Experts' Choice Award Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
What the experts agree on
Wander 5+ miles of scenic trails through 65-78 acres showcasing California native plants, diverse ecosystems from desert to wetlands, plus a serene Japanese tea garden—perfect for escaping the beach crowds.
Concierge "You don't have to be from the green-thumb club to love this 78-acre garden in the foothills of Mission Canyon."
Lonely Planet "After visiting the mission, take a soul-satisfying jaunt through the city’s 40-acre botanic garden, devoted to California’s native flora." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Check out the Japanese teahouse and wander through the 65 acres of over 1,000 species of plants and flowers." Full review
Fodor's "Scenic trails meander through the garden's 78 acres of native plants." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Some 5mi of trails meander across 65 acres of wooded canyons, open meadows and high ridges in this pleasant site." Full review
Afar Magazine "There are both wetlands and desert landscapes as well as a Japanese tea garden on the grounds. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report11.0
"North of downtown, the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a refuge for bored beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike." Full review
Frommer's "The Botanic Garden is devoted to indigenous California plants. More than 5.5 miles of meandering trails on 65 acres offer glimpses of cactuses, redwoods, wildflowers, and much more" Full review
"Founded in 1926 by a local landscer devoted to California's native plants, the garden meanders across 78 acres of Santa Barbara's Mission Canyon, starting about a mile north of the..."
National Geographic
