Descanso Gardens is like LA's secret botanical paradise. 25-30 minutes northeast and totally worth the drive. The camellia forest is insane — Thousands of camellias that bloom from December through April.

Each section has a different theme: Japanese Garden with tea house, rose garden with 1,600 roses across five acres, oak woodland with some of the oldest trees in SoCal. Walking trails connect everything, easily half a day wandering.

Entry $15 with standard admission rates. Gift shop has amazing plant cuttings if you want California flora for home.