UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden
Botanical garden · Westwood ·

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

Botanical garden · Westwood ·

Botanical garden with 3,500 plant species, labeled for education

peaceful atmosphere
quiet place
shaded area
lots of plants
koi fish
benches
turtles
study spot
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Nafpaktitism/cc by-sa 3.0
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Avoiding Regret (Used with permission) (Creative Commons)
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Tentaculata/cc by-sa 4.0
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Avoiding Regret (Used with permission) (Creative Commons)
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Avoiding Regret (Used with permission) (Creative Commons)
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden by null

Information

707 Tiverton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90095 Get directions

Restroom
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Gender neutral restroom
LGBTQ friendly

Information

Static Map

707 Tiverton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90095 Get directions

+1 310 825 8260
botgard.ucla.edu
@uclabotanical
𝕏
@uclabotanical

Features

•Restroom
•Paid parking garage
•Paid street parking
•Gender neutral restroom
•LGBTQ friendly
•Trans safe
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Dec 29, 2025

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@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

"Sacred seven acres of botanical garden space that houses 3500 plant specimens from all over the globe. Each plant is labelled with its scientific name and where it originally came from. It is a refugium for biodiversity in the heart of UCLA and is the perfect place to go to collect your thoughts, reflect, and bask in solitude." - Grace Duong

https://onthegrid.city/los-angeles/westwood/mildred-e-mathias-botanical-garden
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

15 Surprisingly Romantic Places in Los Angeles

"Founded in 1929, the botanical garden at University of California Los Angeles was kickstarted by a government program to create jobs during the Great Depression. It began as a collection of plants donated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a small group of California gardens, in addition to the native species that grew onsite, such as willow trees and coastal scrub. Within two decades, the garden boasted around 1,500 plant varieties, and that number more than doubled between the 1950s and ’70s when the garden gained traction for its special collection of Eucalyptus and Ficus plants. The botanical garden became an important site for horticultural research and experimentation in the subtropical tree arena, and the UCLA campus cultivated an impressive arboretum.  Today, the 7.5-acre garden is an educational resource, a research site, and a “living museum” that exhibits some 3,500 species plant varieties from across the globe. The plant collections are organized thematically and geographically, and include Ancient Conifers, Bromeliads, Cycads, Mediterranean Ecosystems, and Southern California Natives, among others.  The garden was named Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in 1979, after the pioneering American horticulturist who helmed the garden for 18 years. Mathias pushed for increased public awareness and appreciation of the space by offering tours of the flourishing UCLA landscape. In 1996, an outdoor amphitheater known as “the Nest” was built beneath an old Ginkgo tree as a quiet place of contemplation for visitors to the garden." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/things-to-do-valentines-day-los-angeles
Daderot/public domain
UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, Westwood. Sacred seven acres of botanical garden space that houses 3500 plant specimens from all over the globe. Each plant is labelled with its scientific name and where it originally came from. It is a refugium for biodiversity in the heart of UCLA and is the perfect place to go to collect your thoughts, reflect, and bask in solitude."

Los Angeles
UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

J M.

Google
What a beautiful place in the middle of such a bustling city. The garden is very well thought out in regard to layout and stops for peaceful meditation. Many chairs and some tables are placed throughout offering many locations to choose from. The variety of trees and flowers is amazing. One of the highlights of my visit. Highly recommend. Dogs are allowed and restrooms are located at the main entrance at the bottom of the stairs.

Jennifer R.

Google
It was a beautiful day for a walk around the gardens. There are several places to sit and reflect, relax or have a snack. There are no signs directing you to the gardens, at least that we could find, but we managed to find our way. I would love to go back mid spring to see more butterflies and dragonflies. Street parking was plentiful, even on a Sunday!

Jackie B.

