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.
Embark on a magical journey to Bali, Iran & Armenia Prepare to dance, to sing, and to be enchanted by the vibrant world of Balinese culture as Emiko Susilo, an accomplished musician and dancer, guides you through her latest creation, the children’s book Nyepi. Then, experience the music of Iran and Armenia with a special […]
This class is sold out Join artist Virginia Hein for a sketch walk through the gardens on Thursday, July 11 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 […]
Join us for an eight-week Friday yoga class with Joyce Shuman in the Rose Pavilion every Friday from July 12–August 30, 8:30–10am. Yoga at Descanso Gardens is based on Hatha Yoga, which includes stretches, strengthening poses, breathing exercises, and mindful movement. The practice adapts to individual needs. Rejuvenate your body and mind with a 25-minute […]
Exclusively for Descanso Gardens members Model trains will be running from 8:30am–6:30pm Train rides are from 9:30am–4pm (limited number of tickets available for purchase) Members will have exclusive access to the new Descanso Railroad from July 6–12. Enjoy model trains traveling through landscapes and depots made of natural materials (many from Descanso Gardens). Explore the new station where you […]
Stroll through the garden and connect with other members of the Descanso community. Bring a friend or make a new one! This walk involves multi-surface paths throughout Descanso Gardens. Please dress in outdoor appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle. The walk leaves promptly at 9am from Center Circle. No registration required, free with admission.
Drawing from centuries-old traditions, HWAJODO: Flowers and Birds in Korean American Art explores the enduring themes of nature, particularly flowers and birds, that have been a focal point in Korean art. This exhibition uniquely combines traditional representations of flowers and birds with contemporary artists' abstract and stylized interpretations, reflecting a bridge between the past and present, […]
Edo was a remarkable period in Japanese history (1603-1868) when artists broke from tradition and experimented with asymmetry, abstraction, stylization, and empty space to depict the natural world. These artists set the stage for modern art through their innovative, open-hearted depictions. Inspired by Edo 2024 is a national art competition based on the Smithsonian’s Investigating […]
Pacific Opera Project returns to Descanso Gardens with another magical production from July 12–14 and 19–21. Presented with orchestra and sung in English, Rusalka is based on Slavic mythology and was the original inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. With the help of an evil witch, the water nymph Rusalka goes against the […]
Explore the new Descanso Railroad on Saturday, July 13. Marvel at the model trains traveling through landscapes and depots made of natural materials (many from Descanso Gardens). Enjoy a new train station where you can take your favorite ride through the garden on our electric train. Over in the Oak Grove, get your groove on as True Blue plays bluegrass […]
Drawing from centuries-old traditions, HWAJODO: Flowers and Birds in Korean American Art explores the enduring themes of nature, particularly flowers and birds, that have been a focal point in Korean art. This exhibition uniquely combines traditional representations of flowers and birds with contemporary artists' abstract and stylized interpretations, reflecting a bridge between the past and present, […]
Edo was a remarkable period in Japanese history (1603-1868) when artists broke from tradition and experimented with asymmetry, abstraction, stylization, and empty space to depict the natural world. These artists set the stage for modern art through their innovative, open-hearted depictions. Inspired by Edo 2024 is a national art competition based on the Smithsonian’s Investigating […]
Pacific Opera Project returns to Descanso Gardens with another magical production from July 12–14 and 19–21. Presented with orchestra and sung in English, Rusalka is based on Slavic mythology and was the original inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. With the help of an evil witch, the water nymph Rusalka goes against the […]
