Plant museums in California

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, previously known as San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010, is a sprawling 730-hectare zoo located in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, in close proximity to Escondido. This vast expanse of land is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists and animal enthusiasts alike.

Filoli is a historic villa from the early 20th century that is protected as a monument. It boasts an extraordinary garden and park area that spans approximately 2.6 km². The villa is nestled in the mountains between San José and San Francisco, in Woodside, California. This location offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse and botanical garden situated in the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. It is a unique attraction that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants. The greenhouse is entirely made of wood and glass, with a total of 16,800 panes. It is one of the oldest municipal greenhouses in the United States, built in 1879 by the city of San Francisco.

The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, is a unique blend of a science academy and a natural history museum. It features a planetarium, an artificial rainforest, and a large aquatic area. This combination of features offers visitors a diverse and comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore various aspects of natural history and science in one place.

The Giant Forest Museum is a natural history museum situated in Tulare County, California. It is nestled within the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park and is operated by the National Park Service. This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural history of the area and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.

The Huntington Library, situated in San Marino, California, is more than just a library. Founded by Henry E. Huntington, it serves as an educational and research institute. Apart from its extensive library, it also boasts an art collection that includes English figures and 18th-century French furniture. Additionally, it is home to beautiful botanical gardens, making it a diverse destination for tourists.

Joshua Tree National Park is situated in the southern part of California, United States. It is positioned to the east of the region between Los Angeles and San Diego, and north of Palm Springs. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting these popular cities.

The San Diego Botanic Garden, previously known as Quail Botanical Gardens, is a botanical garden situated in Encinitas, California. Spanning 37 acres, this garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and learn about different ecosystems.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a hub for nature enthusiasts. Each year, it reconnects more than 150,000 people to nature, both indoors and outdoors. The museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in natural history and want to learn more about the natural world.

The Oakland Museum of California is a highly regarded institution in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore art, history, and natural sciences. Located between Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland, the museum houses over 1.9 million objects, including fundamental works of art, historical and ethnographic objects, natural specimens, and photographs.

The Yosemite Museum, situated in the Yosemite Valley within the Yosemite National Park in California, was established in 1926. The museum's exhibits primarily concentrate on the heritage and culture of the Ahwahnechee people, the original inhabitants of the valley. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and traditions of these indigenous people.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden, previously known as the Strybing Arboretum, is a significant attraction located within the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, offering a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species from around the world.

The Humboldt Botanical Garden, located south of Eureka, California, spans an impressive 44.5 acres. This expansive garden offers a diverse range of plant life and scenic views, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden of Los Angeles County is a botanical park nestled in the hills near the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles, California. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to explore the diverse flora of the region.

The Sherman Library and Gardens is an educational and research institution located in Newport Beach, California. It houses both a library and a botanical garden, offering a unique blend of nature and knowledge. The facility is situated on the Pacific Coast Highway in the Corona del Mar neighborhood, nestled within a small park near the Pacific Ocean. It provides a serene and enriching environment for visitors to explore and learn.

Descanso Gardens is a preserved area of Chaparral, Rose Garden, Japanese garden, and botanical garden spanning 150 acres in La Cañada Flintridge, California, USA. It includes 80 acres of cultivated land and 80 acres of natural hillside chaparral. This former private estate, now owned by Los Angeles County and operated by the non-profit Descanso Gardens Guild, is internationally known as the home of the largest camellia collection in the United States.

Ganna Walska Lotusland, often simply referred to as Lotusland, is a non-profit botanical garden situated in Montecito, close to Santa Barbara, California. This garden is a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in nature. It offers a diverse range of plant species and beautifully designed landscapes that can be explored at leisure.

The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a sprawling 13.7 ha botanical garden situated on the University of California, Berkeley Campus. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and educational environment.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret the relationship between humans and nature. This complex offers a variety of attractions including a botanical garden, arboretum, natural history and science museums, and educational programs on history and science. It is located next to the Sacramento River, providing a beautiful backdrop for exploration and learning.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, located in Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara, California, is a vast 78-acre botanical garden. It is home to over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants, offering a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse flora. The garden's purpose is to display California native plants in natural settings, providing an authentic and immersive experience for visitors.

