Des Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Des Park, also known as Descanso Gardens, is a popular botanical garden located in La Cañada Flintridge, California. It's a 150-acre oasis that offers visitors a chance to relax and appreciate nature's beauty. It was initially established in the 1930s as an oak woodland, but over time, it has grown into a variety of gardens and terrains, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, a bird sanctuary, and a desert garden.

One of the main reasons to visit Des Park is its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. The gardens are well-manicured, and the pathways are well-laid out, providing an excellent space for a stroll or a picnic. Visitors can also take guided tours, participate in seasonal events, or attend workshops and seminars on various topics of interest.

Some of the specific points of interest to see in Des Park include the Boddy House, which is a historical mansion that provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy during the 1930s. Visitors can also explore the Oak Woodland, which is a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits. The Japanese garden is also a must-see, with its serene koi ponds, bamboo groves, and tea house.

Interesting facts about Des Park include the fact that it was once owned by E. Manchester Boddy, who was a prominent publisher and horticulturist. He transformed the land into a botanical garden, and it was later gifted to the County of Los Angeles.

The best time of year to visit Des Park is during the spring when the gardens are in full bloom. The months of March to May are ideal when the roses, tulips, and cherry blossoms are at their peak. However, visitors can also enjoy the gardens during the fall when the leaves change colors, and the weather is cooler.

In conclusion, Des Park is a beautiful and serene place to visit in California, with a variety of gardens and terrains to explore. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks