Uc Botanical Garden At Berkeley Reviews

Here's how lucky I am--I live maybe fifteen minutes from the UC Bot Garden. I like it so much that I became a member. It's a good deal if you plan to go often. The garden is meticulously maintained, and as soon as you walk through the gate, you feel a sense of peace and well-being. Through the different sections, you can travel the world, from South Africa to Southern California. A newly opened building inside the entry--a lovely structure designed by Julia Morgan and moved from the UC campus--often has a botanically related exhibit. I feel I see something different with each visit.

A great garden to wonder, explore, contemplate, and relax. There is also a little amphitheater among beautiful redwood trees, hosting music programs in the summer. Delightful.

The botanical garden is a beautiful place to relax, if you live in Berkeley or nearby. The variety of plants is impressing, the place is very well maintained. I am not an expert enough to tell you, if the plants they have are more special than in other botanical gardens, but if you are in the neighborhood, it is certainly a nice place to hang out. With a student card, the entrance is even free!

The highlight of the Cal campus--not to be missed and a wonderful outing for families. I've been here a number of times and it's rarely crowded; a peaceful oasis in the middle of town.

The garden holds some of the most interesting collections of native and far away plants in the area. I get lost sometimes though and cannot find all the labels I would like to see to identify these natural wonders. I have also attended several classes, all of high caliber.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the gardens. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I did the self guided tour and really liked it! It took me about two hours.

Don't miss the redwood grove; it's truly magical. The Japanese section is most impressive. I got to see the newts mating!!

A must see visit if in Berkeley.

first, the location is nice and geography of location is very nicely used & preserved while creating various sections of this garden. SO this looks very different than the "planned" gardens . There are sections dedicated to each continent and also some special sections like cactus and the "Tropical" climate zone.
The garden has a nice stream going through it and it is used beautifully leveraged to create sections related to Japan & asia.

tips :
1) Reserve half day for this. enjoy the various continent and spend sufficient time to observe the differences & how plants adapt to the climate in the continent.
2) Parking is limited so reach early in holiday season.
3) There are nice trails near the park. You can cover one of those in your visit.
4) You get nice view of SFO bay & on clear day you can see golden gate bridge from one of the point in the garden.
5) Pack your lunch , there is no food facilities available in the park.
6) The tropical section is small but gives a nice overview of plans & climate in that region. Kids will like a live beehive maintained in this section.
7) In fall season, you can see nice colors on some trees.. :-)

I love coming here on cooler, cloudy days to take photographs, especially the Mather Redwood Grove. Inside the grove you feel as if you're far removed from the bounding city below. On foggy days the mist falls lightly from the redwoods renewing your senses to nature.

Love this place. Lovely gardens with an awesome redwood grove accrosss the street. A real Gem in Berkeley!

This garden is a wonderful place. It is quiet, beautiful, peaceful and inspiring. You can sit and enjoy the birds, have an enjoyable lunch and while away the hours in natural beauty. Anyone who has any sort of interest in plants will like this botanical garden. It is for all ages and being in the hills you can get great views.

The gardens of the former home of the University president. Fantastic views and beautiful Koi pond among native plants. Nice for a pleasant walk and places to bring a picnic. Just off the Arlington in Kensington. Dogs on leashes are OK. It is free and open each weekday until 4:30. I visit often.

Loved the amazing variety of plants. Laid out by country. Needs many visits to take it all in. Parking can be a challenge. Likewise the terrain if you're not up for walking uphill. Gardens are fully accessible however.

I have visited this garden many times over the years and it always impresses. When you enter you see a greenhouse with rare and unusual plants. Just beyond on the left is a hill with plants from South Africa. On the right are cacti from Mexico and South America. Further back are plants from Asia and the Americas. There is a beautiful spice garden. Many large trees can be found, including Sequoias. There is a very nice shop at the front where you can buy plants.

Came here during the day after we dropped our Freshman son to UC Berkeley orientation. Loved the cactus section and the smell of California Bay trees. My 6-year old was our group "professor" and enjoyed teaching us the different plant types and exploring the grounds. Nice, peaceful place.

A gem in the miffle of the city. there's more to this area than meets the eye! Lots of trails and hikes to enjoy with family and friends.
A perfect Sunday afternoon hike.

Established in 1890, the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley continues to be amazing today. It is in the Strawberry Canyon area of UC Berkeley and has 34 acres. It has a very varied plant collections. I have enjoyed visiting it on a number of occasions.

The botanical garden works hard to also maintain rare and endangered plant species.

There is also a lovely redwood area I like to walk in.

There is a pay for fee parking lot close to the botanical gardens.

Extensive gardens, organized by region.
My favorite part was the edible garden (food crops, berries, etc) and the herb garden.
There's also a field that's perfect for a picnic.

Especially for its 34 acres, this is one of the most biodiverse and beautiful gardens to hike through and explore anywhere in the world.

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.

The Botanical Garden at Berkeley features great plant diversity in a very walkable area. The garden comes across as rather scientific, as it is obviously focusing on research in plant biology and conservation of plant diversity. Botanical nerds will be in heaven, but people without much botanical knowledge might wish for more attractions aiming at the general public.

Nice view towards Bay on clear days.

The Shuttle Service isn’t great. Walking to the Botanical Garden cannot be recommended either. Really, the only way to get there is by car. Unfortunately, the parking lot right across the entrance has limited parking space.

Free admission every first Wednesday of the month.

There is a Garden Shop at the UC Botanical Garden, but there seems to be no café on site. So, don’t forget to bring your own food and water.

Instead of driving, I walked up to the botanical gardens. It's a very pleasant walk - on the road though but in the middle of the woods and there is not much traffic. Squirrels are everywhere and makes the walk more fun. The garden itself is beautiful. I studied more in detail the cactus house and learned a lot! Very well explained. The entry fee is 10 $. If you don't feel like walking (a good 20 mins walk uphills), you can take the bus shuttle bus H for a dollar. Opposite the garden there is a redwood plantation which is very relaxing for reading a book or just sit in silence.

Love UC Berkeley's botanical garden and the small, but delightful redwood grove across the street! The specimens are interesting and it is great for kids as well.

I had a few hours free on a recent trip to Berkeley and took myself to this well maintained, excellently signed and designed garden. When I purchased my ticket I picked up a self guided tour which took me about 1-1/2 hours to complete. It took me through most of the biomes. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to get to the redwood grove. Wish I was here on a Tuesday to go to one of their after hours events! Lots of interesting, beautiful and unusual plants. It was quiet and contemplative on a cool Monday afternoon. Could go back and explore so much more!

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.

We toured this are today and overall found it to be not all that well maintained. Many of the areas seemed to be somewhat over grown and we did not think the area was all that well laid out. We also thought the displays, signs etc could use some updating.

A must visit , the garden has an amazing variety of plants from all over the world , brought together and nurtured with great love and affection .

Worth the detour in the hills above Berkeley. Especially at night with the sun setting, the views over both the mountains and San Francisco are just amazing

Quiet location uphill of Berkeley. Plants set out on hillside by continent - hence reference to Disneyland. Natural feel and quite a lot of appreciative small wildlife. Shop OK. Also a small exhibition building - last focus was on cereal foodstuffs. Ticket allows re-entry on day - just as well as no refreshments.

Many different climates are represented, and the areas are beautifully kept. The day we visited happened to be very warm, and there were few areas where drinking water was available, be sure to bring your own. It is well worth the time to see it, I would allot at least half a day.

Beautiful garden with a diversity of plantscapes. Chinese medicinal garden is worth seeing. Great for picnics and general meandering. Parking can be challenging. Park above the garden and then walk down. Well worth a trip.

Redwoods are impressive on their own, but to have rare rhododendrons and magnolias set underneath them is something that no other garden can reproduce. Other gardens in the area have redwood groves, but none have integrated them so naturally with botanical wonders from across the globe! Big leaved rhododendrons, evergreen magnolias, tropical gingers, palm trees, waterfalls and bridges all under a redwood canopy should be the envy of all botanical gardens!

My hubby and I came here last month and found that the UC Berkeley Botanical garden to be beautiful!! There is no way to see the entire botanical garden in one day... It is just too big to do so... Do plan on making two different trips to see the entire botanical garden. Lots of walking involved on steep slopes and hills with some steps too. The orchids, carnivorous plants, herb gardens and crops of the world garden were some of my favorites to see while visiting the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden.

This past summer I had the pleasure of attending a wedding at the Botanical Gardens. It was lovely and memorable. The Garden provided well marked parking spaces dedicated to those attending the wedding. It was an easy walk to the amphitheater. The redwood forest provided dappled shade for the wedding.

The garden has a number of trails - some trails that are an easy walk and some that go up hills and in and around the plants. You could spend quite some time in this garden if you try to go on every trail. The garden has plants from a variety of places, nicely arranged. It also has a vegetable garden which will likely be quite interesting for young kids. In some areas, you get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. We visited the garden in January with not much blooming and it was still very interesting. I look forward to going back in the spring when the roses and other flowers are in full bloom.

I went around 5pm and they only charged half price. Awesome flowers, plants, etc. Smells great. Take your camera! You have beautiful backgrounds there.

I attended a very intimate wedding ceremony here over the weekend (9/19/2015) The grounds are gorgeous and the employees are super friendly and helpful!

We visit the UC Botanical Garden at least twice a year. We prefer the spring, when it's a little cooler and things are blooming, but it is a lovely visit any time of the year. There is a wonderful cactus garden and some fine examples of California native plants. The gift shop carries interesting varieties of plants.

We try to arrive when the garden opens, because it can get crowded later in the day. This is a great destination for people who love to walk, or young children who want to run a little. It can be hilly. Wear a jacket and walking shoes, and enjoy!

It looked tired. Some areas needed deadheading or weeding. We arrived early just after opening and had the place mostly to ourselves. I loved the greenhouse with the carnivore plants and that with the dry area plants, especially those from Madagascar. I have a bad foot and am a senior citizen and had some difficulty walking around on the slippery gravel, especially on slopes.

I love taking my family here to walks under the plants and trees. There are trails on both hills and flats. We like to bring a simple lunch to have to make the visit complete.

A great place to take a walk through beautiful gardens. I always learn something new and see plants that inspire me-- either to sketch or to try to buy for my own garden. Their little shop has great gift items as well as specimen plants for sale.

Very nice close to Tilden Park. Parking available. Offers a nice tour. We had a beautiful picnic with a beautiful look to the Bay and the Golden Gate. Just make sure your you plan your tour, she the weather conditions are fine - I mean without fog!

