The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Will Blow Your Mind
Discover the wondrous beauty of the Pacific Coast at the living museum that is The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This 78-acre garden features over 1,000 plant species and incredible views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands. Before arriving at The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, learn how to make the most out of your trip.
6 Standout Attractions at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1. Information Kiosk
Begin your trip to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden at the welcoming Information Kiosk. Here, you’ll find maps of the natural landscape and educational, interpretive exhibits.
2. Blaksley Boulder
This enormous boulder sits in the center of the garden and is composed of sandstone from the Santa Ynez Mountains. You might ask yourself, “How did this gigantic boulder get here?” The theory is that this historic landmark floated to its current location during a prehistoric torrential rain, landslide, or earthquake. Wild!
3. Canyon Section
This area of the garden is uncultivated and runs along Mission Creek and the surrounding canyon slopes. Enjoy the sounds of the trickling river and investigate the streamside vegetation. As you walk the trails, big-leaf maples, coast live oaks, and western sycamores encompass you.
4. Porter Trail
This trail provides fascinating examples of how plants and flowers can regenerate after disasters, such as the 2009 Jesusita Fire. The fire did disastrous damage to the area, but today, some of the best displays of spring wildflowers are along Porter Trail. As you explore the trail, you’ll see serene views of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, the San Miguel Islands, and the Channel Islands.
5. Mission Dam and Aqueduct
This unique attraction dates back to 1806 when the Chumash tribe constructed it. The historic dam and aqueduct system supplied the Santa Barbara Mission with a reliable source of water. The dam is no longer functioning and is preserved by the Botanic Garden for visitors to admire.
6. Teahouse Garden
The teahouse was originally built in Kyoto, Japan, in 1949 as a gift for a Santa Barbara businessman. It was shipped to his home in California, then donated to the Botanic Garden in 1998. This authentic, Japanese teahouse features California native plants, making it one of a kind. The garden is designed to connect man with nature and act as a realm of beauty separate from hectic, everyday life.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Events
Throughout the year, the Botanic Garden hosts a multitude of events. Events include Summer Sips Series, painting classes, Free Senior Day, yoga workshops, naturalist programs, tea ceremonies, and more! Be sure to check their website to see what’s happening during your visit.
Things to Know Before You Visit
To learn more about admission prices and garden prices, visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden website.
Helpful Tips
- The Garden Shop offers cold drinks and snacks for purchase.
- The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is dog-friendly, and dogs must remain on a leash.
- An electric vehicle charging station is available in the parking lot.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the garden.
- We have directions to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
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