THE 10 BEST Los Angeles Gardens (Updated 2024) - Tripadvisor (2024)

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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• 2244tiger

  Orlando, FL53 contributions

  Great Zoo with lots to explore!

  Our visit was on a weekday in February. The weather was wonderful but it was a tad cool. With that being said, a good number of animals were “off exhibit” and many of the zoo’s dining options/stores were closed all day.

  With that being said, we had a great visit! I try to visit as many zoos as possible and was glad to finally make it to LA Zoo. I didn’t realize how large and hilly the zoo would be but it made for an adventurous day.

  Much of the zoo feels a little older but we discovered some amazing animals in some of the enclosures that were hidden away. Tons of birds and tons of monkeys!

  I really enjoyed my visit and would recommend others to visit as well!

  Written February 13, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• phvi2617

  Anaheim, CA547 contributions

  Lots to see and do

  Expo Park has a ton to see and do, including the L.A. County Natural History Museum, California Science Center, California African American Museum as well as BMO Stadium and the L.A. Coliseum. Under construction is the upcoming Lucas Museum.

  The park itself is lovely, particularly the rose garden, though it could use a bit of upkeep. There is paid parking, but it's conveniently located by the Expo Park/USC Station on the Metro E line.

  Review of: Exposition Park

  Written January 1, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Terry

  North Carolina Mountains, NC8 contributions

  Japanese Garden Van Nuys California

  A serenity can be achieved in this tranquil setting. Los Angeles has surpassed
  many metropolitan regions with this example of how to camouflage a reclaimed water treatment plant. The gardens provide a beautiful foreground
  with a desert garden with pergola for sitting or meditating on the shade. The water garden is in bloom with lotus and water lily while providing a habitat for small fish. The stone lanterns are placed gracefully throughout and keep your eyes open for the falcon that frequents the trees by the waterfall. A tea house is placed toward the back and benches are provided inside and out.
  (No Tripods are allowed but plenty of breathtaking pictures await)
  The adjacent park has a picnic area for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.

  Review of: The Japanese Garden

  Written October 9, 2019

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• wireless_in_CA

  United States4,970 contributions

  Quiet Oasis

  Located on the UCLA campus this was a ~7.5 acre botanical garden.

  Visitor parking was about a block away on the street or in the parking structure. Payment was required every day of the week.

  The pavilion at the entrance was a good starting point even while it was closed. A detailed map outlined the different gardens: desert, fern, palm, and California native plants.

  Multiple sandy paths wound their way through the garden and down to the water at the bottom. They were easily walkable even after the big deluge of rain. Lots of chairs and benches were scattered along the paths and people were making good use just relaxing and talking. Dogs were allowed but had to remain leashed.

  Good signage identifying all the plants and trees. Since it was still winter no flowers at time.

  I can see how this would be a good place to take a break from studies.

  We finished our walkthrough in around half an hour.

  Review of: UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

  Written January 8, 2023

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• permia

  Ireland40,800 contributions

  Superb creations

  It was a pleasure to meander amongst the imaginative and thought-provoking artistic creations.

  Featuring some of the finest sculptures from the past century, they are set in peaceful and sylvan surroundings.

  Named after the university’s third chancellor, it was he who dedicated the garden in 1967.

  Review of: Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

  Written November 6, 2019

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Michael T

  Los Angeles, CA869 contributions

  A SFV Secret - Like a mini Descanso Gardens!

  After a wildly unsuccessful trip to what I thought was The Chatsworth Depot Museum of Transportation and Movie History (which turned out to be a few things in a train station), I searched for something nearby to turn the day around. I travel with my three year old, looking for fun things to do and saw that I wasn't too far from the Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center (which I'd heard about).

  I didn't know what to expect, and I'm still not sure have much of it we saw, but we had a great time. I was hoping there would be some sort of Welcome Center that would tell us what there was to do there so we could make the most out of our trip, but I couldn't find anything (other than signs for their upcoming pick your own grapefruit day that mistakingly said 2017). From what I gathered it is many small trails that take you into gardens and other wooded areas. There is an old historic house that you can look into, but I don't think it's open to the public.

  They had a very cool water fountain and a gazebo... I don't know about you... but these are the two things needed for a successful trip with my three year old! He loves both things! So this place delivered! There are many statues on the premises to see, interesting chairs and benches, an old barn that had some artifacts on display (that was curios because some of the displays were simply straw and pinecones. A mystery!).

  It was very relaxing. Like a mini Descanso Gardens right here in the San Fernando Valley... that's FREE!!! We did have other plans so had to leave before seeing everything, but we'll definitely be back! This is a great place to take a toddler to let them run around!!!