The whole garden is quite large and ranges from an indoor rain forest to a rose garden to many gardens with themes...such as Asian herbs or California native plants. There are fall and spring plant sales which enable local gardeners to find quality plants for their personal gardens. Also, one can hear speakers teaching crafts, giving garden how-to's and even educational programs as well as summer music performances.

My wife and I recently spent several hours at the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens and had a wonderful time. There are numerous paths throughout the park, which literally take you around the floral world. It is nice and quiet in the gardens -- far from the hub-bub of the Bay Area.

Definitely worth a visit - so much beautiful flora crammed into a relatively compact place. Easily walk-able up the hill from Berkeley - about 20 minutes, or there is parking available and the H Shuttle goes regularly from UC Berkeley campus for a small fare.
The gardens are laid out in regions of the world and they are thoughtfully presented with incredible variety. There are many many paths and the gardens are both beautiful and tranquil. Plenty of variety to enjoy with clear labels. A venue for experts and complete non-experts to savour and enjoy at their own level - great for gardeners, botanists, artists, photographers and pretty much anyone who enjoys nature.
There is no catering on site so take a picnic or refreshments if you'll need them, though there are toilets and water fountains.

This is a great place to visit if you enjoy nature, gardening, traveling or hiking. I only spent 1 hour total at the park, and I walked along many of the paths. Being on the hill, many of the paths can turn steep quickly, but there are many benches to stop and rest.

You can walk to the gardens from the campus area, but the incline can get quite intense!

If you are an LBL employee or UC Berkeley student, you must go, it's free!

This is quite a bargain. Senior rate $10 each. Could spend days here. All specimens are labeled. We had no trouble finding information.

Beautiful botanical garden. An impressive collection of plants from all over the world. we especially enjoyed the Japanese reflecting pool, the Chinese medicinal garden, and the plants from New Zealand.
A large area was closed due to maintenance along with several buildings closed, maybe for summer day camp? At $18/person, it was pricey. Just an fyi: many paths are not very handicap accessible, nor stroller friendly.

Being a plant lover I love visiting botanical gardens and have been to several all over the globe. The UC Botanical garden, even though relatively modest in size, is amazing for what it offers. It hosts several plants that are endangered and rare. I loved the layout and how accessible all the plants and trees were to the visitor. The garden has an outstanding collection of plants from various continents which are geographically organized. The collections of cacti, succulents, and carnivorous plants in the glass houses were really impressive. The California Native and the Chinese Herbal Garden were my favorites. Right next to the Botanical Garden is a majestic redwood grove that one should visit as well.

I'm not so big fan of botanical gardens, but I really enjoyed my time there. They have thousands of different plants all over the world and you can easily spend several hours walking around the garden.

We went on on an interesting and informative tour of these lovely gardens. The guide told us many interesting facts we would have not known if we had walked on our own.

Worth the admission fee. Many different kinds of vegetation. They also have greenhouses to showcase tropical climate flora. The cactuses were amazing. The kids saw carnivorous plants. We also saw a brown snake slithering in the South Africa section.
There is also a point from which you can get a view of SF.
We spent 3 hours and if you take every path/trail, it might take longer as there is tons of sights of interesting plants. Good place to do research on plants growing in different climatic conditions.

Will return again...

Our family really liked this place. Wear comfy shoes, though, as there is some serious hilly hiking involved. We really enjoyed the cacti & succulents as well as the herb and medicinal gardens and the redwood grove. Lots of great picnic spots around the gardens and especially in the redwood grove!

Visiting CA from New England, I found this to be the perfect place to begin to learn about the plants that grow in California along with their environments. Walking trails throughout the site. Great visitors center.

Great place to go during late spring and early summer with the family. The kids will love the foliage wrapped trails and streams throughout the garden

not only is it beautiful, but it is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. The garden is arranged geographically, with 9 regions representing every continent except antarctica. Its a trip around the botanical world!

Packed in a relatively small area are very special botanical exhibits from around the world. While a general tour of the gardens along the main path is a good way to get oriented to the overall collection, one can easily spend several hours exploring a particular collection by following side paths in the particular area of interest.

The Japanese Garden Pool is the best place to see California newts in the area. the rose garden is jaw dropping. the California natives section is amazing. Super nice staff too.

This is a very beautiful place and a great place to relax. A nice place for a leisurely walk. Wasn't very crowded when I went soon after they opened in the morning.

A very calming and beautiful place to visit much of the world in less than 80 acres. Yo will be surprised by the variety of flowers and trees that are slipped in. Many informative posted signs. Allow an hour or two. The evening in fall is fantastic.

I always bring out-of-town visitors here. The variety of plants, beautifully displayed, gives them a taste of California in a couple of hours. Always a delightful walk, and great views.

The botanical garden gives so much. They are masters of cultivating and educating. The docents are so knowledgeable and thoughtful. Fun to follow them around the garden and hear the garden stories and get a better understanding of the plants. The garden is beautiful. Hanging out is a joy.

What a grand open space with sweeping bay views! This research garden has a myriad of paths that takes you on a trip through different types of landscapes. There's also several greenhouses with special plants, such as orchids and succulents/cacti. At the small shop near the entrance you can purchase plants, books, and other gardening items. Be a globe trotter without leaving Berkeley by visiting the UC Botanical Garden that should be called gardenS.

Uber there, it's uphill 1.7 mi. Behind berkeley campus. $10 to Get in, 52 acres arranged by continent. Staff is wonerfull, hiking trails well marked exibits, bring snacks/lunch, plenty of picnic areas and a stream

Loved our visit here. Took a while waiting on the Hill Shuttle, but was worth it! We loved walking along all the paths and exploring each different geographical representation in the gardens. There are places to sit throughout the gardens too. It was super peaceful and beautiful. Would go back again. Only change I would make is making sure we go earlier in day to ensure we have enough time to explore every last corner!

Gorgeous! My daughter and I loved it. The diversity and views are outstanding. Highly recommended.
Staff was friendly and helpful.
Could use a cafe. We walked all the way up and would have gladly purchased food and drink. If you're taking children, don't forget to pack food and drink!

Unbelievable research garden eco diversity in this little space in Strawberry Canyon. Amazing to be able to create multi environments to show off a variety of plants each grouped into their regional climates from rain forest to deserts, from arid to steamy! We started in the South African zone and went on to the Japanese garden, then Garden of Old Roses, on to the medicinal herb garden and regular herb garden, visited the humid greenhouse with tropical plants and ended up at the arid desert cactus garden. Much more to see but that was 90 minutes with multiple rests on the garden benches with views out to the Golden Gate Bridge. For more relaxation, get the code from the admission office and take a walk through the Redwood Grove across the highway and car park. Lunch tables are scattered under the 130 ft redwoods planted in 1932. Nice store and friendly helpful welcome folks who helped plan your garden itinerary! Distances between climatic zones are quite short so no major exertion required! Kudos to UCB and the folks who look after these plants, identify them and do the upkeep! So many varieties it's unbelievable!

I think you do a really good job and create a worthwhile visit. I’ve also enjoyed their plant sale and have planted many of their native’s in my garden with good results

Located in the hills above the UCB stadium, you forget that you are 5 minutes from the craziness of downtown Berkeley. The plants are laid out geographically with seemingly the whole world represented. There seems to be an infinite number of walking paths that branch off the main thorofare - one could spend hours here. It is quite hilly, so a visit here will take care of your exercise need for the day.
Don't forget to visit the redwood grove across the street.

Our visit to the botanical garden was relaxing and enjoyable. The gardens include many plants from all over the world. Visiting in Feb. From the east coast made this spot even motr enjoyable!
We will go again on another trip to CA.

This is a wonderful site, but I found the plantings to be a bit overgrown in places. The cactus/succulent area is nicely done. Tucked into the hills behind UCB, I would have like a bit better maintenance.

This garden is part of the University of California system and supports teaching and research. In addition, a goal of the garden is to educate the public about the world of plants and the natural environment. To that end, it does the job pretty well. And in addition, it's beautiful location to take a stroll, pack a lunch, and enjoy the views.

I was here with a group of friends for U.C. Berkeley's Cal Day open house. It was the end of the day and we decided to make the garden our last stop. Afterwards we were so glad that we did. We garden is quite large and we only made it to the California collection, the Cycad & Palm garden, and the Tropical House. All three were very interesting and beautiful. Our only frustration was that sometimes it was very difficult to find the identity of a plant and to figure out which name-tag went with which plant.

If you pack a lunch, or just want to sit and rest, I recommend going to the Oak Knoll in the California garden. There are picnic tables and the view of San Francisco Bay is very nice.

The garden is large and there is so much to see there I would recommend that you give yourself at least 3 hours to take it in. Also the admission charge is $10 for adults so it's a bit expensive for a short visit. Ideally pack a lunch and spend a half day there.

For architecture lovers, in 2014 a building built by Julia Morgan was moved into the garden and is a nice example of her work. It was formerly known as the Senior Women's Hall and also Girton Hall, but is now called the Julia Morgan Hall.

Be sure to check their website before you go because there are some days when admission is free, some days when it's closed to the public, and there are a number of special events and tours scheduled.

Large garden. Couldn't cover entire garden in 2 hours. Lots of up and down hills/slopes so it was a bit challenging with young children requiring strollers. Up in a hill. If it is windy it gets pretty chilly. If you have a CA public library card, Google "discover & go" and redeem coupon to cover admission cost.

We've been visiting this garden since before admission started - that's a long time. It's worth the small entrance fee, quiet, meandering paths, a running creek. Benches in just the right places to take it all in. Blooming flowers & trees depend on the season, but every season offers beauty.

Really? If you don't like wondering around "nature" than you know what your going to like about this place (the answer: very little), which means if you get excited about going to a "garden" or a hike through the forest/woods, then definitely a place to visit. Well marked trails take you through lots of flora and fauna, which are also well-marked by geographical regions and clearly described. You can visit more than once, expecting different areas to be different in different seasons! Worth an hour, but could easily consume more time, especially if you wish to simply sit, read, or converse quietly taking in the scenery.

These are amazing gardens. It is a quiet respite from the noisy city. Very well maintained. There are do many different types of plants. The paths are very easy to walk on. We saw some amazing birds. I would highly recommend this.

If you want to experience plants from different environments - spend part of a day here. The setting is great, in the hills above UC Berkeley. Access is a bit difficult if you don't have a car. But buses do stop there. Bring water, a snack and wear sturdy shoes.

