Discover California’s diverse natural landscapes at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre living museum designed entirely with native plants. Miles of walking trails crisscross the gardens, so you can venture from a towering coastal redwood forest to an inland cacti-filled desert in just one hike. Take in sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands, and wander among more than 1,000 unique plants, trees, and flowers that exemplify the unique natural beauty of the region.
Highlights of the Garden
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is divided into 11 sections, showcasing habitats ranging from an arid desert and rocky canyon to a lush redwood forest and tranquil arroyo. In spring, the iconic meadow bursts with bright-orange California poppies and other wildflowers.
Among the garden’s must-see features are a peaceful Meadow Pond, the historic Mission Dam and Aqueduct, and a Ceremonial Teahouse, where visitors can enjoy Japanese tea demonstrations at select times throughout the year. The Pritzlaff Conservation Center is a hub of scientific study; facilities include seed and plant tissue banks, an herbarium, a fungarium, a lichenarium, an insect collection and a gallery hosting rotating exhibits. The Backcountry, spanning 4.5 acres along Mission Creek, recreates California’s remote, open landscapes. This interactive space invites all ages to connect with native plants through play, exploration and curiosity. Featuring diverse terrains and habitats inspired by Southern California, it encourages visitors to uncover the wonders of nature at their own pace.
Explore the Tipton Trail
The newest addition to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Tipton Trail connects visitors to the eastern portion of the property and offers breathtaking views. Beginning at the Pollinator Garden, the 1.3-mile out-and-back trail passes through varied habitats, including a riparian zone and a woodland shaded by mature coast live oak trees. At the ridgetop, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Mountains and the northern Channel Islands.
Avid birdwatchers will have much to spot along the trail. Some of the resident and seasonal bird species found here include hermit thrushes, raptors, ruby-crowned kinglets and various warblers.
Tipton Trail is rated as moderate difficulty, with more than 200 feet in elevation gain and an average 12.5% gradient. Learn more about the Tipton Trail.
Events and Classes
Throughout the year, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a wide range of events and classes for all ages. Join a guided nature walk, view seasonal exhibitions, learn about the native plants in the garden and bring the kids along for hands-on learning opportunities. Check out upcoming events and classes.
Admission, Tickets and Accessibility
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required and can be booked up to two months in advance. Admission for non-members is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (60+) and military, $14 for students with a valid ID, $12 for youth ages 3-12 and free for children 3 and under. Reduced admission of $3 is available through a partnership with Museums for All. Leashed dogs are always welcome.
The garden offers accessible parking at the main entrance and at the Pritzlaff Conservation Center entrance, as well as accessible and family restrooms at the entrance kiosk. Several areas of the garden are accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
Private Rentals and Weddings at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Looking for an inspiring backdrop for your destination wedding in Santa Barbara? The garden is available for intimate weddings, corporate retreats and other private events. Choose from natural settings like the lawn or redwood grove, or host your gathering on the Island View deck of the Pritzlaff Conservation Center for stunning coastal views.
