California Botanic Garden

I love this botanical garden. The area is quite big and is a great place for family hiking. There are different kinds of beautiful trees and flowers. I especially like their designs, the labeling of plants and their publications are all so beautiful. Their souvenir for members are also very thoughtful and pretty! The staff and volunteers are very friendly, too.

This was a great gardeners garden it's not like a display garden it is a gardener's Haven they even do sell their selection plans native plants that sort of thing right in a shop right next door and reasonable prices I might add s

A nice botanical garden that is vast and peaceful. There are different sections and quite large with lots to explore. There was not really anything that stood out or was breathtakingly, but overall quite pretty and nice to walk around. Spent around an hour and a half slowly walking around the trails and saw pretty much everything, can definitely spend more time relaxing and seeing things in more detail.

Beautiful location with several trails, plenty of rest spaces, clean restrooms, and ample parking. It is very tranquil and all is very well taken care of. The entry fee is very fair and the annual passes for locals is a great value. Tucked away in the foothills, we experienced a low cloud hanging onto the mountain, making it cool and overcast. Fellow visitors are friendly and helpful, as all are there to enjoy Mother Nature. There's a lot to walk, but you won't feel like you missed anything if you're unable to complete it; the beauty is everywhere.

Wow this garden has it all! Plenty of parking (admission is $15 for adults), so many different trees, flowers, birds, and other animals! I came here years ago by myself and it was not this neatly organized/admission was free. I returned with my husband and the changes are so massive-including the size of the garden!! We enjoyed bird listening and watching here. We also loved the diversity of creatures running around-squirrels, rabbits, turtles, and lizards (I personally don’t like bugs so I ignored and avoided the butterflies and bees)! It has endless paths that we tried exploring as much as we could and didn’t see it all! There are at least two ponds and some shady spots, but majority is in the sun (bringing a sunbrella helps majorly). I highly recommend this place for nature lovers, kids, bird watchers, and explorers!! We had a great time and I definitely will be back! Oh and their bathrooms were surprisingly so clean AND they had water fountains which were so needed because we left our water in the car!!

Had the best walk with my husband here today.. giant garden comes with a guided map, restrooms are available thru out, lots of benches to take breaks on and to admire the beauty of the park or to listen to the array of birds, watch the squirrels 🐿️ having fun and bunny rabbits enjoying their snacks. Def worth the yearly pass just to come take your daily walks at, bonus because it’s safe/secure! Wheelchair and stroller accessible 👍

I went about an hr before closing and it was such a magical experience, despite being close to closing time. I’d recommend coming with enough time to take in all the sounds and views. There’s so much beauty to see and a secret around every corner.

The Botanical Garden is a natural haven for planners who want to incorporate lush greenery and serene outdoor settings into their events. From ceremonies under the trees to receptions surrounded by vibrant blooms, this venue creates an enchanting atmosphere. We love how the expansive spaces allow for flexible catering setups and smooth guest experiences. It’s perfect for nature-inspired events and weddings.

Love coming here first thing in the morning, especially to meet up with friend, walk, and catch up. The winter luminaria nights are currently happening on weekends, so today we saw all the white paper bags filled with sand and candles along the main paths. It's fun to come here all year around because different plants are in bloom. All the staff are friendly and helpful. I appreciate the relatively new bathroom built closer to the entrance when you stay on the right side path once entering. It's also fun to look at the new nature themed shirts and gifts next to the check in booth. Love the honey and jam varieties! A little pricy but worth it to support CalBG!

Beautiful botanical garden for a great price. Looking for a scenic walk through nature where you'll encounter countless butterflies, birds, and lizards? This is a great place to do that. There are student and senior discounts that lower the already low price. There's plenty of parking by the entrance. Would definitely recommend going during Spring. It is still a good experience during other seasons but Spring is by far the best.

Plenty of parking Admission paid at the entrance of the park Best to go during spring time. We visited in June. Walking most of the park will be 2-4hr (we arrived at 11 and left at 2:30pm). Garden terrains were not difficult. Great place to visit to see most of the plants that grow in California all at one place.

Stopped by on Saturday, 12/27/25 with my sister and my parents (their first time). This was my second time here and it was very relaxing to enjoy nature! Located near the Claremont Colleges. Unfortunately there was nothing to see as it's winter season and flowers are not blooming. However, we all enjoyed getting our steps in (13,000 steps total for me!)

