I love visiting botanical gardens. These places, which artfully present selected plant species for display, bring me tranquility and peace. As a Southern California native, I have many in my backyard. I love each for different reasons.
These are my top five botanical gardens in Southern California. Each of these is a lovely treat for locals or visitors. All are within three hours of downtown Los Angeles.
Ganna Walska Lotusland, Santa Barbara
Lotusland was founded by eccentric opera singer Ganna Walska. Classic movie fans will know that Walska inspired a pivotal character in Citizen Kane. Walska envisioned the Santa Barbara mansion being a retreat for Tibetan monks. When that couldn’t come to fruition given World War II, the artist instead made the land her own.
Upon Walska’s death in 1984, dozens of exotic plants and wildflowers adorned the 37 acres. Nearly a decade later, the stunning grounds were opened to the public. Visitors get to tour the vast gardens that range from the lotus pond to blooming cacti.
Lotusland has the most restrictions on this list regarding reservations and tours. The gardens are closed from November to February. Reservations are necessary, but seeing the grounds for yourself is worth it.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino
Hands down one of my favorites in the nation. I have been going to the Huntington since I was a child. It’s not far from the stately LA suburb of Pasadena, and never fails to leave me feeling taken somewhere new and magical. The gardens feature a stunning rose garden that even inspired Barbra Streisand to curate her own with the Huntington team. Feel like you’re across the pond in England as you stroll the roses and snap a picture with a striking Shakespeare sculpture in his garden.
The Huntington is especially ideal for kids. They have a fun Children’s Garden with a splash pad and plenty of accents that make you feel like Alice in Wonderland.
In the art museum, get up close and personal with the likes of Pinky by Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Gainsborough’s Blue Boy, and a Gutenberg Bible, to name a few.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Arcadia
Part botanical garden, part jungle. That’s the long-beloved Arboretum, located about 10 minutes from the Huntington in San Gabriel Valley’s Arcadia. The Arboretum’s unique backdrop has been the shooting location for film, television, and music videos since the 1930s.
Their gardens include plants from all over the world, from Australia to Madagascar. Over 250 bird species have been identified on-site, making it a terrific bird-watching location in mostly urban Los Angeles County. Guests young and old will get a kick out of the numerous resident peacocks. Just don’t get too close.
The Arboretum has over half a dozen gardens to enjoy. It’s a great choice for kicking back on the grass and enjoying a good book or catching up with friends. The Peacock Cafe is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch.
Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona Del Mar
The Sherman is the smallest garden to make the list, at two acres. Although petite, the flora and fauna are mighty. Located off the Pacific Coast Highway in South Orange County, it’s surrounded by high-end boutiques and stunning coastal cottages that bring Carmel-by-the-Sea to mind. Similar to the county Arboretum, the gardens boast plants from around the world. I appreciate how every area makes the most of the space. It’s also gorgeous for fall and the holidays.
The Sherman’s restaurant. 608 Dahlia takes freshness to a new level with garden-to-table cuisine. Much of the menu is indeed grown within the gardens or locally. Chef Jessica Roy serves fine California food for lunch, with an impressive wine list.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert
Now, we cruise over to the desert just outside of Palm Springs. Palm Desert is 125 miles outside LA and home to the beautiful Living Desert. The spacious area is one of the most distinctive botanical gardens I’ve visited, presenting plants like California Sagebrush and Baja Fairy Duster.
The Living Desert beautifully combines natural habitats with a large array of animals, including emu and wallaby, making it both a top-notch garden and a zoo. During the cooler months (October through May), visitors can take advantage of several trails within the 80 acres of accessible land. The gardens own a total of 1,200 acres.
For the complete experience at the Living Desert, book additional activities like feeding the giraffe and the rhino encounter. The latter is one of their newest exhibits and guests will leave with plenty of fun facts on the black rhino. You also get to see them up close and personal. Kids young and old will get a kick out of feeding a giraffe.
