Arboretum And Botanical Garden At Cal State Fullerton Reviews

This very well designed arboretum is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by millions of people. Built before the sprawl of SoCal ate up most of the open land it is a very beautiful place. They offer classes and annual holiday events adding to the conservation history and community feel of Fullerton.

Cal State Fullerton has nice gardens overall - through their campus. The Arboretum is a bit out of the way and could have a better entrance location and fencing - but quite nice inside.

We have visited OC for a decade to spend time with family (not the mouse!) and have never heard of the Arboretum. We found it on Trip Advisor and checked it out. Easy to find, free parking, many interesting plants. An oasis in the concrete jungle. Will definitely be back on future visits to OC.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a beautiful peaceful escape from the noise and pace of the city. Walk around the grounds at your own pace and enjoy the lush landscape. On certain days they offer tours of the old Doctor's house on the ground which is very interesting. No fee but donation is suggested.

Such a beautiful place with so much to see. The turtles on the lake were out in abundance as it was very warm. Some interesting items and exhibits to peruse in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Recommend a visit if you are in the area.

I had a wonderful walk through this arboretum. It was a great way to spend an hour and a half while while waiting for a friend.

Fullerton is a unique city to live in. Our arboretum is a beautiful garden with many different sections and elements. I bought my first milkweed plant there nine years ago. Our home is now a monarch waystation 5375 and it all started with one small milkweed plant from the Fullerton arboretum. I like to take friends there for a beautiful nature walk. Sometimes there are special events there like a garden show every spring. And sometimes they host a wedding. I believe they only ask for a two dollar donation. You can also become a member if you like. Come try it out bring a book or a picnic basket.

Coming from New Zealand where we are spoilt for green and lush vegetation this arboretum was interesting because it is an example of plants that grow in a fairly dry environment. Nevertheless it is (to me) a dry and dusty walk though worthwhile for the gardener (that's me) to visit. Obviously the Australian plants do well here i.e. bottlebrush and eucalyptus. A good change from the hustle and bustle of urban Southern California.

This is a tranquil place to relax next to Cal State Campus. It has many trees, flowers , and gardens. Also, there are some turtles and cranes in the pond area. No admission fee is required and there is plenty of parking. It's open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. A surprising hidden gem. Recommended.

I usually come here to buy plants but their main focus is native plants of the southwest, in botanic/geographic groups around a large lake. A wonderful place to walk and learn plant names. There's also a historic old house and volunteer/planted gardens....a great learning experience and a breath of fresh air.

We took our 2 year old daughter to the Arboretum today for a hike. It was really nice. The whole property is covered with beautiful plants, flowers, and fruit trees. We saw rabbits, lizards, ducks, & squirrels. It was a great time.

Fun place to walk and not too large. It is beautiful, with many native plantings. They also sell potted plants and host various special events like Blues and Brews in August.

This is a little gem oasis in the middle of the Orange County desert. Strolling around the beautiful grounds not only lowers your blood pressure and lifts your spirits, but it also offers a wealth of input for considering making your yard/garden more compatible with the local environment and supportive of native critters; not to mention (but I will) more water wise.

If you are able to be close by, keep in tune with their nursery sales. Many knowledgeable staff to help (many of them are students), and a vast selection of native and bird-friendly plants to beautify your garden while helping to sustain the natural environment.

Such a wonderful place to reset your inner self. Also, free parking and admission by donation (hint, give a few bucks to help sustain it. You'll get that back on your water bill many times over).

Cheers!

nice place to take the kids for a little walk...small and quaint but don;'t expect the huntington/ can get hot..not too mucvh shade so take sunscreen and water

I recently made a visit with my sister and mother-in-law. We walked about the arboretum, brought some citrus fruit, and watched the turtles swim in the lake. The layout is easy to navigate, staff members are very friendly, and the upkeep of the gardens are great. There are also benches throughout the place, where you and read of just enjoy the surroundings. This is a must see when you are Fullerton.

One of my favorite places, and not just because I am a CSUF alumnus. It is a wonderful place to "get away from it all". Love the different areas of vegetation and every season is a surprise. They are always improving it, also. They have a great plant sale every weekend with low cost plants--several of my garden plants came from there. They also have great classes and I have taken several. The Victorian Clark House is wonderful. All for a small donation. I also love the Green Scene that is like a fair of plant vendors, held once a year. We try to attend every year.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a beautiful setting for strolling around and reading and simply watching birds and plants, and passing the time. But, if you want the best event, go to the Green Scene. This year it is on April 12 and 13.

It is a gardener's heaven. You can get tomatoes and cucumbers and peppers, and pumpkins and squash, and green beans. You can get basil of all variety, thyme and oregano, parsley, rosemary, and more. Drought resistant or tolerant plants. Aloe vera and bearded iris (go there first). Day lilies, and rare vines and trees (olalileberry) (citrus and stone fruit). You can learn about fertilizer and pest control and watering. You can find garden decorations of all kinds. Flowers galore. Plumerias are another easy plant to grow. Get several sticks and start your own paradise.

I buy lots of plants for my garden and that of my staff and we share all summer long. It is a wonderful day spent going through all of the different vendors and seeing the fun things you can do in a garden.

Great selection of plants and trees from different climate zones. Particularly good display of cactus plants and other drought-tolerant landscaping ideas. Paths are fairly level and easy to negotiate with strollers. Exhibits are kid-friendly. Well worth the recommended contribution of $5.00/person. There is no set admission price.

This place is perfect to walk around and relax. You can check out different areas representing different regions or plant types, or just sit by the pond and feed the ducks. Its a good place for a nice cheap date/picnic if you're a bit strapped for cash. The entrance fee is a recommended donation, but I do encourage donating at least a little something.

This is a GREAT adventure for children and adults alike. When I went, I did see many joggers, families with children, and elderly people just walking around. It is FREE to go in and out and people interested in photography can practice there without needing a permit! (I did email before and ask and they said it was fine, as long as I did not do a wedding photoshoot or something of that nature.)
There is a small shop with bathrooms on the other side. Heading straight into the park, it is a big circle. There are trees, flowers, and various plants that are different and beautiful in their own way. There were many bugs (bees, flies, etc.) so be warned. There were many birds that looked cute and some looked exotic. Most of all, the trees caught my attention because of their age and growth over time. Some were huge and looked to have lived for a very long time. Others were thin but still growing and fighting for sunlight.
I was impressed by many of the flowers that were in bloom despite the nearing-winter weather.
The pond had fish, and it was fun to see them. There were some shy turtles, but they were big ones, too! Some of the plants, though low to the ground, were HUGE. Whereas others were smaller but carried their own delicacy in their beauty. I loved it and can't wait to go back and take some more photos!

My favorite garden in Fullerton. We went here on our first date and then got engaged here a few years later! Romantic!

Although it is not large, sequestered between the 57 Fwy and the CSUF campus, this gem is worth a stop. There are many native California plants, shady groves, a large pond with visiting ducks, a store to buy seeds and plants and an expansive lawn to rent for events such as weddings. Well worth the stop.

One of the best kept secrets in Orange County. They have local events and the grounds are well maintained.

I admit I’m spoiled by the nearby Huntington Gardens and L.A. Arboretum, both of which are much larger and better maintained. Even though the [Cal State University] Fullerton Arboretum can get dry and dusty during the summer, it is still a great place to take a stroll, work on your nature photography skills or just relax.

The grounds are divided into four “collections” of landscapes: Cultivated, Mediterranean, Desert and Woodlands. My favorite by far is the Desert area, where there are so many otherworldly things growing in there, I never ceased to be amazed. I usually take lots of photos during my visit, and fully two-thirds of them are from the Desert collection. Moving among the desert specimens is very easy due to less dense planting and lots of pathways. I make it a point to head straight for this area first. It your visit coincides with the blooming of desert flowers, you will be very happy. The university really did a nice job with this area.