The garden has a small parking lot in the front but had no issues finding parking. Admission is $15 for adults but if you have a los angeles public or county library card you can reserve for free admission. It is a large garden. Pretty stroller friendly. They have different areas to explore. My favorite was the reflecting pond. So pretty. Go and enjoy a nature walk. Very peaceful also since it's so big you don't really run into crowds.

Claremont, CA I visited here both times and this is an expansive example of California native plants. Maybe because it's the sheer size of this garden I don't think it is kept as well as some other gardens I have visited although it is a great place to view California native plants. They do have a nursery which has just reopened. I was sad to see the gift shop is no longer open, or at least it was not in the same place it used to be.

Beautiful desert paths. Excellent place to walk. Will be back soon. $15 entrance fee per person. Free parking. Tiny wooden stroller stand with limited gift items.

I wanted to try something new on a free Saturday, so we decided to visit the California Botanic Garden in Claremont. Adult admission is $15, and students pay $11. The staff member at the ticket counter recommended that we visit the Majestic Oak, the oldest oak on the grounds. The garden was relatively empty when we went on a late afternoon. It was peaceful and quiet with a wide variety of native plants. I enjoy looking at different types of flowers, but the main focus of the garden was showcasing California's rich variety of native flora. I did enjoy looking at the sunflowers, coastal redwood trees, island barberries, monarch butterflies, and other floral trees. There was also a shallow pond with a few turtles and many tadpoles. Overall, it was a nice and relaxing place to decompress and walk around with friends.

It's a pretty quaint garden space, with many themed areas to visit. There's beautiful gardens, complete with trees, flowers, statues, and great walking areas. You can get a good walk through the garden, depending on your route. I enjoyed the flowers, the pond, and the off-path walkways. There's a designated route, but there are also a lot of the side routes, that basically are on the small trails between the different areas. There were some noteable dry areas and it was a little of a buzz kill (pun intended) to see maintenance equipment or like a building sticks out - it kind of takes away the "nature" sense of it, because you become aware it's a more manicured garden and space. There's a lot of benches set around this garden, and they're each beautifully placed if you need to take a break or just want to enjoy a moment in the park. There's a good amount of parking up front, though not sure if you come here on a really busy day that there would be enough spots. Think of it like a campsite parking lot: enough spaces, but can become full quickly. Restrooms are also very clean here. Would recommend to visit at least once to this garden.

This beautiful garden has been my favorite place to destress. I have been an active member for many years. I love bringing a book and reading on a wooden bench. I love that the garden is open rain or shine. I recently visited and so many flowers are in bloom!

Such a gorgeous botanic garden with native ‍‍ The ambience was serene and relaxing ! The redwood, pines, palms and so much more were wonderfully kept! Looking forward to another visit !

this place was a unexpected hidden gem . i had no idea beautiful place exited . we visited in winter & found so many beautiful treasures . we are looking forward to seeing the garden in bloom during the spring as well

Came here with my husband for the first time this past Sunday. Weather was warm but thankfully, there were shaded areas along the way, We got our steps in about 2.35 miles which is not bad at all for a botanical garden. You could probably get in 3mi total if you walked the entire garden. I'm rating this place 4/5 only bc there was not many wild flowers since we didn't get a lot of rain this year. I could imagine how beautiful this garden would look if there were full blown flowers everywhere. We still enjoyed this place as there were many paths you can walk on with different sceneries & greenery too. I was able to capture a few photos of pretty flowers & palm trees. There weren't many people there either which made it even more peaceful. I would like come back one day when there are blooming flowers.

Wow this garden has it all! Plenty of parking (admission is $15 for adults), so many different trees, flowers, birds, and other animals! I came here years ago by myself and it was not this neatly organized/admission was free. I returned with my husband and the changes are so massive-including the size of the garden!! We enjoyed bird listening and watching here. We also loved the diversity of creatures running around-squirrels, rabbits, turtles, and lizards (I personally don't like bugs so I ignored and avoided the butterflies and bees)! It has endless paths that we tried exploring as much as we could and didn't see it all! There are at least two ponds and some shady spots, but majority is in the sun (bringing a sunbrella helps majorly). I highly recommend this place for nature lovers, kids, bird watchers, and explorers!! We had a great time and I definitely will be back! Oh and their bathrooms were surprisingly so clean AND they had water fountains which were so needed because we left our water in the car!!

I came here during a hot summer morning around noon and there were still some plants but many of them are way past bloom. There were only about 4-5 cars in the parking lot when I came so I assume the garden was pretty empty. Ended up purchasing 1 adult admission and 1 student admission (they didn't really check the student ID). In terms of the garden, everything seemed pretty well kept and you can easily get in 2-3 miles walk. This botanic garden is kind of like a mini hike, there are trails listed out that you could check out. We ended up spending about 1.5 hours here and walked through about 80% of the whole garden. Definitely a very calm garden and I want to try coming back here during the spring when everything is blooming. Parking - They have a small lot, probably 50ish cars and I believe I saw an overload parking area. Easy to find/get.

I'm typing this as I try to find my way out. Horrific signage, horrific map. I'm shocked at the multiple good reviews. I was so hopeful and excited to come here. I suggest you drive a little further to Arcadia for a much better experience.

I have been a volunteer and visitor of the garden for almost a decade now. It is easily one of the most serene, fascinating, and captivating places in SoCal. The activities, trails, and events here are wonderful; the staff and all volunteers are so generous and friendly. It is such a wonderful treasure!

Our first time here paid $32 for 2 children and 2 seniors. The weather was perfect and the kids were totally engaged the whole time. The pond was a hit and they enjoyed the holes that they imagined to be homes for someone. It was hard to tear them away but we need to take in this immense place in sections per visit.

This botanical garden is more like a reserve because it's still growing and expanding. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen because the walk is long. We totally enjoy it a great deal. We already plan a return trip in fall.

Took my parents here to get outside for some fresh air and it did not disappoint. They participate in the American Horticulture Society which has a reciprocal admissions program with other botanical gardens (except those within 90 miles). We came around sunset and definitely got our steps in walking around and seeing all the different clusters of environments and California plants. They have a convenient loop trails you can follow on the floor by the green markings, but also some other fun areas to explore on dirt paths. There are coyotes in the area so keep an eye out for their scat on the floor. The garden has many gorgeous backgrounds for photos and sitting, so just take it all in.

Still my fave local garden in the SGV! Been coming here for years now (found it thanks to Yelp!!) and have been a member for several years - membership is totally worth it. They go above and beyond in support of native California plants and all the staff are just awesome! One of my favorite things over the years has been their various themed photography contests - birds, butterflies, flowers! So fun! It never fails to help me see the gardens and our native nature in a whole new light! I love the shift in perspective. If you walk the entire trail system, it's about 2 miles long. But you can definitely get in mor steps and distance than that in all the little offshoots and habitats. The trails are all exceedingly well maintained and well marked with maps everywhere. There's lots of great little nooks to sit in, lots of benches, and plenty of shade! The only area with lack of shade is the "desert" exhibit. Membership lasts a year and is $50. It allows you to enter the garden anytime without reservation or tickets. And you get discounts on classes, events, and other things. They have a nursery where they sell native plants and members get discounts there as well I believe. I've attended several events and always enjoyed it. I've also interacted with numerous staff and scientists during my many visits and they are all just wonderful! So enthusiastic and welcoming! Thanks to everyone here for all your efforts and support for the native plants! I love that it's smaller than the LA arboretum - and way less crowded too - but just as much to see! There's plenty of parking in a large paved lot. And plenty of clean bathroom access. I'll definitely be maintaining my membership and visiting regularly.

What a great place for a quiet walk in nature. And such a nice surprise to find such a beautiful garden in Claremont.

