LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE. Located 20 minutes from downtown LA, these gardens are truly a nature lover’s retreat. Their heart is a 30-acre California live oak forest that’s home to many varieties of camellia. Also popular is the five-acre International Rosarium, a magnificent themed display of roses from around the world. Indoor exhibits offer a great deal to explore as well, and the Hospitality House contains a terrific art gallery with changing monthly shows. If you’re visiting on a weekend, be sure to have tea in the Japanese Tea House.