My husband, son and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the botanical garden! It was so beautiful and very well maintained. Very serene. A perfect location to read and relax as well as take in all the gorgeous flowers, plants, trees and herbs. At one spot, you can see the bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge. Some of the upcoming programs looked really interesting - making succulent wreaths was the one that interested me the most.

When visiting San Francisco & The Bay Area, the Botanical Garden At Berkeley is a must see. What a magical place! You will feel like you were transported to Paradise. The views are breathtaking, the species of plants and trees, exotic & diverse. After hiking the terrain, sit on a bench at one of the higher elevations & take in the views. Breathtaking!
I just loved this place.

Plan an hour or two to walk through the paths and enjoy the botanical garden. Very relaxing place to talk with friends while you are out in the fresh air.

So I took my mother to this UC Botanical Gardens for a surprise birthday for her. We are going back! Be sure to especially check out the Orchid/Carnivorous plants section & the gated on the other side Redwoods (I think they were Redwoods), it was unbelievable--and we didn't even see everything we were too pooped. It's an all day event if not more although we only went for 1 hour and a half. And I was told to check out "The Corpse Flower" next time (google it!).

Took my daughter in her 20's to this. Expensive for the view of things but a niec place to walk amnd get light exercise. Does have a very good display of cactus and you are supporting a worthy educational endeavor

NICE place to visit fresh air fragrant very nice place nicely scenic and nice walks with the one you love and care for great place for a romantic day or night

What a beautiful garden! It was a wonderful experience to see together so much of the California vegetation. Really a must when one is visiting Berkeley.

My first and only trip so far was great. I went on the first Wednesday of the month, which is free. The staff that I ran into was a friendly gentleman who gave me some background information on some of the latest blooming flowers. Very peaceful, safe, and well maintained spot. I felt like I could forget about civilization for a while. I recommend going in the mid morning afternoon when there's not a lot of people there.

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!

The garden office always points out special things on view - like the giant stinking plant last month. I go back again and again. My visit in July was just one of many. Then there's the delightful redwood grove with its little amphitheater where you can enjoy concerts every week during the summer. Bring a picnic basket dinner.

The place closes at 5pm so do come early. You will need at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the place.

Adult entry fee is $10usd and you can ask for a free map of the place.

Take a slow walk around the place and enjoy the peaceful environment. It's money well spent though you will need to walk quite a some distance (around 1km) from UC Berkeley to reach the garden.

This is one of my favorite places in Berkeley. Super well-maintained, beautiful, educational and usually very peaceful (unless an event is happening there). If I have guests coming in from out of town, it's one of my go-to spots, for nature and serenity. Great place to do good walking and exploring and slowing down.

As is usually my way with botanical gardens, I allowed myself much less time than was necessary to fully appreciate this hillside oasis. While not very large, it feels much more expansive because of the way the various gardens are arranged with multiple, winding paths encouraging exploration. Two hours seems like an adequate amount of time to spend here and if you're a member of another AHS garden, it's likely your visit will be free- an added bonus.

The most amazing garden, both beautiful and educational. There are plants for sale, membership sales, and many membership events.As a member or visitor , it is a delightful place to relax, bring out of town guests or your family. As a member for many years, i have experienced the garden, renovate and innovate. A wondrous refuge and very accessible to transportation.

My band (your song my song)has played at the Redwood Grove and we love it. A magical setting on a terraced amphitheater in the woods. We also attended an awesome wedding at the Garden and loved walking through and gaping at all the unique plants.

Well, small trees. We were in the Bay area for our son’s graduation from Berkeley. There was a lot to see and do in very little time. If your significant other is a plant nut, plan on spending no less than half a day here – there’s lots to see. Our misfortune was that we got up the hill to the garden at 3:15 pm, way too late in the day. They close at 5 and start shoo-ing people out around 4:30. It turns out they open a 9 am and go to 5 pm every day except “major holidays and the first Tuesday of the month”. Check their web-site for more information. Also, they’ll give you a map at the ticket booth so you can find your way around. However, the map at the door is not enough. It would be a good idea to check out their web-site before-hand so you can plan your visit better. They offer tours of the gardens if you can contact them soon enough (by the 15th of the month before you want the tour – by the 15th of July if you want a tour anytime in August).

It really is a great place to visit and I dearly wish that we had had enough time to do it justice.

I did have a problem though. The gardens are built on the side of a steep hill. I am limited by my crutches, so a map showing stairs and steep slopes would have been very useful as they can be challenging. They frequently slowed me up to the point where our party split up so everyone could go at their own pace and see what they were most interested in. The paths that I ended up on were stone chips with railroad ties or stone for stairs. I could handle them but I had to watch the steps and be careful of my balance on them. Before you get on their case about accessibility, there isn’t a whole lot they can do, as it’s the landscape they were given. They should also put someone in a wheelchair and push them around the trails as well. It would provide a different perspective of the landscape. Maybe some changes could be made, or a different path material used in some places to improve accessibility.

The staff deserves a pat on the back for the first-aid they gave my son. He’s a grown man and doesn’t have any handicaps, he just slipped on a stone stair and fell into a cactus patch. He got some cactus spines in his knee and his hand. Not a 911 problem, but the staff had him sit down and started working on him in nothing flat. They showed us an interesting way to get the spines out that we had never thought of. The long spines you pull out with a tweezers, that we knew. But the broken-off ones were the challenge – their secret remedy was… duct tape. You look at the direction in which the spines are pointing and lay down the duct tape uphill – from point of entry to the broken end of the spine. Then you wait a second or so and then slowly peel the tape off in the same direction. Worked like a charm. So their first aid worked fine and we left about 20 minutes later with a slightly aerated, and chagrinned, son and everyone was happy. Well done, folks.

We visited the UC Botanical gardens in February. It was a beautiful sunny day.
We spent the day walking around the park and looking at the wonderful plants. The park is divided into sections according to the type of trees and plants gathered from all over the world. In one day you can see trees and plants from 5 continents. I liked the indoor cactus exhibit, then it was great to see the giant cacti outdoors as well. The botanical gardens are accessible by car; there is a convenient parking lot just ourside. You can get there by bus also. Biking is another option, but be prepared to bike uphill or to push your bike.
Get plenty of water with you. Bring your student ID card to get a discount.

For stunning views and lots of different types of plants arranged by geographic region, do go the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. The grounds are extensive, but beware that the parking lot (free) is small. There is an admission charge and a small, but nice, gift shop. For a Sunday afternoon in an uncrowded park, head to Berkeley to take a stroll in this botanical park.

This is a magical place. I went on a rainy day and didn't notice the rain. The tour guide was knowledgeable, providing all sorts of details about the geometrical shapes that we can find in plants (the tour was about that subject). The tour lasted about 2 hours, with an extensive tour of the grounds.

My family loves this place. The garden is tucked away into the hillside above Berkeley's main campus and it is incredibly well kept and beautiful. As a birder, I especially enjoy the variety and volume of interesting birds that frequent the garden. It is a bit hilly though, so make sure you wear good walking shoes. Definitely worth the trip though!

Acres of microclimates and theme gardens...a photographer's delight. I have been here many times and I go back as often as I can. I like the hillside walking, a day of weather cooler than my city (Sacramento) and the many colors, textures, lizards, walkways, and of course the plants!

The garden is a perfect place for a quiet relaxing walk. The grounds, plants and flowers are superb. There is ample parking and the walks are easy. Find a nice bench and breath in the beauty.

The UC Botanical Garden is a great place to go on a sunny day when you don't have much else to do. It's free for UC students and there are guides there who can give you an introduction to the plants in the gardens. The gardens are well laid out and there is quite a diversity of things to see. Would recommend going if you are in the Berkeley area for some time.

Beautiful gardens on a hill so there was a variety of walking experiences. It was a hot day, but would like to return when it wasn't so hot or bright. This is the kind of place one could return to time after time.

Very diverse plantings/environments and lovely walking paths. Great gift shop and rare & unusual plants for sale...

Worth repeated visits. Great vegetation of all kinds from around the world, in Berkeley's unique and fabulous micro-climate.

Positioned on a hillside, the garden provides a varied botanical experience and vigorous exercise! Cute gift shop with interesting plants for sale at reason prices. First Wednesday of the month is free, paid parking available.

Don’t miss the old redwood grove across the road from the main garden. Sitting in the amphitheater amidst the tall trees is a beautiful and restful experience. In the main garden the old roses area has a stunning view across the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge. The section on Chinese medicinal herbs is very interesting for all their described uses. This is a great destination for a quiet respite amid the busyness of Berkeley.

Wedding wonderland
We Held our daughters wedding here and It was simply spectacular. The beautiful redwoods, the amazing serenity, just simply a majestic place. Totally worth visiting

We're garden enthusiasts and this place is amazing!!! With rolling hills to climb, the gardens traverse areas rich in fertile soils that grow everything from a redwood tree to fine culinary herbs. From roses to rhododendron, this place is brimming with beautiful sights and sounds, a babbling brook, conservatories filled with desert plants, ivy, rare plants from all over the world. With views looking over Berkeley, this is a must see. We had a perfect weather day. It can get pretty hot, and there are trails that wander up and down some narrow passages. Come with comfy shoes, a water bottle, and an eye for beauty. Don't miss this incredible garden!

A botanical trip around the world. The garden is planted and organized according to the varied growing regions of the world. Of special interest: South African hill, Japanese pool, Garden of old roses with its view of the Golden Gate, Mexico and the great variety of growing areas in California. And don't miss the desert.

My daughters and I spent an afternoon exploring the gardens. We were impressed by the vast collections they have cultivated. The cactus collection is immense. The trails meander so we were not always sure which direction we were headed. Some of the trails ended in lovely little sitting areas. It was a pleasurable visit. We were unable to see the stand of redwoods as a wedding was taking place. We were told that weekends in the summer are often booked with weddings so if you want to see their redwoods, come on a weekday. Also, I recommend footwear more substantial than flip flops. There was more climbing than I anticipated and would have been better off with a more solid shoe.

A world class botanical garden. Organized by plant groups from various geological areas. Many rare and unusal plants. May bring a picnic lunch and stay awhile or have a quick look around and go. Plants for sale, some California natives.

My wife and I have been coming to the gardens for years and love the incredible variety of plants from all over the world. Stunning in spring when many of the plants are in full bloom, the garden is attractive all year with numerous trails, an incredible diversity of shapes and textures, meandering creeks and expansive views of the Bay Area.

