Tag: TheHuntingtonLibrary

Circa’s Haunted Harvest of Halloween Happenings 

Get ready for a haunted harvest of Halloween fun! LA’s Spooky season is here – conjuring up a feast of fright and delight including fan favorites like Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Carved at Descanso Gardens, and Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de Los Muertos. Spooky movies meet world class music at Walt Disney Concert Hall, along with new thrills and chills like Drunk Dracula at The Hotel Cafe, Strange Science at The Huntington, and even a Haunted Soiree! Then party until the witching hour at Secret Movie Club’s Halloween-o-thon After Party at The Los Angeles Theatre. Check websites for details.

Murder on the Dance Floor Halloween Party at Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Circa Halloween Party: Murder on the Dance Floor

DISCO NEVER DIES! Residents, join us for our annual Halloween party on Saturday October 24th, 7:30pm to 10pm on the Circa Amenity Deck. This year’s theme is “Murder On The Dance Floor.” Dress to kill. Disco glam & costumes are encouraged. Enjoy lite bites & desserts while DJs spin your disco favorites. Who’s in? RSVP through the Resident Portal.

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos Halloween event near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Oct 24 – Nov 2 Each year, Gloria Molina Grand Park transforms into an illuminated, sacred civic sanctuary – a space of remembrance, healing, and celebration with altars, art, music, and community gatherings. This free 10-day outdoor cultural exhibition invites all of Los Angeles to honor departed loved ones and celebrate living community connections. Explore 17 unique altars created by professional artists and local organizations reflecting the diverse stories & cultures of Los Angeles. Contribute to the Community altar by leaving a framed photo, memento, or message in remembrance of someone special. Curated by renowned artist Consuelo G. Flores, this year’s theme is ‘The Power Of One.‘ 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Halloween concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Oct 31 @3pm Come if you dare, for an afternoon of chilling music and gothic film with organist Clark Wilson, one of America’s most prominent scorers of silent photoplays. Film critic Leonard Maltin described Clark Wilson as a “master of silent film and showman of the first order” for his organ accompaniments of silent films. This Halloween, Wilson performs a haunting score for John S. Robertson’s 1920 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, starring John Barrymore.

Werewolf by Night & Headless Halloween concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Werewolf by Night & Headless Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Oct 31 @8pm Academy Award-winning composer and director Michael Giacchino brings a Halloween doubleheader to the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage! The night kicks off with an exciting first look at Headless, a new musical from Giacchino and collaborators Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, inspired by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Following intermission, the orchestra performs the score of Giacchino’s Werewolf by Night live to picture under the baton of Sarah Hicks. Called a “full-on endorphin rush for horror nerds,” Werewolf by Night follows a secret cabal of monster hunters thrust into a mysterious and deadly competition for a powerful relic that will bring them face-to-face with more than one monster. 

Halloween-o-thon After Party Halloween event at The Los Angeles Theatre near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Halloween-o-thon After Party The Los Angeles Theatre 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Presented by Secret Movie Club, Halloween-o-thon 2026 After Party gives partygoers the run of the Los Angeles Theatre once the doors close to the public. Come in costume, enjoy full bars on several levels of the theater, food trucks, a food court, a haunted VIP room, spooky tours of the theater’s haunted nooks and crannies with ghost stories, a live DJ, dancing, costume contests, and more.

Drunk Dracula Halloween musical at The Hotel Cafe near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Drunk Dracula The Hotel Cafe 1623 N Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Drunk Dracula has risen! He’s hot and he’s thirsty. This Spooky Season, one actor takes five shots of whiskey and attempts an epic retelling of Transylvania’s thirstiest bachelor… DRACULA!  When history’s most famous vampire is loosed upon the city, will you try to stop him, or let him have his way? The Drunk Shakespeare Society is paying homage to the original drinker, and bringing its brand of mayhem to the spooky season with Drunk Dracula.

Haunted Soiree Halloween event at The Nocturne Theater near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Haunted Soiree The Nocturne Theater 324 N Orange St. Glendale, CA 91203

Oktoberfest meets true crime! Step into a night of cocktails, curious encounters, and immersive theatre, inspired by the chilling 1928 Hex Hollow murder. Enter the story with two hours of live performances, roaming characters and immersive worlds. Sip something curious with one complimentary themed beverage discovered during your adventure. Follow the sweet trail at a Hansel & Gretel trick-or-treat experience with a dark fairy-tale twist. Join the revelry and play Interactive games and Oktoberfest traditions woven into the evening.

Carved at Descanso Gardens Halloween event in La Cañada Flintridge

Carved Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

As the sun sets, Descanso Gardens comes alive for Carved, a festive fall celebration filled with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, giant hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated railroad displays, whimsical wood spirits, and seasonal surprises around every corner. All your favorites will return with a few exciting changes and additions. Bobolito’s ‘Rhizome’ moves to the dramatic setting of the Oak Grove, and the labyrinth will feature new sculptures by Helsinki-based artist Alexander Reichstein, known for immersive installations that invite visitors of all ages into unexpected sensory worlds. This is Reichstein’s first time exhibiting in the United States, so not to be missed!

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Halloween event near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Griffith Park 730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Experience the world-famous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – the ultimate Halloween event. Within the foothills of Midnight Falls, the leaves turn brown and the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. The Witch of the Woods has cast her spell to summon the spirits of the underworld to cross over and assimilate into form. The Hayride leads to a thrilling adventure of horrors afflicting the town. Dazed within the spell cast upon them, the Witch commands her army of crops and flesh to seek revenge on the people who have cast her out. The Spirit of Halloween comes to life surrounding helpless victims brave enough to board The Hayride.

Halloween Horror Nights Halloween event near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Legend has it you should never go alone to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Southern California’s scariest Halloween event. Summon your scream squad and you might survive. Enter eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror. The Terror Tram is back and scarier than ever. Experience scream-filled scare zones and enjoy exhilarating rides and attractions. Whether you want to scream one night or multiple nights, or get the blood-red carpet treatment on an R.I.P. Tour, there are many nightmares to choose from.

