Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens - Arcadia

Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Docent-led tours Tuesday-Friday 10:00am Saturday 10:30am (except 'free' monthly third Tuesday and August-September)
Location: 301 North Baldwin Avenue (south off the 201 freeway)
Why Go There? Multiple themed gardens to stroll within127 acre site; events include concerts; cafe, gift shop; senior and student admittance discount; free third monthly Tuesday
More Information: The Arboretum

King Gillette Ranch - Calabasas

Location: 26800 Mulholland Highway
Why Go There? 588-acre King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains offers a rare unspoiled view of California’s rich archaeological, cultural, and historic resources, including a Chumash settlement, and nationally significant structures designed for razor magnate King C. Gillette in the 1920’s; short, somewhat steep hike from the parking area leads to Inspiration Point with 360-degree views—including the famous rock formations of Malibu Creek State Park; host site for summer Tiny Porch outdoor concerts, raise funds for the Santa Monica Mountains Fund supporting Santa Monica National Recreation Area.
More Information: Tiny Porch Concerts + King Gillette Ranch + Satwiwa Native American Culture Center

California Botanic Garden - Claremont

Daily 8:00am-5:00pm (closed holidays)
Location: 1500 North College Avenue
Why Go There? 86 acre California native botanic garden includes curated collections of 22,000+ California native plants, some are rare or endangered; hosts art/nature exhibitions, artist receptions, events, tours; gift shop; senior, student discounts; free days (see website).
More Information: California Botanic Garden

Griffith Park Ferndell Trail - Los Angeles

Location: Left side of Fern Dell Drive, just 450 feet up from the intersection with Los Feliz Boulevard by the Griffith Park sign
Why Go There? Short trail features redwood trees, ferns and options for longer hikes with spectacular views of Los Angeles; stays green due to recycled water from Griffith Observatory
More Information: The Alternative Tourist + Hiking Project + Ferndell to the Griffith Park Observatory + Griffith Park

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden - Los Angeles

Open daily when UCLA is in session 8:00am-5:00pm, open 9:00am weekends
Location: 707 Tiverton Drive, Southeast corner of University of California Los Angeles campus
Why Go There? Features 7.5 acres, 3000 plants, stream, pond with koi fish, walking path; no fee, but may require close by parking fees
More Information: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Will Rogers State Historic Park - Pacific Palisades

Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road (off Sunset Boulevard)
Why Go There? Hiking/walking options include moderate 2-mile loop to/from Inspiration Point. The Rivas Canyon Trail also provides a moderate 2.1 mile hike to Temescal Gateway Park. Shared trail users can also take the longer, steeper Backbone Trail National Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains all the way to Point Mugu. (Free trail maps at stand near the visitor’s center and in the park office). Before or after a hike, can tour the Will Rogers house, Thursday-Sunday, offered hourly, no fee or reservation for tour, limited to 20. Park entrance fee, slightly discounted for seniors.
More Information: Will Rogers State Historic Park + Rivas Canyon Trail

South Coast Botanic Gardens - Palos Verdes Peninsula

Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Why Go There? 87 acres of gardens to stroll; senior, student discounts, free third Tuesday
More Information: Garden Highlights

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park, Nature Center - Pasadena

Location: 1750 North Altadena Drive
Why Go There? Features exhibits, gift shop, nearby trails information, including popular short hike to Eaton Canyon Falls; site for monthly organization meetings open to public (local Sierra Club, Native Plant Society, Audubon Society chapters)
More Information: Nature Center Tour

Additional Resources

Deukmejian Wilderness Park - La Crescenta
Contains historic Le Mesnager two story stone barn, Glendale Park Ranger Station, parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, walking paths; 3429 Markridge Road

Exposition Rose Garden - Los Angeles
9 acre urban rose garden set in Exposition Park; open 8:30am-dusk; 701 State Drive

Los Angeles Conservancy - Los Angeles
Regularly scheduled specific topic guided walking tours including art deco architecture, victorian homes neighborhoods (fee); self-guided tours on-line (no cost). Upcoming events.

Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority - Los Angeles Area
Local parks and hikes

Arlington Garden - Pasadena
Three acre public garden open daily until sunset; monthly events; 275 Arlington Drive

Wildflower Hotline - Central/Southern California
Non-profit Theordore Payne Foundation website weekly updates on wildflower blooms Central/Southern California; annual native garden tour fundraiser. Native plant garden tour.