On our latest visit, we decided to bring our 2 year old grandson. We weren't sure if he would share our fascination - but quickly found that he was totally enthralled with the beautiful outdoor setting, trees, pond, etc.

If you've never been, set aside a couple of hours and take a leisurely stroll through the gardens - you will be richer for the experience.

One note - parking can be tight. There is a paid lot across from the garden with 40 or so spaces and that is the only parking in the vicinity. The lot tends to fill on days when the garden club is meeting so plan your visit accordingly.

This is a beautiful garden, it is well maintained.Climb to the top near the rose garden for a great view of the bay. It is hard to park

tough bike ride up, but $10 bucks gets you 52 acres of wonderful trails picnic areas and oh yea, plants! arranged by continent, and tended by agronomy students u c berkeley.

Every time we are in Berkeley, we have to visit Botanical Garden. We always spend 3-4 hours there to enjoy every inch of the Garden. This time I even bought a pot of plant and hope it is ok to take it in the flight.

The Botanical Gardens is quiet and beautiful. I especially like the Japanese Garden with the Salamanders in the pond. It's a lovely place for a picnic or quiet walk and conversation. Not a great place for young or energetic children. There are regular docent led walks which are both fun and interesting. Take comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.

Came to see the corpse flower. Joined to enjoy even more. Lovely garden and a nice gift shop. Bought several plants to take home.

My wife and I spent a wonderful afternoon in this large botanical garden. It has many examples of plants from California and the rest of the world, and pleasant walking paths to stroll through on your visit. The maps provided with your admission fee are helpful and thorough. Also, paid parking is available across the road from the garden. A visit here is highly recommended for a stress-free afternoon activity on a sunny day.

As a UC Berkeley grad student, this is one of my favorite places to visit, and one of the first places I recommend to any visitors. This botanical garden has a lovely variety of plants from around the world, which are all well-kept. I've been here several times on different days, as well as the weekends, and it is always calm and quiet. It's a great place to take young kids as well as older adults - the paved walkways makes it a light stroll, with areas that are shaded as well as others that are bright/hotter. Make sure to also visit the Redwood Grove, which is located across the street (ask the front desk attendant for the gate code that's included in the price of admission). There are several short paths where you can walk amongst the redwood trees, as well as a beautiful ampitheatre where you can sit and enjoy the sights.

The Botanical Garden is very large and quite varied. They have sections from all around the planet. Don't miss the cactus garden. Climb the hills and find a bench with a view of San Francisco Bay.

Wasn't expecting much, but found a fantastic Garden. Plants grouped by country of origin. THere is a redwood grove, Chinese herbal garden, herb garden, world food garden, a large variety of cacti and succulents. Did not have enough time to take it all in. We used public transportation- took BART to Berkely, then the yellow bus (not the studen campus bus although stuedens also use the yellow bus) to UC campus, and connected with the bus that went to the garden. (It is all uphill, so walk from campus back to town, but not up to campus).

We had our staff retreat here and it was a beautiful and peaceful place to have it. If your group is looking for a day away from the office, this is the place to be.

I am a member of this garden and love to take walks through it on an early morning or shady afternoon. The shop offers rare plants for sale and the collections are amazing. I like that the plants are grouped by geographical location. My only negative comment is that the parking for handicapped visitors requires walking up stairs to pay at a machine that is at shoulder level. What are they thinking!!!!!!!!!! Other than the parking situation, it is an incredible place to visit.

The UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is really really cool, even if you don't fancy yourself to be some sort of nerdy plant lover. Cacti of all sorts, jungle stuff, plants and trees from around the world.

also great hiking trails nearby

If you have never visited the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, you must drop everything and go today. This is an amazing garden in the hills of Berkeley just east of the UC Berkeley campus. There is a huge array of plant life with incredible views of the bay. There is a nice little conference room that works for meetings up to about 30 people.

It is larger then it appears with many mini environments dedicated to specialty plants. Also green houses. A must for the horticulturalist and the novice plant lover
Plants for sale

We go to the botanical gardens a few times each year. They are well maintained and have a wide selection of plants that are native to California as well as several obscure species from other parts of the world.

I have known about these gardens for years - I live nearby! - and was re-introduced to them (AND FINALLY JOINED!) when my sister passed away last November, and the family decided to have a springtime celebration of her life at the Julia Morgan building in the gardens. ALSO, they have a beautiful, top of the hill rose garden, where we adjourned to later that afternoon, as my sister was a great lover of roses. This botanical garden takes you around the world through plants, and due to the location, there are many levels and nooks to feel intimate within. And it's NOT CROWDED - especially, I'm sure, during the weekdays.

This botanical garden is a miniture California in the sense of plants. The whole area is divided into several parts to showcase plants in different climates in the states. This design enables the visitor to step out of the desert and walk right into the tall wood forest. Quite a magical experience especially lead by the volunteer guides.

Beautiful botanic garden on the hill. Not crowded when I was there. Nice place for a stroll. They have corpse flower there so you might see it bloom if you are lucky. Parking lot is small and may take a little while to find parking space. Free for UC Berkeley students.

We while away a supremely happy hour or so in the gardens, spending most of that time transported by truly special cactus. All linds, all sizes, each more beautiful than the lasy...and most of them were in bloom, too, making things even more special. Well worth a visit!

Outdoor botanical garden integrates species from around the world into a seemingly natural ecology. Don't think you would rather "see this" than "see that" because all is a wonder and revelation. Enjoy your walk!

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.

I love this botanical garden for what it is, and happily paid for a yearly membership after my first visit. The grounds are well kept and events readily shared. There are times when hiking is a hassle or I just want to be outside in the hills with some paths and benches. This suits the bill.

I love to go to the botanical gardens every season spring summer and fall great place to take a picnic basket take a nap afternoon nap amazed at the diversity of plants from Japan and China Australia as well as tremendous amounts of native California plants

My wife is really into plants, so we spent several hours here. We walked around on our own for a couple of hours and enjoyed the wide variety of plants from around the worlld, however, other than the names and location there is not a lot of information about individual plants. The labeling of the plants is very good. We went on the guided tour with one of the volunteers for about an hour and it was really well worth the effort as she provided a lot more information that really helped us understand what we were seeing. They have some fascinating plants from around the world. I would highly recommend taking the tour. We went on a weekend, and while we caught a ride up the hill with family, we had to walk back to town as the shuttle was not running on weekends. It is not a difficult walk down as there is a pathway along the road, but it would be a healthy uphill trek.

Clean, well-maintained garden with notable collections from CA's regions plus excellent collection from the world. A great example of water conservation for the landscape.

Excellent venue for a treasure hunt and meeting space. There is also musical events every Thursday night in summer.
I highly recommend for folks of all ages.

My husband and I really enjoyed the gardens. We spent almost an hour in the cactus greenhouse before we even roamed up, down and around a fraction of the gardens. Next time we visit the Bay Area, we will definitely be back.

Great place to spend a couple hours on a beautiful spring day - in February! I had time to spend before meeting my son for dinner, this was perfect. The trails and vegetation were well maintained, easy to get around, friendly staff. It's up in the hills, so very quiet and peaceful for being so close to the campus and the city. The views were awesome and I took some great shots of the plants, I highly recommend taking the time to visit. The cost is reasonable but you do have to pay for parking. I'm sure there is a bus but I couldn't quite work that out.

Walked the 1.2 mile up from Graduate Hotel and that was a pretty walk. Then enjoyed winding thru the paths and exploring all the different. Environments. Great outdoor outing on a beautiful day.

It has been a while since we last visited the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden. located up the hill from the campus stadium. The moderate size botanical garden offers a variety of plants and greenhouse exhibits. A small gift shop and plant nursery is located just inside the entrance. Hourly parking(pay by car space number at central pay kiosk) is limited in a couple of small lots across the street from the garden.

The garden is always meticulously kept. A wide variety of plants . We learned a lot about plants and their environment. Gorgeous easy hike

As senior's with some hip problems we did not cover the whole garden. The layout was really nice but the map provided was a little difficult to follow. The variety of plants from all over the world provides the viewer with a really nice display of plants we are not familiar with. As a student lab it has to be a great experience to learn. If one is interested in gardening, this is a great place to buy some plants. Check with them as to when they hold their sales. We were there on the 24th of Sep and it was the following weekend for the sale. Handicap, depending on your issues it could be difficult. I think those who have wheel chairs can see most of the garden. There are areas that require climbing.

Want some nice down time? Come here and get lost for a couple hours. Beautiful and interesting garden.

Lovely stretch of land chock full with very interesting plants from all parts of the world. It can get pretty hot here in the afternoons on sunny days. Really nice to stroll through, or just bring a book to read. You can also go to the front entrance and ask the people at the desk for the code to get into the Redwoods. Redwoods are probably one of the best places for some solitude (it's over on the other side of the road, separated from the rest of the botanical gardens and hiding behind the parking lot).

Large well maintained trails through the worlds varied plant life. Huge cactus and succulent gardens. Trees and flowering shrubs from many continents. Mature "woods" to explore. Not too expensive for at least 2 or more hours of walking. Sunny (too sunny) in places and cool and shady in others. Water features and not crowded the day we went. The Botanical Gardens have timed entrance and reservations. Parking is nearby but small (no charge the day we went) Can't wait to go back in the late winter and spring for the blooms. High recommendation. The Arboretum in Golden Gate Park is also recommended if you want to cross the bridge..

Huge collection of scare planets is a great legacy for future generation of USA. This is meaning of understanding science.

This is like walking into a massive bookstore (maybe Moes?), limiting yourself to an hour, and expecting to remember and see every title: don't do it! This place is a community gem, and if you are local, a student, or working in the area, tackle sections different days so you can truly enjoy it. It's a great place to stroll, first dates or anniversaries, or . . . reading that one book you bought. If that isn't a possibility then my recommendation is minimum two hours, but you could easily spend the whole morning here depending on what you find.

Visited the garden for my old college roommates wedding. This place is the perfect setting for wedding. Nothing like getting out into nature.

This garden reminded me of the Castle gardens throughout England, Ireland and Scotland. So many varieties of plants, trees, and flowers, some looked so out of this world. Many had funny and or interesting names. the small trials were so fun to stroll around I could have spent hours just meandering up and down the easy to climb paths. The sound of the babbling brook running thought the middle was so relaxing, and the cost was so reasonable, free that is. great place for a romantic get away, or a field trip for the family, just a wonderful place to spend a little time especially nice if you can share it with some one you care about. Hope you find this post helpful. Enjoy the beauties of mother nature.

