There is nothing more relaxing than a walk in the park, or a stroll through a beautiful garden, or just sitting on a bench or the lawn and enjoying peace, quiet and nature. Here are a few of our favorite LA Parks & Gardens.

Greystone Mansion Park

Greystone is beautiful place to escape the city while remaining in the city. You don’t have to be a tycoon to enjoy the hidden oasis of Greystone Park and Mansion in the hills of Beverly Hills. There’s no entrance fee and plenty of parking in this stunning garden with its various garden landscapes, terraces, fountains, and tree lined paths that you can stroll to soothe your soul. It was built in the 20’s to the tune of $3 million, exorbitant price at the time, so you might just think you are at the Gatsby Estate. It may scream high society but the 99% can enjoy it every day and you don’t have to dress up tomatoes.

Lake Balboa

Lake Balboa in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area for a break from the very dry weather and to do some writing.  This is a peaceful and stunning respite from the dry urban sprawl of the San Fernando Valley.  I hadn’t been since my kids were little but I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by to enjoy the break in the heat, try this park out again just for my own entertainment and write my newsletter.  Gotta love my iPad. Lake Balboa, also known as Anthony C. Beilenson Park, is a 27 acre lake oasis and the pristine center piece for the massive 2,000 acre Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. And it isn’t just for kids. Situated between the East and the West Valley, I like to call the Sepulveda Basin the “Central Park” of the San Fernando Valley.

Huntington Gardens

To me ladies, the Huntington has always had everything but now their new $68 million (all from private contributions) Steven S. Koblik Education and Visitor Center has it all too. 10 years in the making and 2 years of construction and landscaping made this new 52,000 square foot facility possible and boy does it looks impressive.  Get this tomatoes… 6.5 acres of drought resistant Mediterranean gardens intermixed with gorgeous spaces for dining, classes, shopping and a 400 seat theatre to name just a few of the new features. It’s a WOW tomatoes!

Descanso Gardens

There is so much to love about Descanso Gardens in La Canada, I don’t know where to begin.  But right now the Camellia’s are blooming and you need to know about that first. Tis the season for Camellias, magnolias, cherry trees and daffodils at Descanso Gardens.  It is a unique Southern California landscape and hailed as one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. Descanso Gardens contains forests, streams, a lake, a bird sanctuary and 80 acres of colorful flower displays.  Love when the camellias are in bloom.