Although there is global pandemic, there is no shortage of things to do during the holiday season while staying safe!
Botanical gardens are always a great place to go with friends and family. If you’re looking to stay local, I would recommend La Cañada Descanso Gardens. Although it may seem small due to it being a local garden, it’s quite big and a great place to go hiking. I recently visited the garden and it’s nice to relax and unwind in the Rose Garden, accompanied by a large fountain and of course, colorful roses. The prices are $15 for an adult and $11 for students, just make sure to have your HS ID with you to get the discount.
If you’re looking for a more elegant but pricer botanical garden, Huntington Library, located in San Marino, is a great choice. It features a variety in cultures [elaborate]. Inside the garden lies a Japanese-style garden that embodies Japanese culture, completed with real houses and even food. There are, however, some parts of the garden that are closed off, such as the libraries/museums where one can read up on information of scientology or even history, but most of the outside gardens are still open for visitors to enjoy. They do require an advance ticket reservation, and the prices are $21 for students (with ID) and $25 for adults. If you plan to go on the weekend, then the prices bump up by $5, so keep that in mind. Personally, I enjoyed Huntington more because it’s larger and has more attractions than Descanso, but it is considerably farther and pricier.
Wherever you choose to go, it’s safe to say that both gardens follow health guidelines and will also bring loads of fun for you, friends, and family. Make sure to wear a mask, social distance, and check your temperature before going out to keep yourself and others Covid-free. Stay safe and happy holidays!
