Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Located 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden and place of year-round natural beauty, with internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Accredited by the American Association of Museums as a museum of living collections, Descanso Gardens welcomes 250,000 visitors annually. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. It has been designated an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
466 reviews
Excellent
299
Very good
113
Average
36
Poor
13
Terrible
5
ProfessorHedonism
Monterey Park, CA27 contributions
Jan 2020
While it is nice to have some dedicated green space in a city of concrete freeways like Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens probably won't impress any out-of-towners. It's a pretty small space; big by city standards, but it's no Central Park or anything even remotely near that. You can stroll around with babies and entertain your kids on a silly little park train, but most people visiting on the weekends are there for first dates and trying to show how outdoorsy they can be. You'll notice them because they're conspicuously overdressed. There are better choices in LA (the Arboretum and Griffith Park, to name just two) and certainly loads of better choices in other cities (just about anywhere in Northern California, for example) around the country. I've been to Descanso Gardens half a dozen times now and still cannot figure out why it is held in such high regard by locals, even though it's within ten miles of my own home.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Places Where We Go Podcast
Simi Valley, CA975 contributions
Oct 2020
Descanso Gardens is a beautiful landscape to visit, particularly and especially in the spring when flowers are in bloom. We visited this weekend for the first time during the fall season, and well, the experience felt somewhat deflating. With tickets purchased for the “Halloween at Descanso Gardens” event, our expectations were unfortunately higher than the experience we enjoyed.
The Halloween / pumpkin theme felt sorely limited. There were a few scattered pumpkins here and there, just as occasional window dressing in the gardens. But the opportunity to create a more engaging Halloween themed event was lost.
Not being provided a map of the grounds upon entry was the first point of annoyance. If we would have been provided a guide, it would have made navigating through the park in the short time that was allotted to us, perhaps easier and more efficient. However, we were left to wander as everyone else; guessing which way to zig and zag through the walkways of the park.
In one section where the greatest amount of pumpkins lay on the ground, a grounds person barked out orders at our 2 year old granddaughter and other kids, “Don’t touch the pumpkins!” While in some places of the park, pumpkins that were adorning artistic displays were roped off and clearly in an “off limits” section, here there were hundreds of pumpkins, no rope, no partitions, no signs saying don’t touch the pumpkins. Just somebody barking at the kids who are trying to have a good time. This could have been conducted better.
In another section of the park, there were a few roped off creations of insects with interspersed pumpkins. A kind of garden art. These were interesting to view. There was also a pumpkin themed house that one could walk through in the midst of a larger green area that afforded kids a larger grass area to run around in and play. As for the gardens, a few rose bushes were in bloom, but not much else.
Perhaps our expectations were somewhat shaped by other Southern California Halloween events such as the annual event held at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark California. When dropping money for a fall outdoors experience, there is much more offered at the nearby farm than we found at Descanso Gardens. With this experience under our belts, I’ll try to remember not to complain about the Underwood Farms entry fee anymore.
Given the Descanso experience, $15 entry tickets seemed rather steep. Tickets were for timed entry during this event. Ours were for 3:30 pm. The park closed officially at 5pm. A voice over the loudspeaker started to invite people to depart around 4:30, so the overall time to stroll the grounds was limited.
In short, we arrived with a level of expectation that was not matched by the experience. We recommend saving a trip to Descanso Gardens for spring and summer. Those with annual passes are exempt for this advice.
The Halloween / pumpkin theme felt sorely limited. There were a few scattered pumpkins here and there, just as occasional window dressing in the gardens. But the opportunity to create a more engaging Halloween themed event was lost.
Not being provided a map of the grounds upon entry was the first point of annoyance. If we would have been provided a guide, it would have made navigating through the park in the short time that was allotted to us, perhaps easier and more efficient. However, we were left to wander as everyone else; guessing which way to zig and zag through the walkways of the park.