Google
Amazing garden with more trails per acre than you could imagine-a very good use of space. Beautiful koi "pond" at it's center, spectacular desert area. Very peaceful and such a departure in the middle of LA

天

Google
The koi fish are HUGE and beautiful! The space feels peaceful and serene. The trees change leaves with the seasons. The chairs are generously and carefully placed. Lovely!! A blessing of a garden.

Rachel A.

Google
Wonderful gardens on UCLA campus - for free. First came here when I was a patient staying at The Tiverton, it's just across the street. The vegetation variety, pathways, stream with falls are all so lovely & peaceful! I've been back quite a few times, there's even tables to sit if you choose.

Bryan E.

Google
A true hidden gem right in the heart of Westwood. The UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden is peaceful, beautifully maintained, and surprisingly quiet considering its location near a bustling campus. It’s not massive, but the variety of plant life packed into this space is impressive, from towering redwoods to desert succulents, lush ferns, and tropical flowers. You can walk the whole thing in under an hour, but if you slow down and take it in, it easily becomes a 2 hour escape. There are well shaded walking paths, little bridges, and benches tucked in cozy corners where you can relax or read. Perfect for kids, dates, solo walks, or even a lunch break if you’re on campus. Great educational signs throughout the garden, nothing overwhelming, just enough info to keep it interesting. The koi pond was a big hit with my kids. Highly recommend for locals or tourists looking for something off the beaten path that’s relaxing, enriching, and photogenic. Will definitely be back.

Bianca A.

Google
Absolutely beautiful gardens! They managed to sculpt a serene greenspace in the middle of UCLA campus with waterfalls and lots of nooks to sit, read and just relax. Highly recommend! Well worth a visit.

Znar B.

Google
Very nice! The waterfall is especially calming and serene — just sitting nearby and listening to the water is incredibly soothing. I also really appreciate how many of the plants are clearly labeled with their scientific names; it makes the experience feel both peaceful and educational. It’s a beautifully maintained space that’s perfect for a quiet walk or reconnecting with nature in the middle of the city. For those who don’t want to drive, it’s also easily accessible by bus — there's a stop nearby that drops you off within walking distance of the garden.
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Zan L.

Yelp
Even though I am a current USC student , they were still very polite to me. A small but free botanical garden located inside UCLA on the southeast part of campus near the school of dentistry. It's fairly small on the inside and you could easily walk the entire thing in 30 minutes, but there are many paths winding around the entire garden and at the very bottom there is a small waterfall and stream with tables, chairs, and many students, artists, and readers sitting and enjoying the beautiful California weather. I also saw a couple of runners inside running the trails. They have hummingbirds, beautiful flora, and it's a nice quiet and shaded area of refuge in a very busy city. Although not nearly the same size or variety of larger botanical gardens like Descanso, it is still really beautiful and a great quiet place for students to study or relax. I would definitely recommend to anyone in the area, especially for students. I plan to be back in the near future because I live very close by.
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Ken C.

Yelp
When in Westwood and UCLA, this is a very nice/welcome hidden gem. Beautiful garden at the corner of the massive campus. It's located close to the science buildings. There are limited hours, but it's fun to walk through and there's some nice places to rest. Best of all, it's free! We came on a Saturday afternoon, and they even had a band performing some live acoustic music. Was a nice way to enjoy a walk around the campus! Note: You will likely have to pay for parking in the area, unless you find street parking somewhere in Westwood. We parked in UCLA Parking Structure 2, which we were able to search for on the GPS.
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Candace L.

Yelp
When you're a female who works in Football sometimes you have to get out to find some pillow soft type of stuff to get into. Enter me stumbling upon a botanical garden last week and making a mental note to check this spot out. My love for plants, flowers, nature, birds, flowing water, and peaceful places runs as deep as my love for sports and things far less fragile. I decided to walk over today to peep this spot. I didn't spend a ton of time, but did a fairly thorough walk through to get an initial idea. I absolutely loved this space. It's very serene with several special places to sit to read, take a call, enjoy lunch, or just be present. I immediately thought this is a spot I could share with Moms and families during recruiting if they needed a small break from meetings or an area to decompress after travel. The garden is gorgeous and I can definitely see myself adding frequent walk thrus to my days for a sense of calm. In fact I'm fairly certain this will be one of my meditation spots. There are several different entrances/exits. Free admission and really just a lovely area. I walked from my office and have no clue what the parking situation is.
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John H.

