Think you know everything about Hollywood? Beyond the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater lies a secret world most tourists never discover.
While millions snap selfies at the Hollywood Sign, savvy locals escape to seven stunning garden parks tucked away in unexpected corners of this famous neighborhood. These hidden green spaces offer peaceful retreats from the tourist crowds, complete with meditation spots, Japanese gardens, and native California wilderness.
From the historic grounds of Wattles Mansion to the serene paths of Peace Awareness Labyrinth, these secret gardens showcase a side of Hollywood that guidebooks rarely mention. Ready to explore these urban oases? Let’s uncover these hidden gems that even many longtime residents don’t know about.
Wattles Mansion Japanese Garden
Image Source: LAParks.org
Nestled in the heart of Hollywood lies a slice of Japan that’s been enchanting visitors for over a century. The Wattles Mansion Japanese Garden stands as a testament to one man’s vision of bringing Eastern tranquility to the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
Wattles Garden History
In 1907, Nebraska banker Gurdon Wattles transformed part of his 49-acre Hollywood estate “Jualita” into an authentic Japanese garden. Inspired by his 1908 journey to the Far East, Wattles commissioned one of Japan’s most respected landscape architects, Fugio, to create this masterpiece. For two years, Fugio and eighteen California-born Japanese gardeners meticulously crafted every detail of this serene space.
Wattles Garden Japanese Features
The garden showcases authentic elements imported directly from Japan:
- Traditional stone lanterns and bamboo fencing line the pathways
- A crowned “love temple” guarded by stone lion-dog statues
- Carefully arranged waterfalls and tranquil ponds
- Mini pagodas and ornate bridges
- Imported Japanese vegetation
Wattles Garden Visiting Information
Today, this hidden garden park welcomes visitors daily from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The stepped concrete walkway leads to a traditional torii gate, with benches along the path offering rest spots. While the mansion itself hosts private events, the gardens remain free and open to the public. The space is wheelchair accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome. You’ll find ample free street parking, making it easy to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon exploring this Japanese oasis in Hollywood.
For the adventurous, a faint trail beyond the Japanese shrine connects to Runyon Canyon, though this path requires experienced hiking skills.
The Secret Shrine Garden
Image Source: Tripadvisor
Just off the bustling Sunset Boulevard, a hidden sanctuary awaits those seeking tranquility in Los Angeles. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, often called the Secret Shrine Garden, offers an unexpected escape from Hollywood’s fast-paced energy.
Secret Shrine Garden Location
Tucked away in Pacific Palisades, this 10-acre spiritual oasis sits in a natural depression that shields it from the outside world. Despite being just a half-mile from Pacific Coast Highway, lush greenery and thoughtful landscaping create an intimate atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Los Angeles.
Secret Shrine Garden Highlights
This peaceful garden park features several remarkable attractions:
- The serene lake with colorful koi fish and graceful swans
- Golden Lotus Archway, a “wall-less temple” overlooking the water
- Historic Windmill Chapel for silent meditation
- Gandhi World Peace Memorial containing a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes
- Meditation gardens with hidden alcoves and peaceful benches
Secret Shrine Garden Best Time to Visit
The shrine welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday, with two daily entry times: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Sundays offer 1 p.m. only). While entrance remains free, reservations are essential and fill quickly. About 120,000 visitors discover this hidden gem annually, with 70% being first-time visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.
Spring and early summer showcase the garden’s most vibrant colors, though each season offers its own charm. The gardens maintain their serenity year-round, with quiet pathways perfect for contemplative walks or peaceful meditation moments.
For the best experience, arrive early in your reserved time slot to fully explore the grounds and find a quiet spot by the lake, where you can watch turtles sun themselves while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Amir’s Garden Oasis
Image Source: www.amirsgarden.org
High above the Hollywood hills, a remarkable story of dedication blooms in one of Los Angeles’ most inspiring garden parks. Created by one man’s bare hands and sustained by community spirit, Amir’s Garden stands as a testament to the power of volunteering.
Amir’s Garden History
In 1971, Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh transformed a fire-ravaged hillside into what would become a beloved Hollywood landmark. After a devastating 1970 brush fire, Amir single-handedly removed over 200 charred tree stumps and began planting what would become a five-acre sanctuary. Working eight hours daily while maintaining his wine merchant business, he created this oasis with nothing but determination and a borrowed shovel.