Went here for some peaceful time to reflect and just get some exercise. Most gorgeous botanical garden I have visited to date

A beautiful garden set in the hills above Berkeley and the university. Dating back almost 100 years this is a beautifully designed garden wandering up and down the hills. The collection is large, the folks are very friendly and it is a lovely place to spend some time just feeling good. Of course from this spot you have magnificent views of the Bay and on a clear day you can see forever. The signage is well done and just about everything is labeled. The store is very nice and they sell plants that are left over from trials, new planting and multiplication. The Docents give an excellent tour and are very very knowledgeable so give it a go you will really like it.

Stroll along the paths and enjoy California's vast variety of plants. I was so surprised at the beauty that the Golden State holds. There are many other plants from other counties and they all come together beautifully. Birds and butterflies abound and the garden is beautiful no matter the weather. Even the drippy fog adds a mysterious ambiance. Don't miss this garden; you will leave refreshed.

I went to my daughter's invitation. It was a cocktail in the middle of redwood pines. The whole elite was gathered. , a reduced circle of plant lovers and music lovers . the sun was setting into the mountains, the light was trespassing these row of giant trees and the music trespassing our heart. It was a magical moment, when everything was ended we cross the street and there was another world marvelous waiting for us, combination of Asian, dessert, South America and Australia's plants. each scientific and artistic combination were in the same peace of land mixed with love and art.
No doubt that design landscaping professionals were present in every detail. It seemed so natural, as they belonged there forever. I love plants and silence, and this was the ending point to my trip to San Francisco . unforgettable and top of the line

Clearly the garden has been affected by the drought and so we were a bit let down. Even so, the small redwood section is worth a visit.

This is the great trip.It bring in to me funny experients.it make me have feelings newly. I very happy when take part in here.I hope will comeback then in the futrure.

Wonderful botanical experience, containing al manner of flora beautifully placed in a restful and u=enjoyable garden experience. Amazing desert blooms that flower once every few years, beautiful flooring plants that survive on minimal water, great displays that give information on how to put a fantastic garden together on budget that is a great fit for water stressed areas. Take a few hours - there is a world of beauty to see.

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.

Located in the hills above the University of California Berkeley campus, this botanical garden is bursting at the seems with exotic species, all carefully labeled. Students specializing in botany will have a great time here. Non-specialists will enjoy the various climates that are simulated in various parts of the grounds. The greenhouse with cacti and desert plants was quite impressive, and even unique.

Now on the downside. It makes no sense that one wastes enormous amounts of water trying to simulate a rain forest, while just a few miles away there is a drought and the hills are burning. I would just concentrate on the plants that can be reasonably maintained given that this is California.

We had some time to spend at this lovely botanical garden one afternoon in July. Their collection includes flora from several continents laid out in geographical areas with a great map handout to guide you to specific areas. Could be an activity for short or long time depending on visitors level of interest. Walking paths led between each area and specimens were well marked. There are some redwoods included which is especially nice for anyone that doesn't have time to see these great trees in another location. Gift shop also available.

While visiting San Francisco recently, and having reason to go to San Leandro for lunch, we wondered what else we might do in East Bay while we had a zip car for the day. Our daughter-in-law found this garden after doing some research on what to do in the area, and we were very impressed. This place is pretty huge, and full of all kinds of fascinating plants from all over the world. It has a variety of different ecosystems - forest, desert, semitropical, savannah, etc. and plants from different continents and countries. I especially liked the greenhouses full of interesting cacti, bromeliads, and euphorbia. This garden is on top of a hill, and there is at least one spot with nice views across the bay in the distance. It was nice to see so many things blooming in late November - but also some trees with a bit of fall color. We were there for over two hours, and still didn't manage to see it all.

A stunning garden with wonderful collections of plants growing faithfully in their assigned regional zones ! Fascinating herb gardens with descriptive labels. Rose garden should not be missed. Spend hours here if you want to. Lots of quiet corners and park benches in shaded spots.

A delightful respite from the noise and traffic in Berkeley. A little oasis of exotic specimens of flowers. Truly a living museum and masterpiece. This place has so many hidden spots and views. I enjoy looking at the variety of trees and plants, especially because I will never see them in their native habitat. Fun place for families.

My daughter and I went to the Botanical Garden based upon my desire to see some flora in a city of concrete. WOW were we surprised by the variety of plants and layout of the garden. We enjoyed ourselves and had a wonderful time. This is a hidden gem and well worth the time to explore.

We took the docent tour which takes 90 minutes. Our docent was generally knowledgeable and interesting although a bit quirky. Our group had a real mix of interest and some limited attention spans. The garden is huge so even after 90 minutes we had hardly scraped the surface. Make sure to visit the redwood grove off the parking area! Your ticket includes it but you need to look for the code to get in the gate. Although the gardens look good in December, I expect they would look even better at other times of the year.

The Botanical Garden in Berkeley is exceptional, not so much because it's a botanical garden, but because it's in Berkeley, one of the last places I'd expect to find it. Meandering paths through many special gardens and a hothouse, this is a wonderful way to spend morning or afternoon in this foodie town.

Great way to spend an afternoon. Great collection of plants and the garden is a wonderful place to walk.

Wish I hadn't missed the blooming of the CORPSE FLOWER!..excellent staff HUGE and I mean HUGE variety of all types of plants.organised in a geographical manner....I am a botanical-garden-o-phile and this was one of the best....plenty of benches and areas where they encourage you to stay a while...university shuttle (Laboratory) gets you up there for 1$!

Organizatized, educational, really cool and large variety of cacti, sedum and palms. Very well kept and marked. Allow 2 hours.

The University of California Botanical Garden is a sneaky attraction. The opening sections of native California plants near the entrance is nice, but not enthralling. But walks farther from the entrance build slowly to a strong crescendo -- so many different plants from so many different areas of the world. The cactus section was particularly impressive; the greenhouse collection of flesh-eating plants was creepy but delightful, too. And throughout the garden are plenty of comfortable wood benches for pondering the wealth of thriving plant life, plus distant views of San Francisco Bay and its bridges. All in all, a magical place for the gardener and plant lover alike.

These Botanical Gardens in Berkeley are amazing! We have visited San Fran many times, and each time, we make sure to check out these beautiful gardens. There is such a great variety of plant life here! So many wonderful varieties that you won't see in most northern US Gardens. The $8 admission is very reasonable and it is open until 6pm.

I went on a quiet weekday and it was wonderful to stroll the gardens. Even though it was Winter, there were still some plants in bloom and vegetables to admire. I bet kids would love all the paths up and down the hills. I can not wait to go back in the Spring.

Less than a 30 minute walk up the hill behind the stadium is this amazing Botanical Garden. Take a few hours to visit. Follow the paths and explore the gardens, turn around and see the bay and the Golden Gate bridge. Very well maintained and amazing collection of plants from around the world. Definitely worth a visit.

For many years, I have visited the bot garden, and am never without many things to look at, regardless of the time of year. The orchid house never disappoints, (don't miss the carnivorous plants), the Chinese Herb Garden is a great learning area, the Tropical House is a blast (and warm), the New World Dessert is lovely when in bloom, The California and Mediterranean Collections are extensive and gorgeous. A great place to slow down, breath deep, and appreciate how calming this island of plant diversity can be. Well worth a visit if you are a tourist, and also if you are a local. Don't miss the plant sales, where you can buy starts of very unique plantings for very reasonable prices. Gift shop also has thoughtful selections.

The botanical garden at UC Berkeley is a very nice way to spend an afternoon. The space has some commanding views of the bay framed by the natural beauty of the gardens themselves. There are scattered benches and a lawn for lounging/sun bathing. It's a very nice place to relax with a good book and/or good company. For those with a more horticultural/botanical interest in the garden there are a number of very informative exhibits.

I particularly enjoy the Arid House and the exhibit on commercially valuable plants. They have a small shop and there are frequent classes for kids and grown ups who want to learn more about plants

I recently became a member of this garden and I am glad I did. With premium membership you get access to hundreds of other museums all around the country so it's a really great option to consider...and if you are a member of a garden in your own community check and see if you have reciprocal privileges with this one.

We visited the gardens, a family of six: two grandparents, two parents and two young teenagers.

The garden has an impressive mix of fantastic plans (including cacti and carnivorous plants), soothing calm spots (Japanese garden) and impressive views.
Plants from around the globe, really reminded me some past traveling.

Dot expect aesthetic combinations, the main forte is diversity, reachable within a short walk.
If you are curious about plants, you can spend several hours. If you are the usual smartphone obsessed teenager, you'd still enjoy a ~1hour stroll.

We'll need to get back here in the spring ;)

I was last here 30 years ago. I enjoyed it then and it's even lovelier now. I particularly enjoyed the small area of crops of the world and a huge Australian plant with crisp leathery leaves. I'd have missed touching the latter if I hadn't heard a guide explaining it to a small group of children.

This extensive garden is very hilly, and even challenging on some pathways and stairs, but worth it! The labeling of the plants is good, though the self-guided seasonal brochure we got was a bit hard to follow. The water features are nice and peaceful and the Chinese Medicinal Garden is very educational. Well worth a couple of hours of wandering about. We were told there are lovely views of San Francisco Bay on nice days but it was foggy across the bay on the day we were there. Try to pick a clear day if you have the chance!

I had a little bit of time left on that day before my flight took off back to Albuquerque. I visited the Tilden Regional Park and the Botanic Garden. It is a lovely, idyllic and well-tended garden with a variety of indigenous plants to enjoy. I will certainly return here on my next visit to Berkeley. I can only recommend the garden to every visitor!

This garden is great. You can gather much inspiration for your own garden by walking through the garden. well laid out and you can even buy plants too. Nursery and garden all in one.

Beautiful place to observe local flora and fauna. and for exercising as well !! A must in Berkeley !!

We visited the botanical garden on UC Berkeley's campus in August of 2016. The afternoon was beautiful, and we enjoyed walking through the large gardens. Each section featured plants from different parts of the world - Asia, Africa, Middle East, etc. There are many paths, so plan to spend many hours if you want to look at everything. A large section was devoted to California, another featured roses, and so forth. The garden is not flat - there are many hills, so come prepared to walk / hike. Parking across the street is reasonably priced (<$10).

If you have no time to travel, or money to pay for it, and you like plants from around the world. This is it.