Ah, the California Botanic Garden in Claremont--a sprawling ode to the beauty and tenacity of native flora, where even the most hardened soul might find themselves waxing poetic about a sage bush or a dainty manzanita. This is not some froufrou Victorian greenhouse where orchids pout in glass cases, no! This is California in its raw, sun-baked glory, a place where plants thrive not despite the heat and drought but because of it. Truly, a living reminder that life finds a way, even when the soil is basically powdered misery. The paths are winding and delightfully deceptive, leading you from one serene grove to another, only for you to stumble, as if by accident, upon a patch of golden poppies fluttering like tiny orange flags of victory. The air is thick with the scent of wild sage, which I am convinced could cure anything from a hangover to existential dread. It's a landscape of surprises--a cacti garden here, a meadow of native grasses there--each corner whispering, "You're not in charge, the plants are." And the trees! Oh, the mighty oaks, the scraggly pines, the Joshua trees flexing their gnarled limbs like arthritic yogis. If you listen closely, you can almost hear them scoffing at your imported houseplants, as if to say, "You'll never survive here." Fair point, tree. Fair point. In my time, of course, gardens were a place for the aristocracy to parade about in elaborate frock coats, exchanging shallow pleasantries while fussing over overly pruned roses. The notion of a garden dedicated to native plants, with their rugged charm and unapologetic resilience, would have been considered scandalous--an affront to the finely-tuned art of taming nature. Yet here, the plants grow wild and proud, as they did in my day on the frontier, where survival depended on respect for the land, not its domination. I feel a kinship with these hardy specimens, each one a testament to grit and perseverance. What truly elevates the experience is the stillness. It's a place where the city noise fades to a distant hum, replaced by the soothing rustle of leaves and the occasional rustling lizard who looks at you as if you are the interloper in this ancient kingdom. You could sit on one of the many benches scattered along the trails and contemplate life--or, more likely, consider how on Earth a plant as weird-looking as the yucca managed to evolve without cracking up halfway. Now, a word to the wise: do not come expecting manicured lawns or gaudy displays of color-coordinated tulips. This is a celebration of what thrives naturally in our peculiar Golden State climate, not a horticultural fashion show. Some might call it "scruffy." I call it authentic. In my day, we would've called it home.

A tranquil and peaceful experience on the edge of Los Angeles County. Home to a wonderful assortment of native trees, shrubs, and plants. The nursery is great because when you take the walk you can buy some little seedlings on your way out. Definitely intend to plant some native oaks that are evergreens so they'll keep their leaves all year long.

Back in my Claremont High School days 99 years ago my friends and I would come here on Fridays after class, just a bunch of teenagers looking to stir up a bit of harmless trouble. Coming back now, it's surreal to see how much has stayed the same. The park still has that same familiar charm, with the old paths and quiet spots we used to hang out in, almost like time just stood still. Even the pricing for things hasn't really changed, which is honestly kind of comforting. A lot of people have weddings here, and I totally get why. It's a gorgeous spot, with enough space and natural beauty to create the perfect setting for something as special as a wedding. Free parking is a huge bonus, too, and the park's got so much to explore that you can easily spend hours here, taking in everything nature has to offer. Whether you're here for a bit of nostalgia or just a peaceful day outdoors, this place has something timeless about it that keeps drawing people back

This botanic Park is gigantic , is 86 acres dedicated exclusively to the 6000 thousand plants,trees and flowers that are native to the state of CA. Some of them unique and endemic. I did not know we have such diversity in this apparently desert land. What to bring? I recommend everyone to bring good walking shoes to walk the trails and unpaved roads around the garden, a big brim hat, that I forgot to bring!,sunglasses and apply evenly sun protection. I also brought a little cooler bag with 2 bottles of water, fruits and saltines, but was not enought is the beginner of summer and you need more water than the one I brought, just pick the bottle of water, and bring your trash with you, to home, just leave foot prints in this natural places that are for the enjoyment of all. Also bring your GPS, the park is so big and the signals of exit in the floor did not show all the way and then the road splits and you do not know which road to take to exit, I walked the same circle 3 times, the places is basically 2 big loops that connect to each other and the exit to the entrance is hard to find.. finally I found a wooden sign with plenty of signs that show exit 250 feet away and was able to find the entrance or exit again. As I said the park is dedicated to our local flora, so if you want to see the big flower bloom is better to go in spring season, many of the CA sunflowers, CA poppies and other spring flowers were already dying because is summer time. There are areas that are very impressive in the park and a must see: Fan palm Oasis, with gigantic fan palms, the only palm native of California. The Majestic Oak, I sit almost for 1 hour under the shade of this majestic tree,hearing the birds, watching the animals like squirrels and bunnies playing with each other and admiring this beautiful gigantic old tree, in the branches pictures, I noticed there was a human shape, in one of the branches. Probably an ancient indian playing the flute, is what my eyes see. Sharing pics. The Joshua Tree Woodland, I never have been in JOSHUA TREE and this garden part is like being in the desert in Joshua tree with the San Gabriel Muntains behind, beautiful views. The reflecting pond at the end of the loop where you can see turtles and ducks swimming happily and save in this little oasis behind the city freeways. Finally one of my favorites was the channel islands Garden, Catalina Islands area, also if you never have been in Catalina this is a good representation of the flora of that magical island with the brilliant wild yellow poppy, the flower of CA as the most beautiful flower in the garden, at least for me. I drove over there to make some self portrait pictures of my new line Eden Garden in tagua nuts and to release a live video of the release of that collection in the park and it took me the whole day this adventure from 12 pm to 5pm, but they are open until 8 pm. So if you have nothing to do on Saturday of Sunday, drive there and get ready for a whole hiking adventure around all our CA landscapes. There is many areas to sit in benches to rest under the shade of a tree, but there are not coffe places, restaurants and only a coffe card at the entrance selling water, sun hats and honey, so you better bring your own lunch, water, a backpack and get ready for the adventure, but do not leave your trash behind. Hope you enjoy the park and do not get lost in the 86 acres trails like I did. Good hiking!

