A child smiling while reaching out to a blue butterfly on her hand amidst greenery.

9 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Greater LA

Though it's known for its cityscapes, Los Angeles has plenty of gardens and conservatories to explore, too! With the hustle and bustle of daily living, sometimes parents (and their kiddos) just need a green space to relax in and enjoy. So try one of these nature settings for some peace and quiet on your next family outing.


 
    gardens.ucr.edu

    UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

    Erynn said:  Exploring this botanic garden (and butterfly garden) involves traversing 40 hilly acres with scenic trails and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy nature. You'll see plenty of pollinators here, plus herbs, a rose garden with over 300 selections, and a turtle pond!

    Riverside, CA
    arboretum.org

    LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

    Erynn said:  A meandering 127 acres of plant life and exploration await families at the LA County Arboretum. Among the attractions are a stream and bridge, a turtle pond, Meyberg Waterfall, Queen Anne Cottage, a Tropical Greenhouse, and more!

    Also, the on-site Arboretum Library hosts storytimes for kids and other fun events for families.

    Arcadia, CA
    huntington.org

    Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

    Erynn said:  This expansive property includes 120 acres of botanical gardens, plus the library and art collections. The gardens have themed areas plus a Children's Garden, a conservatory, and even topiary animals!

    San Marino, CA
    arlingtongardenpasadena.com

    Arlington Garden in Pasadena

    Erynn said:  This small community-supported garden is a great pit stop if you live in (or are passing through) the Pasadena area. It spans three acres and contains all kinds of native Pasadena fauna. You'll also see birds, bees, and butterflies throughout the seasons.

    Pasadena, CA
    descansogardens.org

    Descanso Gardens

    Erynn said:  Descanso is known for its gorgeous gardens, the Sturt Haaga Gallery (with rotating exhibits), an Enchanted Railroad, and on site dining. Plan to stay the whole day--and check ahead to see what's in bloom before your visit!

    La Canada Flintridge, CA
    peacelabyrinth.org

    Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

    Erynn said:  For your first visit to the Peace Labyrinth, we recommend taking the complimentary tour, but after that, you can explore the grounds freely, from the historic villa to the meditation gardens to the labyrinth itself.

    While the grounds are accessible to all ages, more mature ages are likely to get more out of the experience!

    Los Angeles, CA
    southcoastbotanicgarden.org

    South Coast Botanic Garden

    Erynn said:  This garden spans 87 acres with thousands of species of plants from all over the world. Among the multiple gardens is also a Children's Garden plus a small lake. Highlights of the Children's Garden and Discovery Garden include nursery rhyme-themed areas like a dollhouse, bridge, secret tunnel, alphabet garden, and a worm bin, among other attractions!

    Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
    botgard.ucla.edu

    UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

    Erynn said:  This is a relatively small botanical garden that spans under eight acres, but it's a "living museum" with tons of plants from all over the globe. UCLA uses it for research purposes and as an outdoor classroom, and there's so much to explore, including a stream with turtles.

    Los Angeles, CA
    conejogarden.org

    Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

    Erynn said:  This botanic garden spans 33 acres and includes a Kids Adventure Garden with a tree house, a "zoo" garden with animal sculptures, and more. In the main garden, there are habitats for birds, butterflies, and even an orchard. The on-site nursery lets you take a bit of greenery home, too.

    Thousand Oaks, CA

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