its a short but sweet walk on one side and as much as you want to explore on the other side. i went in late october but would love to see when the desert pants are in bloom.

Put on your sneakers, and come walk the trails that meander through beautifully landscaped horticultural displays. You'll learn about indigenous plants in the area, and micro-climates that define the natural beauty of Santa Barbara.

Coming from Europe, seeing entirely different plants adapted to the climate is fascinating, and many are labelled. The walks are pleasant, go on the trails around the edge to get good views of the garden and the mountains behind, walk quietly and you may see a family of quails. The redwood section, for me was the best section as I visited in the autumn when much of the garden is dry; cool and pleasant on a hot day. Still signs of the fire some years ago, for me this put the place in context. Not large, but a good place for a short walk.