In one section where the greatest amount of pumpkins lay on the ground, a grounds person barked out orders at our 2 year old granddaughter and other kids, “Don’t touch the pumpkins!” While in some places of the park, pumpkins that were adorning artistic displays were roped off and clearly in an “off limits” section, here there were hundreds of pumpkins, no rope, no partitions, no signs saying don’t touch the pumpkins. Just somebody barking at the kids who are trying to have a good time. This could have been conducted better.
In another section of the park, there were a few roped off creations of insects with interspersed pumpkins. A kind of garden art. These were interesting to view. There was also a pumpkin themed house that one could walk through in the midst of a larger green area that afforded kids a larger grass area to run around in and play. As for the gardens, a few rose bushes were in bloom, but not much else.
Perhaps our expectations were somewhat shaped by other Southern California Halloween events such as the annual event held at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark California. When dropping money for a fall outdoors experience, there is much more offered at the nearby farm than we found at Descanso Gardens. With this experience under our belts, I’ll try to remember not to complain about the Underwood Farms entry fee anymore.
Given the Descanso experience, $15 entry tickets seemed rather steep. Tickets were for timed entry during this event. Ours were for 3:30 pm. The park closed officially at 5pm. A voice over the loudspeaker started to invite people to depart around 4:30, so the overall time to stroll the grounds was limited.
In short, we arrived with a level of expectation that was not matched by the experience. We recommend saving a trip to Descanso Gardens for spring and summer. Those with annual passes are exempt for this advice.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tulipani2000
California84 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Be advised that Maple cafe reviews are very out of date, and should be removed. Maple closed long ago. "The Kitchen" opened a few months ago, but now, it too is mostly disappearing, except for just a few cold items, candy, and snacks which appear to be fazing out. The "wall" of bottled beverages remains.
What is new, looks interesting. It is named "Social Nature", on Magnolia Lawn, served through August. There are burger sliders, nachos, drinks and treats. See the photos I plan to add. If you are a member, weekdays only, from 4PM to 6:30pm, there is Happy Hour, with half price food items. I have not tried the food, but what I saw people eating, looked inviting. Because I have not tried the items yet, is why only three stars. Remaining open after 5 pm is for members only through August. Descanso is now "cashless"!
Descanso has something special for Mother's Day dining, so visit the website.
What is new, looks interesting. It is named "Social Nature", on Magnolia Lawn, served through August. There are burger sliders, nachos, drinks and treats. See the photos I plan to add. If you are a member, weekdays only, from 4PM to 6:30pm, there is Happy Hour, with half price food items. I have not tried the food, but what I saw people eating, looked inviting. Because I have not tried the items yet, is why only three stars. Remaining open after 5 pm is for members only through August. Descanso is now "cashless"!
Descanso has something special for Mother's Day dining, so visit the website.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margarita E
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Beautiful place is becoming as a regular park. I live very close to Echo park, but prefer to drive to Descanso garden. Yesterday, 1/20/2023 I met a person who was smocking sigaret; after awhile, I smell marihuana; a few times I noticed that kids tear flowers. I remember pandemic time when security person control people to wear mask. It's time to control behavior people in botanical garden, to teach them do not destroy plants and do not disturb other people.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,042 contributions
Mar 2022
Late March and April are the perfect time to visit if you love tulips, camellias, and lilacs. There were hundreds of beautiful, vibrant-colored tulips showing off today. Trees were in full blossom, turtles were sunbathing by a pond, and people were meandering along the paths, enjoying the sunny California morning (we are sooo fortunate to live in So Cal!) The gardens are an uplifting experience in these trying times. If you have children, be aware the train doesn’t run on Wednesdays.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
845beatriz
Arcadia, CA129 contributions
Feb 2021
The advantage of visiting a botanical garden is that there are seasonal flowers ready to be photographed all year round. Tulips are typically winter flowers, so there are rows upon rows of lovely Tulips to enjoy in the cold months and every season there are beautiful fauna to enjoy. Walking about is easy on designated paths and docent led tours that are knowledgeable about the plants of flowers. There is a child friendly train that circles the gardens and a Bookshop and Restaurant that contribute to a lovely relaxing day spent around beauty.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northernk
Phoenix, AZ13,319 contributions
Jul 2022
Wonderful on an early Sunday afternoon. Easy parking and generally comfortable and friendly place to visit. Generally comfortable and easy paved walks, though can go off the beaten path and do some straw or dirt paths as well. The Art installation at the house area are fascinating , interesting and the guides will explain the goals, great place i feel for kids, whether they understand the goal will vary like with anyone but it's very interactive, interesting and fun. Most enjoyable and recommended overall.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryFleishman
Los Angeles, CA189 contributions
Oct 2022
Please understand that I am only writing a Halloween Review for their October event named CARVED. It is a nice stroll through the Gardens almost entirely exhibited with Pumpkins. There were some nice things to view but it was nothing outstanding, except for one station - An Artist was using large Pumpkins to Sculpt out faces that were terrific. I watched him work but still could not figure out how he was able to make these faces an absolute work of art.