Strange Science Halloween event at The Huntington in San Marino

Strange Science at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Oct 30 – 31 Celebrate the 10th thrilling year of The Huntington’s annual Halloween bash! Get ready for a bewitching night of mysterious tales, dark trivia, and live performances. Dress your scary-best and dance to the DJ’s haunting beats, enjoy drinks, and savor bites from local food trucks. Spectacular performances include Lumina, which blends aerial artistry and acrobatics; Nikola Tesla’s Laboratory, showcasing breathtaking electrical displays; and The Man in the Purple Suit, as Jonathan Molo blends impossible magic, mind-reading, and comedy into an interactive experience filled with surprises, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

The Horror Show at the Academy Museum

The Horror Show The Academy Museum 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 

Comprising 200 years of eerie storytelling and a century of cinema, The Horror Show bridges the gap between cinema and experience, honoring horror’s enormous cultural impact and enduring popularity. On view through July 25, 2027, The Horror Show explores and celebrates horror cinema, highlighting select tropes and themes, all centered around the question: Why do horror films matter so deeply to so many? Blurring the line between museum presentation and chilling spectacle, The Horror Show takes visitors on a journey through cinema, eading to six themed galleries: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion, and Ghosts. Each gallery invites visitors into iconic settings, where visitors encounter their favorite creatures, monsters, and objects.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #4: LA Phil

Photo #5: LA Phil

Photo #6: Secret Movie Club

Photo #7: Drunk Dracula / The Drunk Shakespeare Society

Photo #8: Haunted Soiree

Photo #9: Descanso Gardens

Photo #10: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #11: Universal Studios Hollywood 

Photo #12: The Huntington

Photo #13: The Academy Museum

Circa Chases LA’s Bountiful Spring Blooms 

Thanks to the exceptionally warm spring weather, LA is experiencing a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers in the hills and mountains, many not far from Circa. And our local botanical gardens are bursting with a riot of seasonal color, including an early bloom in The Huntington’s Rose Garden and a Bloom Boom at Descanso Gardens. If you’re on the hunt for wildflowers, we’ve found useful apps, such as PictureThis and iNaturalist, to help you identify plants, record your observations, and connect to the natural world.

Theodore Payne Foundation spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Theodore Payne Foundation 10459 Tuxford St. Los Angeles, CA 91352

To learn more about California’s abundant flora, visit the Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF), a nonprofit organization that inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants. Located on 22 acres of beautiful canyon land in the San Fernando Valley, the TPF includes a full-service nursery, alongside display gardens, wild land hiking trails, an art gallery, and educational facilities. They even have a Wildflower Hotline posted each Friday from March through May on the best locations for viewing spring wildflowers in Southern and Central California.

PictureThis plant identifier app

PictureThis Plant Identifier App

Have you ever encountered a beautiful unknown flower, plant or tree during your walk and wondered what it was? Or do you need advice on how to care for your plants? Simply take a photo of the plant and PictureThis answers all the questions for you. To date, PictureThis has identified more than one billion plants and diagnosed millions of plant issues—and these numbers continue to grow each day, helping more users worldwide connect with nature.

iNaturalist App to record your observations in the natural world

iNaturalist App

Do you want to contribute to science? The iNaturalist app allows you to connect with nature and record your observations of the natural world, such as birds, plants, forests, butterflies, marine life, and wild bees. You can share your observations with fellow naturalists, discuss your findings, and create your own projects. Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. iNaturalist shares your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe. 

The Huntington spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

The Huntington Rose Garden is blooming early this year! This garden—enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year—was created in 1908 for the private enjoyment of Henry E. and Arabella Huntington. The three-acre garden has gone through many transformations since that time. It now comprises more than 2,500 individual plants and more than 1,300 cultivated varieties (cultivars). To find out what else is blooming at The Huntington, check out their Bloom Guide.

Descanso Gardens spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden, living museum, and urban oasis just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Situated on 150 acres of cultivated and wild land, Descanso Gardens is nestled into a natural bowl by surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the many paths and trails, verdant woodlands, lush gardens, and colorful native flowers. Don’t miss the gorgeous flowering trees, which are an April bloom highlight. To discover the beauty of Descanso, check out their Bloom Calendar.

Blue Ribbon Garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Blue Ribbon Garden is a hidden rooftop garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Nearly an acre in size, the garden is enclosed by the hall’s flowing exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms throughout the year. What started as a personal connection between just two people, Frank Gehry and Lillian Disney, has become a shared public art experience for concertgoers and Los Angeles tourists alike. One of the garden’s highlights is the Frank Gehry-designed fountain, a tribute to the late Lillian Disney and her love for Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses. 

Arlington Garden spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

A hidden gem in the heart of Pasadena, Arlington Garden is the city’s only dedicated free public garden. This three-acre community-built Mediterranean garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, and orchards of orange and olive trees. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also serves as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. 

Virginia Robinson Gardens spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Virginia Robinson Gardens 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills , CA 90210

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson of the J.W. Robinson Co. Department Store. It occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment. The beautiful six-acre property is located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and has a breathtaking display garden, mansion, and pool pavilion. 

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. Storrier Stearns is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America. 

Pollinator Meadow at NHM spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Nature Gardens Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

If you’re visiting Exposition Park, be sure to explore the Nature Gardens, an urban wildlife wonderland at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Over 600 kinds of plants, including California natives and others from around the world, make a home for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels, and more. One of the most popular spots is the Pollinator Meadow (pictured above). Flowers are blooming, seeds are ripening, and wildlife is paying attention!

LA Arboretum spring blooms near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. A stroll through the Arboretum will take you through a variety of gardens and landscapes that offer beauty and tranquility as well as ideas for your own outdoor spaces.  The Arboretum is also home to historic structures including the Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and Reid-Baldwin Adobe.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Theodore Payne Foundation

Photo #3: PictureThis App

Photo #4: iNaturalist App

Photo #5: The Huntington

Photo #6: Descanso Gardens

Photo #7: LA Phil

Photo #8: Arlington Garden

Photo #9: Virginia Robinson Gardens 

Photo #10: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 

Photo #11: Natural History Museum

Photo #12: LA Arboretum 

Circa’s Love Letter to Romance on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming up and romance is in the air! Your favorite DTLA restaurants are pulling out the hearts and flowers with chef-driven menus, creative cocktails, and decadent desserts, many not far from Circa. Elevate your V-Day with a panoramic helicopter tour high above the city, attend a stirring performance of Beethoven’s Egmont at Walt Disney Concert Hall, or savor a wine tasting at Los Angeles’ oldest winery. Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your best friends, or a special person, Valentine’s Day is a love letter to the enduring power of the heart.

Mastro's Ocean Club Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA 1200 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Experience a Valentine’s Day that blends modern elegance with classic indulgence at Mastro’s sophisticated Downtown L.A. location, conveniently located on the ground floor of Circa. Elevated cuisine, world-class cocktails, and refined ambiance come together to create an evening meant for unforgettable moments. Pair your meal with a curated selection of wines chosen to complement every moment, turning dinner into an experience and Valentine’s Day into something truly special. Top it off with Mastro’s new Chocolate Cheesecake—a decadent seasonal creation crafted exclusively for the month of February. 

Gallery ThirtySix Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Love Above All Gallery ThirtySix @Moxy DTLA 1260 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Feb 14 & 15 Bucket Listers is excited to partner with Level 8 to offer you an exclusive event series, Love Above All,. Set atop the 36th floor of the Moxy Downtown LA, this red, white, and pink wonderland is a unique holiday celebration that provides attendees with professional photography in a one-of-a-kind Valentines themed mega set overlooking the City of Cupids. Beyond the main event, guests can enjoy playful, love-themed interactive experiences. Proceeds on Friday benefit the New Dawn Foundation, and proceeds on Saturday benefit Angelenos affected by the LA fires through Earthbound Global, Arte Youth Program, Flew the Coop, and Life of Miracles.

