Gardens to Visit for Free
There are several gardens that offer free admission, making them accessible to everyone. Some of these gardens are located in urban areas, while others are situated in rural landscapes. Here are a few examples:
Free Admission Days
Some gardens offer free admission on specific days of the week or month. These days are usually announced in advance, and visitors can plan their visits accordingly. For example:
Some gardens charge parking fees, which can range from a few dollars to several dollars per hour.
Gardens and Exhibits
The California Botanic Garden is a treasure trove of native plant species, showcasing the diversity of California’s flora. The garden features 33 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, each highlighting a unique aspect of the state’s native plants. • Australian Garden: This garden is home to a stunning array of native plants from Australia, including the iconic eucalyptus tree. • Desert Garden: The desert garden is a haven for those who love the arid landscapes of California’s deserts. It features a variety of cacti and succulents that thrive in these conditions. • Butterfly Garden: This garden is a haven for butterfly enthusiasts, with a variety of plants that attract these beautiful creatures. • Herb Garden: The herb garden is a great place to learn about the many uses of California’s native herbs, including sage, rosemary, and thyme. • Salvia Garden: This garden is dedicated to the beautiful and fragrant salvia plants that are native to California.
The Beauty of Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden located in La Cañada Flintridge, California. The gardens feature a diverse array of plants, including rare and exotic species from around the world.
The Beauty of Huntington Library and Gardens
The Huntington Library and Gardens is a 207-acre estate located in San Marino, California. It is a popular tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, art, and culture.
April tickets are available, but only for the first 100 visitors.
How to Take Advantage of Free Admission Days
To make the most of this offer, visitors must obtain advance tickets online. The process is straightforward, but it requires some planning ahead.
Exploring the Niguel Botanical Preserve
The Niguel Botanical Preserve is a 18-acre nature reserve located in the heart of Southern California. This preserve is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sunnylands Center and Gardens is located in Rancho Mirage. The 15-acre grounds include nine acres of desert gardens. The gardens are always free, but access to the home is by reserved paid tour only.
UCR Botanic Gardens is a living museum of plants, featuring a diverse collection of over 3,500 species from around the world. The gardens are divided into several sections, including a California Native Plant Garden, a Desert Garden, and a Tropical Garden. The gardens also feature a variety of plant species that are native to the Mediterranean region, including olive trees, rosemary, and lavender. UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden is a smaller, more intimate garden, with 7.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The garden features a variety of plant species, including California natives, desert plants, ferns, palms, and bromeliads. The garden also includes a variety of garden ornaments and decorative elements, such as fountains, statues, and walking paths. Both gardens offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and contemplation. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, and enjoying the beauty of the plants on display. The gardens also offer educational programs and activities for visitors, including guided tours, workshops, and classes. These programs provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the different plant species, their habitats, and their uses. In addition to the gardens themselves, both UCR Botanic Gardens and UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden offer a variety of amenities and services, including picnic areas, walking trails, and restrooms.
