Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden and nature preserve tucked into the foothills of La Canada Flintridge, about 20 minutes from downtown Pasadena. It offers families a peaceful escape from the intensity of Los Angeles with shaded woodland paths, ponds, and one of the most beloved miniature train rides in Southern California.

The Enchanted Railroad is the main draw for families with young children. This quarter-scale train follows a 1/3-mile track through the oak woodland, passing through tunnels of overhanging trees, across a small bridge, and past miniature structures. The gentle pace and natural scenery make it suitable for all ages, and the ride lasts about 8 minutes.

It operates on weekends and select weekdays -- check the website before visiting if the train is a priority.

The gardens themselves are organized into distinct themed areas. The camellia forest is the most impressive -- housing the largest collection of camellias in North America -- and blooms spectacularly from January through March. Walking through the towering camellia trees feels like being inside a natural cathedral, with dappled light filtering through the canopy.

The Japanese garden offers a tranquil pond with koi fish and turtles that kids love watching. The rose garden peaks in spring and fall. The California native plant garden teaches kids about the plants that naturally grow in their region.

The Nature Play area gives younger children a designated space for unstructured outdoor play with logs, rocks, and natural materials. It is not a traditional playground with equipment, but rather a thoughtfully designed space that encourages kids to build, balance, and explore using natural elements. This approach aligns with the growing movement toward nature-based play that develops creativity and physical confidence.

The annual Enchanted: Forest of Light winter event (typically November through January) transforms the gardens after dark with immersive light installations along a mile-long path. Thousands of lights illuminate trees, create interactive displays, and turn the familiar garden paths into a magical nighttime experience. This event is enormously popular -- tickets sell out quickly, especially for weekend dates.

Book as soon as tickets become available, which is typically in September.