The lovely Descanso gardens put on a dazzling show all year, but especially in January and February when some 34,000 camellias brighten the LA winter, some as tall as 20ft. In spring lilacs perfume the air, followed by roses in summer. It’s easy to spend a whole day amid the greenery, waterways and bird sanctuary.
The gardens are in La Cañada Flintridge, about 6 miles northwest of Pasadena at the foot of the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway.