  Review of: Orcutt Ranch

  Written January 31, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Douglas William M

  Burbank, CA455 contributions

  lovely time

  enjoyed this twice over august, once privately the other with Nissei Week. A true hidden gem in all those new condo!

  Review of: James Irvine Garden

  Written October 9, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Almægtige G

  Los Angeles, CA12 contributions

  Lovely GARDEN

  The place is not a park. So if you think you’re walking into another Griffith Park, think again.
  With that said, this garden is a jewel and it offers shade, refreshment, rest, oxygen and beauty to whoever walks by it.

  Review of: The Magical Park

  Written December 9, 2023

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Wendy G

  Oakland, CA4 contributions

  Off the beaten path fun!

  Wear comfortable shoes (the path is steep). The views are spectacular. The art is fun. We really liked driving through the hills and seeing the homes. The appointment-making process is a bit weird. Nobody met us, so the gardeners told us just to walk through. But it was a fun detour for people looking for a unique experience. It looked like the art it rigged up with lights at night. I think it would be fun to experience that too. We went at twilight.

  Review of: The Hollywood Sculpture Garden

  Written August 24, 2022

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Itzi B

  Los Angeles, CA93 contributions

  Beautiful historical villa and gardens

  Los Angeles is known worldwide for many things: the movie industry, beautiful if fake people, the sunshine, and the tendency for its citizens to hold unusual beliefs (beliefs such as the possibility that we may all be reincarnated alien beings or that radionic energy will move us to the next spiritual dimension.) LA may actually hold the title for most religions/philosophies/cults/awareness movements invented per square mile. One place you can learn about all of these important aspects of Los Angeles history is by taking a tour of the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens, currently owned by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.

  Let's start with sunshine. The Labyrinth is housed in the gardens of the Guasti Villa, an Italianate mansion built by Secondo Guasti in 1910. Mr. Guasti came from Italy and became wealthy as a winemaker, developing a huge vineyard in San Bernadino County. Mr. Guasti saw potential in the climate and built up a thriving business, surviving during Prohibition by selling communion and medicinal wine. This villa was his dream home; our tour guide told us that he brought in Italian craftsmen to create the wood carvings and murals. The MSA has done a wonderful job preserving this important testament to the American dream and stunning piece of Los Angeles history.

  Now to Hollywood. The mansion was eventually sold to Busby Berkeley, who made fame and fortune in directing and choreographing dozens of movies featuring scantily-clad women creating geometric formations. Married six times, he lived in the villa with two of his wives. The villa was later sold again and used as a retirement home for doctors (some of which were likely plastic surgeons from nearby Beverly Hills; this was one fancy retirement home!) The building has also been used for locations in several TV shows, including Veep.

  Finally, the spiritual dimension. The villa was purchased in the seventies by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, an organization started by a Rosemead English teacher who reportedly came out of a coma realizing that he was a spiritual leader. (His picture is all over the place in the villa; search the internet if you want to know more.) The organization features a somewhat checkered past (but then, what religious or human institution doesn't have a somewhat checkered past?). The villa currently serves as a seminary of sorts and at times, guests can also buy lunch in the cafeteria if it's available.

  Your first visit can be reserved on Yelp and will consist of a tour from one of the MSA members. The tours are free. Our tour guide was friendly and answered questions from the group; he did indeed push the MSA literature and events several times during the tour, so be prepared. He was nice about it though and very pleasant, sharing lots of historical details about the building itself and pointing out important architectural features. He invited us to meditate as long as we wanted in the meditation garden (hours are 12-4 pm.)

  Highly recommended! Free parking included with the tour.

  Review of: Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens

  Written August 31, 2019

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Chinapjs

  Washington DC, DC3,786 contributions

  One of our favorite places at the Getty Center

  My wife fell in love with this meandering but well designed garden that for some people is the higdden in plain sign gem of the fabulous Getty Center museum. Hint: There are five small bridges over the stream that crosses the garden and on each bridge the sound of the water is different. Lots of other surprises.

  Review of: Central Garden

  Written December 2, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Norjeff2

  West Orange, NJ1,942 contributions

  Cute park for kids and ducks

  No dogs allowed in this cute park by the Venice canals. However, ducks congregate and kicks feed them inside the park. A small playground for the kids. Not worth going out of your way unless you are in the area.

  Review of: Linnie Cana Park

  Written March 14, 2020

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Creeping_Death_LA

  Los Angeles, CA4,324 contributions

  Old school since 1971

  I've been coming to Griffith Park for decades and this was my first time to this hidden gem. The hike from the parking lot areas up to the top was pretty easy for the average hiker. It was nice seeing the different plants and trees growing in this part of the park and being well maintained. l look forward in visiting again in the future.

  Review of: Amir's Garden

  Written May 14, 2020

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.