Mother of Pearl Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Galentine’s Day Mother of Pearl @Level 8 1254 S Figueroa St. 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Feb 13  Gather your girls for Galentine’s Day! Whether you’re celebrating with your best friends or your favorite person, Mother of Pearl invites you to toast to love in all its forms. Experience a playful and indulgent $78 prix fixe dinner, designed to delight and surprise in one of Level 8’s most enchanting settings. Known for its whimsical interiors, glowing pearls, and dreamy cocktail program, Mother of Pearl sets the stage for a night filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable flavors. 

Mother of Pearl Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Valentine’s Day Mother of Pearl @Level 8 1254 S Figueroa St. 8th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Feb 14 Settle in for a romantic Valentine’s celebration, featuring an indulgent $78 prix fixe dinner designed to delight and surprise. Mother of Pearl, the picturesque al fresco oyster and champagne bar located atop Level 8’s expansive outdoor terrace, boasts a thoughtfully curated menu helmed by Michelin-starred and Mírate Chef Joshua Gil, and is complemented by an enticing array of Champagnes, cocktails, and wines. Mother of Pearl invites guests to savor exquisite flavors while soaking in the breathtaking sunsets, creating an unforgettable dining and imbibing affair.

The Huntington Valentine’s Day Brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington Valentine’s Day Brunch 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

The Huntington’s 2026 Valentine’s Day brunch invites pals and gals, couples and crushes, family and friends to gather in the Rose Hills Foundation Garden Court for a festive breakfast celebrating love in all its forms. This bountiful brunch with two seatings features farm-fresh breakfast favorites, seafood crudos and poke bowls, expansive hot and chilled buffets, and a showstopping dessert display, paired with coffee service. Bloody Marys and mimosas are available at a full bar for purchase. 

Valentine’s Day at Leña near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

A Taste of Romance Leña @L.A. Live 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Feb 14 Celebrate love high above Downtown Los Angeles at Leña, located on the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. Indulge in a romantic dining experience with breathtaking city views and an unforgettable atmosphere. Savor an elevated multi-course menu crafted to impress, featuring indulgent flavors like oyster with strawberry gazpacho, lime and mezcal granita with caviar, American Wagyu beef in a guajillo-chocolate sauce, and a decadent dessert Love in Chocolate, the perfect sweet finale to your evening.

Aerial view of Crypto near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Lite Flight Helicopter Tours Atlantic Aviation 10750 Sherman Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Lite Flight is offering an unforgettable Valentine’s Day special through February 14 with three romantic helicopter tours for $250 per person. The California Coastline tour heads over the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and other iconic sights before veering towards the beaches, from Marina del Rey and Pacific Palisades. Scheduling your tour right before sunset is recommended. Meanwhile, the LA Live and LA Live at Night tours give two very unique views of the city as you travel between Hollywood and downtown. 

Dudamel conducts LA Phil on Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Dudamel Conducts Beethoven Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Feb 14 Dudamel conducts Beethoven and Lorenz, featuring Yunchan Lim and Cate Blanchett. In his music to Egmont, Beethoven magnificently distilled the heroic tale of a Dutch warrior who gave his life to preserve freedom and independence in the face of oppression. Acclaimed playwright Jeremy O. Harris reimagines Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play with Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett as its narrator and Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Beethoven’s music. Leading off the evening is the world premiere of Ricardo Lorenz’s Humboldt’s Nature, inspired by the South American travels of Beethoven’s like-minded contemporary, philosopher and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.

San Antonio Winery Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Love on the Vine San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Feb 13 – 15 Celebrate love with an unforgettable Valentine’s dining experience at The 1917 at San Antonio Winery. Dine beneath the open sky on their romantic patio—an intimate setting designed for a truly special evening. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated prix fixe menu by Chef Jo DiJamico, with the option to elevate your night with a perfectly paired wine flight to complement each course. You’ll be welcomed with a splash of the new San Antonio Almond Sparkling Wine. Live musicians will complete the perfect tone for romance.

71Above Valentine’s Day near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

71Above 633 W 5th Street, Los Angeles 90071

OpenTable recently named 71Above one of the most romantic restaurants in America. Featuring elevated modern American cuisine by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi and boasts spectacular views from the Pacific to the mountains. The four-course Valentine’s Day Dinner includes a choice of salads, Seconds such as Grilled Octopus or Short Rib Tortellini, and Mains including Australian Barramundi or A5+ Japanese Wagyu, The sweet finish offers Strawberries & Cream, Blueberry Pavlova, Cheese Plate, and a Seasonal Mignardise.

Photo credits:

Image #1: OUE Skyspace

Image #2: Mastro’s Ocean Club

Image #3: Gallery ThirtySix 

Image #4: Mother of Pearl @Level 8

Image #5: Mother of Pearl @Level 8

Image #6: The Huntington

Image #7: Leña @L.A. Live

Image #8: @acer_xo

Image #9: LA Phil

Image #10: San Antonio Winery

Image #11: 71Above

Circa’s Spring Tour of LA’s Gorgeous Gardens

April is Earth Month, a global movement founded in 1970 that was inspired by Earth Day. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than touring LA’s gorgeous gardens and communing with nature. The Huntington, Descanso Gardens, and LA Arboretum are in full bloom, with vivid displays of lilacs, wisteria, roses, and California native plants. Our city is rich with unexpected delights, such as Arlington Garden in Pasadena and Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills. We even found some secret gardens “hidden in plain sight” not far from Circa, like the Blue Ribbon Garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall and Exposition Park Rose Garden, considered one of the most important public-display rose gardens in the state.

Blue Ribbon Garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Blue Ribbon Garden is a hidden rooftop oasis at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Nearly an acre in size, the garden is enclosed by the hall’s flowing exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms throughout the year. What started as a personal connection between just two people: Frank Gehry and Lillian Disney, has become a shared public art experience for concertgoers and Los Angeles tourists alike. One of the garden’s highlights is the Frank Gehry-designed fountain, a tribute to the late Lillian Disney and her love for Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses. 

Exposition Park Rose Garden not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90007

One of the LA’s best-kept secrets, Exposition Park Rose Garden is a historic 7-acre sunken garden located in Exposition Park near USC. Featuring 15,793 rose bushes in about 200 varieties, it is currently among the three major public-display rose gardens in Southern California and one of the most important in the state. In 1991, the Rose Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Exposition Park is home to some of LA’s top cultural attractions and venues, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum. 