The California Botanic Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city with an affordable entrance fee: $10 per adult, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 for children. Parking is free. The garden features various areas to explore, starting with the flat, paved SoCal Garden, which is an easy walk from the entrance. The Mesa Garden, located uphill, includes attractions like a turtle pond, reflecting pond, Sage Gallery, Butterfly Garden, and more. There's also a larger walking trail in the back which is not as well cultivated but a larger space to walk. We even found a few Joshua Trees. There are lots of nice benches to stop and sit.

Serenity ... solitude ... Mid-May stroll Finding California native plants Captivating!

Had my wedding here on April 13 at the forest pavilion and it was great. The ceremony was suppose to be at the cultivar garden, but unexpected rain made us change it to the Lenz classroom. The Botanical Gardens was very accommodating in the last minute changes including the last minute set up of an extra tent and day of set up of the ceremony and reception. The gardens provides many locations for beautiful pictures and is such a wonderful place to explore. Their wedding services includes tram service to and from the parking area, ceremony and reception area. Their bride and groom rooms are close to the restroom and reception area. My guest enjoyed the gardens and I was able to capture beautiful picture with all the flowers in bloom.

Mental Health Awareness should be everyone's concern; Come get your dose while exploring and viewing all the beautiful plants Mother Earth has to offer. Most trees and plants are native to California. I've been wanting to plant Cactus, the kind my Mom used to clean & cook for vegan salads and Green Chile Pork dish, but I don't have the yard for it, if you have some let me buy some from you :) The Entrance to the botanical garden is $10 per person, $6 per Seniors 65 yrs. + Free Parking. The dirt trails are easy to follow and some are paved but still you have to wear comfortable enclosed shoes to enjoy them all.

ATTENTION BRIDES: My sister had her wedding here and the site was very scenic and lovely. However, the wedding coordinator, Gabriel, was absolutely useless! All he did was rush the bride and put pressure on her to stick to HIS schedule. He even rushed her out before her wedding was supposed to be over! He also allowed her to walk down the aisle without her bouquet and couldn't even be bothered to set up the mic, amp, or play the music for the ceremony...the Groom had to do it! Additionally, there were no signs upon entrance that the wedding was taking place, instead, there was a closed sign and this caused some guests to completely miss the wedding. Brides, don't get married here. And if you do, don't expect Gabriel to help with anything. He's snarky, rude, and just gets in the way. I had to ask him to back off because he was literally breathing down my neck while I was bustling the bride's dress. The wedding ended up being beautiful, but at no help from the so-called coordinator.

We got a free passes as part of a California free day event. The botanic garden is a lot bigger than it seems when you first walk in. There are some cool art features (vibrating water pond, sculptures) once you venture further into the gardens. This garden focuses on California native plants (a lot of cacti and dry shrubs) Do not expect many bright flowery plants. This is a great place to hike/walk in a secured quiet area. I am not sure if I would come back if I had to pay a full entry fee, but definitely a nice experience.

