It is always a struggle to write beyond a cliche. Case in point, I want to express that the…read moreArlington Garden in Pasadena is a green oasis amidst urban noise and pace but that would say little since people consider their backyard and their local parks to be a green space of peace. And they would be right- who am I to judge the green that someone holds precious whether it be jade from feudal China or a patch of blades that are bed for the soul to rest. So I am left with one task: to express the serene beauty of this place that is also engaging in a quiet way, with almost ethereal words to truly defend and display that this, in all its glory, is a green oasis that wins by a short shot. The grounds are not huge, it is small but comes close to being medium. But what I loved is that its green branches and brown barks and twigs were immersive. I had entered a green swirl that moved all around me in stillness of movement but blurs of garden spirits. The place was like an outside museum that honors mother earth and her mantra of tender care that explains how flowers grow best. One of the most engaging experiences was their wishing tree. It was about two to four big trees with hanging wishes written by everyday folk. As I walked the steps to the trees, as I passed between them my skin could feel the words of hope hanging from branches. It was like the cards spoke in lovely whispers that reminded me that days of beauty are created when people do not forget to see that joyous petals that are in the wind and all around in the everyday. And as one note reminded us, joy is not ready made, to find it takes action. Reading the notes was a way in which I elected joy, as an act of resistance toward anger and disapointment. There was also this gazebo with a statue of a greek goddess. These are guesses of mine, I did not find some type of placards to confirm my notions. She was framed in the gazebo by a quasi-window. I entered the small gazebo and sat in the only green bench maybe big enough for two.I did not understand why she was giving me her back, I wanted to face her. But then I realized that Demeter or Gaia (maybe?) was not facing me because she was looking at her creation, like any person would when they have a garden to admire. From that seat I saw a man doing Tai-Chi and being filmed by his partner in all red. I sat and viewed him quietly and ask that whatever he was calling forth with his movements also entered my own person. From this seat, I also saw a pregnant woman taking pictures. She was wearing a white dress with a tasteful floral pops around. At times, she laughed with a wide smile, at times she held the bundle with her hands. It was seeing a place of growth, welcome a being with life about to begin. Her partner joined and they were directed into stances that made sense--- like the one where they look longingly at each other while he held her, and she held the coming boy. I could see their happiness, I could see their true connection, and I knew that the baby was being born into comfort and love. It was great reminder that sometimes life blooms with ease into joy. I also saw a lizard run and move its neck, both in a funny way. I saw a sole butterfly flutter. I saw folks sitting, relaxing, eating, all in with a calm demeanor. So I would like to think that this place is a green oasis or at least a place where rest is each to come by.

The Arlington Garden is a nice, public garden in Pasadena. Admission is free and street parking is…read moreplentiful. It's not a big garden, yet it does a great job at displaying native species, sustainable land scaping, and climate appropriate plants. I came during the hot days of summer, so there's not a lot that's in bloom. I did spot plenty of California poppies, milkweed, and yarrow. The trees, like the holly leaf cherry and eastern redbud, were beautiful on its own. I also had the rare privilege of seeing a flowering agave plant. The citrus area is a standout. They have some dwarf species and trees that were rehoused after being part of an art installation. They use the fruit to make marmalade. What's unused gets donated.

30 acres of green space, perfect on a hot summer day because it's very shady. Lots of people come…read moreand sit and read in the grass or benches. I come here mainly for the rose garden. Who needs to pay the Huntington prices when you can go to a rose garden for free? That being said the Huntington is worth every penny. You can access the rose garden from St. Albans Road if you don't want to go to the rest of the park. This garden is picturesque with the rose bushes surrounded by white arbors and tall Italian Cypress trees. It had a nice formal design and ideal for strolling around and taking photos.

The city recently remodels the play structure! It's much bigger and the kids love it…read more Also, this place is ideal place to take photos (family, engagements, kids, etc.) It does get crowded at times, especially during the weekend. They also have open fields where you can play catch or have a picnic. They have some pave roads where kids can bike, scooter or rollerskate. They also have tennis courts on the side of the park and they also have lessons for those who were interested. Unfortunately, they recently implemented charging non residents during the weekends. I don't support this charge since public parks should be for everyone. Whether or not you are living in the city. Other than that come to visit during the weekdays when it's free!

Parking: Lots of street parking is available…read more Includes: Open field with trees surrounding the edges. There was a small area for some type of outdoor sports, punch ball boards, basketball court and playground and benches. This park was actively used by families, kids, people walking their dogs, and even a personal trainer. Despite the heavy usage, the park seemed to be large enough to accommodate everyone without feeling crowded. Would definitely come back to this park again. It is a great spot to people watch, do some dog training and even some ball time with my dog on a long line. The park is open to the streets and not fenced so would not recommend letting your dog offleash to run.

My walk through scenic park when I visit my high desert bestie Art and his partner Josh, who have a…read moregreat home a few streets over. We go for great walks in the neighborhood, usually with a set destination or a touch of Pokemon Go adventuring. Loads of shade, benches, sidewalk pathways and places to picnic. It's very local as well as family friendly, pet friendly and jungle gym kid oriented. They have some great courts for a few sports - basketball, handball, volleyball, pickleball, and a small softball area. With nearly 5 acres of greenery in four directions you'll enjoy this hidden gem park (typically clean all over including restrooms - where you'll find drinking fountains closeby). Parking is easy in a mostly super mellow residential area, however there isn't a physical lot like you'd see at large parks. Take your pick of Mountain Street, Mar Vista Avenue, Wilson Avenue or Bell Street (the four that encompass it). One of the parks in the city of Pasadena, Los Angeles you'll see with Community Composting (Hubs), tons of trash cans and continuous beautification.