Yelp
A hidden gem in Westwood. This is free to visit. A beautiful botanical garden. What I like most is the plants and trees were labeled. It's well-organized and the path is easy to follow. We spent about 40 minutes there walking around after we ate, but many people had brought their lunch to the garden to enjoy on one of the many benches.
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Michelle L.

Yelp
needed a safe and quiet, yet beautiful area to take a few photos for my pups 5th birthday (my pups is crazy lol) i heard UCLA's botanical garden was def somewhere to visit the garden is dog friendly so check and check arrived on a sunday morning there were already a good amount of people walking the trail i saw about a handful of dogs the garden is well kept but under construction, i know once it is completed, i will definitely be going back to visit restrooms are available the garden was very easy to navigate through parking: parked in structure 2, in the visitor section. there were also some spaces on the street. Rates are $3/hour, $5 for 2 hours we entered on the Tiverton Ave. side *check the website prior to your visit for updated hours
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Nors R.

Yelp
Very nice place with lots of trees, resting benches all over the place. A hidden gem in UCLA

J L.

Yelp
Pretty, but very cold on a non-sunny day because it's shaded almost completely. Imagine it would be quite cooling and comfortable on a hot summer day. Hard to find parking since it's on the UCLA campus.
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Thu-Ha T.

Yelp
We took an impromptu trip here a few weeks ago. Currently there are not many flowers in bloom however there are many plants to see. We took about half an hour to go through the garden. There are a few benches to stop and rest at and a pond with koi fishes and turtles. Admission to the garden is free. We parked at the visitor parking at the UCLA Parking Structure 2 nearby and walked over here. We paid $4 for 2 hours. There are metered parking at Westwood Village as well.
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Ben A.

Yelp
While I hope all my fellow Yelpers will read this with the right facetious lens, I have to start by saying I'm a lifelong USC Trojan... thus and thus, anything ucla- branded must be terrible. Rivalries have a way of fading as one ages, it seems, and fate aligns opportunities for one to grow as a human being. In my mid-40s, I found myself being referred to a UCLA specialist for an eye issue, and had to make the long drive to Westwood three different times for appointments at Jules Stein. After being dilated and completing my appointments, I was pretty much unable to drive for a few hours-- light sensitivity and blurred vision don't mix well with the 405 freeway. So instead of hitting the road, I sort of wandered around the area. Just a couple blocks east of the UCLAmed proper is this little botanical garden. Once you pass the chain link fence through a couple of different gates, you'll find asphalt-covered walking paths through various plants, flowering shrubs, and trees. Seeming built prior to current ADA regulations, there are some steeper slopes and non-ballistic turns on these paths-- you wouldn't want to let your baby stroller go in a couple of spots. But for the most part, this is a tranquil and shaded spot in the midst of bustling Westwood, where one can sit on a nice little bench and enjoy the breeze. For the casual plant geek (guilty as charged), there are actually a couple of cool specimens here not easily found around town. A few seasonal plantings of annuals kept things colorful, and during my visit some of the vining perennials were also in bloom. Seeing the giant bamboo all tagged-up by assorted dumbassery and miscreant foolishness snapped me back to the reality of my location in an urban setting, but that's life in the big city, I suppose. I wouldn't call this a destination, but I was glad to find it as an alternative to sitting in my truck in a parking structure waiting for my eyes to readjust. Grab some food or coffee at the nearby Ralph's food court, and walk down the hill just a bit to this garden. Worth a "sit and chill."
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Kathrine W.