The best botanical garden!! We visit monthly and always see something new and interesting. The South Africa collection in spring is astonishingly colorful. The rose garden is spectacular. Reflect in the grove of dawn redwoods near the creek. The indoor collections of cacti and carnivorous plants are full of wonders. Stunning landscape, views to the bay and SF. a magical place.

Very interesting place to relax and learn different trees and flowers. The beautiful and wonderful nature from almost all of world because a climate in Berkeley is great with warm weather all of year and seasons.

Definitely worth a visit and a real treat both for its overall location in nature and its collection which is intriguing, diverse, inspiring, educational and fun. A unique garden that stands out among other similar botantical gardens for its sensitive embeddedness within the California landscape and environment. You can have a great adventure here. The cacti are a particular strength of the collection and incredible in their diversity. A peaceful retreat great for wandering and exploration.

A large and varied collection of plants from around the world. Best of all is you can wander with your picnic and eat with a view of the Golden Gate. Not just for scientists. Few people know about this marvel. Redwood Grove good for weddings.

The giant rhododendrons are resplendent this time of year, especially after our unprecedented rains.You can explore gardens of plants from Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America along with the Asian and native species of rhododendrons. Asian bamboos are abundant. There are also glass houses with tropical species where you can warm up on a cool day. The garden is well maintained with a great view out towards the Bay. Really worth the trip up the hill.

The lily ponds and redwood grove are my favorite, I guess it depends on the time of year and weather. I love taking the classes there as well, always something new to learn.

This a stop we never fail too show friends passing through Berkeley. It is a 15 minute drive from downtown but it puts you in the amazing world of Northern California horticulture. A small grove of redwoods to take a quiet moment in and every lovely trail labeled with plant names and beautiful care. It never fails to impress

I was surprised by the variety of plants. The docents are so good at helping you learn about indigenous plants. Be prepared for walking up and down hills so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and apply lots of sunscreen. There are some accessible areas but if you use a cane be careful of various changes in walking surfaces. The gift shop is wonderful and offers numerous plant guides as well as teaching guides and books for children/youth. They also sell plants to support the gardens. Master Gardeners are available to help identify problems/treatment for personal plants/gardens.

I wouldn't come here unless I have lots of time on my hands. Some cool plants and trees, some cool views, but nothing special. Also, there is no bar or shop, not even water is sold, so bring some if you're planning on walking all around the property.

Attended a wedding at the Redwood Grove at the Botannical Garden. It was a really great setting for a small wedding. Quiet, cool, private - if thinking of a wedding venue, this is a good place.

I don't think I understood how hard the hike up to the garden would be, but I really enjoyed it once I got there. A really remarkable collection of succulents and other plants. Gorgeous trees.

This is a great place for an hour stroll to look at plants and have a pretty views of the bay and the hills. All the plants are marked and they have docent tours most days at 1 so check their calendar for tours, In addition their is a beautiful Japanese garden and in door hot houses of the tropics and cactus

The gardens were beautiful with so much to see! Neat gift shop and friendly staff! Amazing views of the bay. Really enjoyed the gardens of the world.

The botanical garden is a terrific garden in which to see and learn about plants from all over the world. It is set on a hillside, so people should be aware of that. As another review noted, the best areas are those similar to the Bay Area in climate.
A great addition to the garden last year was the transfer of a Julia Morgan building from the Berkeley campus. Originally built as a faculty women's club, the building was moved because of the business school expansion. It is a great event venue and the restoration has been done with loving care. Plants and architecture: what could be better? Good alone or with family. Spend a few hours!

We joined family member to take an 80--year-old plant and flower lover and celebrating her birthday. Perfect location for the occasion. The weather was a little cool and there is a lot of walking including steps and inclines/declines, so, keep this in mind.

Our son is a Cal student and negotiated the best rate for our group. It can be complicated as a membership provided extra entrances...seniors pricing was involved. I made the payment and was a little surprised by the price but when you consider a few hours of entertaining and informative fun for six, the price was just fine.

Be sure to get a map that will guide you to different areas (plants of Australia, for example.) This garden is vast so you will have to pick and chose what you want to see...or return some other day.

Parking may be a problem, normally. We arrived and parked in a small lot near the entrance. There was almost a riot for my parking spot when we were leaving. Good luck. Oh, wear comfortable shoes!

Lots of variety and plenty of benches to sit on. Way up in the hills with parking( not free) The world is divided into gardens

This is a really nice botanical garden located on a hillside above UC Berkely, with incredible views of San Francisco and the bay. Lots of beautiful plants and trees to look at spread out over a well designed piece of land. From UC Berkeley campus you can ride a shuttle bus here for $1.00.

We could have spent days here but we only had part of one day. On our next trip in 2016 we will arrange our schedule so we can have at least a whole day to explore this outstanding garden.

great people great plants great way to stroll away the hours. Nice Asian Medicinal plant garden too.

A Wonderful Botanic Garden located above the UC Berkeley campus. There is a redwood grove that is part of the garden, entrance across the street. You need a code (on your ticket) to enter.

a varied yet relaxed experience thru a wide variety of plant types. Always find some plant in bloom mode!

We recently visited the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley for the 4th time. As always, the bounty of beauty in a garden center divided by continent, is visually stunning. The views of San Francisco Bay from various vistas are also inspiring. Well worth the trip up the hills beyond the UC football stadium.

A wonderful place to visit. Exceptional collection of trees and other plants in a beautiful setting.

My friend and I decided to explore the Botanical Gardens at Berkeley one Monday and it was a wonderful time. There are docent led tours certain days but with a map and the markers you can enjoy a leisurely paced stroll thru the acres of gardens on your own. There are several specific areas with something to see in each landscape. There are also wonderful views of the bay and surrounding hills. My friend and I enjoyed the Asian garden and the herbal/medicinal plantings. I was impressed that even though we are in year four of a serious drought, the gardens have a wide variety of specimens to view. There is a parking lot across from the garden which you need to pay to park but makes access easy. The major paths are wide and could be considered handicap accessible but there are several hills in navigating the area. We spent over an hour walking the terrains and enjoyed both the flora and wildlife we encountered.

Being from the UK and basing myself in Berkeley prior to my conference in Santa Clara, I decided to see some sites. I have a minor interest in plants and shrubs so thought why not to a UC botanicals visit. Had a great time, took a leisurely stroll through the beautiful setting in the hills of Berkeley, peaceful, pleasent and informative.

For those who live in California, the visit to that special collection will be well worthwhile. It is close to the entrance and offers the opportunity to consider many, many native plants for your own garden.

We arrived early when the gates opened and strolled the area for 2 hours. With a wealth of plants from around the world one could spend more time or bring watercolors and sketchpad. This time of year we saw so much in bloom. This should not be missed if you are in Berkeley. Bring a sack lunch, there is no food service.

Wonderful informal gardens with thousands of plantings organized by region and climate. Entry fees are waived if you have membership in a garden with reciprocity. The best areas are those most like California. As they excel in the Mediterranean climate of the East bay. Do not expect well groomed areas as plants are allowed to grow unencumbered.
Accross the road by the parking lot is a can't miss Redwood grove complete with a small amphitheater and a few picnic benches. Get the access code from the front gate. The grove was planted in the 1920s. Already the trees are towering.

Really enjoyed our visit to the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden. Literally thousands of beautiful trees and plants to admire from around the globe magnificently presented and maintained. Really loved the Arid House, rose garden and orchids. There is also a redwood grove where you can see these magnificent trees up close. One of the best botanical gardens I've visited. Well worth a visit.

This is a great place to get away from the city and spend some quality time with plants. Love the Chinese medicinal garden.

Great collections of native plants from several continents and a large amount of native California flora. They also sell excessive plantings they have so you can build up native plants in your own garden.. Limited parking, way up on a hill past many UC Berkeley athletic courts.

There is a fee for admission, and it's well worth it. There's a lot of knowledgeable docents who can answer questions.The botanical garden meanders through a hilly terrain, and has different areas devoted to different regions/countries based on the climate. There are benches to sit on and gaze at the view, and lots of placards to learn the names of various plants. There's an excellent nursery for picking up succulents and California natives.

Unless you have interest in learning many varieties of plants, trees and flowers, this place can be boring for you, and not worth the $10 entrance fees.

Very enjoyable visit to the Botanical gardens. Lovely garden, historical plant and native species. Loved sitting in the Rose Garden overlooking the bay. Learned about plants not found in Massachusetts. My only complaint is the signs identifying plants were confusing as I could not tell which plant was being marked.

The UC Botanical Gardens are really lovely. It's a peaceful and tranquil place with a number of specialty gardens including an Asian garden, historical rose garden, herb garden, a medicinal herb garden, and more. During the summer they host concerts in the redwoods on property. The small but well appointed gift shop is thoughtfully curated with educational materials, children's items, and attractive souvenirs.

The paths on the property wind through shaded areas as well as paths fully exposed to the sun. I recommend a hat if you plan to tour the entire facility.

Exhibits are carefully labeled and tended by staff and a cadre o volunteers. Beds seem to be planned to offer great viewing year round.

Confession of a Conflict of Interest! I have been a member of the UCBG for about 15 years. I visit it a lot. I support it financially. I recommend it to all visitors to Berkeley. And I take friends there whenever I can. So this is not a neutral, disinterested review.

First, the setting and layout on a steep hillside bordering Strawberry Creek (which eventually flows through the center of campus and Berkeley proper) is stunning. Second, the curation of the gardens is very thorough--a great place to learn about plants. Third, the variety of regions of the world represented in the Garden is quite impressive--from Down Under to Africa to Central America to the Tropics of Asia to the Mediterranean to North America and finally to its highlight--the plants of California. And then the biome diversity--desert, tropics, forest, grasslands, and shoreline. Finally, there is a great amphitheater in a redwood grove that's a must see.

A great place for a 2-4 hour visit, up Strawberry Canyon road behind the University of California Berkeley Campus. There is parking, then beautiful walks with views out across the San Francisco Bay.

A very pleasant vist to these beautiful gardens in Berkeley. Although it drizzled part of the time, the place was so gorgeous that it just didnot matter.

Lots of gardening ideas as well as peaceful places to sit and contemplate the beauty of nature. Easy walking and friendly staff.