Another attraction I would highly recommend seeing is the Ombú tree (Woodlands collection). I first saw one of these at the Huntington Gardens, and Fullerton has one too (featured on the Wikipedia site!). These are enormous evergreens native to the Pampas in South America, and are so big that they act as shelter from sun and rain to the Gauchos. The roots, trunk and canopy are massive.

(1) Excellent freeway access; exit the SR-57 at Yorba Linda Boulevard, go west and take a left at the first signal after the interchange. The parking lot entrance is a couple hundred feet away, so you can get there without having to risk a circuitous route on the CSUF campus.
(2) Free parking (Arboretum visitors only); free admission (make a donation).
(3) A big plus: the arboretum opens to the public at 8:00 every day. Get there early and the natural light will be better and it won’t be as hot.
(4) If you’re searching for solitude stay to the western portion of the grounds in the Woodlands collection. This area is the farthest away from the freeway (traffic noise) and the most heavily shaded. I’ve seen people reading books here on occasion.
(5) Smokers take note: you are not allowed to light up anywhere on CSUF property--even outdoors--except for the campus periphery. You’ll see a sign at the Arboretum entrance indicating this. I don’t smoke but ... hey, I don't want you to get in trouble if you do.

Every year I go to see the cactus flowers in the spring. You will be amazed at their cactus garden and all the other beautiful plants and trees . Spend some quiet time on a bench by the lake.

This location is close to Placentia VA Clinic snd decided to take a short walk. It's a very relaxing area, very easy to spend an hour walking around. It was pretty cool that there were narrow, secretish type paths. Very nice calm place for people all ages. Lots of benches. Only downside is $4 parking and unfortunately none of the proceeds go to Arboretum, they only take donations.

Tucked in the middle of noisy, crowded and over developed Fullerton, is a lovely sanctuary filled with blooming trees (smell the orange blossoms, heavenly !), shrubs, native California desert plants, gardens, birds and beauty. Human studies have shown that as little as 20 minutes spent in nature twice per week can reduce anxiety and depression, well here is a place to refresh your spirit and calm your mind, amid a botanical oasis.

I had no idea how beautiful this place was! We lived in Fullerton for years and never went here. So glad we did during this visit! Beautiful showing of God's creation and creativity!!

I used to cut through here when I would leave class at CSUF and walk home. I try to visit whenever I can. I absolutely love the Fullerton Arboreum! I love anything outdoorsy, nature, and trees. Best part, it's free! Great place to just take a stroll or sit down on a bench and enjoy the scenery and take in the sounds of natute.

I enjoy the activites they have and the grounds a very nice place to enjoy the plants that are native to CA

Beautiful park with a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy walking around and enjoying the outdoors. Great place to study between classes or to read a book.

This is a very nice place to walk and a peaceful surrounding. There are sections for different environments such as rain forest, desert, pines, etc, and good place to see birds. The nursery has great plants for sale - the place is associated with Cal State Fullerton and they also offer great workshops, events. Very pretty environment.

worth visiting. lovely grounds. can get very hot certain times of the year. plant sale area staffed by friendly volunteers. selection adequate, but, not surprisingly, nearly as varied as a county arboretum. even so, well-worth your time for a pleasant getaway in the heart of a metropolis.

If you enjoy going to a local park you will enjoy the Arboretum. It is more interesting and has plants and trees that that are not indigenous to this area. It is a nice way to spend part of a day and it costs nothing.

Pleasant pathways and informative signs on tree/plant species make for a nice time if the weather is good. Easy to park and walk around. Children would enjoy running around here. They have many places under trees with benches and shade, and a little stream and pond with ducks and turtles. We enjoyed it here.

Lovely place to walk, or sit with a picnic lunch.
No entrance fee, but a donation is always welcome.
Turtles enjoy visitors to the pond areas, spot them resting on the rocks.

This arboretum is simplistic, educational, amazing, full of small wild life, I go here to relax, sit, read, take photos. Great for artists, photographers, green thumbs.

After hours in the car, we hopped out to wander here on a hot day. Easy to find with free parking: so far so good. We found the bathrooms a little inside the park near the plants for sale and proceeded to walk the paths. There's a nice variety of plants to enjoy with some water features. The tall bamboo blowing in the wind sounded like a giant wind chime! Very cool. I thought it was odd they kicked us out at 4:30 just when it was starting to cool down; the park would remain enjoyable on a summer day far longer than that. A pleasant interlude nonetheless.

We came here to take my sister’s wedding pictures with our family. This place is beautiful and quite serene. My wife and I have come before for picnics or just to take a stroll. Parking is limited but it has never been too bad. Great for an afternoon stroll with the family.

It's nice to walk around, good place to take some family photos. There isn't anything to do as far as activities, but it would be good for really little ones. There is a pond with turtles and ducks to check out. You could also visit the historical home for a small fee.

This is an amazing place. One of my favorite Arboretums that I have visited. They have nice walking paths, free parking, admission by donation, beautiful grounds. Wow. I have paid to enter arboretums that were not this good. A community vegetable garden and childrens garden is also inside this arboretum.

Beauty in the midst of a college campus. Lot's of sales going on

There are a ton of plants here that are varied & amazing. From redwoods to palms to succulents to flowers....wow. The trails are hard packed dirt & flat for people of all ages. There are so many things to see & I don't think 1 visit was enough at all. Watch for wildlife. I saw a number of squirrels, a turtle, lots of birds, & some bugs. Great glimpse of nature with so many different things to look at & if you enjoy takings pics of flowers, you will really enjoy yourself too! Have fun!

Nestled right inside Cal State Fullerton. A great place to visit with young children as it is never crowded and small with lots of shade. There is a lake and you can see fish and turtles which young children will also enjoy.

I have only visited this place once in January and probably not as good a visit as it would have been in spring or summer. Some things were in bloom but not as interesting as it could have been.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a unique and educational experience. The scenic trail includes a historical house, running creek, exotic plants, tree dedications and wildlife. Bring your camera! The beautiful trees are perfect backdrops for gorgeous photos!

You can't really see anything from the surrounding streets but once you walk into Fullerton's Arboretum you're amazed at the beautiful landscapes. They've sectioned off different areas to replicate areas around the world. It's relaxing and educational. There are often events and plant sales as well as gardening and cooking classes. Get in for a small donation. Visit their website for more information.

Lots of interesting trees and other plants like cacti. There’s a lake with fish and turtles great place to go walking

A place to forget you are in Asphaltland and feel you can breath

small lunch in the park with beautiful view into the park, a food and eye adventure. Look forward to return

I love taking my camera for a walk here. Afterwards I like to stop and see what they have for sale. They usually have native Californian plants and sometimes there is a farmers market selling produce grown there.

not much to write home about though. Maybe i was there at the wrong time, it was nothing special, and everything seemed so dry and dead. Had hoped to see lots of flowers and names of flowers, but didn't see much.

Great place to walk around and see the gardens, especially on a sunny weekend. There are some great events that occur where you can buy plants. Very worthwhile.

Great place to relax. Stroll through various gardens and plants and Landscaping not common to Southern California. The desert area is especially " cool"

Nice enjoyable morning visit last weekend. This is right on the campus. This is a 26 acre arboretum with a very nice collection of mediterranean plants, fruit trees, figs, loads of palms and roses with lots of interesting climbers on the fence. Informative signs for a few displays about local plants. A lot of nice relaxing spots to stop, either in the shade or sun, depending on the weather. Lots of benches to sit on and enjoy the gardens. lot of families there.

After being greeted by CSUF students, I saw a beautiful waterfall, walked across the bridge and into an oasis. I was quite pleased with the upkeep of this small and quaint botanical garden. You can finish walking through it in less than 1-2 hours. Bring your own water and wear sunblock. Kids will like the pond with turtles. They have different locations of CA depicted in the arboretum. I had no idea they offered plant sales and events. Will definitely be back.