I always have so much fun at the California Botanic Garden! We went on Black Friday and we're pleasantly surprised that it was free that day. There are lots of good walking trails as well as easier paths if you just want to look at plants right towards the front. Make sure you go to the part that is up the hill because there are special displays.

Wow... it's been over a year since my 1st review... time flies when we're having fun... definitely time for an update! Let's rock and roll LOL... While I was waiting for my Mom before heading out to the San Gabriel Valley area for our Saturday food run yesterday LOL, I visited the California Botanic Garden (CABG) in Claremont. I've been a member since 2020 (during the heart of COVID-19) and have visited this garden on many occasions... they had the best and most vibrant bloom in 2020 that I have seen so far... the last 2 years cannot compete. I love this garden... fall season is usually dry so not lots of bright and bold colors except for fall colors which are pretty, too. If we're lucky, we may capture some non-fall colors in sight. I got a few pics with bright yellow, red, and orange-ish. Check them out! I always enjoy my strolls at this garden. Remember, it is very native so be gentle and caring. You'll be visited by our friends of nature... the sun, the wind, the rain, and maybe even the snow... and we can't forget about our amazing little creatures... the birds, the bees, the squirrels, the geckos, and many more of our beautiful little creatures. I try to come here once a month if not more. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit for the beautiful blooms. Fall and winter seasons have their unique beauty, too, especially the changing of the colors. As Albert Einstein says, "Look deep into nature & you will understand everything better." And he's absolutely right! During any season, do swing on by CABG and enjoy your stroll! If you find yourself loving it as much as I do, get yourself a yearly membership and enjoy 364 more days a year! If I live closer, I would stroll daily. Happy Strolling!

I've visited many botanic gardens over the years, but California Botanic Garden was never on my radar. First off, the garden is way bigger than what I would have expected. I was impressed with the variety of planets and the layout of the garden. I went on a Saturday afternoon and was surprised by how few people were there. It was very peaceful and gave me a great opportunity to take in everything the park had to offer. The garden is more so dedicated to plants and flowers from California, as opposed to their gardens that have plants from around the world. This is a great place to take a nice walk and unwind.

The California botanic garden made for a nice outing for my family today! It's a hidden gem, literally since it's not so easy to see from the street. It's located behind the Claremont school of theology building and dorms. I wasn't sure if it was worth the $10 entrance fee for adults, but upon walking thru it seems that they're using the money to really try and maintain the gardens. There's a restroom a bit down the trail that was clean and looked fairly new. My girls loved seeing the squirrels running around burying their acorns, and also my 4 1/2 year old enjoyed being our tour guide with her map in hand. The trails have different terrain, pavement, dirt, asphalt. The asphalt at times is a bit uneven in some parts so be sure and watch your steps! We made it to the majestic oak, then turned around to leave since we hadn't planned to explore the whole place just yet. My daughter wants to go back and explore more, she wasn't ready to leave but my almost 2 year old hit her "wall" and we decided to head out.

We have been to many gardens, and this one was quite disappointing. Maybe we went at the wrong time because everything seemed dead and brown. There wasn't too much to see and barely any flowers. We left after about 40 mins. For $10 a person, this garden isn't worth it.

This summer I am trying to go to all the local botanical gardens, and so I stopped by the California Botanic Garden. This was my first time there. The garden is quite spacious and a lovely celebration of native California plants. My family and I walked around for almost 2 hours and there were still parts of the garden that we did not get a chance to see. The paths are mostly paved and there are routes that are handicap-accessible. Admission is inexpensive ($10 regular admission for adults), and there is plenty of parking. Overall, it was a great chance to spend some time outdoors and to see all of the amazing plants and trees (and cute rabbits, squirrels, and birds) throughout the garden. I will definitely be back

Nice walking garden, especially for the cost. Very natural landscapes. Easy parking and a great nursery near the exit. Really enjoyed my visit here.

Really cool place to visit and relax. Good for kids and adults to connect with nature.

Wanted to take my grandson somewhere new and California Botanic Garden did not disappoint. We enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine while walking the beautiful trails. We were happily surprised to see many shaded benches throughout the garden. We will definitely come back in the evening. The trails are lined with string lights and I can only imagine how amazing it must look.