Pollinator Meadow at Natural History Museum not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Nature Gardens Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

If you’re visiting Exposition Park, be sure to explore the Nature Gardens, an urban wildlife wonderland at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Over 600 kinds of plants, including California natives and others from around the world, make a home for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels, and more. One of the most popular spots is the Pollinator Meadow (pictured above). Flowers are blooming, seeds are ripening, and wildlife is paying attention!

Descanso Gardens not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden, living museum, and serene urban sanctuary. Situated on 150 acres of cultivated and wild land, Descanso Gardens is nestled in a natural bowl by surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the many paths and trails, verdant woodlands, lush gardens, and colorful native flowers. Gorgeous flowering trees are an April bloom highlight, featuring crabapple blossoms, trumpet trees, wisteria, and exquisitely fragrant lilacs. To discover the year-round beauty of Descanso, check out their Bloom Calendar.

The Huntington not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 

Explore a winding canopy of wisteria blooming now in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Children’s Garden at The Huntington. Encompassing over 130 acres, The Huntington Botanical Gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. After touring the gardens, indulge in high tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room, featuring a selection of teas, seasonal house-made scones, and a variety of savories and sweets. Reservations are highly recommended.

Arlington Garden in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

A hidden gem in the heart of Pasadena, Arlington Garden is the city’s only dedicated free public garden. This three-acre community-built Mediterranean garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, and orchards of orange and olive trees. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. 

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. Storrier Stearns is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America. 

Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Virginia Robinson Gardens 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills , CA 90210

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson of the J.W. Robinson Co. Department Store. It occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment. The beautiful six-acre property is located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and has a breathtaking display garden, mansion, and pool pavilion. 

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden 707 Tiverton Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Located on the UCLA campus, Mathias Botanical Garden is a a 7.5 acre public garden, outdoor classroom, and research facility that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

LA Arboretum not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was once the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. A stroll through the Arboretum will take you through a variety of gardens and landscapes that offer beauty and tranquility as well as ideas for your own outdoor spaces.  The Arboretum is also home to historic structures including the Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and Reid-Baldwin Adobe.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Arlington Garden 

Photo #2: LA Phil

Photo #3: Exposition Park

Photo #4: Natural History Museum

Photo #5: Descanso Gardens

Photo #6: The Huntington  

Photo #7: Arlington Garden

Photo #8: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 

Photo #9: Virginia Robinson Gardens

Photo #10: UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #11: LA Arboretum

Circa’s Cultural Agenda: LA’s Top Exhibitions to See Now  

This season, LA is bursting at the seams with extraordinary new experiences for art lovers. The big news is Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART (previously Pacific Standard Time), returns for the first time since 2018. Many participating institutions are in the Downtown Los Angeles area, with everything from galleries to theatrical performances, and one-offs taking place between this fall and early 2025. Another event you won’t want to miss is LUMINEX, an outdoor multimedia extravaganza taking place in South Park, near Circa. And mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month, when DTLA Art Night opens its doors to over 25 galleries. 

Getty Center art exhibitions near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

PST ART: Art & Science Collide – Various locations

Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART (previously Pacific Standard Time), returns in September 2024 with 800+ artists, 70+ exhibitions, and 1 mind-blowing theme: Art & Science Collide. One of the most expansive art events in the world, PST ART is a Getty initiative in partnership with museums and institutions across the region. This “collision” will explore the intersections of Art and Science, both past and present, with diverse organizations activating exhibitions on topics like ancient cosmologies, Indigenous sci-fi, environmental justice, and artificial intelligence. 

LUMINEX art exhibitions near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LUMINEX 3.0 1105 S Olive St. Los Angeles 90015

Save the date for October 5 when LUMINEX returns for a third year, bringing art and community together in an engaging outdoor exhibition using buildings as the canvas. For one night only, free and open to all, eight multimedia artists will transform a five-block radius in the South Park District of downtown Los Angeles. Featured artists this year include JOJO ABOT, Refik Anadol, Alice Bucknell, Nao Bustamante, Petra Cortright, Marc Horowitz, Carole Kim, and Sarah Rara, as well as special installations with Los Angeles Video Artists (LAVA). Don’t forget to book your pedicab!

Abstracted Light Experimental Photography at Getty Center art exhibitions near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Abstracted Light Experimental Photography Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90049  

Abstract imagery incorporating experimental lighting effects was of great interest to avant-garde photographers from the 1920s to the 1950s. This exhibition features photographs by international artists devoted to the practice, including László Moholy-Nagy, Francis Bruguière, Man Ray, Tōyō Miyatake, Asahachi Kono, and Jaromír Funke. The selection of works demonstrates the dynamic interplay between still photography, experimental film, and the dazzling time-based artworks by Thomas Wilfred called “Lumia instruments.” 

DTLA Art Night art exhibitions near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA ArtNight Emerging Artist Gallery 125 W 4th St. #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLA ArtNight is a cultural gathering and art walk organized monthly on first Thursdays where over 25 galleries debut new exhibitions from their fine arts collections. These collections encompass a wide array of mediums from artists across LA, the U.S. and the world. DTLA ArtNight is also an opportunity for emerging artists to display their art in participating galleries.

SCI-arc art exhibitions near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Views of Planet City SCI-Arc 960 East 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Is it possible to design a socially and environmentally sustainable city for seven billion people? Views of Planet City imagines what the world might look like if humanity were to reverse the urban sprawl, and its entire human population were to be housed inside a single, hyperdense megalopolis. Drawing on the ideas of pioneering scientists and futurists and projecting on the basis of already gestating technologies, Views of Planet City challenges dystopian visions of the cities of tomorrow and offers an alternative vision in which urbanization at a planetary scale is not incompatible with the safeguarding of Earth’s biodiversity.

ED RUSCHA : NOW THEN art exhibition at LACMA near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

As his first comprehensive, cross-media retrospective in over 20 years, ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN traces Ruscha’s methods and familiar subjects throughout his career and underscores the many remarkable contributions he has made well beyond the boundaries of the art world. The exhibition includes his early works produced while traveling through Europe, his installations—such as the Chocolate Room and the Course of Empire presented at the Venice Biennale in 1970 and 2005, respectively—and his ceaseless photographic documentation of the streets of Los Angeles beginning in 1965.

Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads art exhibition at LACMA near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

While you’re at LACMA, don’t miss The Zodiac Project, Ai Weiwei’s first major public sculpture. For this monumental new work, Ai has recreated the famous twelve bronze animal heads that once adorned the Zodiac Fountain in Yuan Ming Yuan, the Old Summer Palace, in Beijing. Cast around 1750, the original heads were looted by Anglo-French troops who took part in the destruction of Yuan Ming Yuan in 1860 during the Second Opium War. The heads remain a potent trigger for Chinese nationalist sentiments. Ai’s new work suggests a dialogue about the fate of art objects that exist within dynamic and sometimes volatile cultural and political settings. With his subversive wit, the artist adapts objects from the Chinese material canon going back to antiquity, twisting traditional meanings toward new purposes.