We enjoyed walking through the arboretum. It had a variety of plants, and we especially enjoyed the cacti and other desert plants. Plenty of benches in the shade to rest up on. Warning: it has limited hours, so don't plan on an early morning walk or an evening stroll. Check the internet for hours that it is open.

Over the years I have been on 'The Rainbow Tour' with local kids groups. It is held in spring each year. Every tour had been different - based on the knowledge of the tour guides. Kids get to go home with a seedling in a cup to grow.
After the tour you have time to walk around and enjoy the arboretum by yourself.
The other time I was there was to see the 'Corpse flower', that was interesting and educational.

My visit to this lovely nature inspired serene place with lots of greenery and plants,
trees, and places to sit or take pictures was so beautiful and natural as though you were out in nature somewhere, while you have a freeway, a school nearby and none of that seems visible there. It's like you are transported somewhere in nature surrounded by all this tranquility.

The Arboretum is a 26-acre botanical garden with a collection of plants from around the world, It is located on the northeast corner of the Cat State Fullerton campus. Admission is free and the arboretum offers gardening classes and hosts events as well.

We visited on a hot day, probably not ideal. Lots of cacti but also other areas in this compact botanic garden. Good for a walk, but perhaps not on a very hot day. The original doctor's house was interesting.

I always love stopping at the Arboretum when in Fullerton! It's old Victorian and orange trees reminds me of growing up just down the street surrounded by orange groves. And the smell of redwoods...priceless!

I enjoyed a nice, flat walk here on a not too hot day. They have a variety of plants, but I would say primarily cactus. They have a plant sale once a month, which I have been to on occasion. I believe the students grow the plants for sale. The arboretum is free.

Love the lttlel trails! Perfect place to take the younger ones! Used to come here as a child myself!

I visited this place in May 2011 for their annual garden show. It's a must see. Lots of vendors and beautiful surroundings when everything was blooming. If you want to get away temporarily from the regular scenery, it's a great place to go.

The Fullerton Arboretum is beautiful and peaceful with lots of different areas to explore. If you love plants and being outside, or want to take you kids somewhere fun to explore for a day, this is a great place to go. Check out the Childrens Garden, and visit during their plant sales.

A small arboretum with a nice collection of mediterranean flora, fruit trees, figs, and the back side has a bit of a chaotic feel, lots of interesting climbers on the fence. Informative signs for a few displays about local plants. A lot of nice relaxing spots to stop, either in the shade or sun, depending on the weather.

I have been living in the Fullerton area for more than 10 years and until recently, my friend told me this secret place. I decided to take my dad for morning walk on Saturday. It is way better than I expected. Very quite and don't even notice that a free way is very close by. Many variety of trees. Very nice place for a family to spend half day there.

Have been visiting and buying plants here for years. Love walking around the gardens. Peaceful and relaxing.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a lovely oasis next to the 57 freeway. It is a nice hour or two to walk around various types of gardens and really feel like you are getting away from it all. Easy to walk around and really a surprising variety of plant life and experiences. I would highly recommend and only a few dollar donation to get in, parking is free.

While this is not as big or famous as the LA Arboretum, it is a great escape from the hectic LA area that surrounds it. Right next to the 57 freeway and adjacent to Cal State Fullerton, it is convenient to get to it you are in the area. Allow about an hour to wonder around and see things. If you want to sit and read or watch the ducks and turtles, you can easily stretch that time out.

This is a great place to take the kids for both education and outdoor fun. The grounds are beautiful with a wide variety of plants species. They also have a wonderful pond with fish for the kiddies.
I've also taken cooking classes here which were really fun, small and very good tasting!

Parking is right in front of the entrance. The donation pole can easily be missed if you pay too much attention to the small waterfall at the entrance. The indoor locations where closed during regular hours without a sign to explain why. Me and the wife walked for about 3 hours to see the whole place. The variety of trees and plant was fascinating. Most have metal plaques with information. Place is well maintained and pathways are easy to follow and not get lost. There are many shaded areas with benches if u want to take a break from the heat.

My husband and I recently attended the Green Scene event held here and we really enjoyed ourselves. We explored the grounds (ponds with turtles and fish), checked out all the vendors, viewed the art gallery, bought a few plants for sale, and learned some fun plant facts. The arboretum offers classes all year and they offer a membership program. There is an entrance fee. Parking is on Cal State Fullerton property and you may need to purchase a parking permit. The property is great for weddings, photo sessions (permit required), has multiple annual events (food and garden) and schools have field trips to the historic Heritage House (Dr Clark).

The arboretum is a perfect place for a stroll through various ecosystems. Trails are short and well-marked. Biggest drawback is that it closes at 4:30pm.

I had been meaning to visit this place for years so when we finally decided to do it I was excited to see what it was like. It turned out to be very unkempt with dead vegetation lying all over the place and was mostly dusty with lack of water. Golf courses all around can get water to stay green, so why not the Arboretum?....A very sad place and neither my husband nor I will go back for a visit. Left us feeling that it could be very nice with a bit of funding from the city. Not enough maintenance and not enough water to keep it from dying.

When we went to the arboretum we were expecting a collection of local and exotic trees and it has that. It also has beautiful gardens and walking trails. This is a nice peaceful garden to enjoy and when we were there on a warm sunny November afternoon it wasn't even too busy. This is a must see stop in the area.

What a hidden Gem. You would never know it was there. Very tranquil and quiet . Nice place to walk and wonder with friends or family.

Amazing little arboretum, right in Fullerton. Beautiful all times of the year. Lots of programs like gardening and children's exploration. Ponds, trails, benches, yoga people, and other strange and exotic plants and trees from all over.

The arboretum is a great park to walk around with family, on a date or with friends. The plants are well maintained and there are benches throughout the park for resting/lounging.

Beautiful gardens with a wide variety of common and exotic trees and plants. Not so large that you cannot do it all at one time. If you go in the summer make sure to take water.

I have been going to the Green Scene for 20 years. Missed last year and just got back from it today. It was terrible. The amount of vendors is way down, The Potting Shed used to be my first stop as it was absolutely stuffed with unusual plants, lots of vegetables and lots of natives. There used to be a table of multiple cashiers just to check everyone out as it was super busy in there... what happened? Now there was a very small selection of plants, just a couple people walking around, no better than during the regular week day. Couldn't find one of my favorite vendors and it turns out they were put out in the parking lot. Only the main walkways in the Arboretum had vendors and frankly, most of the selections were no better than Home Depot. The real kick in the pants? It costs $10.00 just to get in. Absolutely no longer worth the money.

Visitors might not know that traveling exhibitions are regularly installed in the museum at the Fullerton Arboretum. Currently showing--a fascinating story comparing going to school in China compared to the U.S. Created by the Museum of Teaching and Learning. Its title: Two Roads, One Journey. Free and open to the public on Sat., Sun., and Wed. afternoons, noon to 4 pm. Get to know what a day in the life of Ping is like in China compared to Sam's in the U.S.!

Nice tranquil attraction a short walk from Marriott hotel

This is a good place to visit while you in Fullerton. Different sections within the Arboretum show plants in their correspond native habitat. They even have organic beekeeping onside and a mini orchard.

It was a very warm day, but so worth the trip here! Get a map of the arboretum so you will know what area you are walking through. This location is 6.2 acres of pure beauty! Whether you are interested in the lush wetlands, a forest, more of a tropical area, even a desert setting, you will find it all here! Make sure you wear good walking shoes, or even hiking boots, and a good hat. But also, because of the size of this location, bring some water with you, and if you are inclined to do so, bring a picnic lunch and sit in the shade of the beautiful arbor that is here. I would suggest at least 1 to 2 hours here, maybe more if you are truly into nature! I was here for nearly 3 hours, looking at the beauty around me, and listening to nature. There were dragonflies, beautiful song birds and lots of butterflies! Take your time, stop look and listen. You will really enjoy your time here. You can even come into the little gift shop they have. There is also a museum, which it was too late for me to go into, but I would highly recommend coming early so you can see everything!

