Botanical Gardens

San Francisco’s unique Botanical Garden inspires visitors with the extraordinary diversity of rare and unusual plants that can be grown in coastal California. Through its programs and displays, the Garden cultivates the bond between people and plants and instills a deeper understanding of the necessity to conserve Earth’s biological diversity. As a public/private partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization and the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, and a beloved San Francisco institution, we are committed to transparency, cultural diversity, inclusion, and environmentally responsible practices. We are proud to be a public public garden, accessible to all and grateful to the funders who help sustain us.

Sonoma Botanical Garden is where East meets West, celebrating the beauty and importance of both Asian and California native plants. The Asian Woodland will be a trove of flashy florals this spring when rhododendrons, Chinese tulip trees, and more burst into bloom. And on the California Oak Trail, the native seedbank of lupines, poppies, popcorn flowers, and other native plants will delight and dazzle. As the only botanic garden in the North Bay, Sonoma Botanical Garden is the perfect spring spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. Meander along the ample trails and revel in splashes of color, bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the Garden’s picnic tables, or reach your step count by hiking up the Garden’s varied topography. Opening soon! The colossal birds of Winged Wonders land at Sonoma Botanical Garden this April!

At the Conservatory, we curate an endless parade of rare and unusual flowers for display, and aim to transport all of those who enter our Victorian doors to a faraway place where those plants grow in their native ranges. Come visit the Conservatory today and immerse yourself in our five distinct galleries, each focusing on highlighting a different ecosystem, ranging from the dense tropical rainforests of Sumatra to the cloud forests of Ecuador and beyond. Once inside you are sure to be amazed by the diversity, ingenuity, and fragility of the incredible ecosystems that are represented by the collection of plants, but also the national landmark structure. We are also eager and excited to continue to develop innovative community programming like Night Bloom that highlights the Conservatory and our plants in a new light!

Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April.

Marin Art and Garden Center is a special gathering place that celebrates learning, growth and the beauty of nature; a place to be inspired, educated and entertained—or to just be.

Continually in a state of evolution, some garden installations will be in place for a season, while others will remain for several seasons. Completely enamored by the gardens and the innovative designs they experienced in France, Cornerstone Sonoma founders Chris Hougie and Teresa Raffo started to search for a property to build a similar garden showcase in wine country. Nestled at the gateway to the wine country, Cornerstone Sonoma is now the gallery of gardens that was envisioned over 15 years ago. Cornerstone is growing once more with new owners and many new gardens.

We are a world-renowned 3.5 acre botanical garden and retail Nursery housing a collection of climate-appropriate plants from around the world. We offer a variety of classes, workshops, and events that encourage you to connect meaningfully with the beauty of this place. Come explore Ruth’s Garden today! Garden Members receive exclusive benefits, unlimited free visits to the Garden, and so much more.

The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species. Organized geographically, the Garden features 9 regions of naturalistic plantings from Australasia to South Africa, along with a major collection of California native plants. The Garden was established in 1890 and its living collections are invaluable resources for international research and conservation.

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a magical wonderland! Discover our majestic gardens, unique rides, water attractions, and over 10,000 trees—including our whimsical world-famous Circus Trees.

Filoli, also known as the Bourn-Roth Estate, is a country house set in 16 acres of formal gardens surrounded by a 654-acre estate, located in Woodside, California, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, at the southern end of Crystal Springs Reservoir, on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A 2.5-acre plot encompassing herb & rose gardens, a historic home, a carriage house & a tearoom.

The Gardens at Lake Merritt, a seven-acre collection of themed gardens, is conveniently located in the heart of Oakland at Lakeside Park, our nation’s first wildlife refuge. Established more than a half-century ago, the Gardens serve as a source of great regional pride, a cultural and educational center and a place to enjoy tranquility in the heart of the city. The Gardens are poised to serve as an example of the highest standards of horticulture and historic preservation while providing enriching public programs.

The GSBF Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is the home to some of the finest Bonsai on the west coast. The BGLM, located at Oakland’s Lakeside Park, is the only major all-volunteer bonsai garden in the country and houses some of the most important bonsai in the US. It was built, is staffed and maintained by volunteers from throughout the greater Bay Area and is supported entirely by donations from our visitors and the bonsai community.

Established in 1972 as a non-profit volunteer organization, The Gardens serves as a sanctuary in the heart of Walnut Creek, CA. With over 6.5 acres of lush gardens and a renowned Rose Garden, The Gardens remains dedicated to remaining free and open to the public 7 days a week. After 50 years of business, The Gardens continues to focus on education, horticulture, and weddings while honoring the nonprofit mission. We look forward to continuing to see our loyal patrons and volunteers as well as welcoming new visitors.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a naturally beautiful and tranquil living museum of California native plants. Located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, this enchanting 10-acre garden is a sanctuary for many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state.