A major highlight for the young (and young-at-heart) visitor is the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad. Guests can climb aboard this 1/8th replica of a diesel train and travel around a small section of Descanso Gardens.

The Full Moon Tea House area is one of the most impressive architectural structures at Descanso Gardens. Inspired by the Asian origins of Descanso's camellias, the Japanese Garden, Full Moon Tea House and Minka bring the spirit of the Far East to California. Constructed in 1966 from funds raised by the Descanso Gardens Guild, the Japanese Garden and Tea House is the the focal point of the Japanese Garden Festival every autumn.
 
The Full Moon Tea House features blue tile roofing imported from Japan. Across a Shinto bridge stand a structure resembling a Japanese farmhouse. This structure, called the Minka, was designed and donated by Robert H. Kawashima in 1969. Another nearby feature is a dry-raked garden, modeled after a Shen garden in Kyoto.

 

Just beyond the Rose Garden, the Bird Observation Station and Lake provide permanent and temporary shelter and nesting area for a wide variety of birds. The Bird Observation Station, built in conjunction with the Audubon Society, gives visitors an opportunity to view hundreds of varieties of birds, waterfowl and other animals in their natural habitat, in the beautiful sanctuary of Descanso Gardens.

Formerly the home of E. Manchester Boddy, founder of Descanso Gardens, the Boddy House offers a glimpse at the glamour of a bygone era while also providing an incomparable rental venue for special events, weddings, receptions, parties, conferences, meetings and filming.

Summer hours to tour the Boddy House are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Explore the Gardens on our covered, handicap-accessible "green" tram made possible through grants from Los Angeles County and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Our zero-emissions electric tram is the latest in clean industrial technology -- and it's very quiet!

Relax and enjoy the narration that emphasizes the history and plants that make up the beauty of Descanso. No reservations required. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center.

Depending on demand, tram tours are 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To ensure the tram will be operating on the day of your visit, we recommend you call the Visitor Center the day of your visit at (818) 949-4200. There must be a minimum of six riders for the tram to operate.

Price per person: $4.00