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Descanso Gardens

Although the Los Angeles area has more than its share of cement, asphalt, and glass, there are places that allow you to get back to nature. Descanso Gardens is one of those places. Its 160 acres of secluded beauty are located in the San Rafael Hills, just 20 minutes outside Los Angeles. This sanctuary for nature lovers contains 80 acres of flowers, a native oak forest, duck ponds, and a lake that hosts migratory birds.

For relief from daily stress, you can visit the Meditation Rock Garden, complete with bonsai trees and waterfalls. Want to make your life "rosier"? Spend some time in the International Rosarium, which features thousands of domestic and imported roses. In the spring, lilacs of all colors scent the air, while autumn brings fields of chrysanthemums and pumpkins. But winter may be the most spectacular season of all; that's when thousands of camellias blossom throughout the native oak forest.

Host to many festivals throughout the year, Descanso Gardens celebrates the gardens of Japan in November with its Japanese Garden Festival. In March, April, and May, Mother Nature takes center stage at the Spring Festival of Flowers, with walking tours, musical entertainment, and guest lectures. Summer is the season for the "Under the Oaks" performing arts festival, with music from around the world. Autumn and winter are featured during the Pumpkin Express Festival and the special Holiday Festival, respectively.

A one-hour narrated tram tour is offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., with an additional 11 a.m. tram running on weekends. And if your group numbers at least 25 people, you can get a special inside look at the Gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and selected Wednesdays from January through June. This group tour lasts about four hours.

Location
Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada, Calif., about a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.

Hours of operation
Descanso Gardens is open every day (except Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On-site parking is available at no charge.

Cost

Adults	$6.00
Seniors/students	$4.00
Children (ages 5-12)	$1.50
Children (ages 4 and younger)	Free

The tram tour costs $2 per person (in addition to admission charge), and the group tour is $20-25 per person, depending on the month. Rides on the "Enchanted Railroad," which runs on weekends only, cost $1.50 per person.

Contact information
Call (818) 949-4200 for more information.

Additional information

• Descanso Gardens has a café that serves sandwiches and other luncheon fare. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and offers a 10 percent discount to seniors.
• The gift shop, which features home and garden furnishings, art work, collectibles, and gift items, is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Visit the Descanso Gardens Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.