Descanso Gardens

Camellias -- evergreen flowering shrubs from China and Japan -- were the passion of amateur gardener E. Manchester Boddy, who began planting them here in 1941. Today his 150-acre Descanso Gardens contain more than 100,000 camellias in more than 600 varieties, blooming under a canopy of California oak trees. The shrubs now share the limelight with a 5-acre International Rosarium, home to hundreds of varieties. This is a very relaxing place, with paths and streams that wind through the towering forest; it borders a lake, bird sanctuary, Japanese Garden and Tea House, and Boddy House museum. Each season features different plants: daffodils, azaleas, tulips, and lilacs in the spring; chrysanthemums in the fall; and so on. Monthly art exhibits are held in the hospitality house, and the Descanso Café offers light meals daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Guided tram tours, which cost $4, run Tuesday through Friday at 1, 2, and 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1, 2, and 3pm. Picnicking is allowed in specified areas. Tip: Kids dig the mini Enchanted Railroad, which travels around a small area of the park, (adults are allowed onboard, too, though one trip is usually plenty for them). Rides are $3.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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