Established in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden displays California's rare and indigenous plants in their natural setting. Located on 32 hectares (78 acres), this is California's oldest botanic garden, dedicated to research, education, and conservation. You can discover over 1,000 different species by following the garden's network of scenic trails, which stretch for over 9 km (5 mi) and offer sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Don’t miss one of the garden's signature features--an old rock dam--constructed in 1806 by Native Americans. Be sure to walk all the way to the garden's redwood grove, a cool resting place even on the hottest of summer days. Plan to visit Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Santa Barbara attractions using our Santa Barbara trip itinerary builder.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden reviews
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I visited a few days ago, and right now (late April) the poppies are blooming. It's a lovely place, but I think calling it an arboretum would be a little more accurate than calling it a garden. It's..... more
I visited a few days ago, and right now (late April) the poppies are blooming. It's a lovely place, but I think calling it an arboretum would be a little more accurate than calling it a garden. It's..... more »
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Unlike other botanical gardens with very clear cut displays, the SB Botanic Garden offers a more natural setting to walk among a desert display, a valley display, and through the redwood and woodland.... more
Unlike other botanical gardens with very clear cut displays, the SB Botanic Garden offers a more natural setting to walk among a desert display, a valley display, and through the redwood and woodland.... more »
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The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a beautiful garden organized by geographic areas found in the state. Unlike most gardens, this garden is dedicated solely to the many native plants, flowers and trees found in California. A creek runs through the garden and trails circumnavigate throughout. An interesting feature that some people overlook is the aqueduct that runs along one side of the garden along the creek. It no longer is functional, but it dates back to around 1806 and served to provide water to the Santa Barbara Mission down the road. The entrance fee is inexpensive as is membership should you want to join. There is a nice little store by the entrance with a nice selection of books mostly on plants and some on the Native Americans who lived in the general area. There also is of course general souvenirs. A great place to visit and spend a couple of hours or so.
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Beautiful and Peaceful
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