We had visited prior to the pandemic and it was very good. This year did not have enough variety but it was good for all ages.
We had visited prior to the pandemic and it was very good. This year did not have enough variety but it was good for all ages.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSQRD1
Kent, OH798 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I visited Descanso on a nice sunny winter day. The garden is peaceful (and includes many naturalistic landscapes) and a welcome respite from the busy nature of the greater LA area. There are several nice areas and an interesting history display in the old house. I really enjoyed the art exhibit that was on display during my visit in one of the outbuildings. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
Written March 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tom H
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
clean, all camellias. not much else. wasn't worth the drive for me. The place is literally all camellia forest. nothing else seemed to be growing, the lake area was not worth the 30 foot walk. if your close by, want a cup of coffee and a bathroom for $15 a head go for it. other then that stay away and maybe they will improve something besides the gifts shops.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KDMaxx
Torrance, CA46 contributions
Heading to the Enchanted Forrest tonight. Can we get dinner at the gardens somewhere (besides the fancy restaurant) or any recos for good eats nearby?
John M
Silver City, NM57 contributions
The Gardens is in a largely residential area, so eating places are not close. Only advice I can offer is to check Yellow Pages for something that looks good.
bravestrong
bravestrong123 contributions
HIGHLY reccommend spending 1/2 day at The Dallas Arboretum. ANY time of year It would certainly rank HIGH on your list! it sits on a small municipal lake (Dallas' first reservoir) and YEAR ROUND has acres and acres of blooming color (fields of pansies in the winter, azaleas + crabapples in Spring, and pumpkin patch with fields of chrysantimums in Fall. don't miss it!
Kathy J
Jacksonville, OR87 contributions
Did you actually have a question about Descanso Gardens?
lyndydance
Los Angeles, CA
Are the gardens dog(on leash)friendly?
roadtriplove
Santa Clarita, CA
Hi Lyndy,
Because we are a botanical garden and museum (not a park), the only dogs allowed in the Gardens are those who are service dogs as defined by the ADA. Pets must stay home. Thanks!
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Claim your listingDescanso Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Descanso Gardens
- Descanso Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Descanso Gardens:
- (5.58 mi) Hotel Dena
- (9.49 mi) The Aster
- (9.55 mi) Sheraton Universal Hotel
- (5.73 mi) Hilton Pasadena
- (6.97 mi) Coast Anabelle Hotel
- Restaurants near Descanso Gardens:
- (0.05 mi) The Kitchen at Descanso
- (1.10 mi) Los Gringos Locos
- (0.56 mi) Cafe Sole
- (0.46 mi) Starbucks
- (0.48 mi) North Shore Burgers
- Attractions near Descanso Gardens:
- (0.44 mi) United Artists La Canada 8
- (0.43 mi) The Lanterman House Museum
- (7.63 mi) Griffith Observatory
- (4.62 mi) Your L.A. Tours
- (7.84 mi) Hollywood Hikes