The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, located on the southeastern corner of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, spans across 7 acres and houses over 3,000 species of plants. This vast collection of flora offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species in one location.

The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, located in the Rose Garden District of San Jose, California, is a historic garden dedicated solely to roses. Established in 1927, the garden boasts over 3,500 shrubs that represent 189 different varieties of roses. This vast collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diversity of roses.

The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 14-acre park and botanical garden nestled in the City of Vista, California. The management of this beautiful space is a joint effort between the city council and the park's management society. This collaboration ensures that the gardens are well-maintained and continue to serve as a haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a botanical garden spanning 26 acres, located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus. It houses a diverse collection of plants from around the globe, making it a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Sonoma Botanical Garden, formerly known as Quarryhill Botanical Garden, is a private nonprofit education and research botanical garden. It is renowned for housing one of the largest collections of scientifically documented, wild-source Asian plants in North America and Europe. This makes it a unique destination for plant enthusiasts and those interested in botany.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret and showcase the intricate relationships between humans and nature. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, from botanical gardens and arboretums to natural history and science museums, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a botanical garden that spans an area of 10,000 m². It specializes in plants that require low water consumption and is managed by the Garden Conservancy. This garden is a perfect place for those who are interested in botany, especially in plants that are adapted to survive in conditions with limited water availability.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are situated in Fort Bragg, California, between California's Highway One and the Pacific Ocean. The gardens span an impressive 47 acres (19 hectares), offering a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene and beautiful location situated in Kelley Park, San José, California. This garden is a symbol of the friendship between the city of San José and its sister city, Okayama in Japan. It's a perfect place for tourists who are looking for a peaceful and tranquil environment amidst the bustling city life.

The Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Gardens is a 10-acre area that is maintained by Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens Inc., a non-profit organization. The park is located within the city of Dunsmuir, California, near the famous Mount Shasta. This park and botanical garden is a municipal entity, meaning it is maintained for the benefit of the public and the local community.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is a sprawling 35.2-hectare (87 acres) botanical garden situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California, USA. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

The University of California, Davis, Arboretum is a sprawling 100-acre arboretum that stretches along the banks of Putah Creek. It is located in the southern part of the UC Davis campus in Davis, California. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and academic research, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in both nature and science.

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is unique in its collection of plants from the five Mediterranean climate zones. These zones include California, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and the countries of the Mediterranean basin. This diverse collection offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species from around the world.

The California State University Northridge Botanic Garden is a botanical garden that spans 2.5 acres. It is dedicated to teaching and is managed by the University of California in Northridge, California, USA. The garden is located in the southeast quadrant of the campus of the only public university located in the San Fernando Valley. It is a place where visitors can learn about various plant species and their importance in our ecosystem.

The Japanese Garden, situated in Van Nuys, California, is a 6.5-acre botanical garden. It is nestled within the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Los Angeles' Woodley Park. This serene location offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is a city park that houses the former residence, greenhouse, gardens, and final resting place of the renowned American horticulturist, Luther Burbank. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of Burbank, who was responsible for introducing over 250 new varieties of fruit and numerous other plant species.

The University of California, Riverside, Botanic Gardens is a sprawling 40-acre botanical garden that is home to a diverse collection of over 3,500 species of plants from all corners of the globe. This vast collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a wide variety of plant species in one location.

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is a unique botanical garden located in Palm Springs, California. This 1-acre family-owned garden specializes in cacti and other desert plants, offering a unique experience for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Trees of Mystery is a unique park and tourist attraction located along U.S. Route 101, close to the coastal town of Klamath in California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, with its Giant Redwoods and unusual tree formations. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate nature and are interested in learning more about the local flora.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a regional visitor and nature center situated in the scenic Big Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest, in San Bernardino County, southern California. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the region.

The Jensen Botanical Gardens, situated in Carmichael, California, spans across an area of 3.5 acres. Established in 1958 by Charles C. Jensen, the garden is a testament to his love for nature and his dedication to preserving it. The garden is open during daylight hours, making it a perfect spot for a daytime stroll amidst nature.

