A light extravaganza like no other, Lightscape brings sound, color, and art to the lush 127-acre Arboretum—and this year it's promising a show that's "bigger, bolder, brighter." Look for the U.S. premiere of three installations: Will-o’-the-wisp, Whole Hole, and the biggest and best Laser Garden. The Lightscape experience includes 15 other new displays as well as the fan-favorite Winter Cathedral. This is a fully-walkable event that gets you and your little elves close to the lights.

Located at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, the LA Arboretum is a great place to experience a New England-style fall without ever getting on a plane. Boasting 127 acres of trees and plants from all over the world, the Arboretum produces a brilliant display of colors. Little ones can collect fallen red leaves from all of the Freeman’s maple trees or snag a few beautiful yellow ones fallen from the Shagbark hickories.

These gorgeous grounds in Arcadia have been designed as an educational facility (the plants are mostly arranged by region), but many people simply come here for a little peace and quiet. You could wander these gardens for hours, taking in tropical forests and waterfalls, trees and fish. Plus, be on the lookout for wild peacocks. (Reservations required; $15)

Lightscape 2021 is the resumption of the arboretum’s annual nighttime holiday event, which was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. This year’s show is a new collection about a mile in length, including a walk-through winter cathedral of white lights and a “fire garden” along paths that are wheelchair accessible. This is a ticketed event through Jan. 16.

Discover roaming peacocks, hidden trails, sunbathing turtles and more at this 127-acre oasis in Arcadia. Pack a picnic or pick up food from the Peacock Cafe near the entrance. While the waterfall is on everyone's list to see, the best way to check it out is to actually take the steps down through it. Make your way to Tallac Knoll, where you'll discover the lily pond, and a meandering set of steps and walkways that takes you to the waterfall at the bottom.

Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, mandarin ducks and a party of roaming peacocks as you wander this 127-acre (51ha) botanical garden in Arcadia. Deepen your relationship with nature by joining a forest bathing walk, or swing by Crescent Farm, a once-neglected plot of land which has undergone an eco-transformation, demonstrating how gardeners can save water with drought-tolerant plants, smart landscaping and soil-friendly practices.