The Fullerton Arboretum has matured beautifully and is a destination for the whole family with much to do from guided tours, yoga in the park, the potting shed, farmers' market. Each March there is fabulous tomato and pepper sale that includes many heirloom and hard-to-find varieties. All of these are started from seeds that are planted by volunteers. Don't miss it.

Adjacent to CSF and much loved by all the residents in this area. Not only are the gardens beautiful, but it is a animal life refuge. Also, The Dr. Clark House is located here.

It's hard to believe that there would be a restful pleasant place to spend a couple hours hard by the 57 freeway, but there it is. We visited on the MLK holiday and found a nice group of people visiting. Although the heritage house was not open, it looked like it would be worth a look another day.

It appears to be well maintained and they have decent areas of regional plants. They have special events and those might be worth looking into as well.

Overall, we like it and recommend it.

Attended Green Scene event at the Arboretum. Plants and gardening accessories are all here. Arboretum is a beautiful place.

Free parking, suggested admission fee, the wide-open California State University, Fullerton arboretum is an oasis of quiet in the midst of the endless freeways and 37,000 college students on campus. Tucked in the corner of the university near the baseball fields on Yorba Linda, this is a great place to stroll, check out the turtles and ponds, savor samples of California's many native plants and trees, wander under gazebos and check out the old Doctor's house and former Ostrich Farm! One of my favorite weddings happened at the Arboretum..two students, nature and friends.

If you like plants, it's fun to visit ithe Arboretum in different seasons and see the changing landscape. There is also a new (small) musuem with changing exhibits; when we visited, it was about the history of civil rights in california.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a very peaceful and serene place to visit! I walked around for an hour, sat on a couple benches, and I really enjoyed the peaceful and surroundings!

Wear your tennis shoes or good sandals. Plan to get lost feeding the ducks and walking around. There is so much beauty every where to go. This is a great place for little people to run around, older people to sit on benches, provides a lovely stroll and a GREAT place for photos!!! There is nature and beauty every where!! Parking is easy and it's a great place for a picnic.

Nice place to spend a couple of hours. Lots of great photo opportunities and the scenery is pretty and peaceful.

Cal State Fullerton university is a good school, they constantly having activities in campus for families and communities. I like to jog around the campus and visit there arboretum whenever possible.

Visit the FULLERTON Arboretum for a mini vacation. You can do yoga. Bathe in moonlight. Take a painting class. Buy plants. Or just relax for a few moments. Great atmosphere. Great respite from the everyday grind.

The Arboretum is located on the Cal State Fullerton Campus but has its own parking facility As one would expect, there are numerous plants, displayed by type and favored environment, along with a man-made waterfall and a stream that runs through it. Traffic can be an issue in the morning when the students are coming to classes in the beginning of the semester/quarter but generally tapers off after the first 3 or 4 weeks. The do sell plants and a generally reasonable in price, but the grounds are well worth a visit.

The plants are still in profusion and you can visit the desert plants that still retain their strength. Some are flowering. The one thing that stands out here is the convenient benches that allow you to relax as you enjoy the fauna. The pond remains clear of algae and the turtles still climb ashore. I think it would be a good idea for them to give them a place in the middle climb on. This visit I witnessed some children throwing something at one of them.

Beautiful garden with lots of open grounds... We were there for Fullerton Uncorked.. which was a Rotary Sponsored fund raiser event. Great combination of a nature preserve and a social location. Conveniently located next to CSUF.

Great Late afternoon - evening Event! Intimate, just enough beer vendors. Great Music Performers. Food vendors - okay.

It has great vegetable plants for sale. People wait for a long time to get them, however, they are not cheap. The place is fine, not overly interesting. The composting class was VERY average but the cause is good.

Maybe it was because I went in the winter, but there wasn't much too look at. It wasn't really pretty.

This is a go-to place for quiet, beauty, outdoor deep breathing. We love watching the seasons change here. Knowledgeable docents (brought in a group of 20 for a great tour) and lovely vistas right in the middle of town.

Relatively small area, perhaps 5 acres, contains a good variety of native habitats with good selection of plants. An interesting water feature flows through the park. Local bird life is good. Park adjacent to student housing with heavy usage. Three dollar donation/person requested, however, funding appears inadequate, as maintenance is lacking.

I love this arboretum. Not only can you walk around and enjoy the plants, but you can also visit the history structures and learn about Fullerton history.

Nice for a stroll, look at the different types of trees, plants, and some birds. A few places to sit for a time.

Next to CSUF, the arboretum displays different varieties of trees and plants from different world regions. Shades are plenty when walking by giant trees. Also, there is an activity center and information desk to ask about workshops.

This hideaway from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, take a quiet walk through gardens, flowers trees, stop and smell the roses. It's not so big that it's overwhelming, easy access , paths are clear.
Several benches throughout to sit and take it all in.

This was a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony. Although it was hot (July) there was shade provided by the trees. The staff was there to point out where to go. Wish I had more time to check out the grounds, but it was lovely from what I saw.

What a wonderful place to visit no matter what time of year. The gardens, landscape and plants are amazing. I learned so much from the staff onsite. Definitely a place to visit and see if you have never been. Very easy to get to off the 57 freeway right at Cal State Fullerton.

Such a beautiful, peaceful place to get away from the rush, rush, rush of disneyland. On a recent extended family trip, 23 people, we went to the local farmers market and bought lunch and came to the arboretum and sat outside the park and enjoyed the quiet.

After lunch we were amazed at all the different plant varieties and things inside. Absolutely loved the desert area and the kids loved being able to run around and watch the turtles in the pond. Watch out the squirrels here are as big as cats! We watched several devour avocados, no wonder the get so big.

I visit here often, it is a lovely garden most of it fully mature with a number of different regions. I have never seen it over crowded and the is no fee just a donation box (please do put in a coin or bill or two). Ducks and other waterfowl, birds singing in the trees. There is a historic house to tour. Just a wonderful little local place to visit. Nature center and plant shop.

We arrived midafternoin which was too little time for such amazing variety of horticlture from all over the world and interesting exhibits. We liked the turtle pond and little stream flowing through. We also toured the historic Dr. Clark's house shown to us by an excellent docent. We will be back for there's much to see, especially to discreetly observe the wedding parties amidst the beauty of the place.

My husband and I took a quick stroll through the Arboretum. You could spend hours here. The property is nicely kept and is big enough to have a more intimate vibe.

Parking is free and no entry fee (accepts donations with a suggested donation of $5)

Surrounded by a freeway, busy streets and a college campus, the Fullerton Arboretum is a welcome oasis in the middle of a noisy, crowded and hectic area. Admission and parking are free. The arboretum is laid out well, 26 acres of meandering paths featuring a waterfall and foot bridge to greet you at the entrance. The waterfall descends into a babbling brook that runs through the arboretum, emptying into a couple of large ponds containing turtles and ducks. There are several themed areas like desert, fruit trees, California native plants, assorted varieties of palms, etc.
In certain parts, you are far enough away from the traffic where it is actually fairly quiet. Near the entrance, there is a small shop that sells snacks and plants, and not far from there is a museum which was featuring nature art by a local artist. There are also plenty of benches throughout the arboretum, both shaded and not. It was very relaxing and if you explore the whole thing, you will definitely burn off some of that brunch you had before going there.

The Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County, and has over 4,000 plant species from around the world, and abounds with ponds, streams and wildlife. The Arboretum is located on 26 acres at the north end of the CSUF campus in Fullerton. There is so much to see, I spent a whole afternoon walking, enjoying, and at times retracing my steps to revisit some of my favorite areas. I was surprised to see so many egrets and water birds, and was actually able to get within 2 or 3 feet of these lovely creatures; apparently they are without fear of humans, and quite agreeable to being photographed close-up. Twenty-six acres is a big area, so plan of going slowly to enjoy everything, every turn of a path, the many fragrant plantings, and the stillness and beauty of this lovely arboretum. Tours of a Victorian home on the grounds are available (check their website); this house christened Heritage House, was built in 1894. Beautifully restored, Heritage House is an excellent example of Victorian-style architecture, prevalent in Orange County during the late 1800s. I will definitely go back again to visit these gardens!!!

I have been year this summer. It is placed near the Fullerton school and the enter is free. I am not used to visit this kind of parks in America, but in Italy we don't have something like this. Moreover, the place is very suggestive and it presents a lot of different species of plants. Very good. If you have time, I advise to grant a visit to the arboretum.

Wonderful place for the whole family. A great place to learn and view so many plants and all things that grow in the ground.

This beautiful sight sits kn the Cal State Fullerton Campus and affords guest a variety of foliage and fauna. Great for a family outing.

So many neat plants to see! Kids love waling among the huge bamboo plants and feeding the turtles and ducks!

We love this place😎Fun for everyone...Fun little areas to have picnics, Children's garden is decorated very cute! Stone table & chairs, giant shovels & watering cans. Kids have fun looking & playing😎. Our kids put on a performance the last time we were there🙄

Lovely! Just wish it was closer to the main campus. it's such a really long walk. And the different seasons area are kind off confusing to find just by looking at the map.

We went to buy plants and in addition enjoyed the trees and plants and walking arond the grounds. Very peaceful and relaxing. Great prices on the plants.

We went there for their annual plant sale and loved the grounds (pond, gardens and old historic home). We would recommend for a picnic or just to sit, enjoy and relax. The employees/volunteers are very friendly and helpful.

I wasn't very impressed with the town of Fullerton CA until I visited the Fullerton Arboretum. This place had a suggested donation as opposed to an entry fee. There were lots of people visiting but the place was so large that it didn't feel crowded. This place exceeded my expectations! During my visit, cacti were in bloom. I never saw a blooming aloe! It was BEAUTIFUL and surreal! It looked like something from outer space. The arboretum was well cared for and made the neighborhood that much more pleasant so much so that I would consider living in Fullerton CA. If you do visit, plan on bringing a picnic and spending a few hours here. I didn't see any water fountains so I would recommend brining lots of water especially if you plan to spend quality time here. This is a great place for children and elder people. Just be prepared in terms of food and drink, since amenities are limited. Definitely worth a look-see! You wont regret it! Oh, did I mention birds? Lots of birds to see besides the plants and flowers.

We had a great day just walking around and enjoying nature at it's best. I am sorry we didn't pack a picnic lunch to enjoy. The trails are well kept and there are great markers explaining what the different trees were and a little history behind them. What a great day we had!

lots of unusual plants and exhibits. No specific admission charge, but donation is requested. Parking can be limited if there is a game or something special going on at Fullerton College, which shares the parking lot. Lots of weekend special events, plant sales and tours of the Heritage House. They have special seasonal kids programs during the day and evening that are lots of fun for kids and adults. Just a day taking pictures of the scenery, ducks, turtles etc. is worth the trip. Close to the 57 Frwy.

I can't believe I haven't written a review yet. This is one of my favorite places to visit and spend an afternoon. This gem is a rather large facility next to Cal State Fullerton. It's big, it's beautiful, it's educational, it's recreational, etc.

They have an area that is dedicated to fruits. Fruits range from star fruit, oranges, tangerines, kumquat, persimmons, bananas, sapotes, apples, grapefruits, etc. Please do not pick the fruits and help yourself. The fruits are sold during their season for a reasonable price and helps keep fund the arboretum so if you want to try a fruit pick up at bag at the entrance.

There are beautiful trees and flowers all over the place. And if you're tired, there's a bench underneath a tree for you to sit and take in the sights. Restrooms at the entrance. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Entrance is free but $5 donation per person is highly suggested. You can't eat or picnic inside but at the entrance there are a few benches you can use before or after your visit.

Come visit during all four seasons because each season brings different blossoms and sprouts.

Most Saturdays there is a volunteer who sits at the entrance of the kids garden with neat interactive activities for the kids. Last time we went we learned about cotton and how much is needed to make a single t-shirt. We were able to touch the raw cotton still on the branch. This time we went we were able to see fur from a coyote, skunk, possum, and bear. All indigenous to this region. We also got to see and touch different rocks and shells. Its for kids but kids at heart are also welcome.

I can say more and more but I'm sure no one is reading this far. It's great. I love it. Go see it. And support them:)

I graduated from CSUF but somehow managed to never come visit. My wife is a plant nut, so I surprised her with an afternoon visit. Neither of us was disappointed. The grounds are extensive and it was fun just wandering around and looking at the many different plant species. There are several paths and also benches to just sit and relax and enjoy the serenity. Admission is free, but a small donation is appreciated.

Free parking for arboretum visitors.

Free entrance though there is a spot by the entrance where you can make a donation.

The nature center right by the pavilion is quaint and often features plants in bloom or even fruits that are in season - for sale! There are restrooms available as well - relatively clean.

A walk around the arboretum doesn't take long but it is pretty cool to encounter different plants that thrive in different types of land. The Arboretum is arranged in collections: Woodlands Collection, Desert Collection, the Mediterranean Collection and a "cultivated collection". There are benches scattered throughout if you want to sit, relax and soak in the scenes.

The Heritage House is pretty cool to look at but generally not accessible. But around the house you'll find some orange trees and avocado trees - and at the right time of year you'll see fruits hanging on the trees!

There's an open field to the side of the Heritage House and if you circle the house you'll come across porticos and a little covered patio-like area - all with benches.

It can be really peaceful and calm to visit depending on the day and time.

The arboretum at Cal State Fullerton is behind the college off of Yorba Linda. Parking is free and when you walk in there is a box for donations (we usually put in a few bucks). It's surprisingly large and has areas focusing on Mediterranean, Desert, Woodland, and an area for kids. They even sell plants on the weekends!

Always a joy to visit with flowers galore and a special treat-a flowering corpse flower! This plant is fascinating to observe and smell! Spring is coming early and everything appears to be flowering or ready to flower. Well worth the visit.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a great place to visit in the Fullerton Area. Located just behind Cal State Fullerton, it has many distinct garden areas linked by trails. It's not incredibly long but very beautiful as it winds through the trees that have been growing there for many decades. There is an old house that is in the center of the arboretum that is open at only certain times of the year for viewings.

Several Garden clubs host their annual sales events here so it is a great place to pick up plants. Check out the arboretum's website for dates,

There is no charge for entering but donations are requested. Parking is adequate.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a lovely place. Perfect for relaxing, reading, sketching or painting as well as learning about the many species of plants from different environments. I especially liked the pond with ducks and turtles and the artificial "creek" that runs through part of the Arboretum. It made me feel like I was miles away from it's urban location. Take advantage of the plant sales; I bought a few for my host.

Nice small garden walking place. Families can do it in a hour, or spend longer. Good picnic place or for pictures.

It is a place for kids and families. It is no cost to enter, the green environment with trees, flowers and various green bushes which I do not know the name. Wedding celebration is allowed, photos come out nice because of the green environment. Since it is free, I just hope the visitors keep the place clean, pick up your own trash like bottle water, fast food packages...no litter please.

The arboretum (and the Muckenthaler Cultural Center) is my kids favorite place in North Orange County. They have a great historic home, duck pond, garden, walks, education center, plant sales, and trees big enough to make a fort in them. There is always wildlife to see. Ask for a tour of the garden, which is magnificent. They also do special programs like the great one we saw on Birds of Prey with live owls, hawks and falcons to show us. They ask for donations but it is free.

Very quiet peaceful & immaculately clean park, lots of little spots to sit and chill out and enjoy the birds and flowers.

