We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 52 Santa Cruz Attractions »

UCSC Arboretum

1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
831.427.2998
Ranked #6 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
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 »
Update attraction details
Write a Review

12 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    8
    4
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

We decided to take a day trip from Carmel to visit this garden. We encountered much traffic on the way there but eventually found this quaint and different kind of garden. The garden is broken up into different sections from the southern hemisphere like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, South America. It seems like the environment in Santa Cruz is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Aptos, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012

The UCSC gardens are a great place to take a picnic. I used to meander through when I attended college there. Last went to the hummingbird festival where they had crafts and other family activities. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
La Crescenta, CA
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We visited the Arboretum because our daughter who attends UCSC works there. We are pleasantly surprised! Very lovely, low key and relaxing gardens. A great place to relax and breathe in the serenity of the locale. Enjoyed seeing all the exotic plant species. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by tcardona for Santa Cruz
Sacramento
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Okay, Arboretum !!! Plants, trees. How cool will that be?? They have great views, plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Really trippy specimens that facinate. Great shoppe and cuttings More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by luv2gooften for Santa Cruz
Carmel, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

A great place to visit for sketching, photography, strolling, a heart to heart, contemplation or just being. Amazing collection of South African flora. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Exerciseexpert for Santa Cruz
Sunnyvale, California
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

I love UCSC's Arboretum. It's peaceful, spacious, and as you explore you kind of forget where you really are. I love the array of different plants and occasional wildlife (butterflies, birds, etc). There is also a small gift shop that sells little plants at reasonable prices. An excellent place to wander around for a few hours and just enjoy nature. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by CadetBat for Santa Cruz
Woodside, Ca
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 9, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Beautiful, learn a lot, incredible plants, and you can purchase to take home as well. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by emeraldhillstraveler for Santa Cruz
Port Huron, Michigan
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 30, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

This is a nice place to get away from the hub bub of the city. Although not a lot was blooming while we were there, it was a good walk in nature. We will definitely go back in a different clime! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by PenguinRob for Santa Cruz
Sonoma County
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 22, 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We spent quite awhile here, browsing the trails, sitting and enjoying the spectacular view. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by T_From_N_Calif for Santa Cruz
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 13, 2011
3
people found this review helpful

Incredible collections of exotic Australian and South African plants. We were there for HOURS and did not see everything. Great gift shop with plants and other nice products. There is a monthly free day. Some paths are paved. More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed UCSC Arboretum also viewed

West Cliff Drive
4.5 of 5 stars 52 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
4.5 of 5 stars 24 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
 
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
4 of 5 stars 226 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
Roaring Camp Railroads
4.5 of 5 stars 30 Reviews
Santa Cruz, CA
 

Been to UCSC Arboretum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage UCSC Arboretum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »