All botanical gardens to visit in California

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at 49 botanical gardens in California. Discover diverse plant species, themed gardens, and conservation efforts.

Do you love plants and nature? Here are the must-visit botanical gardens in California:

  1. Conservatory of Flowers1

    Conservatory of Flowers

     San Francisco, CA
    The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse and botanical garden situated in the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. It is a unique attraction that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants. The greenhouse is entirely made of wood and glass, with a total of 16,800 panes. It is one of the oldest municipal greenhouses in the United States, built in 1879 by the city of San Francisco.
  2. California Academy of Sciences2

    California Academy of Sciences

     San Francisco, CA
    The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, is a unique blend of a science academy and a natural history museum. It features a planetarium, an artificial rainforest, and a large aquatic area. This combination of features offers visitors a diverse and comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore various aspects of natural history and science in one place.
  3. Los Angeles Zoo3

    Los Angeles Zoo

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, founded in 1966, is a 133-acre park located in the city of Los Angeles, Southern California. The city of Los Angeles owns the entire zoo, its land, facilities, and animals. It offers a unique combination of a zoo and botanical gardens, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of animal species and plant life in one location.
  4. Huntington Library4

    Huntington Library

     San Marino, CA
    The Huntington Library, situated in San Marino, California, is more than just a library. Founded by Henry E. Huntington, it serves as an educational and research institute. Apart from its extensive library, it also boasts an art collection that includes English figures and 18th-century French furniture. Additionally, it is home to beautiful botanical gardens, making it a diverse destination for tourists.
  5. Joshua Tree Visitor Center - Joshua Tree National Park5

    Joshua Tree Visitor Center - Joshua Tree National Park

     Joshua Tree, CA
    Joshua Tree National Park is situated in the southern part of California, United States. It is positioned to the east of the region between Los Angeles and San Diego, and north of Palm Springs. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting these popular cities.
  6. San Diego Botanic Garden6

    San Diego Botanic Garden

     Encinitas, CA
    The San Diego Botanic Garden, previously known as Quail Botanical Gardens, is a botanical garden situated in Encinitas, California. Spanning 37 acres, this garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and learn about different ecosystems.
  7. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens7

    The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

     Palm Desert, CA
    The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, previously known as the Living Desert Museum, is a non-profit organization that operates a zoo and a desert botanical garden. It is located in Palm Desert, Riverside County, California, United States. This unique combination of a zoo and botanical garden is dedicated to the deserts of the world, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about desert ecosystems and their inhabitants.
  8. Bear Valley Visitor Center - Point Reyes National Seashore8

    Bear Valley Visitor Center - Point Reyes National Seashore

     Point Reyes Station, CA
    Point Reyes National Seashore is a vast nature reserve spanning 287.44 km², located on the Point Reyes peninsula in the western part of Marin County, California. The area was designated as a National Seashore in 1962, which placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. This designation allows for traditional ranch farming and oyster farming, which would not be permitted if it were classified as a National Park.
  9. San Francisco Botanical Garden9

    San Francisco Botanical Garden

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Botanical Garden, previously known as the Strybing Arboretum, is a significant attraction located within the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, offering a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species from around the world.
  10. Humboldt Botanical Gardens10

    Humboldt Botanical Gardens

     Humboldt Hill, CA
    The Humboldt Botanical Garden, located south of Eureka, California, spans an impressive 44.5 acres. This expansive garden offers a diverse range of plant life and scenic views, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  11. The Arboretum11

    The Arboretum

     Arcadia, CA
    The Arboretum and Botanical Garden of Los Angeles County is a botanical park nestled in the hills near the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles, California. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to explore the diverse flora of the region.
  12. Sherman Library and Gardens12

    Sherman Library and Gardens

     Corona Del Mar, CA
    The Sherman Library and Gardens is an educational and research institution located in Newport Beach, California. It houses both a library and a botanical garden, offering a unique blend of nature and knowledge. The facility is situated on the Pacific Coast Highway in the Corona del Mar neighborhood, nestled within a small park near the Pacific Ocean. It provides a serene and enriching environment for visitors to explore and learn.
  13. Santa Barbara Zoo13

    Santa Barbara Zoo

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Zoo, situated near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California, spans across 30 acres of land. The zoo was constructed on the site formerly known as the Child Estate. This location offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  14. Descanso Gardens14

    Descanso Gardens

     La CaƱada Flintridge, CA
    Descanso Gardens is a preserved area of Chaparral, Rose Garden, Japanese garden, and botanical garden spanning 150 acres in La CaƱada Flintridge, California, USA. It includes 80 acres of cultivated land and 80 acres of natural hillside chaparral. This former private estate, now owned by Los Angeles County and operated by the non-profit Descanso Gardens Guild, is internationally known as the home of the largest camellia collection in the United States.
  15. Ganna Walska Lotusland15

    Ganna Walska Lotusland

     Montecito, CA
    Ganna Walska Lotusland, often simply referred to as Lotusland, is a non-profit botanical garden situated in Montecito, close to Santa Barbara, California. This garden is a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in nature. It offers a diverse range of plant species and beautifully designed landscapes that can be explored at leisure.
  16. UC Botanical Garden16

    UC Botanical Garden

     Berkeley, CA
    The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a sprawling 13.7 ha botanical garden situated on the University of California, Berkeley Campus. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and educational environment.
  17. Turtle Bay Museum17

    Turtle Bay Museum

     Redding, CA
    Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret the relationship between humans and nature. This complex offers a variety of attractions including a botanical garden, arboretum, natural history and science museums, and educational programs on history and science. It is located next to the Sacramento River, providing a beautiful backdrop for exploration and learning.
  18. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden18

    Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, located in Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara, California, is a vast 78-acre botanical garden. It is home to over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants, offering a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse flora. The garden's purpose is to display California native plants in natural settings, providing an authentic and immersive experience for visitors.
  19. UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden19

    UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, located on the southeastern corner of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, spans across 7 acres and houses over 3,000 species of plants. This vast collection of flora offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species in one location.
  20. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens20

    Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

     Vista, CA
    The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 14-acre park and botanical garden nestled in the City of Vista, California. The management of this beautiful space is a joint effort between the city council and the park's management society. This collaboration ensures that the gardens are well-maintained and continue to serve as a haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
  21. Fullerton Arboretum21

    Fullerton Arboretum

     Fullerton, CA
    The Fullerton Arboretum is a botanical garden spanning 26 acres, located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus. It houses a diverse collection of plants from around the globe, making it a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  22. Sonoma Botanical Garden22

    Sonoma Botanical Garden

     Glen Ellen, CA
    The Sonoma Botanical Garden, formerly known as Quarryhill Botanical Garden, is a private nonprofit education and research botanical garden. It is renowned for housing one of the largest collections of scientifically documented, wild-source Asian plants in North America and Europe. This makes it a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and those interested in botany.
  23. Turtle Bay Exploration Park23

    Turtle Bay Exploration Park

     Redding, CA
    Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret and showcase the intricate relationships between humans and nature. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, from botanical gardens and arboretums to natural history and science museums, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
  24. The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery24

    The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery

     Walnut Creek, CA
    The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a botanical garden that spans an area of 10,000 m². It specializes in plants that require low water consumption and is managed by the Garden Conservancy. This garden is a perfect place for those who are interested in botany, especially in plants that are adapted to survive in conditions with limited water availability.
  25. Balboa Park Gardens25

    Balboa Park Gardens

     San Diego, CA
    Balboa Park Gardens, located in San Diego, California, is a public park that spans over 1,200 acres. It features numerous garden sections, an arboretum, and a botanical garden. The park is a great place for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  26. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens26

    Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

     Fort Bragg, CA
    The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are situated in Fort Bragg, California, between California's Highway One and the Pacific Ocean. The gardens span an impressive 47 acres (19 hectares), offering a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy.
  27. Montalvo Arts Center27

    Montalvo Arts Center

     Saratoga, CA
    The Villa Montalvo Arboretum is a sprawling 137-acre arboretum and botanical garden situated in Saratoga, California. This expansive green space offers a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. The arboretum is home to a variety of forest types, including chaparral, evergreen, and redwood, and features a range of native trees from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
  28. Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens28

    Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens

     Dunsmuir, CA
    The Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Gardens is a 10-acre area that is maintained by Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens Inc., a non-profit organization. The park is located within the city of Dunsmuir, California, near the famous Mount Shasta. This park and botanical garden is a municipal entity, meaning it is maintained for the benefit of the public and the local community.
  29. South Coast Botanic Garden29

    South Coast Botanic Garden

     Palos Verdes Estates, CA
    The South Coast Botanic Garden is a sprawling 35.2-hectare (87 acres) botanical garden situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California, USA. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
  30. UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden30

    UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

     Davis, CA
    The University of California, Davis, Arboretum is a sprawling 100-acre arboretum that stretches along the banks of Putah Creek. It is located in the southern part of the UC Davis campus in Davis, California. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and academic research, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in both nature and science.
  31. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden31

    San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

     San Luis Obispo, CA
    The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is unique in its collection of plants from the five Mediterranean climate zones. These zones include California, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and the countries of the Mediterranean basin. This diverse collection offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species from around the world.
  32. California State University Northridge Botanic Garden32

    California State University Northridge Botanic Garden

     Northridge, CA
    The California State University Northridge Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that spans 2.5 acres. It is dedicated to teaching and is managed by the University of California in Northridge, California, USA. The garden is located in the southeast quadrant of the campus of the only public university located in the San Fernando Valley. It is a place where visitors can learn about various plant species and their importance in our ecosystem.
  33. The Japanese Garden33