Yelp
I love the botanical gardens. So much of UCLA a is stunning, and the gardens are no exception. The trees here are research grade (they aren't bred, they're shipped from their native habitat) and it's a great place to bird watch or escape the city or campus. It's volunteer run, so be patient with repairs or hours. Many of these reviews complain about covid hours but don't acknowledge this is a free garden on a public university campus that is run by volunteers!!! Go bird watching!!!!
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Jame N.

Yelp
I been traveling around southern CA since pandemic, looking for outdoor places and I found this place accident since I want to look place to go near by Getty Museum. Easy nice walk and enjoy lunch under the shade. Feel like walking in jungle in some of the area. Small water steam w/ turtles and fishes. Noted do not feed them. Free Admission Feb to Oct: Weekday 8-5 --- Weekend 9-5 Nov to Jan: Weekday 8-4 --- Weekend 9-4 Parking: there is meter parking with pay station across street from UCLA parking structure 2 and you could also enter the structure on Charles E. Young or Manning and park in green visitor parking on the lower level. Write down your license plate number and use it at pay machines located near stairs/elevators.$3 an hour -- $13 whole day. https://goo.gl/maps/BiNhX8cy2oJeQCq69 METERED PARKING Metered spots are available in Westwood Village and on Manning Dr .. I saw many spots open around noon. We spend 1 1/2 hrs there Wheelchair / stroller / dog friendly Restroom by LA Kretz Botany Building: Air condition and clean. What else surprised me is faucet is water and air dryer together. A lot of benches under the tree w/ shades 3 big around tables with shade by the water steam 2 big picnic tables by LA Kretz Botany building

Akhila J.

Yelp
so beautiful and so much to see! It's pretty big and has a cute waterfall and stream, the seating area is a cute place to study and hangout with a small cafe next to it as well!
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Takella G.

Yelp
Small botanical garden the Westwood neighborhood at UCLA. A great place to find peace, connect with nature and meditate when it's not too busy. They have walk-in paths with benches, chairs and tables throughout so I often sit for a while to relax. Great place for reading and thinking.

Daniel D.

Yelp
very nice garden; very close to Santa mOnica; good parking; has been used in many films like "the american gigolo" close to UCLA hospital and UCLA medical school and the dental school;
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Jo S.

Yelp
I was here on Saturday, looking forward to a nice stroll in the shade while I was in the area! I looked into it before my visit, everywhere it said it was opened! When I walked to it, the gates were locked, with a sign on the it, kinda confusing. I talked to a gardener who was exciting, found out that it's closed to the public! Since this weekend! Too bad, we all need gardens and nature nowadays, since indoors spaces are closed. I just noticed the Temp. Closed on Yelp this morning. It is closed! Looking forward to its re-opening. Till then, one less activity for Westwood area!
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Jason L.

Yelp
Absolute gem of a spot right in the hustle of UCLA and LA in general. You can quickly stroll through or meander and wander in this urban retreat for a couple hours. Shaded spots for seating and even some areas to read or picnic. Parking is kinda of an issue. There are problems and online information about events and activities. Thank you for the staff who provide this awesome garden. You can find koi fish and turtles in the water too.
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Stacey C.

Yelp
My daughters and I were really bummed when we got here on a Saturday morning and the gates were locked a few weeks ago. I thought it would be a quiet outdoor place that I could take my little ones to explore nature and admire the spring blooms but due to Covid, the botanical garden is closed on weekends. Also, I think the sign says that it is not open to the public either when it is open during the weekdays, and only open to students and faculty. Hopefully we can come back to enjoy this garden soon!
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Taifha B.

Yelp
The botanical garden is an oasis for all members of the UCLA community. Staff, students, faculty and visitors who know about this hidden jewel retreat to the garden for its peace and zen-like quiet. There are plenty of shaded benches to sit on while you enjoy the views. There's also a ton of wildlife in the garden. Of course there's your run-of-the-mill city squirrel. But there are also turtles, massive koi fish, and birds. If you're extra careful you may even spot a hummingbird. My favorite part about the garden are all the plant life, this is a review of a garden after all. There are trees, plants and flowers from all over the world, but also ones that are native to California. I'd definitely recommend walking down to the garden to take a break from the daily grind.

