
Ventura Botanical Gardens
Ventura, CA
~$7 adult; under 18 free
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.6(993 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Reviewers are clear this is an uphill hike, not a garden stroll. Strollers are allowed but one couple with a toddler came away sore. Wear proper shoes. Parking on site, tickets available at the gate, and reviewers mention a free day each week, so check which. Ocean views build as you climb.
This 107-acre hillside garden above downtown Ventura showcases more than 120,000 plants representing all five Mediterranean climate zones of the world — California, Chile, South Africa's Cape, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin. A stroller-friendly path leads to the first viewpoint with sweeping views of the Channel Islands and Topa Topa peak, while the full loop trail continues for those who want more.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
- Stroller-friendly
- Shade
- Works for a wide age range
Happening near here
- Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers' MarketVentura · 1 mi · 8:30am–12pmFree
- Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers' MarketVentura · 1 mi · 9am–1pmFree
- Downtown Oxnard Farmers MarketOxnard · 9 mi · 9am–1:30pmFree
- Ojai Certified Farmers' MarketOjai · 12 mi · 9am–1pmFree
567 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- GetawayGirl★★★★★
Friday is free to admit. Plenty of parking on site. It’s a proper uphill hiking so make sure of shoes and may consider taking hiking sticks. I was expecting more variety of plants. You can buy ticket on spot. They have a cute gift shop as well.
5 months ago
- Tara Clark★★★★★
I typically go on weekends. No need to get tickets ahead of time. If you're a member unlimited free entry. I added my membership card to Google wallet so I don't have to carry the card or wait for them to look me up. The walk is always lovely and the views get better the higher you go. You can tack on The Ramble if you want to go further or the African gardens are beautiful. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature right in the heart of downtown Ventura.
2 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
Nearby places
Love finding spots like this?
Get our best family things to do near you in one weekly email — free outings, weekend picks and local tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.