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN art exhibition at Geffen Contemporary near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Olafur Eliasson: OPEN The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967, Copenhagen; lives and works in Berlin) presents a new site-specific installation made for The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. In line with Eliasson’s career-long exploration of light and color, geometry, and environmental awareness, the installation playfully engages with material and immaterial qualities of the museum’s architecture. A series of large-scale optical devices designed specifically for MOCA Geffen will respond to the building itself, as well as to the ever-changing atmosphere of Los Angeles. Visitors will encounter a dazzling range of sensory experiences that harness the laws of geometric optics to address feelings and concepts of embodiment, perception, and participation.

Breath(e) art exhibition at Hammer Museum near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Breath(e) Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024

Part of Getty’s region-wide initiative PST ART: Art and Science Collide, Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice considers the connections between climate change, environmental justice, and social justice through the lens of contemporary art. The indoor/outdoor exhibition brings together approximately 100 works focused on climate change by a group of intergenerational contemporary artists, scientists, and activists, addressing anthropogenic disasters such as deforestation, ocean acidification, coral reef bleaching, water pollution, extraction, and atmospheric politics.

Storm Cloud art exhibition at The Huntington near near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Storm Cloud & Growing and Knowing The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Art and science collide in The Huntington’s new exhibitions, on view Sept. 14, 2024–Jan. 6, 2025. “Storm Cloud: Picturing the Origins of Our Climate Crisis” and “Growing and Knowing in the Gardens of China” trace the dovetailing histories of the relationship between humans and the environment and emphasize the significant role that close observation has played in art, science, and ethics. When viewed together, provocative questions emerge about our interconnectedness with the natural world. The exhibitions are part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide, a regional event presented by Getty featuring more than 70 exhibitions and programs that explore the intersections of art and science, both past and present. 

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: NOW ART LA (LUMINEX LA)

Photo #2: Getty Center

Photo #3: LUMINEX LA

Photo #4: Getty Center

Photo #5: DTLA ArtNight

Photo #6: SCI-Arc

Photo #7: LACMA

Photo #8: LACMA

Photo #9: Geffen Contemporary

Photo #10: Hammer Museum

Photo #11: The Huntington

Circa’s Favorite DTLA Brunch Spots

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and what could be more festive than a sumptuous Sunday brunch! A champagne brunch is also the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with family and friends. DTLA offers some delicious dining options, serving everything from chef-driven menus to classic breakfasts and American comfort food, many not far from Circa. And great news for high tea lovers! After an extensive renovation, The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room has reopened, presenting an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service, with a distinctive California twist. Check websites for details. Reservations are highly recommended.

Redbird brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Redbird 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dine on the leafy outdoor patio and indulge in an eclectic menu featuring morning pastries, ricotta blueberry pancakes. cinnamon crunch French toast, fried egg sandwich, duck confit chilaquiles, and other decadent dishes created by Chef Neal Fraser. Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined, yet approachable, and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city, Los Angeles. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 2PM.

Poppy + Rose brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Poppy + Rose 765 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Poppy + Rose is a California-inspired American brunch restaurant located in the Flower District in downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 2014, the restaurant’s husband-wife duo, Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed, Poppy + Rose serves seasonal, elevated country kitchen styled comfort food in a relaxed, floral-themed ambiance. With an impressive set of accolades that include “best breakfast in LA,” “best chicken & waffles in LA,” and “best chicken sandwich in LA,” to name a few, Poppy + Rose has quickly become a favorite for DTLA locals and visitors alike. Open every day of the week for lunch, brunch, breakfast, or cocktails. Dine outside on the Poppy Patio Friday through Sunday.

Blu Jam Cafe brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blu Jam Cafe 541 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opened in 2006 by Owner/Chef/Sommelier Kamil Majer and business partner David Fris, Blu Jam Cafe has garnered an impressive following, becoming one of the best brunch spots in Los Angeles. Breakfast at Blu Jam Café is a high-flying affair, with a dizzying array of both global and home-style favorites. Some of their notorious crowd pleasers include caramelized apple crepes, salmon hash, Florentine Benedict, French toast churros, chilaquiles, and vegan tofu tostada.

The Huntington Tea Room brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Huntington Tea Room The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 

After an extensive renovation, The Huntington’s iconic, historic Rose Garden continues its elegant tea service with a selection of teas, seasonal house-made scones, and a variety of savory and sweet offerings, including smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and caviar; Belgian chocolate and sea salt caramel tart; and ginger cake with quince compote. A higher-end option includes champagne and such items as poached Maine lobster roll with Hawaiian black sea salt and micro celery. Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s menus are also available, along with champagne, wine, and cocktails by the glass.

Dahlia at Downtown LA Proper brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Caldo Verde at Downtown LA Proper 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Celebrate the mother figures in your life with seasonally-inspired brunch dishes and signature cocktails curated by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, followed by an array of decadent desserts by Pastry Chef Irene. Savor brunch favorites with a twist, such as lobster chopped salad, prawns & grits, chicken n’ waffles, and mushroom eggs Benedict. Downtown LA Proper also serves an elegant afternoon tea at Dahlia, their intimate cocktail lounge on the ground floor, featuring a menu of sweet and savory bites, seasonal Tealeaves blends, and premium champagnes.

Rooftop at Wayfarer DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop at Wayfarer Hotel DTLA 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Even if Mother’s Day is not on your radar, you can still enjoy The Rooftop Experience brunch, which is offered every Saturday and Sunday with a seven course brunch menu, featuring exceptional food and beverages showcasing California’s vibrant and seasonal flavors. Sip, eat and chill 12 stories up with friends, family or solo with a delicious menu that includes bubbles,Thai lemongrass & mango salad, chicken n’ waffles, crab cake benny, and more.

Manuela DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located in the DTLA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. The eclectic brunch menu includes tasty dishes such as popover Benedict, grilled yellowtail, English pea toast, hen of the woods mushroom polenta cake, black bean chilaquiles, brioche French toast, and cream biscuits with jam and butter. Open for indoor and patio dining.

Girl & The Goat brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Girl & The Goat 555-3 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Chef Stephanie Izard and her team are thrilled to join LA’s vibrant restaurant community and continue their tradition of serving tasty, bold-flavored foods in a fun and lively family-style setting. Stephanie and her team have crafted new brunch dishes inspired by California produce and local flavors, such as short rib chilaquiles; brunch potatoes with salted coconut caramel and cotija; blueberry sourdough pancakes with espresso cocoa nib crumble; and goat belly with rice n’ beans, sunny side egg, and crispy rice. To enhance the experience, they offer a selection of wines from around the world with a focus on small producers, a rotating list of craft beers, and a list of fun cocktails.