Huge territory, the plants are put to great landscaping - you do not feel you are in botanical garden, you feel like you are in specific region garden. We got there only for several hours, and it is definitely not enough, if you want to walk around without hurrying. Would definitely go again, and again, and again...
Orchids collection in the greenhouse left much wanted - I saw the selections in shops that had more diversity (I think I had more different species when I was interested in orchids some time ago...). While some plants might be quite rare, the amount was really small. However lots of carnivorous plants and big variety of ferns and succulents redeems that.
So, if you want a really "cut", prim and polished botanical garden - go somewhere else. If you want to see natural looking, half wild garden with huge plants selection - come here.
I saw there is a lawn, so bringing something to eat might go well. Be aware that you might need to share - we meed gopher snake, several squirrels, hummingbird and lots of smaller colorful insects.

I wanted to get out of the house, and not sure where to go. So, i decided to go here, i live in berkeley and wanted somewhere nice. It was a great way to just walk around and smell the flowers.

World class places like this are one of the things that makes the Bay Area so great. This is, as I understand it, a research facility that is also open to the public. It is well worth the small price of parking and admission.

While not as big as the SF Botanical Garden it seems like it actually has more species. There are several different greenhouses with spectacular succulents and catch, carnivorous plants and more. There is a Chinese medicinal herb garden, a food crops of the world garden and others. Many fascinating plants to explore here.

Located in the Berkeley Hills, I have never had trouble parking in the designated lot here. Just watch out when you cross the st!

As others have said this is a very large and well maintained botanical garden. What I like the most about it is that it is not super busy all the time and you have the opportunity to lose yourself in a corner of the garden and enjoy the sound of the breeze through trees. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because their labeling of the plants at times is wrong, and in some cases it is totally missing. The parking is also very limited.

this place is awesome. definitely visit. there is a 5p.m. visit time if you only have 2 hrs available. so many plants to view; so many trees, too. amazing lay-out. fantastic variety to experience. great spot for walking in the hills above the city. just beautiful. is this too positive, too gushy? well, it's meant to be because this is an exceptional venue to witness. the 5p.m. bargain entrance fee is wonderful. whether it's sunny or overcast, get to this location today.

I've been coming to the area for years and had never stopped here. Had some time to kill and they accepted my ROAM card. It is a pleasant place to walk around and spend a few hours

We went to the botanical garden which has good paths to walk around it and is well set out and they even had an Australian plant section which was great to see. If you are into plants and gardening this is a must see.

The UC Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to visit on a clear day in the Bay Area. The plants are fascinating and the air is fresh and enticing. Don't miss it if you visit Berkeley.

We went to the garden on a weekday afternoon on a cold, on-and-of-sprinkling day. A docent was giving a free tour and we were the only ones there, so we leapt at the chance. Because of some time pressures, we didn't get to see all of the garden but saw many of the ferns, cycads, cacti, euphorbia, rhododenrons, and the like. It was a fascinating couple of hours--thanks, Kori! We'll definitely be back to see the rest of the garden.

Great uphill hike from campus if that is your thing. Nice view back to SF. Lovely old rose garden. Lots of desert plants and many interesting herbs.

Unbelievably beautiful wedding...just a dream. Circular outside amphitheater surrounded by redwoods with a canopy/filtered light. Stunning. Reception in the botanical garden conference center...beautiful outside patio for cocktail hour and dancing.

The garden is divided by continent with unique plants and trees from each area. There are also local Redwoods. Worth a couple of hour visit if in the area.

After you go through the main UC Berkeley entrance, to your right is a small forest of eucalyptus trees. They are as magnificent as redwoods, and are maintained by the school with great care. Well worth taking a few minutes to walk through them, enjoying the peace and quiet before going on with your day on campus. (The botanical garden was only open on weekends when I was in Berkeley, so I was unable to visit it.)

I usually love visiting botanical gardens but felt this one fell short for me. I really wanted to like it but just left feeling disappointed as it felt a bit dull, average, and lacking that "wow!" factor.

This garden covers 34 acres and is divided into geographic areas of the world: California, Asia, Southern Africa, Australasia, Mediterranean, South America, Mexico/Central America, Eastern North America, Deserts of the Americas, and the Redwood Grove. In addition, there are special collections: Garden of Old Roses, European and Chinese Medicinal Herb Gardens, Crops of the World, and three greenhouses: Tropical House, Arid House (cacti and succulents) and Orchids, Fern and Carnivorous Plant House. The garden has over 10,000 species, which makes it one of the biggest collections in the US. It's a great place for a picnic, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Great place to take kids, especially the Crops garden, so they can see where most of their food comes from!

Came here for a free tour during Parents Weekend at Cal. The tour guide was good although got a few facts mixed up a number of times. It was ok as she was very pleasant. Very interesting place to visit and would recommend if you are in the area. They also have a free shuttle back and forth from campus and a small store should you want to purchase some plants for your garden.

Lots and lots of variety here, but I especially love the unbelievable cactus gardens. There is almost always something in bloom, so when you have as little as 20 minutes to spare, stop in and check out what is in bloom.

Beautiful garden with a wide variety of flora! I really liked the tropical atrium. Great pace for a date or to bring the kids. The admins there are also very helpful and can answer any of your questions. Plus a great view of the Bay and many hikes near by!

I particularly liked the setting (up in the hills) and the redwood grove. There is a fantastic selection of plants, trees, shrubs and I was fascinated by all the cacti.

Recently revisited this beautiful garden. Right now the newts and salamanders have finished mating and they are swimming everywhere in the Japanese Garden. Plus the wildflowers are blooming in the California Area. So so lovely!

I love plants and have visited many botanical gardens, the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a treasure. You can visit the world in gardens and plantings from South America, the Mediterranean, Mexico and Central America, Eastern North America, Asia, Southern Africa and California. There are greenhouses of tropical plants, orchids, and carnivorous plants. My favorite garden was the Chinese Medicinal garden with great signs giving the Chinese, latin and common names as well as the medicinal uses. Bring your camera, there are many lovely pictures waiting to be taken.

This is a great visit for both botanists and people who just want to take a lovely stroll. The collection of plants is extensive, particularly the diversity of plants from arid locations. The signs have a lot more explanation than most botanical gardens, which I appreciated. The view is great with a lovely breeze coming up from the bay. However, the path can be steep and I'm not sure I could push my elderly mother through some of the gardens.

The day was so hot that I only lasted about 20 minutes. It's very hilly, too. I really didn't enjoy being there but might feel different if I went on a cool day.

This place is great for folks with green thumbs and a cool way to show our youth about varieties in greenscapes from around the world, in a beautiful setting. Recently went for a wedding, it was a great venue, kind of small and tight but very cozy. Would definitely go back when I have more visitors. If you cannot walk a lot, due to medical concerns, etc, this is not the place for you, steep hills, long paths, some treachorous natural steps also a bit dangerous.

I enjoy visiting the UC Botanical Gardens at Berkeley to see the plants from various regions. I also enjoy very much the occasional sales they have of plants - sometimes exotics that you can obtain as house plants.

the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is a joy for those who love plants...multiple plants for all over the world grow in this climate and there is always something new to see whatever the season. the experience is enhanced by glass houses for succulents and orchids and tropical plants. the plant sales twice a year are incredible...great buys of fine and rare plants. there is also a garden store with plants and other related things.
truly a treasure in Berkeley...and you get to be outside and walk as well. if you know who to ask, you can get into the redwood grove across the street...

If you love gardens then you would love this one it's beautiful and this one you must see, it will make your day.

The most unique aspect of the Botanical Garden is its collection of plants from around the world. Each area is separated by region (Asia, Australasia, South America, Africa, etc.) with paths winding their ways throughout. Greenhouses include hothouse varieties. There are plenty of benches and shady areas.

The number of cacti is impressive, and the California collection is superb. Be sure to visit the Redwood Grove, a separate area accessed with a code on the bottom of your receipt. It is located to the left of the parking lot, across the street from the Botanical Garden.

It is likely you will rarely see such a variety of specimens in one place. An extra bonus: Walk all the way to the top of the garden path, and you'll get a fine view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

the garden has lots of plants, especially years ago when I visit there I was introduced with some Chinese medicine plants.

Worth the visit! Get a glimpse of beautiful gardens, as well as an impressive redwoods grove with a very cool amphitheater. I commend UC Berkeley for creating and maintaining this lovely space for anyone to enjoy.

The garden is quite a place of nature and worthwhile a visit if you like plants. Its a short walk , uphill, from the campus.

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.

I enjoyed my recent visit and plan to go back. Has plenty of shade for nice strolls through the plants and quite a variety of things to see.

Absolutely stunning! Everywhere you turn is a new picture to capture and a sight to indulge in. Bring walking shoes, as the grounds span 34 acres. It even has a redwood grove across the main entrance! 4 hours weren't enough to span the entire space- if pausing to take pictures while hiking the trails.

A hillside garden with meandering trails along the hillside and the sound of water, as the stream plunges through the garden. A quiet moment of solitude in the bustling city of Berkeley.

I expect more from the garden, but this is very wonderful spot in Berkeley. Just look around the garden can bring you a peace

Easy to get to from campus by shuttle bus, $1 for non students from the engineering loop, this garden demonstrate how California can grow almost any climate with enough water. Separated into the regions of the world, samples of a wide variety plants are cultivated across a two to four hour hillside trail walk. The rose garden near the top and the herb and medicinal gardens are more extensive than I have ever seen. Given the weather, university connections and volunteers, the ground seem to be thriving. Walk down the creek to enjoy the Japanese inspired path crisscrossing the water. The only negative were the non functional restrooms, be rebuilt and the lack of food facilities, bring a picnic!

This botanical garden contains species from many location, some exotic. The cactus garden is beautiful. There is a small but very nice spice garden. Then there are the sequoias and other big trees. There is a greenhouse with "living stone" plants.

My friend and I walked to the botanical gardens from our hotel (it was uphill most of the way and HOT...so I don't necessarily recommend that part). It was easy to find and fairly inexpensive.

A huge variety of plants! Great place for a walk and lots of paths to explore. There were some nice benches to sit at as well.

Big beautiful garden with flowers and trees from all over the world. We spent 2 hours there and still did not see all the garden.

Not what I expected, this place was huge. Very clean and well maintained. I never knew there were more than 4 types of trees in the world, there are a lot! Very exotic species. We had fun. Just be careful walking, many uneven surfaces, at some point during our hike 3 of 4 of us slipped on the loose gravel paths. No one fell but I can see it happening easily.

If you want a peaceful detting and a variety of plants and a bit of exercise journey to this tranquil area with birds and streams. A 15 minute walk from downtown Berkeley

The price of admission, amazing views and diverse plantlife make this hidden gem a must see. Definately carve out about four hours of your day to enjoy all that this park has to offer but be mindful that the parking isn't the most convenient. Morning or afternoon both offer spectacular views and the location of this park is close enough to other attractions so that a day isn't completely wasted if you are on a time crunch.

