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.
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1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
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This class is sold out Join artist Virginia Hein for a sketch walk through the gardens on Thursday, April 4 from 5–6:30pm. This class is designed as an introduction to quick location sketching and each participant is given a small panorama sketchbook and waterproof pen (included in class price). Bring a spirit of curiosity, play […]
$40 – $45
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2 events,
Please note that Little Explorers is canceled on Friday, April 5 due to inclement weather Come explore, play and create with us at Descanso Gardens! Families with young children (age 2-5 years old) will enjoy doing arts and crafts and nature exploration together each month. No registration required, free with admission.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
-
Please note that this service day is full. Get hands-on gardening experience by mulching in the garden and help care for Descanso at this volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. Ages 16 or older. Must be able to lift, bend and stand for long periods of time. Moderate to heavy […]
Free
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
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1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
|
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
3 events,
Enjoy the garden for free! Free Tuesday occurs on the third Tuesday of the month. Advance tickets are required and are released on the first day of the month at 7:30am. Tickets are not available at the door, and must be reserved in advance on our website. Click here for Free Tuesday ticketing information. Please […]
Enjoy the garden for free! Free Tuesday occurs on the third Tuesday of the month. Advance tickets are required and are released on the first day of the month at 7:30am. Tickets are not available at the door, and must be reserved in advance on our website. Click here for Free Tuesday ticketing information. Please […]
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
-
Please note that this service day is full. Help care for Descanso Gardens and get service hours for school at this student volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. For ages 12-15. Adult chaperones must be present. Bring gardening gloves and water. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. Limited […]
Free
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
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1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
3 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] 
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
|
3 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
|
3 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
|
3 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
|
5 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] 
Enjoy fun, spring-themed crafts for the whole family in celebration of our flowers in bloom on April 26 and 27 from 10am–12pm. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
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Don't miss Cultivate: LA Local on April 26 from 4:30–7pm with live music, dancing, refreshments, and engaging experiences in nature that will connect you more deeply to the world around you. The event is free with admission or membership, no registration required. Schedule: Theodore Payne Foundation Learn about fire prevention, habitat gardening, and native plants […]
Included with admission or membership
|
6 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
-
Take home a milkweed seedling to attract butterflies in your own garden on April 27 from 9–11am. While supplies last.
Included with admission or membership
-
Connect with Descanso’s feathered friends in this family-friendly birding walk! Perfect for ages 7-15, this walk will meander through the gardens at a gentle pace to visit the varied habitats within Descanso. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, but don’t worry if you don’t have any – sets will be available to borrow during the […]
Included with admission or membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
Enjoy fun, spring-themed crafts for the whole family in celebration of our flowers in bloom on April 26 and 27 from 10am–12pm. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Join us for a guided walking tour and see our California native blooms. This tour is offered daily, April 22-27, from 11am–noon. Meets at Center Circle. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
|
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3 events,
Join our week-long celebration of Earth Day and our native plants from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate our native plants, including our majestic oaks. Free with admission, no registration required.
Included with admission or membership
Come join our monthly walk for birders of all levels. Bring binoculars! Keep your bird count tallied on the updated and now downloadable Descanso bird checklist. No reservations required, exclusively for Descanso Gardens members.
Included with Descanso Gardens membership
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] 
Join us for story time in the garden! Great for children ages 2–7 with a caregiver. No event registration required, free with admission or membership.
Included with admission or membership
|
1 event,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
2 events,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
-
This class is sold out Join artist Virginia Hein for a sketch walk through the gardens on Thursday, May 2 from 5–6:30pm. This class is designed as an introduction to quick location sketching and each participant is given a small panorama sketchbook and waterproof pen (included in class price). Bring a spirit of curiosity, play […]
$40 – $45
|
2 events,
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […]
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The Ruth Borun Nursery and Propagation Center at Descanso serves as the backbone for growing, protecting, and enhancing the botanical collections. From growing annual plants for the Promenade, to establishing new varieties of native California species, to “backing up” and saving clones of our historic lilac, camellia, and rose varieties via rooted cuttings, the nursery […]
Included with admission or membership
|
2 events,
-
This service day is full Get hands-on gardening experience by mulching in the garden and help care for Descanso at this volunteer opportunity. Instruction will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. Ages 16 or older. Must be able to lift, bend and stand for long periods of time. Moderate to heavy lifting involved. Bring […]
Free
Focusing on Descanso Gardens’ magnificent heritage coast live oaks, Trees Talk explores the hidden network that allows trees to communicate with one another. This beguiling exhibition showcases touchable and interactive elements, drawing on actual wood taken from oaks that tragically fell during a severe storm in 2023. Visitors can investigate acorn sprouts that show how […] |