    The Japanese Garden

     Lake Balboa, CA
    The Japanese Garden, situated in Van Nuys, California, is a 6.5-acre botanical garden. It is nestled within the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Los Angeles' Woodley Park. This serene location offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
  34. Virginia Robinson Gardens34

    Virginia Robinson Gardens

     Beverly Hills, CA
    The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique combination of a landscaped work, historic mansion, and botanical garden. It is situated on the 6-acre estate of the Robinson family in Beverly Hills, California. This location offers a blend of history, architecture, and nature, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  35. UCR Botanic Gardens35

    UCR Botanic Gardens

     Riverside, CA
    The University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens is a sprawling 40-acre botanical garden that is home to a diverse collection of over 3,500 species of plants from all corners of the globe. This vast collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species in one location.
  36. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden36

    Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

     Long Beach, CA
    The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a serene and beautifully maintained Japanese garden and botanical garden that spans 1.3 acres. It is situated on the campus of California State University in Long Beach, California. This tranquil space offers visitors a chance to experience a slice of Japanese culture and horticulture without leaving the United States.
  37. Moorten Botanical Garden37

    Moorten Botanical Garden

     Palm Springs, CA
    The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is a unique botanical garden located in Palm Springs, California. This 1-acre family-owned garden specializes in cacti and other desert plants, offering a unique experience for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  38. Jensen Botanical Gardens38

    Jensen Botanical Gardens

     Carmichael, CA
    The Jensen Botanical Gardens, situated in Carmichael, California, spans across an area of 3.5 acres. Established in 1958 by Charles C. Jensen, the garden is a testament to his love for nature and his dedication to preserving it. The garden is open during daylight hours, making it a perfect spot for a daytime stroll amidst nature.
  39. Arlington Garden in Pasadena39

    Arlington Garden in Pasadena

     Pasadena, CA
    Arlington Garden, located in Pasadena, California, is a 3-acre botanical garden that is open to the public for free. It is the only dedicated public garden in the city, making it a unique destination for those who appreciate nature and horticulture. The garden was first planted in 2005 and has since grown into a beautiful and practical demonstration of water-conserving and climate-appropriate gardening.
  40. California Botanic Garden40

    California Botanic Garden

     Claremont, CA
    The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is a unique botanical garden that spans across 86 acres. It specializes in endemic plants of California, offering a unique opportunity to explore the state's native flora. The garden is divided into three different areas: Indian Hill Mesa, East Alluvial Gardens, and Plant Communities, each showcasing different types of native Californian plants.
  41. Ventura Botanical Gardens41

    Ventura Botanical Gardens

     Ventura, CA
    The Ventura Botanical Gardens, a sprawling 107-acre garden, is situated at 567 S. Poli Street in Ventura, California. The gardens were reopened on November 3, 2018, after undergoing extensive repairs due to the damage caused by the Thomas Fire. The gardens are home to a vast collection of approximately 100,000 plants, making it a significant destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  42. Fresno Discovery Center42

    Fresno Discovery Center

     Fresno, CA
    Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e
  43. Regional Parks Botanic Garden43

    Regional Parks Botanic Garden

     Berkeley, CA
    The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, situated in Berkeley, California, spans an impressive 40,000 square meters. This expansive garden is home to a diverse range of plant species native to the state of California, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the state's rich botanical heritage.
  44. University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum44

    University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

     Santa Cruz, CA
    The University of California, Santa Cruz, Arboretum, also known as CSUSC Arboretum, is a botanical garden and arboretum situated on the campus of the University of California in Santa Cruz, USA. It is a place where visitors can explore a diverse range of plant species and enjoy the natural beauty of the campus.
  45. Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden45

    Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden

     Manhattan Beach, CA
    The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a serene oasis nestled within the larger Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the botanical garden and enjoy the amenities of the park in one visit. The garden is easily accessible and provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
  46. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden46

    Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

     Thousand Oaks, CA
    The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, situated in Thousand Oaks, California, is a unique blend of peak views and 15 hillside botanical gardens. This combination offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature from different perspectives. The garden's location on a peak provides stunning vista views, while the 15 hillside botanical gardens each offer a unique collection of flora.
  47. Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden47

    Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

     Avalon, CA
    The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is a vast 38-acre botanical garden located in Avalon, California. It is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a conservation organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island. The garden is a testament to the organization's commitment to conservation and offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and beautiful setting.
  48. Blake Garden48

    Blake Garden

     Kensington, CA
    Blake Garden, situated in Kensington, California, is a sprawling 10.9-acre arboretum and botanical garden. This lush green space offers a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse flora it houses.
  49. Coastside History Museum49

    Coastside History Museum

     Half Moon Bay, CA
    The Coastside History Museum and the historic Jail at 505 Johnston St. are currently open weekends from 11am-3pm. We are also open during Make it Main Thursday evenings, and some days mid week when docents are available. The museum has exhibits about the history of the San Mateo Coastside, includ