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.
Please note that this workshop is sold out. Get crafty with us on July 18! Learn the basics of papermaking in this hands-on workshop led by artist Leslie K. Gray. Using a mix of recycled materials and natural items, you will be able to create beautiful, unique, and functional sheets of your own paper. All […]
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.
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 […]
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 gardening gloves and water. Remember […]
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.
Join us for an informative talk on California native butterflies with Diana Nightingale on Saturday, July 20. After the talk, Diana will lead a search for butterflies within the garden. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Advance registration required, click here to register. About Diana Nightingale Diana Nightingale is a former Descanso Gardens horticulturist. She […]
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 […]
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, […]