Zinqué DTLA brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Zinqué DTLA 939 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

From early morning to early morning, this high design, low-key neighborhood restaurant offers French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails, and a uniquely curated wine/beer selection. Breakfast and brunch menus include breakfast bowl with poached egg, quinoa, avocado, asparagus, and greek yogurt; avocado toast; crispy sunny eggs with prosciutto; and brioche French toast. Enjoy outdoor dining on the private patio. 

The Original Pantry brunch near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Original Pantry 877 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

The Original Pantry Café opened in 1924 and was owned by former Los Angeles Mayor, Richard Riordan. Since their initial one-room, 15-stool space, The Original Pantry Café has grown to become an official Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and a staple of Classic American dining in LA. The likes of Marilyn Monroe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have dined at this iconic spot, and this is proudly reflected in the restaurant’s colorful throwback spirit. Breakfast specials, served from 7AM to 1PM, include egg platters, French toast, omelettes, breakfast steaks & chops, pancakes, and Irish steel cut oatmeal with seasonal fruit.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Blu Jam Cafe

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Poppy + Rose

Photo #4: Blu Jam Cafe

Photo #5: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Photo #6: Dahlia at Downtown LA Proper

Photo #7: Rooftop at Wayfarer DTLA

Photo #8: Manuela

Photo #9: Girl & The Goat

Photo #10: Zinqué DTLA

Photo #11: The Original Pantry

 

Petal Power: Circa’s Guide to the Spring Superbloom

Thanks to all the recent rain, we’re seeing an abundance of wildflowers across the Southland. For a breathtaking superbloom experience, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is carpeted with our beautiful state flower as far as the eye can see. Wisteria season is here, and The Huntington is enveloped in a winding canopy of these gorgeous ornamental blooms. Decanso Gardens is a visual feast of flowering trees, which are an April bloom highlight. To stay up-to-date on what’s blooming, Theodore Payne Foundation’s Wild Flower Hotline provides information on the best locations for viewing spring wildflowers, with many locations not far from Circa.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve superbloom in Lancaster, California

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 15101 Lancaster Rd. Lancaster, CA 93536

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore. Benches located along the trails make good places to sit quietly and watch for wildlife, such as meadow larks, lizards, and gopher snakes. If you’re lucky, you may spot a coyote or bobcat.

Zuma Canyon Trail superbloom in Malibu not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Zuma Canyon Trail Trailhead 5721 Bonsall Dr. Malibu, CA 90265

One of the best ways to see wildflowers is to take a hike. Zuma Canyon Trail is 2.8-mile trail that explores the open Zuma Canyon. The sandy trail stretches north along a stony creek bed and through brushy open space. As the mouth of the canyon closes, oaks and sycamores become more abundant, providing greenery and shade for trail users. This trail has amazing views of Zuma Canyon and is abundant with native wildlife, vegetation, and gorgeous spring blooms. For more great local hikes, visit Trails LA County.

Theodore Payne Foundation superbloom not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Theodore Payne Foundation 10459 Tuxford St. Los Angeles, CA 91352

To learn more about California’s abundant flora, visit the Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF), a nonprofit organization that inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants. Located on 22 acres of beautiful canyon land in the San Fernando Valley, the TPF includes a full-service nursery, alongside display gardens, wild land hiking trails, an art gallery, educational facilities, and more.

The Huntington superbloom in San Marino not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 

Explore a winding canopy of Wisteria blooming now in the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Children’s Garden at The Huntington. Encompassing over 130 acres, The Huntington Botanical Gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. 

Arlington Garden superbloom in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

A hidden gem in the heart of Pasadena, Arlington Garden is the city’s only dedicated free public garden. This  charming three-acre community-built mediterranean garden is located on Caltrans-owned land. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, and orchards of orange and olive trees. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. 

Descanso Gardens superbloom in La Cañada Flintridge not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden, living museum, and urban oasis just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Situated on 150 acres of cultivated and wild land, Descanso Gardens is nestled into a natural bowl by surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the many paths and trails, verdant woodlands, lush gardens, and colorful native flowers. Don’t miss the gorgeous flowering trees, which are an April bloom highlight. To discover the year-round beauty of Descanso, check their Bloom Calendar.

South Coast Botanic Garden superbloom in Palos Verdes Estates not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Bloom at South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Awaken your senses this spring when the Garden comes alive with new blooms and pollinators a flutter. Throughout the Bloom exhibit, you are asked to tap into your senses and live in the moment. The journey will begin in the courtyard with a stunning display. Guests will then be guided to a variety of areas that are newly planted, and ultimately lead you to the Amphitheater Lawn, where they’ve planted over 21,000 bulbs. This colorful and unique display of flora will invite guests to become immersed in the beauty of nature. As the season continues and new flowers arrive, the experience will continue to Bloom! 

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden superbloom in Pasadena not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr.Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America. 

LA Arboretum superbloom in Arcadia not far from Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. A stroll through the Arboretum will take you through a variety of gardens and landscapes that offer beauty and tranquility as well as ideas for your own outdoor spaces.  The Arboretum is also home to historic structures including the Queen Anne Cottage, Coach Barn, and Reid-Baldwin Adobe.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Photo #3: National Park Service / LA County Department of Parks and Recreation

Photo #4: Theodore Payne Foundation

Photo #5: The Huntington 

Photo #6: Arlington Garden 

Photo #7: Descanso Gardens

Photo #8: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #9: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #10: Los Angeles County Arboretum

Circa’s Haunted Harvest of Halloween Fun

It’s spooky season, and LA is all aghast with frightful festivities, creepy concerts, and ghoulish adventures. We’ve rounded up a haunted harvest of Halloween fun, guaranteed to put a tingle in your spine and a chill in your bones. Immerse yourself in a multimedia horror show, experience a haunted hayride, or witness a blood-curdling vampire circus. You can also dive into the traditions of Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park, which features 19 altars created by professional artists and local community organizations. Check websites for tickets and other event details.

Circa Halloween Costume Party

Circa residents are invited to join us for an “Out of This World” Halloween costume party on October 27 from 7:30PM to 10:30PM in the 8th floor lounge. We’ll have a DJ, earthly delights + bites, specialty cocktails, futuristic desserts, a themed photo booth and more!

Danny Elfman Nightmare Before Christmas at the Hollywood Bowl Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Tim Burton‘s The Nightmare Before Christmas Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068

Tim Burton‘s The Nightmare Before Christmas will be performed in concert, starring Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, Halsey, Fred Armisen, Riki Lindhome, and Ken Page. with a live orchestra featuring conductor John Mauceri and violinist Sandy Cameron. Come early for Halloween Fun with a costume contest hosted by Greg Proops (“Who’s Line is it Anyway?”) and explore the Hollywood Bowl transformed into Halloween Town for an incredible trick-or-treat adventure for all ages.

