GLOW is going on until January 17, 2022, so check it out before it’s gone until next year. In this post, we’ll give you a preview of what to expect and also give you some handy tips to make your experience even better. Read on for a bunch of pictures we took!
What is it?
First of all, let’s have the folks at the South Coast Botanic Garden themselves put it into words:
South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW (or Garden Lights & Ocean Waters) has been reimagined for its sophomore year. Guests can expect a better and brighter experience. Food, drinks, music and a transformative Garden featuring thousands of lights will have you hanging on the beach, drinking cocktails on the bayou and chasing waterfalls. And a stunning kelp forest will take your breath away and spark your interest in the beauty of the sea. This year’s exhibit also includes interactive experiences and themed nights (more on themed nights and other important information in our guide). And remember, Members get discounted tickets!
South Coast Botanic Garden
Essentially, GLOW is a colorful lights experience at the South Coast Botanical Garden in Rancho Palos Verdes Estates in the South Bay of Los Angeles. You’ll be able to walk through the open air garden and see the plants and trees lit up in a variety of colorful ways while also taking in the sounds of nature as well as curated music to accompany what you’re seeing.
It’s a good place to check out with your family, kids, loved ones, or even by yourself to take in the sights and sounds and freshen up the holiday season.
What can we expect to see there?
When you first get there, you’ll see that the driveway in is pretty cool and gives you a preview of the lights you’ll see inside, and you’ll also see that parking is quite easy in the large parking lot.
Once you leave your vehicle, you’ll have to present your online tickets on your phone (or printed out) to the nice people out front.
When you enter, you’ll immediately be met with some pretty awesome sights on Bubble Lane.
It’s called Bubble Lane because there are machines that pump out bubbles to create a neat and unique atmosphere in the open air garden.
Just look at that bubble machine in action!
The multicolored lights look fantastic on the trees and plants in the garden, and with the moon overhead? Awesome. The hues of the lights blend together really well and create a really surreal experience that can’t really be found elsewhere.
While the garden lights on the trees and plants are incredible and arguably the main draw, there are also some special art displays as well that sync with music, like this beach one. It creates a really nice experience to be able to check these out and vibe along with the sounds they’ve curated.
But let’s get back to the amazing effects the lights have on the garden itself. It’s truly unique and a really fun experience to walk through in a safe and controlled environment.
Employees are on hand at most places in order to be available to direct you or answer any questions you may have. By the way, this red and yellow forest was insanely cool.
A good way to describe this walkway, and a lot of this experience, is “magical”. It feels like you’re transported to a different place in many regards.
You’ll find that it’s pretty natural to navigate the gardens. You basically can just wander around freely as any areas that aren’t included are blocked off. There’s definitely plenty to see though to get your money’s worth.
These pictures don’t even do GLOW justice. The way the colors gleam in real life and in some cases move in real life really give the experience more depth, and that’s not including the sound effects and music.
There are also places to be able to just chill out and sit down and rest which is great for those who need to take a breather once in a while. Definitely would recommend some comfortable shoes for navigating the gardens.
When is it?
It’s going on until January 17, 2022 so you have some time to check it out.
Where is it?
The address is as follows:
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Pop in South Coast Botanic Garden into Apple or Google Maps, and you’ll probably be okay.
How much is it?
Tickets are $34.95 for those 3 years and older and free for those 0 to 2 years old. If you’re a member, then tickets are $24.95.
How do I become a member?
For $45 a year, you can buy basic membership. This includes unlimited free admission for one year.
For $65 a year, you can buy plus membership and get unlimited free admission for two adults and your children and grandchildren under 18 (up to 4 children per visit).
For $125 a year, you can buy deluxe membership and get all the benefits above, plus:
• guest Access Card for an additional guest anytime, whether they are with you or not
• free plush toy or SCBG cooler bag
• four guest passes ($60 value)
• invitations to Deluxe Safari Adventures – special nature excursions designed for families
What hours does it run for?
You can enter GLOW as early as 5:30 P.M. and as late as 8:30 P.M.
When you buy your tickets, you’ll choose a specific time slot to enter the event.
Is this a family thing? Like, is it good for all ages?
Definitely. Kids will enjoy it, and it’s a nice audiovisual event for adults as well.