Sebastian L.

Yelp
Beautiful plants and nice staff. Too bad construction work is blocking off 50% of the garden. But it should be worth it for a beautiful stream in the spring of '24
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Tess M.

Yelp
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens, seven acres, named in honor of UCLA's Mildred E. Mathias renowned taxonomist, although dormant now, this winter time of year, is still a place of beauty, peace and learning to be experienced, enjoyed at no cost except time spent and perhaps a few quarters in one of Hilgard's parking meters or a fee at a nearby UCLA lot. Free docent tours for groups of eight or more are available If solitude or meditation is your goal, skip downloading the primary garden's map or the plant location guide and simply wander, grab a bench and just be like I did after a short stroll from my 90024 home. Looking forward to returning in spring to explore more...

DeAnna G.

Yelp
Absolutely beautiful garden with several places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Saw a squirrel, koi fish, and red slider turtles. Immaculate walkways that zigzag making it easy to walk down and back up. Excellent place to take photos
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Amy M.

Yelp
They have reopened. Great place for a stroll and there are plenty of tables and chairs if you wish to sit or picnic. I saw a lot of hummingbirds here on my last visit. Also left with a lot of mosquito bites so be sure to wear thick clothing or repellent.
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May A.

Yelp
Beautiful grounds! Our visit was during the winter month and many of the flowering plants and trees were in hibernation. We had an hour to spare and we came at the last hour before they closed the gates. This 7.5-acre garden is an oasis in the middle of busy Los Angeles and located on the UCLA campus. It is free to the public daily. It's quite a walk from the main campus but heading back we found a short cut cutting through the Life Sciences buildings. The Garden's sections are organized into groupings of plants that are geographic. It was hard to distinguish the plants without the flowers (eg. I would easily recognize a hibiscus plant by the flower). But the palms and bromeliads were easy to tell. I managed to take a few photos of flowering trees where the flowers were growing upside down. It was the first time I've seen such a plant. Interesting and beautiful! We found our way to The Stream somewhere in the center of the Garden and found some koi fish, turtles and crayfish. This part has a jungle-like appearance. After exiting that section we made our way to the arching bamboo groves. I did not appreciate the vandals that sadly carved names and graffiti and defaced the bamboo trunks. I love bamboos even though they are invasive plants. The Garden Is full of small trails and lots of seating scattered throughout. One can find a quiet, serene place to meditate, study or just relax, it's so peaceful here. Wish the plants were flowering when we went. I love flowers! Hope to return soon at another time when the flowers are in bloom... Review #1251
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John H.

Yelp
nice and quiet small botentenical garden where you can rest and get away from the street noise. very relaxing place....
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danny M.

Yelp
Botanical garden in the middle of the city, what more could you ask for? Visited on a Tuesday before lunch time. And only saw a handful of people passing. Mind the mosquitos near the standing water, but it's awesome to find places like this. An oasis from the concrete jungle
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Joan W.

Yelp
Great place for a stroll if you are on the UCLA campus or doing something in Westwood. I like this garden because it's big enough where you can take some time walking around and exploring the different paths and different plant section areas but small enough where if you just wanted a brief walk you can see a lot in 15 minutes. For first timers I'd recommend about an hour and parking in the structure 2 parking which charges hourly. It's free so you don't have the same pressure you feel when you pay for entrance where you feel like you need to analyze everything and spend as much time as you can so you can get your money's worth. The garden is good for botany lovers with over 3,000 plants but even if you don't care about that you can appreciate how calm and relaxing it is and take advantage of nature and the many benches along the paths where I see people eating, studying, and meditating. Another thing I really like about it is how shaded the garden is. Perfect for people who are sun sensitive or have extremely fair skin that can't be out in the sun too long.
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Winnie L.