Grand Park Downtown Día de los Muertos Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Honoring the people, places and ideas that merit adoration and commemoration, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 12th annual Downtown Día de los Muertos welcomes parkgoers to pay reverence to 19 altars created by professional artists and local community organizations. Visitors can also contribute to the annual community altar – the 20th altar – which will honor the victims of gun violence in Monterey Park and those who perished in Maui’s wildfires.

The Bride of Frankenstein Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Bride of Frankenstein The Theatre at Ace Hotel 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Camp, humor and horror collide in one of the greatest sequels ever! This year, LA Opera’s hugely popular annual celebration of horror and live music, at the breathtaking Theatre at Ace Hotel, presents film director James Whale’s chilling The Bride of Frankenstein, with one of the most iconic “wedding” scenes in cinematic history. As this 1935 horror classic plays out larger than life on the silver screen, the magnificent musicians of the LA Opera Orchestra, conducted by Jenny Wong, perform Franz Waxman’s groundbreaking original soundtrack score live. 

Boney Island at NHM Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Boney Island Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Just in time for Halloween, the Natural History Museum will transform its Nature Gardens into a hauntingly whimsical interactive light-up experience for all ages. Featuring familiar sights for long-time Boney Island fans – skeletons performing rope tricks, levitating through hoops, shadow puppetry and more – NHM will put its own spin on the event with artistic performances, real fossils, live animal presentations, trick-or-treating, and other ghoulishly glowing installations. Boney Island was created by The Simpsons producer, Rick Polizzi, for his family more than 20 years ago. A play on Brooklyn’s iconic Coney Island, it grew from a front yard display to a huge affair in Griffith Park with a cult-like following of Halloween lovers of all ages. 

Nights of the Jack Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Nights of the Jack King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302

Thirty miles northwest of Hollywood, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s a strange and shadowy wonderland that everyone’s been whispering about. This season, Nights of the Jack is back and brighter than ever. You’ll discover Jack o’ lanterns from every mystical sphere and a spook-tacular illuminated light show under the autumn sky. It’s not just an illusion, it’s an experience. Brace yourself with a hot cider or seasonal cocktail from the Spookeasy bar, and fortify yourself  with some festive fall treats. Follow the 3/4 mile trail at King Gillette Ranch, glimmering at every turn with blazing gourds around every corner. Be sure to have your cameras ready and enjoy!

LA Haunted Hayride Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Griffith Park 730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Experience the world-famous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – the ultimate halloween event. The Hayride leads to a thrilling adventure of horrors afflicting the town of Midnight Falls, with the Town Square at the epicenter of the festivities. While guests walk around between attractions or hang out to soak in the atmosFEAR, various townsfolk from the Midnight Falls community roam the space interacting with guests and attending to their local business. The Spirit of Halloween comes to life surrounding helpless victims brave enough to board The Hayride.

Carved Descanso Gardens Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Carved Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Come discover a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland, featuring a new route, and even more pumpkin fun! Discover returning favorites and fresh delights You’ll be amazed by luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and an expanded “Rhizome” installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere. Enjoy frightfully good food and drinks, including cocktails, beer & wine, Frito Pie, BBQ pork sandwiches, jumbo pretzels, and Day of the Dead Churros. Rain or shine – Carved shines on.

Strange Science at The Huntington Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Strange Science at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Join The Huntington for an evening of chills and thrills! Witness spirited performances and special displays of rarely seen objects from the vaults. Hear spine-tingling stories, learn weird scholarly facts, and experience twisted fantasies on the dance floor. Enjoy various libation lounges serving festive boozy and alcohol-free beverages. Food and snacks are available for purchase.

Halloween Horror Nights Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608

Legend has it you should never go alone to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Southern California’s scariest Halloween event. Summon your scream squad and you might survive. Enter eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror. The Terror Tram is back and this time the bugs are taking over. Tour Guide Larry Larva and his bug-headed exterminators are out to get rid of human pests once and for all. You’ll be dropping like flies. Whether you want to scream one night or multiple nights, or get the blood-red carpet treatment on an R.I.P. Tour, there are many nightmares to choose from.

The Vampire Circus Halloween fun near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Vampire Circus The Montalbán 615 Vine St. Hollywood, CA 90028

Step into The Vampire Circus, a mesmerizing theatrical experience that fuses artistry, technology, and twisted acrobatics. Be captivated by a world that pushes the boundaries of human performance. Witness phenomenal acrobatics performed by international artists with multidisciplinary skills in theater, dance, and gymnastics. Prepare to be amazed and astounded as they take you on an emotional roller-coaster filled with fear, joy, laughter, and wonder. This 90-minute show guarantees an engaging and enjoyable evening of live entertainment for all audiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Hollywood Bowl

Photo #4: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #5: LA Opera 

Photo #6: Natural History Museum

Photo #7: Nights of the Jack

Photo #8: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #9: Descanso Gardens

Photo #10: The Huntington

Photo #11: Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo #12: The Vampire Circus

10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in LA

The heat is on, with no end in sight. Temperatures may be soaring, but if you resist the temptation to hunker down in your air conditioned cocoon, you’ll find a multitude of refreshing opportunities to survive the summer sizzle. From immersive exhibitions and twilight garden strolls to rafting on the LA River, and even an indoor ice skating rink, we’ve rounded up 10 cool ways to beat the heat in LA!

Circa elliptical pool & cabanas at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Happiness begins at home! Luxuriate in the resort-like ambiance of Circa’s two-acre rooftop park and amenity collection. Our 75-foot lap pool provides a revitalizing respite from sultry summer weather. Enjoy a dip in the elliptical pool and take a relaxing break in our private cabanas.

LA Underwater - exhibition at NHM near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

L.A. Underwater Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Before it was the vibrant city we know, Los Angeles was underwater for over 90 million years. Dive into NHM’s newest multimedia-rich, immersive exhibition L.A. Underwater and discover L.A.’s prehistoric past through the stories of nearly 40 fossils that are uncovering the secrets of our submerged prehistory. Many of these fossils were found by everyday Angelenos, from construction workers unearthing over 2,000 fish fossils while working on the Metro line to Museum neighbors discovering a whale skull while digging an irrigation ditch in Lincoln Heights. These locally-discovered fossils are helping scientists understand the topography of the city’s past and present.

The Huntington Botanical Gardens near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Twilight Garden Strolls at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Get ready for relaxation and exploration as you wander the gardens with friends and family after hours. The Red Car coffee shop will be open until 5:30PM and the 1919 Cafe will be open serving a selection of grilled items, house-made soups, hand-crafted sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go fare from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Food and drink are not permitted while strolling, but you may bring bottled water and a blanket to sit on the lawn. Most gardens will be open for your enjoyment. However, the library, art galleries, The Rose Hills Conservatory, and the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden will be closed.

LA Kings Valley Ice Center indoor ice skating near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Kings Valley Ice Center 8750 Van Nuys Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402

The Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center, home of the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, is a two ice surface facility located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.  The rink offers everything in relation to the ice including hockey, ice skating, curling, broomball, public sessions, sticktime, learn to skate classes, group lessons, private lessons, filming, and special events.

