Uc Botanical Garden At Berkeley
Uc Botanical Garden At Berkeley
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover a world of plants! The 34-acre Botanical Garden is the third largest botanical garden in the United States in numbers of species with an incredibly diverse landscape containing over 10,000 kinds of plants including many rare and endangered species. Be sure to check out the Arid House, Virginia Haldan Tropical House or the Orchid, Fern and Carnivorous Glass House and the five-acre Redwood Grove. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate bridge from various vantage points in the Garden. Advance admission tickets are recommended.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
490 reviews
Excellent
349
Very good
117
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Bev J
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
I started going to the Botanical Gardens when I was 19 in 1969 and it was one of my favorite places, but it's now segregated for the privileged only, because, like with most of the other gardens, museums, etc. in the Bay Area that used to be free, they charge, which keeps out the poor. (Please don't tell us that it's not much when it's a massive cost for those of us who don't have enough to live on.)
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlueTravels
Jacksonville, FL441 contributions
Feb 2022
The layout of this botanical garden is unique and quite hilly. We loved it as we like varied terrain, hills, and steps but it might not be for everyone, particularly on a hot day. The whole place is fairly compact but the myriad small trails kept us entertained and moving.
As is typical, different areas are devoted to various plant types or the plants of various regions. The South African collection is quite good and the garden features several benches at high vantage points for people watching and enjoying the sun and breeze. We also really liked the cactus garden.
The garden does have a very small gift shop and there is a rack of snacks and a small refrigerator with soft drinks for sale. Parking is provided at a pay lot across the street.
We took a day off from hiking and drove over from San Rafael where we were staying and felt the experience was worth the trip.
As is typical, different areas are devoted to various plant types or the plants of various regions. The South African collection is quite good and the garden features several benches at high vantage points for people watching and enjoying the sun and breeze. We also really liked the cactus garden.
The garden does have a very small gift shop and there is a rack of snacks and a small refrigerator with soft drinks for sale. Parking is provided at a pay lot across the street.
We took a day off from hiking and drove over from San Rafael where we were staying and felt the experience was worth the trip.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
faa234
Leeds, UK96 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
Visiting Berkeley alone, I was under instruction to visit this garden by my wife (a professional garden designer) It covers a large area, so my 2 hour visit covered the California Garden alone. There is a lot to see and experience with informative displays along the way. Visited late in the day, so felt as if I was alone in the garden.
It is well worth a visit for experts and novices alike, there is something for everyone.
Staff in the shop were especially welcoming and knowledgeable about the area. The garden is uphill from central Berkeley, taking a taxi would be useful so you can expend all your energy exploring the garden and walking back to Berkeley, which is downhill all the way, and the university campus is along the route (also a delight to walk through)
In the UK a garden like this would have a tea room, serving snacks/hot drinks, I think such facilities would enhance ones visit and generate a lot more income for the garden.
It is well worth a visit for experts and novices alike, there is something for everyone.
Staff in the shop were especially welcoming and knowledgeable about the area. The garden is uphill from central Berkeley, taking a taxi would be useful so you can expend all your energy exploring the garden and walking back to Berkeley, which is downhill all the way, and the university campus is along the route (also a delight to walk through)
In the UK a garden like this would have a tea room, serving snacks/hot drinks, I think such facilities would enhance ones visit and generate a lot more income for the garden.
Written April 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dingoes8Baby
San Diego, CA197 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Lovely and not crowded on a Saturday afternoon in January. The temperature was also very nice. You can actually get lost here. How often does that happen in the middle of a city in a forest?
Written January 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virtualcourtney
Lincoln, NE19 contributions
Jan 2014 • Business
A definite must-see. Such a beautiful and special place to visit! The walk up the hill is steep -- take a bus from the Berkeley campus for a dollar.
Written January 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meg_burton
Glion2 contributions
Hidden high in the Berkeley Hills the botanical gardens is an oasis for both visitors and students of the (BEST) university. Don't miss the old rose garden, with its magnificent view of the Golden Gate from under an archway of beautiful roses and the red wood grove embodies serenity.
Written October 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
misslee134
Richmond, CA23 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
If you're lucky your schedule will align with the summer concert series in the garden's redwood grove. I hope it does because that's a magical evening that you'll remember for a long time!
But regardless save enough time to really savor all the different areas -- especially the Garden of Old Roses, which has a stunning Golden Gate view if the skies are clear.
But regardless save enough time to really savor all the different areas -- especially the Garden of Old Roses, which has a stunning Golden Gate view if the skies are clear.
Written September 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigredwombat
Plano, Texas230 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Well worth the trip (we hiked up from the Berkeley campus). Lots of walking trails and a great diversity of plants (Africa, Asia, US, desert, rain forest). From the far end of the garden, you can see the bay and the Golden Gate bridge. Make sure to visit the Redwood grove across the street from the garden. They will give you an access code for the gate. No cell reception at the garden so you have to hook up to their wifi (free) if you want to call Uber or something.
Written June 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karencilman
Berkeley, CA23 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I love the UC Botanical Garden. There is now a bus operated by the University that runs from downtown (in front of the B of A) directly to it. It is a huge garden; don't expect to see all of it in one visit. I especially love the Northeastern U.S. section because it reminds me of home, and has birch trees. The herb garden is also awesome. And the Himalayan section! And the ginormous cactuses.
Written September 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamabearette
Berkeley, CA38 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Just when you think Berkeley is too urban, you remember to visit the Botanical Garden. What a gorgeous place, quiet, scenic and away from it all. The garden is organized into sections featuring native plants from different regions. My favorite is the California, of course, but my son went gaga over the carnivorous plant nursery. This is a very pleasant way to spend a morning before it gets too hot in the summertime. Hit The Vault for brunch after!
Written July 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs on leash ok in the garden? I saw someone in the review said it’s ok but their website said it’s not ok. I have a well behaved small dog I’d like to bring with me if possible.
Written January 4, 2020
I doubt very much dogs are allowed. Best to call them and ask before going.
Written January 4, 2020
Hi, are there any fall colors in the garden? What's a good time to see those at peak?
Written November 7, 2017
We were there in early August. It was the between -season....between flowering peak and fall colors. But it was still worthwhile to seel.
Written November 8, 2017
Give yourself two hours or so... You could do it in an hour if you were in a rush... Add on 15-20 minutes if you want to see the redwood grove across the road.
Written February 17, 2017
$1.00 an hour for parking and $10.00 to get in for me at age 53, 65 and up $8.00, Juniors 13-17 $5, children 5-12 $2, children 5 and under free. First Wednesday of each month free.
Written July 28, 2016
Is the gardens easily walkable for people with mobility issues? ie hilly/inclines; uneven ground, gravel, etc.
Written July 9, 2016
They are quite hilly and many of the paths are crude with gravel, loose rocks, etc. Someone with a cane could probably see a lot (not all) of the gardens. But not in a scooter or wheelchair.
Written July 10, 2016
Is the gardens easily walkable for people with mobility issues? ie hilly/inclines; uneven ground, gravel, etc.
Written July 9, 2016
Cunukmd,
Hey there, to answer your question easily, unfortunately the paths that run through the garden at all gravel, dirt, and for the most part there are inclines and declines. It really is a beautiful botanical garden (one of my personal favorites). The inclines/declines however, aren't too bad. I don't believe that it is wheelchair accessible if that helps answer your question? If it's not too far out of your way, give it a shot, it truly is a fabulous garden with plants from around the state, country, and a few other continents
Written July 22, 2016
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