This is a nice little oasis next to Cal State Fullerton - it's a great place to just walk around and enjoy the gardens but they also have tons of wonderful educational activities, too - everything from cooking classes and yoga to science and history. There is also a place where you can buy plants and a few other products. There's a small donation to go in and it's such a nice place, I usually give them a little extra to keep it going. A few times a year they have big events such as the Green Scene plant show in spring and it's also a terrific place for weddings so it's not unusual to see one in progress on weekends.

The arboretum is one of my favorite places to relax and disconnect from the everyday requirements of city life. Even though it’s next to the 57 and attached to CSUF, it feels as if you are transported to a different land. It has many different floras and pathways to relax and connect with nature.

Beautiful setting for outdoor wedding and reception when the weather is good. Only drawback is the restrooms...need a little upgrade.

This place is kind of a hidden gym. Located near the titans stadium on Cal state Fullerton's campus. Great place to experience the outdoor without going to the mountains. Lots of greenery and big trees. Great for walking in dirt trail (I think full circle is about 1 mile). Also great place to come to relax or mediate. They have several benches over looking the pond or under trees.

Great place to relax in the afternoon. Closes earlier than a park, but has more garden charm and shade too. Bring a picnic and enjoy the animals in the pond.

Very nice hidden gem in the middle of Fullerton. Peaceful, relaxing and some very interesting plants. A great place to spend a few hours with small kids. Bring some bread and feed the ducks.

I was sitting here trying to think about what to say about the Fullerton Arboretum, as we've been there many times. Then I realized that if you just string the titles of each review, it would definitely be a great summary of what it has to offer.

The Fullerton arboretum is a beautiful gem within the city, on the grounds of the State University campus. The grounds of this arboretum are lush with diverse vegetation. There are numerous dirt pathways covering the grounds and various areas to just sit and reflect. Its very quiet, a nice getaway during the work week. Its a nice place to take friends and family. There is no charge. The people working and running the arboretum really know plants. You can buy plants here and also get advice. Once a year they have an event called "green scene". Its everything and anything to do with plants and gardening.

Friendly docents, diverse plants, beautiful lake and a running stream.... Birds, butterflies , take time out and enjoy this Urban escape.
It can be warm in the summer but that is the perfect time to find agency under a tree near the creek. Added bonus if you want to take short hike there is a hidden redwood Grove.

Who would expect beautiful gardens tucked away between the 57 freeway and Cal State Fullerton, but that is exactly what you will find. Good way to spend an hour or two. CSF baseball stadium is right next door and is an excellent place to take in a game after walking the arboretum.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon - with friends or family. There are lots of trails throughout the property. And it's fun just to meander through the various gardens. It's a great place for photography. There aren't really formal flower gardens here. However there are succulents, a Mediterranean garden and other types as well. Both admission and parking are free. There is a small shop selling snacks, mementos and plants as well.

I had a bit of a problem finding the entrance - as the Arboretum is not well signed. But just turn in at the Fullerton State University campus off of Yorba Linda Blvd (on Associated Road). Then make a right at kind of a T-junction and you should see the Arboretum parking lot.

We had been seeing stories about the stinky flower. We went to see it when we heard it was open. We have lived here for 31 years and had never been there. We thought it was just a potting shed and demo shed. It is far more than that! We enjoyed walking the entire facility. It is peaceful and beautiful. The lake has fish and turtles. There is a play area. There are various areas with different sorts of vegetation. It was an enjoyable day. I want to go back when the weather cools down.

This place is a must!! I love going here to picnic. Wonderful place to relax with family and friends.

A great place to just stroll. relax and enjoy the scenery . A real natural garden, well maintained and so very relaxing and all the while you will learn about new plants and some very interesting facts about the ones you may already have in your garden. A real treat is when the Herons are wading in the creek or flying overhead, as well, as other native animals (ducks fish and frogs) in the creek. Beautiful way to spend an afternoon!

a great variety of trees, flowers, etc. Good to walk around on a spring afternoon.

The Arboretum was nice for a school outting but did need more places to potty for the younger children. We had lunch by the pond witch was super nice. I have seen weddings done by Flower Allie done there super nice on a hot summers night

What a lovely surprise to come across this lil slice of nature off the 57 fwy! I mean literally off the fwy...I grew up in Fullerton but moved many years ago & forgot all about this place.
Worth the visit for all! Young & old alike. Pack a picnic, take a deep breath & enjoy an afternoon at the Arboretum.
Buy some plants & plant your own little garden at home.
Can’t wait to go back❤️

A group of friends strolled around the Arboretum before and after lunch. It is connected to the university campus, so there were plenty of students studying or walking. There were also quite a few stroller Moms! It isn't as well kept up as major gardens--mainly dirt paths and not totally manicured--but there are some impressive tree specimens. There are native, conifer, desert, farm and Mediterranean gardens, to name a few. There are also plants for sale. We left and had a picnic lunch right outside the Arboretum at picnic tables under large pine trees and then went back in. There is a suggested donation of $5. We very much enjoyed our visit!

Really beautiful location to wander, walk, meander and ponder. No photography without permission. Good walking shoes recommended.

I really enjoy going there! Its so fun and cheap! It would be great for a nice, warm Sunday afternoon. The kids will love it! Their are secret trails and its just a blast!

What a lovely, unexpected treasure! I don't know if it would be as stunning at other times of the year, but on a cool spring day, this was paradise! There were many unusual plants in bloom, and I liked the free and natural feel of the gardens. I was able to get up close to plants to photograph them and got some amazing pictures. Access from the freeway (57) was easy, and there was free parking, as well as no admission charge. Hardly anyone else was there when we went on a Tuesday. My friends and I were really happy we had made the trip from San Diego to Fullerton to visit the arboretum (based on an article in the last AAA Westways magazine), and we all agreed we would like to return.

Fullerton arboteum is very nice place to visit esp. for photographers, - they have many gardens inside, even children garden, cactus garden, pond with turtles and ducks and herons , and many benches to rest under trees in shade.I like it most in spring and in the fall.It is best arboteum in Orange county, ca.

Want to get away from the concrete streets and sidewalks? Visit the Fullerton Arboretum. One of my favorite things to do is get a sack lunch (try the chicken salad sandwich from TC Yummies) and then head over the arboretum. You will find plenty of seating with different views. After lunch, go for a walk around the Arboretum grounds and look for the beehives, the turtles in the small lake, some of the most unique plants and trees found around the world. Enjoy!!

I have been to New York botanical gardens, Huntington library and many others, have to say for a place that they ask for a small donation this place is a must see.
The Fullerton Arboretum is a 26 acre botanical garden with a collection of plants from around the world, located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton campus in Fullerton, California. It is the largest botanical garden in Orange County, with a collection of over 4,000 plants. The Arboretum saves species that are extinct or near extinction and serves as a learning place for agricultural history.

centerpiece of the Arboretum is the Heritage House, which was built in 1894 as the home and office of Fullerton's pioneer physician, Dr. George C. Clark. In 1972 the house was moved to what is now the middle of the Arboretum. The restored house now serves as a museum of family life and medical practice of the 1890s.

The Arboretum's garden paths wander through four major collections: Cultivated, Woodlands, Mediterranean and Desert Collections. Highlights include Southern California native vegetation, Rare Fruit Grove, an 11,000 sq ft (1,000 m2) organic vegetable garden, historic Citrus and Avocados, Channel Islands Garden, an extensive Cycad Collection, Conifer Collection, Palm Grove, Community Gardens, and a Children's Garden.

Great programs, nice walk, easy parking...what could be better in an urban environment attached to a college??

Over these many years I've seen the Arboretum transformed from a patch of dirt with a barn-like structure into a nice little slice of tranquility. Anybody who drives the notorious 57 freeway just outside knows how welcome this is.
Their plant sales and other events are an invite to stroll the pathways and admire the many plants, birds, and take a break in the shade. The stream running through it and the old house add to the beauty.

