As summer break approaches, it can feel like a lot. The pressure to do or book something “epic,” the crowds, the planning, the packing and posting dreamy photos… sometimes, it just doesn’t feel like a break at all — especially when it becomes costly.
Maybe this year, you’re craving something slower. Something that doesn’t involve flights, rentals, accommodations, itineraries, tickets or constant stimulation. Just a calm place to land for a few hours — whether that means journaling under a tree, taking tranquil long walks, hopping on a short ride on a tiny train or, just like it has been said so many times, “smelling the flowers.”
If that sounds like what your mind and body have been asking for — especially for the neurodivergent population, or anyone craving a calm, no-pressure place to land (or just a busy brain in general), look no further — you’ll want to check out Descanso Gardens.
I didn’t set out to find that kind of space. My husband and I had a free Saturday, no big plans — just a huge brunch at Shakey’s that left us both craving a little movement.
Knowing how much I love green spaces, he suggested we check out a place we had heard of but never actually visited. That’s how we ended up wandering into this hidden gem tucked into the foothills of La Cañada Flintridge. What I expected to be a casual stroll was exactly what I didn’t know I needed: a full-body exhale.
Honestly? It’s just a really calming place to let your brain slow down for a while.
So, what’s so special about it? First, the energy is peaceful. You’re not rushing to catch a show or waiting in line for anything like the mainstream theme parks. You can wander or sit, walk in silence or chat with your friend, journal under a tree or just watch koi fish glide around in the Japanese garden. No one’s judging you for taking it slow.
Our first stop was the Japanese garden. We followed a curved path that brought us to a pond, where koi fish lazily made their rounds beneath the arched bridge. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom — and because it was my very first visit, the whole scene felt even more special. I even sat on this big, flat rock near the pond for a bit — just kind of hanging out and enjoying the view, nothing fancy.
Later, I had my husband snap a souvenir photo of me standing under the cherry blossom tree. It’s probably one of my favorite pictures now — not because I looked amazing, but because I looked so calm. Not rushed. Just present. We just stood there for a while, watching the fish, just watching without needing to say much. It was tranquil. It was easy. And honestly, it felt really good to just slow down.
From there, we wandered through a quiet grove of tall bamboo — one of those places where the light shifts and everything feels a little cooler and calmer. It was quiet in a really good way. That little stretch led us to the Japanese bridges, which took us across a pond and right into the camellia section.
And wow — there were camellias everywhere. Not just a few bushes. We’re talking big, blooming camellias in bright pink, red and white, lining the path like they’d been waiting for someone to notice them. The soil along the route was still damp from either rain or a morning watering, which made the colors pop even more.
Some petals had already fallen and scattered across the walkway, and it just made everything feel soft and unrushed. We naturally slowed our pace without even realizing it, which doesn’t happen often in real life.
We kept going, taking our time on the trails that wound gently uphill. No steep climbs or anything — just one of those pleasant walks, lots and lots of greens where the scenery keeps changing enough to keep your brain curious. Along the way, a sweet scent filled the air, and then we saw it — clusters of baby’s breath growing wild and thick off to one side of the trail, in front of the Boddy House.
A little further up, I spotted a squirrel bouncing around the branches of one of the tall trees behind the house. It paused and stared at us like we were interrupting its day. It made me laugh. Little surprises like that just kept popping up.
Eventually, the trail dipped back down and led us into the Ancient Forest — and this part was so cool. It looked like something out of a movie. Giant ferns, tall trees with moss growing in all the right places, and that kind of stillness that makes you whisper without knowing why. One plant in particular looked like it belonged in Jurassic Park.
My husband even caught a quick video of me just goofing around in front of it — it was one of those silly moments that make the memory even better. It was the kind of space that made us stop talking for a few minutes and just look around. Super green, super quiet, and kind of magical.
We thought we’d seen the best of it and then boom — the lilacs. Like real lilac trees, just blooming as if it were no big deal. We smelled them before we saw them. That sweet, powdery scent just floated in the air and pulled us in. There were so many shades — lavender, pale pink, even creamy whites — and I kept saying, “How did we not know this place existed?” We lingered longer than planned, but no regrets.
And then came the lovely tulips. Honestly, I’ve seen tulips before — including the ones in Amsterdam, where they’re essentially part of the landscape — but something about the way they were planted here in big, colorful waves just hit differently. Bright orange, soft purples, cheerful yellows — it felt like we walked into a field of color therapy. We stuck around a while just watching the sunlight hit them from different angles. It was one of those slow, happy moments that sneak up on you when you’re not trying too hard.
Next to the tulips was the model train garden, a miniature world buzzing with motion. Tiny tracks twisted through hills and tunnels, with several toy trains running on their routes like clockwork.
Children lined up along the fence, pointing with glee while their parents smiled just as wide. I watched one dad lift his toddler onto his shoulders so she could get a better view of the train running overhead, and honestly, I could have stood there all day.
Oh — and if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, there’s a little train ride (yes, adults can ride, too).
The Enchanted Railroad takes a short loop through part of the garden, and it adds just the right amount of whimsy to make the visit feel a little extra fun. We didn’t get the chance to ride it this time because the park was already closing, but it’s absolutely on the list for our next visit.
I’d like to say that Descanso is ADHD-friendly in the best possible way. There’s just enough structure to feel supported — like helpful signs and clear paths, but enough freedom to follow whatever catches your attention.
Need to move around? You can walk the trails. Need to sit and zone out? There are benches in the shade tucked away in the quietest corners. Need to stim or fidget? There’s something about being surrounded by texture and movement — rustling leaves, shifting light, birds hopping from branch to branch — that just works. And there’s no pressure to “act a certain way” — you can be exactly who you are.
There’s also something incredibly calming about being surrounded by nature without pressure. You don’t have to learn anything, do anything, or “make it worth it.” The garden is already doing the work — you just get to exist in it.
What surprised me most is how light I felt after leaving. No burnout, no sensory hangover, no guilt about not “doing enough.” Just a real sense of calm that lasted the rest of the day. For me — and maybe for you, too — that’s the kind of break that actually helps.
If you’re a parent, bring your kids. If you’re solo, even better. If you’re somewhere in between, it’s still perfect. Descanso Gardens meets you where you are.
And before I wrap this up, I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am to the team behind Descanso Gardens. From the thoughtful layout of the paths to the care in preserving its beauty and calm — every detail feels intentional. For someone like me, and for so many others who crave peaceful, welcoming places to recharge, their efforts truly make a difference. So, thank you — to everyone who helps make this garden what it is. Your work matters more than you know.
And just like I did during my visit, I hope everyone who comes here respects the space — not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s worth preserving. Every flower, every quiet corner, every well-kept path… it’s all part of the experience. Let’s help make sure the next guests, neighbors, family and friends, future tourists and generations to come get to enjoy it just like we did.
So, if you’re looking for a break that doesn’t break you, skip the chaos this year. Throw on some comfy shoes and head to Descanso. No plan required.