Huntington Botanical Gardens

When we say hurry up, the world begs us to be still. The same world that, in fact, remains motionless while we spin in circles. The same world that it has always been as we insist to change it. Though we shout out at the top of our lungs in hopes of it gaining momentum, all it takes is a moment of silence to hear her whisper slow down. Find a book, or perhaps write one of your own. Sit and be still and you'll reach the destination you have been running to all along.

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As spring sprouts from the earth, the Children's Garden at the Huntington becomes an enchanted place of magic, fairies, and dragons. First, courageous toddlers must gain entry from the small sky blue door hidden under heaps of fragrant jasmine. As they emerge from the tunnel behind the door, children always pause, taking in all the possibilities in this world of water, fire, air, and earth. There are fountains and creeks—and water that takes them by surprise—springing out of nowhere. There are volcanoes suddenly hissing steam and dark magnetic sand that can be molded by their little hands. There are hiding places inside weeping mulberry trees, tunnels, and a greenhouse surrounded by vines. There is music to be made with nature, tossing pebbles down metal chimes. There is magic in nature, and every child who enters this secret garden feels the spirit of spring.

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If you could take just one photo: The Desert Garden's sky-high cacti

Teleportation may be a pipe dream, but the Huntington Botanical Gardens gives its visitors a chance to move across space and time among 14 unique gardens. Travel to the Far East with the pagoda-filled Chinese Garden (make sure to stop by their Tea House for a cup of jasmine tea) or the recently renovated Japanese Garden. Is a trip Down Under more of your style? The Australia Garden boasts hundreds of plants indigenous to this particular region. For those more partial to cacti, the Desert Garden's Dr.Seuss-like plants and rough stone paths give off a prehistoric vibe. Of course, traditional greenery abounds as well, and you may be able to catch a wedding reception in the dreamy Rose Gardens or on the green carpet of the North Vista Lawn. After your garden stroll, check out the Huntington's Library and world-class Art Collections.

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