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. Be sure to check out their website and Instagram page for peak bloom updates.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View