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Descanso Gardens Review

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Descanso Gardens

Address: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada/Flintridge, Los Angeles, CA, 91011 | Map It
Phone: 818/949-4200
www.descansogardens.org

Category: Gardens/Arboretums
Location: Pasadena Area

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Fodor's Review:

Getting its name from the Spanish word for "rest," this lovely oasis is a truly tranquil setting, shaded by massive oak trees. Known for being a smaller, mellower version of the nearby Huntington, Descanso Gardens features denser foliage, quaint dirt paths, and some hilly climbs that can make for good exercise. Once part of the vast Spanish Rancho San Rafael, these 160 acres were purchased by E. Manchester Boddy, publisher of the Los Angeles Daily News, in 1937. He developed the area into acres of lushly planted gardens and slopes covered in native chaparral as well as an elegant 22-room mansion, which now serves as a museum. A forest of California live oak trees makes a dramatic backdrop for thousands of camellias, azaleas, and a breathtaking 5-acre International Rosarium holding 1,700 varieties of antique and modern roses. The Japanese Tea House operates on weekends between February and November: its Zen garden is a nice spot to stop for refreshments and reflection. There are also a tram, a gift shop, and a café. (Be advised the café and teahouse are independently owned and sometimes keep different hours from the gardens.)

Cost: $8
Open: Daily 9-5

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