Lucky Strike LA Live bowling near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Lucky Strike LA Live 800 W Olympic Blvd. Ste. 250, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled just steps away from the Crypto.com Arena, Lucky Strike LA Live is the perfect place to roll a few frames, shoot some pool, and enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty bites. Featuring 18 premium lanes, tons of screens to catch all the big games, and plenty of tasty cuisine to fuel your fun, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Check out the luxury suite that offers a private setting with four lanes, two billiards tables, and a private bar.

Keith Haring at The Broad art museum near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody The Broad  221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Broad presents the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work and features over 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant color, energetic line work, and iconic characters, like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s work continues to dissolve barriers between art and life, and spread joy, all while being rooted in the creative spirit and mission of his subway drawings and renowned public murals.

Grand Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

With its majestic views extending from the Music Center to City Hall, Grand Park provides Angelenos a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and and play. Throughout Grand Park, open spaces are available for casual sitting, leisurely strolling, and dining al fresco. Grand Park has four distinct areas featuring amenities ranging from a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a new wade-able membrane pool, a small intimate performance lawn, a community terrace planted with drought-tolerant specimen plants, and a grand event lawn. 

McConnells's Fine Ice Cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

McConnell’s Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Playa Vista Farmers' Market - Farm Habit near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

South Park Farmers’ Market 11th & Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Downtown LA has just booked another farmer’s market, this time in the South Park neighborhood. The South Park Farmers’ Market takes place each Saturday, from 9AM to 2PM on Grand Ave and 11th St. A diverse bunch of farmers, foodies, and artisans will be accompanied by live music. Market offerings include locally grown fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, French pastries, Southern gumbo, tamales, and free-range meat from a local rancher who practices regenerative agriculture. So come out, stock up for the week, and enjoy the community.

L.A River Expeditions near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA River Expeditions

Start your urban adventure! LA River Expeditions is the original boating organization on the Los Angeles River. The founders 2008 expedition down the river’s 51 miles (from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean) launched their involvement with the LA River revitalization as a nonprofit organization, committed to improving the quality of life in our community. This groundbreaking activism was a key factor in changing Federal environmental policy by winning Clean Water Act protections in 2010 for the Los Angeles River and waterways across the country. LA River enthusiasts can book kayak tours in both Los Angeles River recreational zones: Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone and Elysian Valley Recreation Zone.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Circa LA

Photo #2: Circa LA

Photo #3: Natural History Museum

Photo #4: The Huntington

Photo #5: LA Kings Valley Ice Center

Photo #6: Lucky Strike LA Live

Photo #7: The Broad

Photo #8: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #9: McConnell’s

Photo #10: Playa Vista Farmers’ Market

Photo #11: LA River Expeditions

Superblooms & Gorgeous Gardens

April 22 is Earth Day, the world’s largest environment movement, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than getting out and communing with nature. Did you know that California’s superblooms are so dramatic that you can see them from space? But you don’t need a satellite to enjoy this stunning flower show. LA Arboretum and Descanso Gardens are in full bloom, and the historic Virginia Robinson Gardens has finally reopened after a three year hiatus. LA is also home to some delightful secret gardens that you may not have heard about, many not far from Circa. And if you want to get involved for Earth Day, Friends of the LA River is offering a variety of activities that welcome everyone to the River Movement.

California State Parks Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, CA

California Poppy Festival AV Fair & Event Center 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Apr 21-23 Celebrate our beautiful state flower at the California Poppy Festival. For three days, people from across the state will be able to enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden, food, and more than 200 vendors amidst the sunshine and colorful flowers. While you’re there, be sure visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, and explore eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, bursting with wildflowers.

Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington in San Marino, CA

The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

Encompassing about 130 acres, The Huntington botanical gardens feature living collections in 16 stunning themed gardens with more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, and a laboratory for botanical conservation and research. Great news for high tea fans! After an extensive renovation, The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room will reopen on May 24. Set within the historic Rose Garden, the Tea Room offers an elegant and memorable experience inspired by the tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.

Rose Garden Exposition Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rose Garden Exposition Park 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Located across the street from USC in downtown Los Angeles, Exposition Park is home to some of LA’s top cultural attractions and venues, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum. The beautiful 7.5-acre Rose Garden features 15,793 rose bushes in about 200 varieties. The Rose Garden is currently among the three major public-display rose gardens in Southern California and one of the most important in the state. In 1991 the Rose Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Pollinator Meadow at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Nature Gardens at NHM 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

If you’re visiting Exposition Park, be sure to explore the Nature Gardens, an urban wildlife wonderland at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Over 600 kinds of plants, including California natives and others from around the world, make a home for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels, and more. One of the most popular spots is the Pollinator Meadow (pictured above). Flowers are blooming, seeds are ripening, and wildlife is paying attention!

Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills, CA

Virginia Robinson Gardens 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills , CA 90210

May 20 Back in Bloom Garden Tour. After a three-year hiatus, the Virginia Robinson Gardens reopens for the Garden Tour and Showcase House, offering an exclusive opportunity to visit magnificent private gardens in the area, and enjoy an extravagant showcase at the Robinson Estate, featuring top interior designers, florists, and a lavish luncheon. Proceeds will raise funds for the restoration needs of the estate and the Children’s Science program, which has served more than 5,000 children throughout the pandemic years. Built in 1911, the Robinson mansion was one of the first homes in Beverly Hills, known for hosting the area’s most legendary parties. Today, the garden is recognized not only as a historical landmark, but also as an exotic paradise that all sightseers are invited to enjoy by appointment only. 

UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles, CA

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a living museum that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

Arlington Garden in Pasadena, CA

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden, Arlington Garden is a three-acre community-built Mediterranean garden in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land leased to the City of Pasadena. The garden includes thousands of California native plants, such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, orchards of orange and olive trees, and many more species. This lovely space is not only friendly to people and pets, but also exists as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant, and can be seen throughout the year. 

Blue Ribbon Garden sat Walt Disney Concert Hall near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Blue Ribbon Garden is a hidden rooftop garden at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Nearly an acre in size, the garden is enclosed by the hall’s flowing exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms throughout the year. What started as a personal connection between just two people: Frank Gehry and Lillian Disney, has become a shared public art experience for concertgoers and Los Angeles tourists alike. One of the garden’s highlights is the Frank Gehry-designed fountain, a tribute to the late Lillian Disney and her love for Royal Delft porcelain vases and roses. 

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena, CA

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America. 

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: California State Parks

Photo #3: The Huntington

Photo #4: Exposition Park

Photo #5: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo #6: Virginia Robinson Gardens

Photo #7: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #8: Arlington Garden

Photo #9: LA Phil

Photo #10: Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens 

Photo #11: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens