Explore Los Angeles' Best Gardens

East of Pasadena, with views of the San Gabriel mountains to the north, this 127-acre botanical garden and historical site “really is a gem” according to Nicholas. It is a popular place for locals seeking a quiet place to stroll, for new or seasoned gardeners to learn more about plants from all over the world, and for families to take part in the varied activities and workshops that are offered throughout the year. “The plant collections are dazzling,” Nicholas adds. Natural landscape displays of both geographical and botanical collections offer a wealth of design ideas well suited to the arid, southern Californian climate. The library is well cataloged and a wonderful local resource. Allow 2 hours or more for your visit.

To avoid rush hour traffic, aim to get back on the road by 2 pm and drive to Claremont for the final stop of the day. This garden is a living museum with curated collections of California-native plants.

The Grow Native Nursery, located on the garden grounds, offers an exciting selection of native plants for sale. Check the website for hours of operation. This non-profit nursery supports the conservation, education, horticulture, and research efforts of the botanic garden.