Clovis Botanical Garden

Location: 945 North Clovis Avenue, Clovis

Curious about drought-tolerant landscape plants in California? The Clovis Botanical Garden is your ultimate guide. The three-acre demonstration garden is a wonderful Central Valley attraction to visit with your family. When visiting this California botanical garden, you’ll learn about the Sensational 70, a collection of plants friendly to the region’s landscapes. These include succulents, cacti, shrubs, vines, perennials, ornamental grasses, and of course, trees.

Lavender, junipers, and agave are perhaps the most popular flowers at the Clovis Botanical Garden. If you’re looking for ways to give back to the community, volunteering at this garden is one of the best and most fulfilling things you can do in the Central Valley. 

Arboretum And Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Location: 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz

Visiting the Arboretum and Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz is a can’t-miss thing to do in Surf City. Preserving collections of rare and threatened plants, this fantastic botanical garden in California is a 135-acre living and breathing museum full of lilacs, monkeyflowers, acacias, and more. Visitors love exploring the Eucalyptus Grove, which consists of specimens donated by Max Watson, an admirer of the genus.

The Butterfly Garden of the arboretum is especially fascinating—this area creates an inviting environment for the numerous species of butterflies that inhabit the botanical garden. If you're looking for incredible photo ops, the Aroma and Succulent Gardens are the most eye-catching of them all.

Southern California Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Location: 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia

Are you really surprised that the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden made this list? The arboretum, botanical garden, and historical site is one of the best attractions in L.A. County. This unique 127-acre wonderland boasts a number of thematic gardens with unique features all over the area.

The Rainbow Serpent Garden winds through an impressive selection of plants from the Land Down Under. The Rose Garden is perhaps the most romantic place to pop the question. Plant moms love checking out the 180 different species of aloe and vibrant plumerias. Whichever plant collection piques your interest, this botanical garden in Los Angeles County has something for everyone. 

Huntington Botanical Gardens

Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens (aka the Huntington Botanical Gardens) feature some of the most awe-inspiring collections of flora in SoCal. Covering over 120 acres, the Huntington Gardens are divided into numerous themes—but the Japanese, Desert, Rose, and Palm Gardens are must-sees.

The magnificent Desert Garden is one of the largest and oldest outdoor collections of cacti and succulents in the world. The Japanese Garden features a lovely bonsai collection with hundreds of trees. Whether you’re relaxing by the lily ponds or admiring the colorful camellias, the Huntington Gardens in Los Angeles County are not to be missed.

California Botanic Garden 

Location: 1500 North College Avenue, Claremont

Claremont’s botanical garden is a must-visit whenever you’re in the area. The California Botanic Garden impresses visitors with its curated collections of over 22,000 native plants spread across 86 acres of lush grounds. A wonderful oasis away from the bustling city, this peaceful botanical garden offers plenty of paved paths for strollers and wheelchairs.

The walking trails take you through a myriad of different landscapes as you learn about native species, hybrids, and cultivars. Make sure to check out the Living Collection of the California Botanic Garden that focuses on the long-lived perennial plant life of both SoCal and Baja.