The gardens contain over 30,000 plants, including a significant collection of rare camellias introduced to California in the early 20th century.
The property was formerly the home of E. Manchester Boddy, who owned the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News.
The Oak Woodland section preserves one of the largest remaining stands of coast live oaks in Southern California.
During World War II, the gardens were used as a production site for camellias to provide a distraction from the war effort.
The Enchanted Forest section features a prehistoric-themed garden with cycads and ferns, highlighting plant species that date back to the dinosaur era.
Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden located in the San Rafael Hills, notable for housing the largest collection of camellias in North America. The site features a historic 1937 mansion designed by architect James E. Dolena in a modern regency style. Landscape diversity includes the Oak Woodland, the International Rosarium, and a Japanese Garden featuring a tea house and koi pond. The gardens were originally the estate of E. Manchester Boddy, a newspaper publisher who established the camellia collection in the 1930s. A narrow-gauge railroad replica serves as a nod to the historical transportation on the estate. The property includes a cafe and a gift shop centered around botanical and garden-themed goods. It functions as both a public garden and a center for horticultural education.
The Japanese Garden's iconic red bridge overlooking the koi pond.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain includes significant inclines and unpaved trails.
Check the website for the seasonal bloom schedule, as the highlights shift significantly between camellia season in winter and rose season in spring.
Bring a reusable water bottle, as the sprawling grounds can become quite hot during the afternoon.
Do not attempt to traverse the entire 150-acre property on foot if you have mobility limitations, as the upper garden areas are hilly.
Open daily except for Christmas Day.
Stay on marked paths to protect sensitive plant beds and wildlife; photography for commercial purposes requires prior arrangements.
