Landscape master plan architect: Ed Lovell
Opened: 1981
Location: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA
Call: (562) 985-8885
Public Hours: Tuesday- Friday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free

Long Beach, California -- Encompassing over an acre (around 1.3 acres) on the campus of Cal State Long Beach, this public, free admission Japanese garden hosts so many weddings that the likelihood of encountering couples planning weddings is fairly high when you visit.

Because of its extensive commercial use, the garden can sometimes lose a little bit of its magic as you wander the path and step onto a bridge overlooking a koi pond. However, the landscaping and Japanese theme do provide an entertaining half hour of quiet reflection if you happen to wander in and find that special moment where you can enjoy the beauty of this urban oasis.

Not allowed: Pets (except for licensed for disabled), picnics, smoking, bicycles (racks are outside), running, climbing trees, feeding koi fish with anything other than feed sold at Garden.

For brides and grooms, and special events, the meeting space is ideal and quite affordable. They offer special packages for shoulder season weddings and week-day events.  A gate entrance and shrubs create privacy for events, as well, providing the intimacy sought at special events.

The  University parking lot across the street is coin meter parking. Parking on Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. is free in student spaces except during special events.

Celebrating many milestones, the garden was opened in April 1981 through contributions from a woman (Loraine Miller Collins) who had wanted the garden built and dedicated to her late husband, Earl Burns Miller.

Lectures include interesting topics that invite the public to attend. Topics include a variety of gardens subjects such as "Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in Wartime."