In the early 1950s, Los Angeles was in the midst of explosive growth and transformation. The population surged by half a million after the war, the entertainment industry was booming, and the “four-level” freeway interchange was completed.
During this time, Walt Disney was incidentally searching for property to develop into his vision of Disneyland, and he very nearly purchased La Cañada Flintridge’s Descanso Gardens to build his theme park.
The garden that escaped Disneyland
Today’s Descanso Gardens property was once a private estate owned by Elias Manchester Boddy, a newspaper publisher and businessman famous for exposing corruption in the LAPD. In 1937, he purchased the estate that would later become Descanso Gardens, building a modern mansion and developing the grounds into a spectacular botanical landscape.
When Boddy retired in 1952, he put the ranch up for sale, attracting the interest of Walt Disney and other developers.
La Cañada Flintridge residents became alarmed at the prospect of such large-scale commercial development in their neighborhood, especially with the involvement of Disney. Neighbors and community members lobbied the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to purchase the property and preserve it as a public garden instead. The supervisors voted in the community’s favor, and by 1953, Descanso Gardens became city property.
Descanso Gardens went through a few more hurdles before reaching the final form that we know today. Attendance was low in its early years, maintenance proved difficult, and there was even talk of turning the land into a dump.
Some neighbors mobilized to form the volunteer Descanso Gardens Guild, which worked hard to provide direction and funding. Residents are still credited with preserving the garden for the public trust, all thanks to their advocacy and determination.
As for Disney, he eventually settled on a semi-rural, 160-acre site in Anaheim to establish Disneyland. He purchased the property in 1953, began construction in 1954, and opened the park on July 17, 1955. Disneyland was the very first Disney theme park and the only one built under Walt Disney’s direct supervision.
Visiting Descanso Gardens today
Descanso Gardens is now one of L.A.’s most scenic attractions, welcoming nearly 1 million people each year. The 150-acre botanical garden and museum is famous for its sprawling displays of camellias, California native plants, rose garden, Japanese garden, and tulips. It also hosts a full calendar of events, art exhibitions, nature walks, family activities, and workshops.
📍 Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
🗓️ Hours: Open daily from 9am-7pm
🎟️ Tickets: General admission is $15 for adults. The garden is free with advance tickets on the third Tuesday of the month.
🌐 Website: Descanso Gardens