Amir’s Garden Plant Species
Today, this verdant retreat showcases an impressive variety of vegetation:
- Native California species: Mojave yucca, sage, and spider plants
- Ornamental favorites: African daisies, bird of paradise, and geraniums
- Shade-providing trees: Ash trees and towering pines
- Drought-resistant plants: Various succulents and ferns
Amir’s Garden Trail Access
Located in Griffith Park, the garden sits a half-mile up from Mineral Wells Road. The moderate hike gains 275 feet in elevation, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of Glendale, Burbank, and the Verdugo Mountains. Nine different access trails lead to this peaceful retreat, with the main path starting near the Mineral Well Picnic Area.
The garden welcomes visitors daily, requiring no entrance fee or permit. Several picnic tables dot the landscape, offering perfect spots for a peaceful meal surrounded by the fruits of Amir’s labor. Though Amir passed in 2003, dedicated volunteers like Kristin Sabo continue his legacy, ensuring this hidden Hollywood treasure remains a sanctuary for generations to come.
Peace Awareness Labyrinth Gardens
Image Source: www.peacelabyrinth.org
Behind an elegant Italian Renaissance mansion in West Adams lies one of Hollywood’s most enchanting garden parks. The Peace Awareness Labyrinth Gardens offers a unique blend of European architecture and Asian-inspired tranquility.
Peace Garden Architecture
The centerpiece of this spiritual retreat is a stunning travertine marble labyrinth, precisely modeled after France’s famous Chartres Cathedral design. Built in 2001, this 40-foot masterpiece creates a mesmerizing walking path stretching one-third of a mile. The surrounding grounds showcase an exquisite blend of Italian Renaissance grandeur and Asian garden design, creating a harmonious sanctuary within the historic Guasti Villa.
Peace Garden Meditation Spots
The Asian-themed meditation gardens, completed in 2002, feature several peaceful retreats:
- Sixteen flowing water fountains creating a natural sound barrier
- A serene koi pond surrounded by flowering plants
- Private meditation alcoves tucked among bamboo groves
- Multiple terraced levels with intimate seating areas
- A pergola-covered courtyard perfect for quiet reflection
Peace Garden Tours
Visitors can explore this hidden gem Wednesday through Sunday between 1:00-4:00 PM (2:00-5:00 PM during PST). Guided tours cost $6 per person and include the first floor of the historic mansion, the meditation gardens, and an introduction to the labyrinth. Reservations are required and can be made online. The lower garden level offers wheelchair accessibility, making this peaceful retreat available to all seeking tranquility in the heart of Los Angeles.
Royce’s Canyon Hidden Wilderness
Image Source: Hike Los Angeles
Between the bustling streets of Hollywood and Forest Lawn Memorial Park lies a wilderness that almost disappeared forever. Royce’s Canyon stands as a testament to the power of community activism and the importance of preserving our natural spaces.
Royce’s Canyon History
In the late 1980s, this serene garden park faced an uncertain future as city planners designated it for landfill development. Enter Royce Neuschatz, a passionate Parks and Recreation Commissioner, who led a determined campaign to save this pristine canyon. Her successful efforts not only preserved the space but also changed how the city viewed public parkland. After her passing at age 57, the canyon was renamed in her honor, ensuring her legacy lives on in the heart of Hollywood.
Royce’s Canyon Natural Features
This hidden wilderness showcases nature’s resilience with:
- A mysterious pocket cave frequented by local wildlife
- Ancient oak, chestnut, and sycamore trees providing natural shade
- Dramatic rock outcroppings offering panoramic valley views
- Dense underbrush creating habitat for native species
- Peaceful coves perfect for quiet contemplation
Royce’s Canyon Hiking Tips
The main trail follows Mt. Hollywood Drive, a paved road closed to vehicles, making it ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers. For the best experience, start at the Griffith Park Composting Facility and follow the moderate uphill climb. The trail features several wide switchbacks, with the steepest section near the end rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the Verdugo Mountains and San Fernando Valley.
Pro tip: Visit during early morning hours when the canyon is shrouded in cool shade, and keep your distance from the small cave, which might be home to local wildlife, including the famous Puma-22.