If I could rate it 4.5 I would Amazing place that had wonderful variety of plants with great with great fun facts on some of the plants. Only problem is that the entrance is a bit hidden and the map directions lead us to an employee only entrance And I will say the entrance fee is a little high than other arboretums I have gone to But maybe that's now the going rate post COVID and in so cal. But definitely will go again.

We visited here for the first time today. It's a pretty small garden, and we finished it in under 2 hrs (we walked really slowly, and my toddler jumped over almost every rock). The garden itself was a bit hard for my toddler to walk through. Some paths weren't paved and the paved ones weren't even and smooth either, and she fell a dozen times. There were lots of trees and green plants to look at, but not many flowers. There wasn't many shaded areas, so bring a hat on a sunny day! Overall it was a nice walk, but I probably won't return anytime soon until my 2 year old is a bit older. Entrance was $10, and children under 3 are free.

What a beautiful, serene hidden gem! My husband and I held an intimate wedding ceremony at the Upper Pond with 32 guests. It was the most beautiful day, and the Upper Pond truly is a magical space! The sounds of the water stream during our ceremony was so calming and peaceful. And to add to the magical experience, two hummingbirds and various butterflies fluttered around us throughout our entire ceremony. It was the perfect day. Thank you endlessly to CalBG events manager Adaline and all of the staff at CalBG for all of their hard work and support during our wedding planning process, and of course the big day itself! Adaline was always so gracious and patient with all of my questions, and most helpful when I needed to rent chairs through the venue for our guests. The staff at the front entrance was equally as enthusiastic and helpful with our guests. Everyone at CalBG is so friendly and welcoming, they made our wedding day so special. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

Honestly a beautiful place to take a walk and one of the better botanic gardens in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas. I was on my way home to Los Angeles from an appointment out East and luckily had time to stop here and was so glad that I did so. There are plenty of walking paths and beautiful flowers and trees to see although it is a bit more arid than some other botanic gardens it is still really beautiful and somewhere I plan to go back to soon. It was not as busy as some of the other larger ones like Descanso so that was another big bonus. Overall I would recommend to anyone and there's also hiking paths that crisscross through out it so if you're interested in doing that I would bring some outdoor shoes but aside from that this is something for all ages and fitness levels.

My pandemic-era visit to California Botanic Garden gave me a wonderful break from the stress and worries of our current situation, not to mention plenty of fresh air. I'd visited pre-pandemic with my mother and absolutely loved the peaceful environment. The garden's mission statement says it all: "Devoted to California native plants and all the wildlife and people who love them." The gardens offer 86 acres of native plants, many of which are found only in Southern California. Some of the specialized gardens include a Joshua tree woodland, a stunning oak grove, a California cultivar garden and a Channel Islands garden. The paths are lovely to stroll and if I lived nearby, the gardens would definitely be my work-out place of choice. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm. During the pandemic, tickets can be reserved and purchased online. Double check their website before you head out: calbg.org. Free parking. Gift shop is closed during the pandemic but there was a small kiosk near the entrance with souvenirs and toys for purchase. Highly recommended.

This place wasn't what I was expecting, but I still had an enjoyable time. We got free passes through the Los Angeles public library and decided to check it out one day. It wasn't the heavily-manicured botanic gardens that I am used to. It's more native plants, shrubbery and cacti. I was there at a weird time of year, so only a few flowers were in bloom. This is not their fault, but I expected to see more than a couple of wild flowers. We really enjoyed the quiet here. There weren't too many other people on the trails. I took a star away because we kind of got turned around as the trail markers are confusing and some of the map signs are discolored, so you can't really figure out how to get back so easily. The staff here are nice and one guy offered to drive us back on a golf cart when he saw how lost we were. It's deceptively big. We found the ponds last and I really enjoyed them. We saw lots of turtles, some fish and tons of dragonflies buzzing about. They have a small gift shop that's part of the ticketing area. They didn't have too much, but what I saw looked pretty cute. I am glad we didn't pay to get in, but I am also glad we discovered this place just for the fresh air, ponds and sculptures. If you like palms and cacti this place is for you. If you're looking for manicured rose gardens you will have to look elsewhere.

Overpriced for what is offered. As someone said before feels like paying for a hike. They should have kept the old ticket price and I would have gladly paid. Now with $15.00 admission I'd rather go somewhere else that is more interesting.

Wonderful garden to walk. Different zones setup to showcase the varying areas of California fauna.