs, and all the creatures that live amongst it.

Beautifully manicured lawns, dotted with a notable outdoor sculpture collection featuring work by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore, are pure therapy. The paths are lined with Jacarandas that turn a surreal shade of purple in spring, while the rest of the trees turn to shades of yellow, orange, and brown through fall, making it one of the most beautiful hidden gardens in Los Angeles.

This stunning 5,000-square-foot pavilion with a petite garden commemorates Korean immigrants in L.A. This beautiful symbol, known as the Dawooljung, meaning “a harmonious gathering place,” was built by South Korean craftsmen and is one of the best hidden gardens in Los Angeles, and an ideal spot to relax amongst the non-stop buzz of Koreatown.

Found in Pasadena, the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a beautiful zen retreat with a life full of devastation and triumph. Its constructed bridges, traditional cedar log house, and lush gardens are surrounded by two ponds full of koi fish. As you and your loved one take in the landscape, it’s clear that dedication and patience went into this tranquil masterpiece.