2nd & 4th visit to Fullerton Arboretum for my wife & me, respectively, over our years of visiting the area. The surprisingly large well maintained facility has always brought peaceful enjoyment to us, and the plant variety assures us we'll see something new & beautiful every time we return. We don't get to see much more than a small indoor collection of desert plants back in the Midwest, so this arboretum is especially satisfying to wander around & learn about arid climate flora. On this visit, we were treated to a coyote spotting (at a safe distance) and we learned about coniferous plants from an engaging CSUF coed. We will continue to include the Fullerton Arboretum in our leisure itineraries for future tips to Southern California, and we'll continue to recommend a 1 to 2-hour stroll for other visitors.

A great place to take a walk and talk and take photographs. My photography class spent the day here amongst the fkora and fauna. I was a little disappointed because I was expecting more well taken cared of plants. Maybe the drought was really bad that they couldn't handle it. There re ducks, birds and other animals roaming around the grounds. The kids had fun.
This is a good sized park so we enjoyed our stroll.

It's free and wonderful! There are a huge variety of plants and plenty of dirt paths to stroll on. There is always something interesting to see, no matter what the season. Please make sure to leave a donation at the box at the entrance!!

Very nice to just stroll around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Not crowded and lots of shade if its a sunny day.

Parking can be hard to get, but once inside it is a peaceful place to walk around. If the plant shop is open, they have some great plants for sale.

What a treat to find such a lovely, peaceful place in the midst of a busy city. My friend and I strolled through the quiet paths last fall and enjoyed a relaxing morning.

First time visitor. I was impressed, the grounds are well maintained. It's a nice oasis with a couple of ponds and a stream. Some huge trees, a small rose garden, and community garden, and a Victorian house. Meandering paths with benches well placed for sitting and absorbing the calm. Seems like a popular place without being crowded. Birders and photographers will enjoy the place.

I was visiting from northern Ca and was pleasantly surprised to have found the arboretum. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water if you visit in the warmer months. It's a nice venue for a wedding, an outing for a walk or a relaxing place to sit on a bench and read a book. If you are a plant or nature lover I would recommend visiting the Fullerton Arboretum.

I came here with my girlfriend. It's fairly close to my house and I wanted to gain some brownie points for being romantic, so I took her here on a picnic.

The arboretum is right next to Cal State Fullerton. There are some great places to spread out a blanket. Unfortunately, it's become well known now, and unless one goes when it's raining, don't expect much in the way of total privacy.

The best spot is by the lake. There is a lot of flat grass. This area seems to attract people the most. However, by following the trails, one can find a lot of places to spread out a blanket, although it might not always be grass.

I've always been there during the day and have always felt safe. There are no weirdos walking around staring or asking for money. Actually, I found that many people go there to read, which is a great idea, as it's generally very quiet. People keep to themselves.

It feels odd sometimes being there, because at first glance, it seems like the arboretum is in the middle of nowhere. But it actually isn't. It's in the middle of Fullerton next to a large university. However, it never feels like that. It feels more like you are in the mountains somewhere.

Great place to take somebody special, and make some brownie points in the process.

walk amongst trees, shrubs and flower and produce gardens. Visit a 19th century preserved home. A good way to spent a weekend afternoon. parking and admittance were free (donations accepted).

Nice little garden nestled on the north side of CSUF. It has a lot of different plants and trees including tropical varieties so sometimes it feels like you're in a different place when walking around.
Went there when the corpse plant they had was blooming. (Blooms every 10 years and smells like rotting flesh) I was just curious what it would smell like haha but glad I went cause I got to check out the rest of the place.

This a one of those places you don't appreciate until you go there. It is an oasis tucked away in the middle of Orange County.

Family friendly and beautiful arboretum with different zones of plant life. Explore all the different areas and get great ideas for planting in your own yard. Learn about drought tolerant planting. Enjoy the meandering stream and birds as you eat a picnic or take a stroll with a loved one. Only negative in my opinion is that they don't allow dogs.

On the Cal State Fullerton campus. Beautiful place for a little peace & quiet, great location for taking photographs.

Gardens are on the college campus, and there is no charge for visiting. It's a quiet serene place where you can walk, or find an area to just sit and enjoy the lovely surroundings in the midst of a large metropolitan area!

The Arboretum used to be very green , clean and full of flowers and fruits. Well, because of the water drought, the place is brown, less colorful, sad, and with few small fruits. I was very excited to show the place to my 5 year old nephew who just immigrated to this beautiful country, but was disappointed as soon as we passed the gate. No one's fault, blame it on nature. Hopefully when we get back to normal, the Arboretum will be beautiful again. Thank you.

Beautiful area and it feels like you are somewhere far away on a nature hike. It's even free believe it or not. Different plants and information about them. Great place to take a nice stroll with the family or your better half. No dogs though! There is another area that is a nursery of sorts and you can get very unusual types of plants there, I happened to hit it during a really good sale! It is located on the outskirts of UC Fullerton. Something nice to do that gets you outside and doesn't cost anything! Bring a picnic lunch and make it last longer.

I live across the street from CSUF and have enjouyed the peace and serentiy (occasionally broken up by the cheers from the baseball stadium!) of the Arboretum for the last 17 years. I used to go there with my toddler daughter and explore and play in the "Kids Garden." Then walk over to the pond and enjoy the ducks and turtles swimming about. I've been a member/supporter for ~ 15 tears and particularly enjoy the annual "Green Scene" garden fair and of course the "Tomato and Pepper"sale that usually falls in the second week of March. If your a member you get to go to the pre-sale the day before it opens to the public.
Fantastic choice of Califonia native drought friendly plants for sale.
Definitely worth a visit and I would certainly recommend a membership to help support this little break from the "city."

This is a beautiful arboretum. Kid friendly, but here are two lakes parents need to be aware of. There are lots of walking paths, community gardens, a historical home and many examples of plants. Plants are grouped by geographical origins.

If you're ever in Orange County and need a place to escape into nature (without driving very far), this is it. It's really peaceful and quiet, and not too large or crowded--you could easily walk the entire area in a few hours. It has more of a local retreat feel rather than a world-class arboretum feel, but I kind of liked that. There's a surprisingly wide range of plant life and landscapes represented. I especially liked the areas dedicated to Californian plant life. It's an excellent place to practice nature photography, read, or just relax.

I'd recommend closed-toe shoes as a lot of the paths are unpaved, but it's by no means a difficult hike get around. I think it'd be great for kids, although watch out for the cacti! Admission is free, but there's a donation box at the front of the entrance.

This place is great to walk around and enjoy some nature in the concrete jungle. Relatively quite considering location and peaceful. Great for individuals and families.

A very pretty, calming oasis in the city of Fullerton. Offers periodic plant classes and sales. Mostly just nice to walk around and enjoy a break from hubbub.

It's easy to pass up stopping here because it doesn't look like much from the outside. But the Arboretum won me over pretty quickly. It's a jewel. Give yourself some time to explore- it's a labyrinth of flora from different geographical ecosystems. It's a surprisingly tranquil place, right next to a freeway you won't even notice.

In the middle is the former old-timey office/home of a well known town doctor, complete with outhouse. Whenever I go it's never open, but you can peak through the windows and it looks like something of a museum inside.

There are tours and classes too, and you can buy plants to help support it.

My favorite section is the Mediterranean.

The Fullerton Arboretum is located at the north end of the CSU Fullerton campus. Parking is plentiful and free in a dirt lot adjacent to some athletic fields. Entrance is free, although a donation is suggested. If you don't put a few dollars into the till going in, you will definitely feel like doing so coming out. This is a really nice place, fitting a variety of plant life into a relatively small space, as well as some historic buildings (in lovely settings), a community garden, and a visitor's center/shop. The star of the place, in my opinion, is the ombu tree, with its huge roots and towering branches that look like something out of My Neighbor Totoro. A great place to take a few minutes to catch your breath and gather your thoughts and leave the outside world behind. Well worth visiting if you are in the area.