Franklin Canyon Park Gardens
Image Source: Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
At the geographical heart of Los Angeles lies a verdant paradise where water meets wilderness. Franklin Canyon Park Gardens offers visitors a rare glimpse into the city’s natural heritage, preserved through a fascinating blend of urban planning and conservation efforts.
Franklin Canyon Lake Garden
The park’s crown jewel, a sparkling 3-acre lake, serves as nature’s mirror reflecting the surrounding hills. This serene water feature isn’t just for show – it’s a crucial stopover on the Pacific Flyway, hosting an impressive array of waterfowl from majestic Canada geese to colorful Mandarin ducks. While swimming and fishing aren’t permitted, the lake’s shoreline provides perfect spots for wildlife photography and peaceful contemplation.
Franklin Canyon Native Plants
The park’s botanical diversity reads like a who’s who of California flora:
- Towering native sycamores and ancient oak woodlands
- Fragrant chaparral and native grasslands
- Rare walnut groves and seasonal wildflower meadows
- Stately redwoods and ornamental cedar trees
The changing elevation creates distinct micro-environments, each supporting its own unique ecosystem. In spring, hillsides burst with color as golden aster and scarlet pimpernel paint the landscape in vibrant hues.
Franklin Canyon Accessibility
True to its mission of serving all Angelenos, the park offers something for every visitor. The ADA-compliant Heavenly Pond Trail provides easy access to some of the park’s most beautiful vistas. Five miles of hiking paths range from leisurely lake loops perfect for families with strollers to challenging hillside trails offering panoramic city views.
The Sooky Goldman Nature Center welcomes visitors with exhibits and snacks, while multiple picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds invite guests to linger and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography and the wildlife is most active.
Runyon Canyon Hidden Garden
Image Source: LAParks.org
Unlike the manicured gardens we’ve explored, this final hidden gem showcases nature’s wild side right in Hollywood’s backyard. Spanning 160 acres of rugged terrain, Runyon Canyon’s secret garden offers an unexpected wilderness experience mere steps from the city’s bright lights.
Runyon Garden Location
Nestled between Mulholland Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, this garden park features three distinct trails catering to different adventure levels. The East Trail provides a gentle introduction with shaded areas perfect for morning walks, while the more challenging West Trail rewards brave souls with dramatic city vistas. For those seeking balance, the Center Trail offers moderate difficulty with stunning panoramic views.
Runyon Garden Flora
What makes this wilderness special is its surprisingly diverse plant life, surviving despite heavy foot traffic. Pockets of untouched vegetation showcase:
- Wild flowers painting hillsides in seasonal colors
- Resilient prickly cacti standing sentinel
- Native coastal sage scrub
- Hardy chaparral adapted to the Mediterranean climate
Runyon Garden Views
From various vantage points along the trails, breathtaking panoramas unfold before you. On clear days, especially after winter rains, you can spot everything from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains. The park’s elevation provides perfect viewing spots for:
- Downtown LA’s gleaming skyline
- The iconic Hollywood Sign
- Griffith Observatory’s distinctive dome
- Pacific Ocean’s distant shimmer
Insider tip: Visit during winter or spring months for the clearest views, and keep an eye out for the historic Outpost Sign’s rusty remains – a hidden piece of Hollywood history that once rivaled the famous Hollywood Sign itself.
Conclusion
Hollywood’s hidden gardens stand as peaceful sanctuaries amid the bustling entertainment capital. These seven remarkable spaces offer unique experiences – from the meticulously crafted Japanese gardens at Wattles Mansion to the wild, untamed beauty of Runyon Canyon’s secret trails.
Each garden tells its own story through distinct features and landscapes. Amir’s Garden showcases one man’s dedication to transforming a fire-ravaged hillside. Peace Awareness Labyrinth Gardens blend European architecture with Asian tranquility. Franklin Canyon’s lake mirrors nature’s beauty, while Royce’s Canyon preserves precious wilderness through community activism.
These green spaces provide perfect escapes from Hollywood’s tourist crowds, offering quiet moments of reflection and natural beauty. Many remain free to visit, though some require advance reservations. Whether seeking meditation spots, hiking trails, or simply a peaceful afternoon, these hidden gardens reveal Hollywood’s lesser-known side – one filled with natural wonders and serene retreats.
Remember to check opening hours before visiting, as each garden maintains different schedules. Pack water, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera to capture these beautiful spaces that prove Hollywood’s magic extends far beyond its famous film industry.
