Just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean, this 10-acre haven boasts everything from lush gardens, rolling hills, fountains, statues, incredible flora, and a stunning spring-fed lake with swans gliding atop. It was founded by yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and features the Court of Religions, which encompasses the world’s five principal religions.

Follow the yellow brick road to this eclectic pocket of Hollywood hills. As the name reveals, this Oz-inspired garden is a magical place created by local wizard Gail Cottman. Its vibrant, mosaicked pathways and steps create a playful contrast with the fresh greenery. Some say there’s a copy of the key floating around, while others say the locks are changed regularly to keep unwanted visitors out.

In 1971, Amir Dialameh singlehandedly turned a scorched and barren hillside in Griffith Park into a cascading oasis for hikers and horseback riders. It’s shaded with jacaranda trees and covered in rose bushes, geraniums, oleander. To get to it, though, you’ll need to go on a half-mile trek uphill from the trailhead at Mineral Wells Road and Griffith Park Drive. As expected, the views are absolutely worth it.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has cleared over 15,000 square feet of grass surrounding the John Ferraro Building to plant “California friendly” drought-resistant landscaping. There are two sections to the garden, one features Mediterranean plants suitable for the Southern California climates. The other has a Southwest theme with tons of succulents and perennials.

This enchanting space is the only dedicated to the community of Pasadena and happens to be on a former staging ground for the 710 Freeway. There’s an app you can download so you can identify the plethora of plant species.

The rooftop of one of the city’s major attractions, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, is probably the last place you’d expect to find tranquillity. But here, hiding in plain sight, you get a beautifully manicured garden.

This was originally designed as a community meeting place by renowned architect a member of the Pasadena Garden Club, Myron Hunt. It’s located on the Arroyo banks, and La Casita was built as a public works project to provide employment during the Great Depression. It’s now a flourishing slice of heaven with a butterfly sanctuary and countless native plants.

Crowded trails don’t exactly elicit a sense of serenity, so heading to this tranquil, lesser-known gem is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and leave the world behind. This 9.4-acre wetland preserve forms part of the Dominguez Watershed and is teeming with life, including willows, shrubs, herbs, and all the creatures that live amongst it. It’s completely free, but you’ll need to make an advanced reservation only and it’s only open on the second Sunday or fourth Saturday of the month.

The LA’s Police Academy is the last place you’d probably look for a stunning green escape, but it happens to be one of the loveliest spots in the city. Located in the Chavez Ravine area of Elysian Park next to Dodger Stadium, the rocky site can now be rented for special occasions.