The Gardens at Heather Farm are a unique collection of gardens situated within Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, California. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of plant life and landscaping styles in one place. The gardens are a part of the larger park, providing a serene and beautiful environment for relaxation and exploration.

The Living Coast Discovery Center, located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, California, is an environmental education center. It features exhibits of marine animals, other animals, and birds. This center provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with various species in a controlled environment.

Oakland Zoo is home to over 440 native and exotic animal species. The zoo has always prioritized naturalistic animal care, aiming to provide the most authentic and comfortable habitats for its residents. This approach not only benefits the animals but also offers visitors a more realistic and educational experience.

Arlington Garden, located in Pasadena, California, is a 3-acre botanical garden that is open to the public for free. It is the only dedicated public garden in the city, making it a unique destination for those who appreciate nature and horticulture. The garden was first planted in 2005 and has since grown into a beautiful and practical demonstration of water-conserving and climate-appropriate gardening.

The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is dedicated to early childhood education, building and displaying interactive exhibits that cater to this focus. The museum's exhibits, programs, and initiatives have received local, regional, and national attention. Some of its exhibits include life-size replicas of Columbian mammoths, explorable vehicles like a fire engine and a Wells Fargo stagecoach, and five visual and performing arts spaces.

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, located in Palm Springs, California, is a cultural and historical institution that focuses on the Cahuilla people of the Coachella Valley. This museum provides an in-depth look into the history and culture of the Cahuilla people, offering a unique perspective on the indigenous people of this region.

The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is a unique botanical garden that spans across 86 acres. It specializes in endemic plants of California, offering a unique opportunity to explore the state's native flora. The garden is divided into three different areas: Indian Hill Mesa, East Alluvial Gardens, and Plant Communities, each showcasing different types of native Californian plants.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens, a sprawling 107-acre garden, is situated at 567 S. Poli Street in Ventura, California. The gardens were reopened on November 3, 2018, after undergoing extensive repairs due to the damage caused by the Thomas Fire. The gardens are home to a vast collection of approximately 100,000 plants, making it a significant destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, situated in Berkeley, California, spans an impressive 40,000 square meters. This expansive garden is home to a diverse range of plant species native to the state of California, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the state's rich botanical heritage.

The University of California, Santa Cruz, Arboretum, also known as CSUSC Arboretum, is a botanical garden and arboretum situated on the campus of the University of California in Santa Cruz, USA. It is a place where visitors can explore a diverse range of plant species and enjoy the natural beauty of the campus.

The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a serene oasis nestled within the larger Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the botanical garden and enjoy the amenities of the park in one visit. The garden is easily accessible and provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, situated in Thousand Oaks, California, is a unique blend of peak views and 15 hillside botanical gardens. This combination offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature from different perspectives. The garden's location on a peak provides stunning vista views, while the 15 hillside botanical gardens each offer a unique collection of flora.

The California Living Museum, also known as CALM, is a zoo located in Bakersfield, California. The museum's primary focus is on the plants and animals that are native to California, with a particular emphasis on those found in Kern County. This unique focus allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem and the diverse species that inhabit it.

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is a vast 38-acre botanical garden located in Avalon, California. It is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a conservation organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island. The garden is a testament to the organization's commitment to conservation and offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and beautiful setting.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is situated in Pacific Grove, California, United States, in close proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This museum is dedicated to the natural history of the region, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local flora, fauna, geology, and cultural histories.

The Maturango Museum, situated in Ridgecrest, California, is renowned for its guided tours of the Coso Rock Art District, which is located on the China Lake Naval Weapons Station. These tours provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the area.

The Gibson House and property are owned by Yolo County and managed by Yoloarts. Yoloarts runs the Barn Gallery and the Yolo County Historical Collection is displayed at the Gibson House by the County. There are permanent exhibitions which look at the rural history between 1830 and 1930 and temporary

Blake Garden, situated in Kensington, California, is a sprawling 10.9-acre arboretum and botanical garden. This lush green space offers a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse flora it houses.