I loved walking around the different sections of the UC Botanical Garden. There are lots of sections representing plants of various regions. Things are pretty well labeled. I didn't have time to take a docent led tour but will do so in the future. There is ample parking across the street.

If you visit Berkeley this is one stop you should add to your list of "must see". However, to do the gardens justice you'll have to spend more than 4 hours touring its plantings. Each garden is fully mature and appears to have been there for years. I was truly amazed at the variety of specimens from around the world.

Visiting a beautiful garden anywhere is one of life's great pleasures. Berkeley's botanical gardens are no exception. Walking through the "zones", plants are clearly labeled, there are many places to sit, rest or just enjoy the colors and beautiful plants. Be sure to walk up to the top for a glorious view of downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

I've been here twice in recent years, both times catching the campus bus up, $1 and a 5-10 minute ride each way, Perhaps not the most efficient use of time. People sometimes walk up or down the steep, narrow road, but the narrow shoulders make this hazardous. Try to arrive when one of the docents is giving a tour; it will bring the place alive. Admission is $10, a bit steep for the size of the garden. Plan on walking around for 1-1.5 hours. Bring sunscreen. There is a pop machine but no food here. The code to the locked gate to the redwood grove on the other side of the street is printed on your ticket. This is a very peaceful place.

Nestled into Strawberry Canyon in the hills above Berkeley, the University of California botanical garden features one of the most diverse collections of flora on the planet. Stunning Bay views pop up out of nowhere sometimes and the myriad trails are rarely over-crowded. A really great place for a picnic lunch and a long stroll through the wonderfully fragrant garden. As a Cal student (twenty years ago), I went often. On my recent trip, I was glad to see that the place is still as captivating as ever!

This is a jewel in the UC crown. Such a lovely botanical garden divided into different geographical areas. I just saw Trudy, a Corpse Flower, which blooms infrequently.. Quite a stir at the Garden, but even without Trudy, the sheer variety of plants is worth a visit. Botanist led tours and special lectures, too.

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?

We spent almost 3 hours there covering the entire botanical garden and the redwood grove. Inexpensive limited parking is available across the street but luckily we did not wait long to find our space. Food is not available inside the garden so take something with you or eat before entering the park.

Great date place and place to calm your mind. If you like flowers and plants and want to see a diverse array of flora from around the world, go here.

No shortage of plants to see, and if you can visit during different seasons, you get a good sense of what horticulturists and botanists have to work with. We enjoy the "Chinese" medicinal/herbal area, the multiple desert/arid sections, the rose garden, bamboo area and the Japanese pool. Playing hide-and-seek is a must at this garden, should you have kids. Nice quiet walks in late Autumn and Winter are special treats for those enjoying the sights and smells. Be prepared for undulating terrain - strollers work on paved areas, and you'll get a workout at the same time. Parking fees in lot across the street.

We came on a hot day. There are many shady spots with a cool breeze. The plants are grouped by geographical origins by and large. The cactus greenhouses have impressive and interesting specimens. There is quite a bit of elevation so comfortable shoes are a must. I find the herb garden with the many functional plants to be very interesting- culinary, dyeing, medicinal and fragrance.

I have been going to the UC Botanical Garden for over 40 years.
Located above the main UC campus below Grizzly Peak the Garden is divided into sections showcasing plants and trees from various parts of the California and the world. Strawberry Creek runs through the center of the Garden affording shaded places with benches to stop and rest. There are docents who provide guided tours during certain days and times of the week. There is also a plant store with extremely knowledgable personnel. My favorite time is during mid morning. Stop and pick up a picnic assortment and bring it with you. Walk for a bit and then find a bench and enjoy the silence as you enjoy your meal. There is always something to see at the Botanical Garden regardless of the time of year although early Spring is my favorite when all the Rhododendrons and Camellias are out. But the herb and vegetable gardens, the orchid bldg. and enclosed tropical plant exhibit are usually open year round. Take the entire family!

If you're into plants, this is a great place to observe plants from everywhere in the world. Although I'm not a cactus fan, the bizarre forms of the cactus plants were fascinating. There are sections with plants from all continents except Anarctica. You need to be able to navigate hilly paths, so good walking shoes are needed.

I love looking at the gardens here. They are nice to walk around and enjoy a cup of coffee or to just get lost in your own thoughts.

Admission is free, parking is $1.00 per hour. This was my second visit, my husband's first. This garden is fabulous. Also large, and not flat. There are separate sections for flora from all over the world. Each area has multiple trails and paths. It is not possible to see all of this in one or two visits. Also, in order to see everything in bloom, one should visit in different seasons.

There are several greenhouses, featuring palms, desert plants, and orchids. Also, there is a building which has exhibits of botanical subjects from time to time.

I love plants and was mesmerized by the zen like feel of these gardens! The varieties of plants from everywhere enchant and invite you in to each special area. I wanted to buy some plants at their plant sale but can't fly home with them. There is a Carnivorous plant area that I thought was so fascinating. We had a fun day in the gardens!

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.)

Beautiful botanical garden with a little hidden water fall at the top in the back. Breathtaking views of the San Francisco bridge and surrounding Bay Area.

We just attended the 125th anniversary of the garden and had a great time. It was a pleasant, laid-back event with music and treats for all ages: gelato, cupcakes, and beer!
It has been years since I last visited and I had forgotten how much I like this place. We strolled through the gardens. It's a great way to spend a little time outdoors. I will definitely return for one of the concerts they hold in the redwood grove in the summer.

The UC Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to spend and hour or two wandering the paths to see the various parts of the collection. They have plants from around the world, well labeled. The garden is located in Strawberry Canyon above the UC campus. Many of the trails are hilly, so it's a nice walk as well. The old rose garden near the top of the Garden is a must see.

I've been visiting the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden since I was just a sprout. ;-) I LOVE taking my kids here now. We've done a few of the kid-centric tours, and they've all been great. And their plant sale is great for finding some neat succulents or other interesting flora. Great for letting kids run, a brisk morning hike, newt watching or napping under a redwood. And the bird watching can't be beat. The visiting woodpeckers are a recent favorite. A must visit if you want a nice quiet day in nature.

Tons of green stuff. Great view of the bay from the Rose Garden. If you're not the walking uphill type, this place may not be for you. Free entry on the first Wednesday of the month!

Beautiful landscape; great for photos and learning about plant life from all over the world. It's like a hiking trail with markers to give distinctions to the various plants. It was a very nice experience.

We were driving around the campus of UC Berkeley just for something to do when we came across the Botanical Gardens. What a find! We have been to many botanical gardens and this is one of the best.

There is an amazing collection of plants at this botanical garden; herbs, orchids, sunflowers, ferns, cactus and more arranged by world location/climate zone. This spot is perfect if you have a couple of hours to just wander.

The UC Botanical is more than just a wonderful garden to stroll through.
Check out their calender before visiting and you might be able to catch a special exhibit, or take part in one of their workshops (my niece and I enjoyed their egg coloring event before Easter a couple of years ago and she still talks about it), there are some dates where the park fee is free, and there are concerts (local groups) in the redwood grove during the summer months. There are events year round.

Always wear good, comfortable shoes. Trails are either paved or compacted. There are a few that let you wander through the trees on the hillside. For the most park, I would consider this an easy walk/hike site. Most trails are wide enough for wheelchair access but do note that this on the hillside in Berkeley so there are some mild uphill and downhill climbs.

Even though you are in the east bay, wind and fog can make the area cool so check the weather and consider having a light jacket with you (especially if you stay for music).

Parking lot is across the street from the main entrance. During the week you can take the UC Berkeley's H line bus from the campus at Hearst Mining Circle to the garden. I don't think this is available on weekends. If you are going to drive, keep in mind that parking on Centennial Drive along the road is not allowed.

There is no cafe or restaurant on site. If you plan to spend more than just a couple of hours on site, consider packing a snack or lunch. The lawn is a lovely spot to sit in the sun and enjoy and share a sandwich.

If you go yourself or with a couple of other folks, you might want to consider trying to catch a docent tour usually Thursdays through Sundays (check the calendar). Larger groups should definitely call ahead and schedule a tour specific to the type of group. There are options for youths, students and adult groups.

All in all a great, spot to enjoy the outdoors. Parking was a couple of dollars, admission for two adults was $20.00, we packed our own lunch and water, then spent 3 hours enjoying the sunshine, marveling at the plants, walking and talking and enjoying each others company in a beautiful outdoor space. Cost about $25.00 total, memories....priceless.

Fantastic location, situated in the Berkeley Hills over looking the Bay. Beautifully laid out with exquisite walks through the various regional representations

I come here all the time to relax and meditate. It is big enough that you can find a section to be alone in. Very impressive CA and international section.

Great spot to learn about international plants. Wonderful curation. My kids loved it as much as my wife and I did. Well worth a visit!

This is a hidden treasure for the gardener and plant enthusiast. From succulents, cactus, and many very exotic species...you will get your cardio in and see a fabulous array of every kind of plant imaginable. Well worth your time and trek up the Berkeley hills.

I live this place. It has many different environments to visit from ponds to deserts. Wild and unusual plants, and you can buy some at the shop.

Not as many flowers as I would have liked. My husband had a hard time walking around because most areas had no handrails on the stairs.

Had a great time wondering through the beautiful garden in Berkley. Enjoyed the exotic orchid plants and plants from different parts of the world.

This is one of the better botanical gardens we've visited, and we've been to quite a few in different cities and continents. Everything's well labeled, manicured, and maintained. With a provided visitor map, you can easily spend a couple of hours admiring plants from all around the world, not to mention a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay from certain vantage points.

We had heard about the Botanical Garden and thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the facility. We found the staff willing to spend time with us. We are avid gardeners and found the resource very helpful

Just a really great place to spend an afternoon wandering the grounds and admiring the plants from all over the world. The visit would not be complete with follow a docent on a tour. The one we had was so knowledge and pointed out things that you would not notice by yourself for those not an expert.

It could take a whole summer to really know this garden well. So one afternoon is just a sample.

Got to see the carnivorous plants! And the agave!

Perched in the hills above the university campus, this garden has a vast collection of plants from all over the world, spread out over 34 acres. It is a place to enjoy familiar and exotic plants, and at the same time a teaching and research academic institution. And it is also a fine place for a refreshing stroll or a quiet rest on a shaded bench, listening to the birds and admiring the flowers and trees.