The Botanic Gardens

This is one of Santa Barbara's hidden treasures. Off the beaten path, this park features 65 acres of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, cacti, in natural settings.  It is truly spectacular in the spring.  There are 5.5 miles of easy-to-walk nature trails.  The historic dam was built in 1806 by Native Americans under the direction of mission padres.

Particulars: 

Open daily.
March-October: 9am-6pm
November-February: 9am-5pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day

• Adults: $8
• Seniors and teens 13-17, full-time students, and active military with id: $6
• Children 2-12: $4
• Children under 2: Free
• Members: Free

Daily Guided Tours at 2pm; Saturdays and Sundays: tours at 11am and 2pm

Garden Growers Retail Nursery offering native California and Mediterranean plants
Garden Shop and Nursery Hours: open 9:30am-5:30pm March -October, 9:30am-4:30pm November-February

Directions:
Take the Mission Street exit of the 101 and head north towards the mountains. Drive until you reach Santa Barbara St. Turn left. You will now begin to see signs for the Museum of Natural History and the Botanic Garden. Go 2 blocks on Santa Barbara St. and turn right at Los Olivos . Stay on Los Olivos past the Mission. Bear left at the fork in the road and continue on to Foothill Road (Rt. 192). Take a right at the stop sign at Foothill and a left at the next stop sign on to Mission Canyon Road. Bear right at the fork of the road and continue on to the Botanic Garden entrance on you left.