Discover Los Angeles' Secret Gardens -- And Where to Find Fall Foliage

Los Angeles might be famous for its beaches, palm trees, and year-round sunshine, but tucked between freeways and neighborhoods are lush hidden oases waiting to be explored. From sprawling botanical gardens to quirky pocket sanctuaries, these spaces offer Angelenos a chance to slow down, wander quiet paths, and reconnect with nature. And while SoCal isn’t exactly New England when it comes to fall foliage, a few of these gardens still dazzle with seasonal color — think golden ginkgo trees, fiery maples, and the rusty reds of native sycamores. Here are some of the best secret gardens in and around Los Angeles County, including those that shine brightest in autumn.

1. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (Arcadia)

A 127-acre wonderland where peacocks roam freely, the Arboretum is divided into gardens inspired by regions around the globe. Beyond waterfalls, historic structures, and bamboo groves, it’s also one of the best places in L.A. to see fall color. Each October and November, maples, ginkgo trees, and persimmons blaze with hues of red, gold, and orange along the garden’s self-guided Fall Color Walk.

2. Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)

Known for its sprawling camellia forest, tranquil ponds, and rose gardens, Descanso transforms in autumn. Crepe myrtles, ginkgo trees, and berry plants offer bursts of color, making this one of the few places near Los Angeles where you can experience a taste of a traditional fall season.

3. The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens (San Marino)

The Huntington is one of the crown jewels of Southern California, with themed gardens that range from serene Japanese and Chinese landscapes to formal rose gardens. In fall, golden ginkgo trees and fiery Japanese maples steal the show, adding to the already breathtaking atmosphere.

4. California Botanic Garden (Claremont)

This 86-acre garden is the largest dedicated to California native plants. While it doesn’t deliver the bright reds and oranges of East Coast fall, it does showcase the subtler side of seasonal change — rusty tones from buckwheat, golden sycamores, and oak leaves shifting to muted yellows and browns.

5. South Coast Botanic Garden (Palos Verdes Peninsula)

Built on a former landfill, this 87-acre garden has been transformed into a lush paradise with themed areas ranging from desert landscapes to tropical plantings. In the fall, look for sweetgum trees, persimmons, and red oaks that provide splashes of autumn color among the evergreens.

6. Storrier-Stearns Japanese Garden (Pasadena)

A smaller, more intimate destination, this Japanese strolling garden features ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and a teahouse. Though not known for spectacular fall foliage, its careful design and tranquility make it a peaceful place to soak in the season’s shift.

7. Arlington Garden (Pasadena)

This three-acre Mediterranean-style community garden is filled with native and water-wise plants. It’s less about dramatic autumn color and more about texture, fragrance, and climate-appropriate beauty. Free and open to the public, it’s a true neighborhood treasure.

8. Exposition Park Rose Garden (Downtown Los Angeles)

Nestled next to the Natural History Museum, this historic sunken garden features thousands of roses in bloom most of the year. While it doesn’t showcase fall color, its formal design and fragrant blossoms make it a timeless retreat.

9. Garden of Oz (Hollywood Hills)

Whimsical and quirky, the Garden of Oz is filled with mosaics, colorful pathways, and folk-art sculptures. It feels like stepping into a fantasy world — less about plants and more about creativity, but still a hidden gem worth experiencing if you get the chance.

10. Ethnobotanical Garden at the Autry Museum of the American West (Griffith Park)

A small but meaningful garden, this space highlights native plants and their uses by Indigenous communities. It’s more about education and subtle seasonal changes than dramatic fall color, but it’s an enriching stop when visiting Griffith Park.

Whether you’re chasing golden ginkgo leaves or simply craving a quiet corner in the city, Los Angeles’ secret gardens offer something special year-round. For those seeking a glimpse of autumn, spots like the Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, the Huntington, and South Coast Botanic Garden deliver seasonal magic. But even the smaller, lesser-known sanctuaries remind us that nature — and a little peace — can still be found in the heart of the city.

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