Descanso Gardens

About the Business

Specialties

Discover natural beauty and serenity just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, featuring native oak trees, a rose garden, Japanese Garden, and one of the largest collections of camellias in the world. Our gift shop and plant patio feature rare plants, books, gift items, and high quality housewares. We offer indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings, meetings, conferences, and more. From the historic Boddy Mansion, to one of our lush gardens, to Van de Kamp Hall, we have the right venue for any event. Some facility rentals may include tables, chairs, linens, PA equipment, and more. Our onsite caterer is here to assist with your food and beverage needs. Festivals include: Cherry Blossom Festival, Japanese Garden Festival, Camellia Festival, and more. Enjoy natural beauty year-round!

History

Established in 1953.

The story of Descanso Gardens begins with its forest of Coast live oaks - a source of food and shelter for the native Tongva people who made contact with Spanish explorers in 1542. More than a century later, Spain awarded a land grant that included the property to Gaspar de Portola who in turn gave it to Corporal Jose Maria Verdugo for use for the benefit of the community. In 1937, newspaper published Manchester Boddy purchased the land as an urban retreat and ranch. Initially attracted by the grand oaks, he planted thousands of camellias under their shade and eventually opened his land for the enjoyment of the public. Boddy's family sold the property to the County of Los Angeles in 1953, and a dedicated group of volunteers subsequently saved it from development and created the Descanso Gardens Guild. In a unique public/private partnership, the Guild continues to manage the property and has helped the Garden achieve local, national and international acclaim for its natural beauty.