My husband, Ray Canfield serves as a volunteer docent He does a very good job. And I enjoy going with him sometimes to see the new flowers and the trees. A visit is always very educational and interesting. And it also is a very relaxing place to visit and be refreshed.

We took our 83 year old mother and her personal scooter to visit the gardens and we all enjoyed the variety of trees, plants and community gardens. It is a peaceful spot with benches for sitting and soaking in many aspects of nature.

I dont want to say too much as I dont remember exactly which month/day/or time I was there. I didnt see much but I do know there are quite a few things you can do and events that are held there. It is a lively place to visit even if there is nothing going on. If u like going to the park, this is a small and kind if private more quiet place to be. No kids running around a playground, people jogging or animal dropping u might run into(not from what I saw anyway :D ). Worth visiting. For more details of all the things I missed out on I recommend u visit the website: http://fullertonarboretum.org/home.php
Im writing this review pretty quick so if theres anything I can come back and add later I will :) enjoy!

Fullerton Arboretum on the Cal State Fullerton grounds is a great place to take a walk. I've been here to their native plant sales or just to stroll with family. A not for profit, they do have an honor system collection box near the entrance. It is not very large but is easily accessible to 57 freeway off Yorba Linda Bl exit.

We were in Los Angeles to visit friends and looked for something to do with our free time. We found the arboretum and decided to try it. We loved the facility which is free. They do ask for donations to help fund the area. We enjoyed the huge number of different plants and trees and thought the walk was great. The could improve by clearly marking the species of each of the plants as some were not marked at all. We thought this was well worth our time. They have a place to buy local plants that they grow but it was closed when we were there. Try it.

Every family should spend some time at the Fullerton Arboretum. It is packed with educational information, and the docents will tell you all about the history of the area. Great parking, inexpensive, and a good place for the kids to spend a hour or two in the summer.

There is so much to see and do. Bring a friend or family and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful arboretum.

actually very pretty didnt really know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. great place, nice walking around, taking photos.

The fullerton arboretum is a great place to enjoy the beautiful OC weather! With plenty of walkways greenery, flowers and sites, like gazebos, archways, and water features. It is perfect for photographers looking for a free place to shoot, and for kids to run around! Parking and admission are free!

Very good place to get away from it all in Fullerton. It is about 80 acres with a stream running through it. Stop to look at the ducks, turtles, and fish. There are a great number of trees from all over the world and different climatic zones. A stroll is good for the soul. There are many benches to sit and contemplate.They could use more interpretive signs to show off the collection. It is free.

What a wonderful arboretum! Free admission and free parking, but they appreciate donations. The arboretum has numerous small trails (40+), ponds, bird life, the 1894 Clark home (Fullerton’s pioneering physician) and of course numerous gardens: children’s garden, rare fruits, herb, conifers, palms, deciduous forest, chaparral, Channel Islands, opunta, agave and the “living fossils.”. The arboretum has a small nature center for the children to touch and explore. Also, a museum (closed when we were there) and a potting shed where plants are sold from their cuttings. There are many small trails that almost always loop to the main trail. My children 6 and 2 had a great time exploring and walking. I think most people can cover the whole arboretum in 2-3 hrs. We will certainly return!

Great place to experience Southern California flora. Adjacent to Freeway, but feels a million miles away. Drawbacks: there is a fee for formal photography, during baseball season the adjacent playing field plays really loud music. Fabulous place for weddings. Our daughter's was amazing.

A small arboretum in size. Not much bigger than a park. Nice for a couple hours of strolling. It is no comparison to the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

A wedding brought us to the Arboretum this day. Our first visit and we were impressed how the grounds are well maintained. Fortunately the event was under a covered patio as it was quite warm. You should be aware that if you attend a wedding or formal event here the parking lot is dirt as are the walking paths to the historical house and event grounds. Parking can also be an issue if there is an event going on at Titan stadium next door. We plan on returning to enjoy touring more of the grounds.

Relax by taking a stroll through this wonderful arboretum. You'll find a large variety of unusual plants, extraordinary flowers, and special trees.

You'll also find birds that come to nest and feed in the different botanical areas. For example, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Yellowthroats, and Green Herons can be seen in the ponds. Then there are warblers, hummingbirds, egrets, sparrows, finches, and hawks.

There's something for everyone here. Children can play in the Children's Garden, photographers can take photos of flowers and birds, and everyone can enjoy being in this island of nature.

I live a mile from this arboretum and have visited it hundreds of times.

Fullerton Arboretum is a wonderful place to take a walk on a sunny day. Lots of flowers, trees and succulents. Trails are not too taxing. Suggested donation is $5, but not mandatory. They have a small area where they sell plants/flowers as well.

Close to 57 frwy. Free to get in. Enjoy the ducks in the pond or walk through the plants and vegetation. Bring a lunch and enjoy this quiet little place. Good place for photography.

Fruit groves, ponds, ducks, turtles. Bring your lunch and a blanket and enjoy. There are many different species of trees from various habitats. Bring the the family or go solo.!

I went to the summer camps here as a kid, its a great little getaway offered by the city and campus. The garden areas are a trip, and can be quite peaceful when school groups are not around.

It's not big park, but is not small, either. Lots of trees and plants. Has a pond and stream. Don't worry walk too long, benches are everywhere. Yes, it's nice to bring a book to sit down there to enjoy a quiet nature place. Parking is free, no entry fee, either.

The Fullerton Arboretum is a must when vising Fullerton. It is a great place to view plants from around the world and a favorite wedding venue.

Every time I go to Fullerton Arboretum, I see new wonderful areas I seem to have missed before. Maybe because it's a different season brings other things to bloom. The turtles around the pond, and the off beat plants for sale are always a favorite. The cactus garden, natural wild southern ca. areas, community gardens, flower borders and jungley sections are among our favorites. Don't miss the Drs. house. (there are tours, but even outside, it's a lovely place to hang out) It is a great half day of wanderings.

I loved it, it was really a nice place to visit. There were so many different types of plants and flowers that I had never seen before, just a lovely place to visit.

Fullerton Arboretum is connected to Cal State Fullerton, and is an absolutely delightful place to spend a few hours. They have developed a wide variety of plants, and created a desert , a rainforest, and other unique areas, all on this little piece of land. The turtle pond is a perfect place to put the blanket down and eat lunch- today we saw either a heron or a crane (sorry, not a bird expert!), a bunch of tadpoles, tons of turtles, and a fish.

They have wonderful guides that encourage students to learn terms like "pollinator" and they make it all magical. I took my second graders twice this year so we could see how things look different in the fall and in the spring. But you don't have to have a guide to wander. Bring your camera, and see the world in an hour.

The Aboretum is a part of Cal State U of Fullerton. It has a variety of plants and trees. It's a stroll down gravel paths or you can have a docent led tour. Also, on the grounds is the original home of Fullerton's first doctor. A charming step back in time.

Halloween is a very special time for the Aboretum as they have a wonderful after dark Halloween walk. Great fun for all the family.

We were in Anaheim for a weekend long seminar and stayed at several different hotels....this is the best one.. we wanted to go back there the last night of stay and they were sold out. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Easy access to all of the venues in the area and right by the freeway although you do not hear the any of the traffic noise. You will not be disappointed.

Beautiful gardens and level paths showcasing plants native to CA. I went with my sister and senior mom and aunt. The gardens can be easily covered in under 2 hours. There are benches in many locations for those who need to take a break.

Restful, number of plants to view/learn about. Next to CSUF which can be walked to afterwards for a nice pleasant walk. CSUF library is nice place to read.

It is very relaxing to walk the grounds of the Arboretum. There are benches scattered throughout to sit and relax and enjoy nature. The Arboretum has great plant events during the year that you shouldn't miss.