Descanso Gardens Reopens on May 16 With Timed Tickets

Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge will reopen on Saturday, May 16 with some physical distancing modifications. That includes selling only timed tickets in advance, which you can purchase on Tuesday mornings, starting tomorrow, at 10 a.m. 

 “We have been monitoring state and county guidelines to inform our decision and feel that it is safe for us to reopen in a limited way. We feel that now, more than ever, people are searching for peaceful, relaxing places to go and we want to be able to provide that kind of tranquility for members and visitors,” Executive Director Juliann Rooke said via a release.

This weekend will mark the first time the public has been able to stroll Descanso’s gorgeous grounds since it closed due to COVID-19 in mid-March. To adhere to county health orders and protect its visitors, there will be a few changes.

For one, Descanso has reduced the garden’s capacity to just 30% so that everyone can properly practice social distancing. You must also wear a facial covering.

All indoor spaces, drinking fountains, and the Enchanted Railroad are closed, and there won’t be any programming yet. Also, you won’t be able to rent a wheelchair at this time. Restrooms will be open and cleaned every half hour. You can also use additional hand sanitizing stations in the courtyard. 

The Kitchen at Descano will be open during select hours, but all food and drinks must be enjoyed outside in specified areas. You can also get food to-go and take it home.  

The general public can buy timed tickets in advance between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for kids 4 and younger. You can buy your ticket online here or call 818-949-4200. You can’t buy tickets at the gate. (If you’re a member, you can come by at 8 a.m. and you don’t need a ticket.) 

Descanso Gardens isn’t the only garden to reopen with these modifications. You can also get timed tickets to the L.A. County Arboretum in Arcadia and the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula. Both gardens also require facial coverings. More details here.