Los Angeles estimated population is now well over 4 million! And we have many other heavily populated cities nearby.
And though we love the benefits of being the second largest city in America it can get a bit chaotic sometimes.
Luckily if you ever want to take a break from the chaos (good luck finding that in Manhattan LOL) you can still find some private quiet spaces to escape to in our great city.
In this post, we take a look at some of the best secret gardens hidden right in the middle of Los Angeles.
1. Lake Shrine Self Realization
description:
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a breathtaking 10-acre space full of beauty all around and is just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. It is also right off crazy busy Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades but you would never know that when inside the confines of the tranquil escape.
A true quick escape to paradise for anyone who enjoys nature appreciates harmony and wants to capture a few moments of quiet self-reflection.
The location was founded and dedicated by Paramahansa Yogananda, way back in 1950 and is owned by the Self-Realization Fellowship who have opened it up to visitors for many years.
It is open to all faiths and religions and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy the spiritual retreat that features a large lake, swans, turtles. fish and free guided meditation sessions.
So take an exit off the crazy LA traffic come down and meditate, take pictures, or simply find a quiet spot to clear your mind and breathe some fresh air.
Location:
17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Credit: @photographia elias
Hack:
Besides being free to attend and roam around Lake Shrine also holds additional special free services. Sunday visitors can attend a morning lecture service, meditate in the Sanctuary in the afternoon, and browse the Bookroom for take-home inspiration. Hosts are available to speak with you and answer questions. Each Friday at 2:00 pm, there is a guided tour of the Temple each beginning at the lake level by the stairway gate near the Gift Shop.
2. Kyoto Gardens
description:
Hidden on a rooftop in Little Tokyo, is a tiny but spectacular Japanese Garden.
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Los Angeles owns this lush sanctuary tucked away on its rooftop, called the Kyoto Gardens.
Just about a half-acre in size the gorgeous well-manicured greenery, cascading waterfalls and tranquil ponds of the garden will transport you back in time to an ancient Japanese Garden in Tokyo.
And that what its intended to do as it’s intended to be a perfect recreation of a Japanese garden originally established for the 16th-century samurai lord Kiyomasa Kato.
Although small in size this garden is huge in grandeur making it one of L.A.’s most popular gardens to host private event and weddings.
Location:
120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012
Credit: @phxmachear
Hack:
The garden is intended solely for hotel guests as indicated by the signs. But for us bold #LAHACKERs never let something like rules stop us, do we?
I’ve found your best chance of visiting the garden is by confidently walking directly to the elevators behind the front desk opposite the Starbucks sign. It helps if you are dressed a little nicer and move without hesitation. They should assume you are a guest and likely will not ask. Once in the elevator, the garden is located on floor “G” which stands for “garden.”
3. Virginia Robinson Gardens
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High in the hills of Beverly lies a majestic garden. The Virginia Robinson Gardens is the earliest estate in Beverly Hills, California and was the private residence of the ultra-wealthy Virginia & Harry Robinson family.
This gorgeous mansion will impress you with its spectacular landscape that features 5 distinct gardens.
- The Italian Renaissance Terrace Garden, with views of mature specimen trees and Citrus Terraces.
- The Formal Mall Garden, with perennial flower borders and rare specimen Cycad ‘palms’.
- The Rose Garden, with Heirloom Roses.
- The Kitchen Garden, with vegetables and an Herb Garden.
- The Tropical Palm Garden, including a grove of King Palms reportedly the largest in the continental United States.
While this garden gem is open to the public it is by appointment only.
If you are interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills or if you enjoy traditional landscape design and beautiful gardens, then you most see this garden.
Location:
Credit:@camillapelli
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The Virginia Robison Gardens is beautiful any time of the year but in the late Spring, early Summer it is spectacular! Spring is so because that is when all the flowers and trees are in bloom, with rare varieties ranging from albino hibiscus to California poppies, to sprigs of lavender. This just adds to the amazing beauty of the historical property and you will be wowed on your tour.
4. Peace & Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens
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The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a spiritual oasis for stressed urbanites to escape to right in the heart of Los Angeles.
This spiritual center promotes peace awareness (it’s in their name) and invites you to visit its meditation gardens, walk the labyrinth which is meant to help you relax while you stroll through its geometric designs.
If interested in spiritual growth, you can take classes and workshops offered here at this center.
Location:
3500 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
Credit:@plsplsjessie
Hack:
While it is Free to visit The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens you have to reserve in advance. You can do that here -> Visit Peace Awareness Labyrinth
5. Manhattan Beach Botanical Gardens
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When you think about going to relax outside in Manhattan Beach you are usually thinking about the Ocean. But the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden holds a tiny jewel of peace for those looking to catch a few moments of relaxation in the South Bay.
In this beautiful botanical space find a large display of drought-tolerant native plants, sustainable gardens, and lots of wildlife habitat.
It is open to the public during regular park hours from down to dusk and is located adjacent to Polliwog Park. You can also reserve the garden for events.
Location:
1236 N. Peck Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Credit:@simplefood4health
Hack:
Although it is beautiful and peaceful this is the tiniest garden on our list. It will only take you a few minutes to appreciate all the flowers. But no worries if you want more! Adjacent to the small garden is wonderful Polliwog Park.
This is an awesome spot that has everything you could want for your kids to play in the park including, an outdoor gym, pond with ducks, play area for kids, bike path and a BBQ area.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!