Posted by Ever feel like you just need to get away for a minute? Practice some mindful meditation? Discover your inner calm?
Or maybe you just really like the idea of visiting places with beautiful waterfalls , serene gardens, and epic greenery.
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In any of those above scenarios, this list is for you.
Below you’ll find a collection of some of Los Angeles’s best locations for relaxing, taking a breath, and quietly reflecting on the beauty and life that surrounds.
Besides, we all need a break once in a while, right…?
Right.
[RELATED: 10 Free Places With Breathtaking Views of Los Angeles]
The Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens
120 landscaped acres of space (open to the public) with more than 14,000 different varieties of plants and some gorgeously crafted scenery. It takes forty gardeners, a curatorial staff of seven, and more than 100 volunteers to keep this place going, so it’s no wonder the entrance fee is rather steep ($20 per adult on a weekday).
Still one of the most expansive areas of beauty within the entire Los Angeles area.
Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Rd
San Marino, CA 91108
Get Directions
Phone number (626) 405-2100
The Lake Shrine Temple
Officially called the “Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple” the Lake Shrine was dedicated by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950.
This temple boasts 10 acres of land, beautiful gardens, and is far less crowded than some of the other recommendations on this list. Great place to do some personal meditation or reflective thinking.
Lake Shrine Temple
17190 W Sunset Blvd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-4114
The Los Angeles County Arboretum
A 127 acre botanical garden and historical site that boasts lots of beautiful flora, peacocks, palm trees, and a sweet waterfall (see above).
Simply put, a gorgeous space to spend a sunny afternoon (just be sure to bring a hat!).
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-3222
The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Garden
Who knew there was even such thing as a Peace Labyrinth!?!
Well there is, except not that many people seem to know about it making it one of the most peaceful tucked away spots in the entire city. Filled with beautiful fountains and meditation gardens, this place is perfect for a personal midday retreat.
Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Garden
3500 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Jefferson Park
(323) 737-4055
The James Irvine Japanese Garden
The garden features a 170 ft. stream flowing from a waterfall as well as blooming trees, flowers, and an overall sense of serentiy.
When you’re in downtown and just need to get away for a minute, this might be the perfect spot.
James Irvine Japanese Garden
Japanese American Cultural & Community Ctr
244 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Little Tokyo, Downtown
(213) 628-2725
The Hsi Lai Temple
https://instagram.com/p/y23NaQQMdN
One of the most popular Buddhist Temples in all of Southern California. This is both good and bad. Good because there is so much to see here, including the main shrine room, art garden, temple museum, tea room, and dining hall. The bad, of course, is that it may be a little crowded at times. But at least the place is huge!
Pro Tip: Make sure you don’t wear shorts or a short skirt, or you may not be allowed in the Temple. Modesty rule will be enforced!
Hsi Lai Temple
3456 Glenmark Dr
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
(626) 961-9697
The Thien Hau Temple
Nestled away in Chinatown, you may appreciate this temple as much for the beautifully crafted architecture as you do for the serene sense of calm and spirituality when you walk through the doors. It’s not huge, and not that renowned, but well worth the trip.
Thien Hau Temple
750-756 N Yale St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Chinatown
(213) 680-1860
Have a favorite quiet spot in the city you like to go to? Would you like to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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