Yelp
A small garden located on the edge of UCLA's campus and a great place for a midday stroll or lunch date :) Family friendly too! When I went they were doing construction, but most of the garden was still accessible. It's quiet, there's benches, and shady. Lots of different plants and you can find koi fish, turtles, and the occasional squirrel! If you're in the area, I definitely recommend checking this place out. There's no free parking, so you'll have to go to one of the campus parking structures.

Gem Y.

Yelp
Refreshing as always. I like the plants, flowers, trees, and turtles there. They close at 2pm nowadays.
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Van G.

Yelp
I remember I came here once when I was in high school. Man, it was a long time ago. They brought us here , to UCLA, high schoolers to be inspired with the university's subculture and on the way out the teacher decided to show us this Botanical Garden. What a beautiful, hidden gem.Now, many years later it's still a quiet, small, very peaceful place. Throughout the day, constantly you will find students sitting around on benches, studying or having lunch. There is a small, quite , dirty creek with koi fish. The park has trees gathered from all over the world! Anything from cacti to eucalyptus trees can be found here. The only issue is with construction sites that are there currently being worked on across the street. Imagine you're relaxing at the park, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and here you have a bunch of hammers and workers yelling. Kind of breaks the whole mood... I'm sure it will be over soon though. The garden is mostly ran by volunteers, however there are a couple of paid employees that are you taking care of this place. If you're ever around Westwood, UCLA area make sure to stop by and have a nice walk or grab a quick lunch to eat here. Keep in mind though, the gates close at at 5 PM.
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Lianne K.

Yelp
Hidden secret on the UCLA campus. Thank goodness for Google Maps; otherwise we'd have never found it. Marking at three stars for several reasons - parking is a paid affair, even on the weekends when most classes aren't in session. People with limited mobility will find it challenging to negotiate the steep downslopes. They do have a route mapped for handicapped folks, but I'd say it's not the easiest of venues to access. The acreage and variety of plantings are impressive. It is definitely a serene spot in the middle of UCLA / the Westside. However, when we visited there were very few plants in a flowering mode. There was definitely a lot of green. Kermit would be happy blending in. ;-) It doesn't take very long to see most of the grounds, so it's a quick fix for nature lovers. It was relaxing to stroll the pathways and search for the areas with water for variety.
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Lani G.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite places on campus. It's very quiet and serene (despite the construction sounds) and there is a ton of shade. There aren't too many places to sit, just a few chairs and benches randomly scattered but there are a bunch of picnic tables just above the garden on the north west side of it. This isn't a huge garden and it's more rustic than refined, but there is a lot of variety of flora in the small space that it occupies. Also there are tons of signs that say not to feed the fish and turtles, but we didn't see either of these guys when we visited today on 7/17/15. The water was really murky. I don't think anyone who doesn't work at or attend UCLA would know of this place or seek it out, but I recommend those who do take a little 15 minute walk around this place.

S W.

Yelp
This is truly a hidden gem in a sea of never ending busy city life and campus building after campus building. I have to drive a family member to UCLA for a multiple hour doctor check-up every 6 months. I've been doing this for years and always wait inside bored to death (no TVs in the lobby and no free Wi-Fi). But COVID protocols forced me to wait outside in the boring parking lot. When I pulled up Google satellite map I noticed this large patch of greenery nearby. Navigating by foot through the campus wasn't easy but then I found this oasis. It's so wonderfully put together and thought out with a variety of life from around the world. UCLA...PLEASE TELL YOUR PATIENTS' CAREGIVERS ABOUT THIS PLACE AND MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO FIND IT.
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Regina Z.

