Petal Paradise

Visit the Beautiful Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

A woman walks by a blooming cherry blossom tree at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

A woman is admiring the cherry blossom trees at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

If you’re seeking that quintessential spring bloom experience, stroll through the Lilac Garden, where 400 lilac trees fill the air with their delicate scent.

A woman is walking a pathway at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

A red rounded bridge at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

Walk among the charming rows of colorful tulips that take over the Promenade; every step feels like stepping into a postcard from the Netherlands.

In the Japanese Garden, cherry blossoms bloom each spring, inspiring a feeling of tranquility by the Tea House and its babbling pond.

Be sure to also wander through one of North America’s largest camelia collections, where shades of pink, red, and white paint a truly enchanting landscape. 

While Descanso Gardens is worth a visit year-round, there’s something truly special about this season—when mild days and blossoming blooms add a little extra spring to your step. Don’t miss it!

From downtown Los Angeles, take the CA-2 N/Glendale Freeway towards Glendale. Stay in the right lane to continue towards CA-2 N, then take Exit 21A towards Verdugo Blvd./Montrose. Turn right on Verdugo Blvd., then another right on Descanso Dr. After about 0.2 mile, you’ll find the garden entrance on your right.

Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Christmas Day. General admission is $15. Be sure to check out their website and Instagram page for peak bloom updates.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

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