This is a great place for a read or some chill time. It's clean, well-kept, and has a relaxed local…read morevibe that makes it perfect for an easy afternoon outside. The playground is great for kids, with plenty of space to run around, and there are shaded areas that make it comfortable even on warmer days. I really like how open the park feels with good sightlines, lots of grass, and just enough trees to make it feel peaceful without being crowded. It's also a solid spot for a quick walk, tossing a ball around, or just sitting on a bench and people-watching. Parking is usually easy, and the surrounding neighborhood is calm and friendly. Not a huge destination park, but that's part of the charm. If you're looking for a low-key, family-friendly park in Pasadena, Grant Park is definitely worth checking out.

This park is very close to my home, and I walk here all the time. I also play tennis here. There…read moreare only two tennis courts, and they're usually occupied in the evenings. There are also two half basketball courts, which I sometimes use. For kids, there's a spider web-style climbing structure and a few swings. Parking around the park is generally easy to find.

At Desiderio Neighborhood Park, everything looks different. Views from under the Colorado Blvd…read more Bridge have an otherworldly quality. I feel tiny when I come here. The walkpaths take you by trees and flowers and birds and butterflies and picnic tables. This park lives in an alternate dimension, and it is something that you can only experience by coming here.

This could be a good pit stop to use the restroom and walk around the short path. There is free…read moreparking in the small parking lot, with about six parking spots, including a handicap spot. There was barely any shaded area near the benches along the walkway or in the play structure area.

I love this park! It's very peaceful and my go to for having picnics. Would recommend going here!read more

I was at Garfield Park in South Pasadena for an outdoor community yoga class via The Root Cause…read moreYoga instructed by Kathy. Amazing yoga session! First time here. What a wonderful park! Very well maintained. Grass was very green. Trees were standing tall and proud offering wonderful shade. Flowers were gorgeous! Lots of people with their family and friends plus their furry friends spending a beautiful and sunny weekend at this park. Plenty of benches for parties and all. Children's playground is available. Libary of Books located at the front of the park. Great place to take a comfortable and relaxing stroll in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. Love to be back for more yoga and nice walks! Street parking is available, but may be limited when there are a lot of people. Come here early if possible.

A beautiful and very dog friendly park. We occasionally see some small animals under the ground to…read morecome up to the surface and say hi. 轉地鼠 They are very cute. Many people come here to play outdoor sports like baseball, soccer, volleyball and more. But sometimes they didn't turn on the light at night, it can be pretty dark. Highly recommend to bring your own lights when you visit here at nights.

First time here, and what a great experience! My son had visited with my in-laws before, and I'd…read moreheard good things, so we finally made it with him. We loved the playground - the soft woodchips were perfect for active kids. The scenery was beautiful, especially with the purple trees. We even played some t-ball on the diamond. It's those moments you want to hold onto forever. Victory Park is a fantastic park for families with young children.

Updated review: I've been to Inspiration Point twice now, most recently after the great Los Angeles…read more"blizzard" of early 2023. And how super intense and cool (figuratively and literally) it was! Total about 10mi from the top of Lake - Echo Mountain - Castle Canyon trail - Inspiration Point - Sam Merrill trail - Echo Mountain and back down to Lake. DEFINITELY a strenuous hike and would highly recommend hiking poles, sunscreen, water, and snacks! The view is incredible, especially with tons of fresh snow everywhere. Hiked this early March 2023 and the Castle Canyon trail leading off from Echo Mountain (a decent hike in its own right) is pretty challenging, if not a bit brutal in some areas: slippery snow, downed trees and bushes blocking the path, and a heavy incline. Again, highly recommend poles. Once at Inspiration Point the view is phenomenal. The Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and even Anaheim and Irvine are all visible from the top, and downtown LA too of course. Lots of picnic benches and photo-op-worthy view finders for major Southern California sites. Gorgeous San Gabriel mountains in the background. The Sam Merrill trail leading down the backside of the mountain (and then curving back around to the south/west) is much more tame (but still a bit precarious with 2+ feet of snow) and very sun-exposed all the way back to Echo Mountain. All in all probably one of the more butt-kicking Los Angeles hike. Takes about 4-5hrs round trip depending on your pace.

Long and difficult hike but worth the view! About 10 miles…read moreround trip from Cobb Estate. Bring a hat, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and BUG SPRAY. Me and my husband started around 7:30am and finished the whole hike around 1pm at a steady pace with about an hour break when we got to Inspiration Point. The hike from Cobb Estate to Echo Mountain was a breeze for us, but the hike from there to Inspiration was a whole other story. I recommend wearing long pants as the second half of the hiking path isn't as clear and pretty narrow on some parts. We took our time and treaded lightly but still got some minor scratches on our legs from all of the branches and leaves. My husband started getting irritated from walking into all of the spider webs lol. Not sure if the actual hike was 2 miles from Echo Mountain because it felt so much longer than that. We started getting really tired near the end from all the incline. We almost gave up until my husband saw the view of Inspiration Point. Once we got there, the views made it all worth it! Would we do it again? Maaaaaybe lol.