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UCSC Arboretum

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
831.427.2998
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Ranked #6 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
Type: Gardens
Traveler Description: The Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz is an unsurpassed garden with flowering plants from around the world, especially Australia, South Africa, New Zealand... more »
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29 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Santa Cruz, California
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013

Walk the hummingbird trail or just ramble on paths that wind through many Australian and African plants with strange and beautiful flowers, , such as Proteas, Pincushion flowers and Banksias. There is a lovely scent garden and a great gift shop, Norrie's, that specializes in gifts, books,plants, jewelry, scarves and collectibles related to plants, birds and other natural forms. You... More

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See 21 more reviews by Tidetalker for Santa Cruz
Baddeck, Canada
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 28, 2013

If you like drought tolerant, deer proof plants, this is the place to get them. The gardens are large, very interesting, and best of all, right in Santa Cruz.

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See 2 more reviews by david f for Santa Cruz
Shaver Lake, California
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Lots of walking but worth it (good exercise). Lots of different plant species. Usually beautiful weather. Easy to find.

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See 6 more reviews by jodip630 for Santa Cruz
Santa Rosa, California, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

A huge, sprawling selection of plants from Africa, New Zealand, Australia and California, as well as some special gardens (succulents, rare fruits). The admission fee is well worth the amount of time you can spend here and what you'll see. They also have a gift shop where you can purchase some plants. Some truly amazing and unusual plants here, the... More

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See 2 more reviews by Rhianon B for Santa Cruz
Aptos, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 25, 2013

The arboretum at UCSC is a wonderful place for people who love plants and families. There are lots of trails, special events for kids, an amazing greenhouse, a nice gift shop and they have large plant sales a couple of times per year. Some truly amazing plants and flowers, and lots of hummingbirds!

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Watsonville, CA
Top Contributor
104 reviews 104 reviews
48 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 2, 2013

With sections corresponding to different continents and zones, a walk here will take you around the world of plants. Stop at the shop on the way out and buy an exotic plant for your yard.

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See 10 more reviews by meade13 for Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 1, 2013

this a world class collection of plants from the entire planet but most extraordinary are the those from the south hemisheres.. Especially are the displays from South Africa and Australia. very unique boutique with sure to please gifts. I visit every month or so to enjoy the changing foliage and the flowers in season.Don Slebir

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See 8 more reviews by dslebir for Santa Cruz
Walnut Creek, CA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 11, 2012

Our most recent visit was right after a storm and the place was alive with sparkling puddles and rain drops. Lots of hummingbirds, lots of plants in bloom. Gift shop always a treat -- arboretum plants for sale.

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See 2 more reviews by Deborah W for Santa Cruz
San Francisco, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 24, 2012

The arboretum is a beautiful place to have a picnic in the spring with bunnies rampant through the planting areas. I especially enjoy that they kept areas focused on various ecosystems throughout the world like the New Zealand, Australian gardens. I liked the butterfly trail as well. Beautiful setting and a hidden gem.

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See 6 more reviews by bnbme for Santa Cruz
Aptos, California, United States
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
39 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 20, 2012

UCSC is a leader in organic agriculture and sustainable agriculture education. They train students from many countries in modern sustainable farming techniques and borrow ancient historical techniques from primitive agriculture to try to find new ways to feed people. Many experimental plantings of unusual food crops are evaluated at UCSC. The staff are knowledgeable and general courteous. They do get... More

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See 22 more reviews by R E K for Santa Cruz

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