It’s no secret that California is home to some rather spectacular outdoor scenery and we’re used to having the option of exploring it endlessly. The sensory experience of wandering through flora is the perfect way to break away from the city buzz and rebalance. Here are five of our favorite botanical gardens in and near the city.
1. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden
From waterfalls to peacocks, the Baldwin lake, and incredible fauna, this might actually be heaven. These stunning landscapes in Arcadia, known as the Arboretum LA, serve as an educational hub, with plants thoughtfully organized by region and guided tours offered.
Yet, for many, it’s a serene retreat, where hours can be spent wandering amidst tropical forests and diverse flora and fauna, and you can even try one of its meditation events.
📍 Location: 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
🎫 Admission Price: $15 for adults.
2. The Huntington
This is arguably one of the best gardens in the city, mostly thanks to the incredible themed sections throughout the 120-acres of lush gardens with 15,000 plant varieties. The Huntington is an historic estate in Pasadena is a natural and cultural paradise.
If you aren’t wandering through the Japanese garden, you could be dining at 1919 Cafe or soaking up knowledge at the museum. By far one of the best L.A. botanical gardens.
📍 Location: 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108
🎫 Admission Prices: $29 for adults; $24 for seniors (65+), military personnel (with ID), and students (ages 12–18 or full-time with ID).
3. Descanso Gardens
Easily ranking among the most sought-after botanical gardens in the city, this spot stands out for its abundant array of vibrant blooms that captivate visitors year-round. Moreover, it holds the distinction of being one of the premier locales for witnessing the breathtaking transformation of foliage in the heart of Los Angeles, along with the vibrant spring blooms.
📍 Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
🎫 Admission Prices: $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and students, $5 for children aged 5–12. Free for children under 5.
4. South Coast Botanic Garden
Also known as “The Jewel of the Peninsula,” this incredible 87-acre garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from around the world. You can wander through the spikey beauties of the Cactus Garden or the Zen setting of the Japanese Garden, while you see how many of the 200 bird species you can spot.
📍 Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
🎫 Admission Prices: $15 for adults. $11 for seniors (62+), students (with ID), and military (with ID); $5 for children aged 5–12. Free for children under 5.
5. UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
This 7.5-acre urban oasis is located on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles. There are a number of lush, themed gardens to explore like the Ancient Forest, the Hawaiian Native blooms or even the Subtropical woodlands. But, since everyone is missing the poppies, you’re in luck! Thanks to volunteer staff and volunteer gardeners, admission is always free.
📍 Location: 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095
🎫 Admission Price: Free.
6. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Explore the serene beauty of one of the best hidden gardens in LA, a two-acre oasis open to the public on select evenings and afternoons. Crafted by landscape artisan Kinzuchi Fujii in the late 1930s, this tranquil haven boasts a private Japanese garden with a teahouse. Despite a fire in 1981, the gardens were meticulously restored, preserving their original charm with two ponds, four bridges, and a cascading waterfall.
📍 Location: 270 Arlington Dr., Pasadena, CA 91105
🎫 Admission Price: $12 for adults. Free for children under 18.
7. Virginia Robinson Gardens
Formerly the residence of department store magnates Virginia and Harry Robinson, this Beverly Hills estate has transformed into a public park. Amidst its serene residential locale, explore six-and-a-half acres of meticulously manicured gardens, including a captivating botanical garden, alongside an impeccably preserved mansion. Continuing its legacy of grandeur, the estate hosts an annual summer garden party, offering a glimpse into its storied Hollywood past.
📍 Location: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
🎫 Admission Price: $15 per person for guided tours. Reservations are required.
8. California Botanical Garden
The California Botanical Garden spans 86 acres, making it the largest botanical garden in the state dedicated solely to California’s native plants. Home to over 70,000 plants across 2,000 native species and hybrids, it’s a stunning showcase of the region’s natural beauty.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 am to 6 pm, with a general admission fee of $10 for adults, but it’s free if you bring your L.A. Library Card!
📍 Location: 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711
🎫 Admission Prices: $10 for adults; $6 for seniors (65+), students (with ID), and children aged 3–12. Free for children under 3.
9. The Japanese Garden
This Japanese garden sits just across from the Sepulveda Basin on the edge of Van Nuys. Stone bridges and winding paths lead around a calm pond, with neat rockwork, trimmed trees, and small tea houses adding to its charm. It offers a peaceful retreat with a hint of local industry, since the garden is watered by the nearby Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. This blend of nature and industry makes the space uniquely inviting.
📍 Location: 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406
🎫 Admission Price: $5 per person. Free for children under 10.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.
Featured Image: @daisya30 on Instagram.