Yelp
Great garden! I come here for my lunch breaks some days. It has a great variety of plants you can read about or take a tour which I have done on numerous occasions. There are also events run at the la krafts garden pavilion that are interesting. I've been to one about beekeeping and honey, and one about cooking outdoors for camping and backpacking. It smells so nice in the springtime with all the flowers. My only complaint and why I knocked off a star is that it closes so early (5pm). I would like to enjoy it more after work and I am sure others might as well. Fun fact: my friend got engaged here!!
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Zoey G.

Yelp
I love this garden I worked down the streets from here and I went everyday! Very relaxing place! It's quiet too so it's very chill they have turtles in the pond and like a river with fish it's super cute!
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Kristin Leigh M.

Yelp
What a wonderful little hideaway in the midst of Westwood! My husband and his friend came across this place whilst going for a wander when we moved to the neighborhood. Seriously - what a hidden gem! I've come here several times now and for sure, this place will put you at peace. Wonderful little benches and places to sit are scattered throughout the Gardens, making it an ideal place to grab a snack, read, or study for the afternoon (if you're a student). Sure, Hilgard runs along the east side of the Gardens and you can occasionally hear traffic, but immerse yourself enough in the Gardens, and you'll be relaxed instantaneously. I'm not a plant lover or anything like that, but I really enjoyed seeing all the different types of trees they had, and enjoyed squirrel watching. (The squirrels are very used to humans!) Such a cute little spot to enjoy nature in the midst of a city!
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Cindy G.

Yelp
A gorgeous little botanical garden that is FREE to the public, with plenty of cheap campus parking nearby. I went here because all of the botanical gardens I found in LA charged you to go, and charged even more if you wanted to take a few photos that weren't "vacation-style" there. Being from Maryland this is a foreign concept to me, botanical gardens are typically, in my experience, a public resource for leisure. I was very happy that UCLA provides such a gorgeous habitat for visitors to explore.
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James S.

Yelp
They are open Sundays now, and that's about the biggest thing I can add here. Others have mentioned how great this hidden gem is, and I agree. It might take a moment to spot it, but there's a legible sign on the corner, and it's very easy to visit. Take your time, it's not that huge. Still, you can walk, rest on benches, examine the various plants and trees and their scientific details. I've been meaning to come here for so long - and that seems a common cry. So, just do it. It's perfect for finding a low-key walk/hike without going too far. It's great for those who want a bit of exercise, but may feel a bit out of shape. This one is easy. There's a good amount of shade, too, if it's a sunny day. Not crowded. Geez, what else can I tell you? (There's no water fountain, by the way. This won't be an issue for many, but just FYI. BYO if you need it) Park on the street. Any street. It's close to many things around UCLA campus.
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David G.

Yelp
I walk through these gardens everyday at lunch. There's usually a picnic table free someplace or a bench to sit and just enjoy the relative quiet from the otherwise busy Westwood. I enjoy the stream and the turtles the most. But be careful, the squirrels here are very brave and one jumped onto the table and stole my cookie from my lunch right in front of me. So just know that they are thieves. Aside from that this place is one of my favorite places.
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Richard L.

Yelp
I've been visiting these botanical gardens for over 40 years. I want with my gardening class today and it's always a treat to visit. They have an amazing selection of great horticulture. If you're at UCLA medical center it's just about 100 feet from the East side . I'm not sure how often they put on tours but we got a tour today with a lot of explanation of all the great plants!
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Mia H.

Yelp
Cute but construction going on at the adjacent complex July 2020 so adding that to the buses going by and it's just super noisy. Bring headphones.
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rado l.

Yelp
It's a beautiful, relaxing place in the middle of the busy campus and city. I'd recommend visiting this place if you are visiting UCLA campus or if you live in the area and you just want to feel relaxed and peaceful. But make sure to wear good shoes in this garden. I've been bit by some unknown bugs in this garden twice on my foot and both times I got cellulitis which was incredibly painful and made my foot swollen like mad.
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J B.

Yelp
Turtles! Colorful dragonflies! Plants that smell good. If only they were open more hours.
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Ariana B.

