Spring break is finally approaching. Instead of spending your vacation time binge-watching television shows, take this chance to step outside and enjoy the essence of season.
Arlington Garden
Nowadays, it’s difficult to find a park like Arlington Garden that offers peace and gives you a new appreciation for nature. It surely is a hidden gem in Pasadena; I almost passed by and didn’t even realize it. It’s around two blocks away from the Huntington Hospital. There are a wide variety of lush flowers, which are carefully maintained without using surplus water. In fact, the goal of Arlington’s managers is to keep the garden beautiful and healthy with practical water conservation practices.
Arlington is known for its peace and quiet. It’s the perfect setting for reading a book or sipping iced tea in the shade, surrounded by flora and butterflies. There are tables and benches set up, perhaps for a romantic date, and it isn’t usually crowded. You can even try the stone labyrinth for a quick activity. Plus, there’s a small orange grove where each visitor is allowed to pick one orange. The garden is open every day of the year from dusk to dawn, and there’s never a fee.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
You may have been here as a child, but probably didn’t take the time to fully acknowledge the splendor of the environment. The last time I visited the arboretum was in the third grade. I’ve lived thinking that the arboretum was a boring place with just a bunch of trees and grass, but after recently returning, I realized that it was so much more than that. It’s too underrated.
The arboretum offers a chance to see a huge variety of trees, flowers and shrubs from all over the world. There are eight gardens, ranging from the Tropical Green House to the Herb Garden. You can spot various birds, like ducks, peacocks and geese. If you want to take a break, sit by the Meyberg Waterfall or even visit the Queen Anne Cottage. It’s a large area, so it’s almost like a hike if you want to see every garden. It’s not just a place to gaze at the beauty of nature, but also a place to learn about it. The entrance fee is six dollars with your student ID and nine dollars without.
Lacy Park
Located in San Marino, Lacy Park is a great place to celebrate spring’s arrival. The well-kept park is full of fresh, green grass, trees and shrubs that are very refreshing to look at. There are plenty of picnic tables to spend a relaxing lunch with your family or friends. The jogging course offers opportunities to enjoy a walk with your dog or a breezy bike ride. If you want, you can even play on the tennis courts. There’s a jungle gym, but it’s closed due to construction until April. It’s a great place to take your little siblings for some family bonding.
Inside the 30 acre park is the Rose Arbor, which is home for serenity and beauty. It’s hard to take your eyes off of the roses in bloom this time of year. It’s quite small, but there are vivid flowers along the jogging loop if you’re going for a stroll. On weekdays, entrance is free, and on weekends, entrance costs four dollars.