Plan an excursion through our urban oasis of cultivated gardens and nearly wild, natural landscapes. Set aside a smidge of extra time for unexpected garden secrets and delights along the way!
Come to Descanso Gardens to experience, learn, and expand with an activity, class, program, or event designed to inspire.
Discover our world-class botanical and horticultural wonders and how we care for them.
Dive into a wellspring of opportunities for kids and adults to learn, observe nature, and participate in the garden.
As a non-profit public garden, we welcome you to join us in supporting our mission through membership and giving. With you, we grow in gratitude!
At Descanso Gardens we connect people with nature and one another. Read about our rich history and future plans to preserve the beauty and heritage of the gardens.
After-hours and daytime events with programs designed to connect garden visitors of all ages to nature. Join us for festivals, immersive installations, music, workshops, tours, and more.
A mindfulness walk is an invitation to get quiet and pay attention to the here and now. Unlike a hike, a mindfulness walk does not aim to bring us to a certain destination, but rather to remind us how to slow down and enjoy the journey. This silent activity will take its time moving slowly […]
Join our Horticulture Team for a guided walking tour to learn about our prehistoric Ancient Forest. Included with admission or membership, no registration required. Learn from an expert about what makes this part of our garden and the plants in it so special. Tours may include off-path exploration. Meets at Center Circle.
Explore, play, and create with us at Little Explorers. Families with young children (aged 2–5 years old) will enjoy doing arts, crafts, and nature exploration each month. Specific projects and activities vary, come see what we’re up to this time! Meets in Magnolia Court. Included with admission or membership, no advance registration needed. This program […]
A mindfulness walk is an invitation to get quiet and pay attention to the here and now. Unlike a hike, a mindfulness walk does not aim to bring us to a certain destination, but rather to remind us how to slow down and enjoy the journey. This silent activity will take its time moving slowly […]
Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water for its fertile landscapes and rich food sources. In contemporary Japanese art, water continues to be a powerful theme. Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity features paintings, prints, and sculptures […]
Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens. While our 150 acres offer a natural escape, they also hold a deep, living history. Discover who shaped our collections and landscapes, why they look the way they do, and how they continue to change. The exhibition brings […]
You've never seen the Bard like this before—The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. This event is sold out! Check out our calendar for more performances, workshops, and programs. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first […]
Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water for its fertile landscapes and rich food sources. In contemporary Japanese art, water continues to be a powerful theme. Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity features paintings, prints, and sculptures […]
Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens. While our 150 acres offer a natural escape, they also hold a deep, living history. Discover who shaped our collections and landscapes, why they look the way they do, and how they continue to change. The exhibition brings […]
Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water for its fertile landscapes and rich food sources. In contemporary Japanese art, water continues to be a powerful theme. Sound of Water: Feminine Expressions of Fluidity features paintings, prints, and sculptures […]
Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens. While our 150 acres offer a natural escape, they also hold a deep, living history. Discover who shaped our collections and landscapes, why they look the way they do, and how they continue to change. The exhibition brings […]
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens by exploring imaginative ikebana displays—the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging that reflects harmony, balance, and an appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature. The exhibition is open in Minka, Japanese Garden, from September 14–20, 2026, 10am–4pm daily. Entry is included in the price […]