Yelp
In the urban city of Westwood, this place is a tiny oasis of nature. It isn't the biggest garden, but it's still beautiful. It's very green, with lots of beautiful flowers and eucalyptus trees. Sitting on a bench here is very serene and peaceful. For students, I'd recommend this place to study. There aren't too many bothersome bugs, and the area is very quiet. It would also be a good place to bring kids. There is plenty to look at, including small streams with fish and with bridges to cross over.
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Joan S.

Yelp
Smack dab in the heart of Westwood Village, near the San Diego freeway, on the UCLA campus, exists this compact, unexpected, botanical garden paradise. Descend any number of sloping paths to enter an area of thick green growth: mature bamboo, pines, redwood trees, ferns, flowers, you name it. This is a university teaching and research facility containing labeled species from all over the world (so many beautiful trees from Africa!), more than I would care to count. There is a babbling waterfalled brook brimming with turtles and Koi. Nesting areas for people are abundant & almost always occupied by students, faculty or visitors. Today, from the very lowest depth of the jungle, I looked up at the huge pines enshrouded in mist, thinking that the best thing about plants is often their fragrance. In this place it is so intense as to be intoxicating. The gardens are next to the School of Dentistry, where I frequently go for radiology scans as part of reconstructive (bone grafts to the jaw) surgeries. It would not surprise me to see a celeb sitting on a rock by the stream someday..... The oral radiology dept. has a wall of fame that includes notes & autographs from Stevie Nicks, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross (always wears a big-brimmed hat), Sting, Annie Potts, Faye Dunaway, Connie Selleca, Ben Gazarra. Elizabeth Taylor and Ann-Margret have also been there. Oh, back to the garden......it is not open Sundays or holidays & volunteer gardeners are needed. Worth the trip to explore even if you don't need dental work.
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
Hands down, this is my favorite botanical garden to take nature photos. Every visit I capture something different. I took a friend this time, and they wanted to buy a new camera so they can take nature pictures of their own! haha.
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Evan G.

Yelp
One of the great hidden secrets of the UCLA campus. You've probably driven past it on Hilgard or Le Conte--the sign right at the corner might have caught your eye, and you thought "well, maybe I'll go there someday." Go now! (Well, maybe not now depending on what time and what day it is--the garden is closed on Sundays, and it isn't open all that late). The garden is really sprawling, and I like that there are a lot of different paths so you can go multiple times and always see something new. Down at the bottom is a stream, and one spot that is the turtle hangout. Further along the stream is a bridge--the water is pretty murky, but if you watch for a while, you'll see some koi. If you go to the very end of the stream, where there's a pool with some water filtering equipment (or something) there, go to where the water comes up on the bank, and stare at the edge for a while...I don't know what are in there, but I've seen some sort of crustacean-like thing in there. Crawfish? You'll forget that you're steps away from the busy Westwood streets. Lots of benches and hidden spots to just sit and clear your mind. And if you want some exercise, the walk up the hill towards the medical school buildings will give your legs a workout.
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Danny N.

Yelp
This place is nice, it might be a great place to do a semi-hike, but not really. It was a nice and cool shady day when you walk around. The place is really nice to just relax and walk around. Maybe it was too hot the past month because there was rarely any flowers around. This place may take about 30 minutes to explore, its not as big as it looks on the map.
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Jeffrey J.

Yelp
Probably one of my favorite destinations in LA. Nature is at its finest here. There are so many interesting looking birds and plants to gaze at .
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Ginger T.

Yelp
I visit the Mildred Mathias Botanical Gardens during my lunch hour a lot. It's an oasis in the midst of the city. Once you walk inside, you will feel like you are in a mini wooded area. I love the choices of trails that will lead you into different sections of the garden. It's fun to look at the turtles and fish that inhabit the little creek that is located in the garden too, and there's a copious amount of benches that are sprinkled all through the park where you can relax in the shade and absorb the nature that surrounds you!