University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley Tours
Located in the Berkeley Hills, the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley overlooks the San Francisco Bay and contains more than 12,000 species of plants ranging from exotic flowers to towering redwoods. With its winding walking paths, varied plant collections, and scenic views, the garden is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Berkeley and San Francisco.
The Basics
Stroll through the 34-acre (18-hectare) garden and admire plants from Asia, Australia, Mexico, Africa, and other locations across the world. Plants here are organized by region, and the California native plants section is a visitor favorite due to its massive redwood trees. Other highlights include the conservatory, which houses tropical plants, and a Chinese herb garden full of interesting medicinal species.
A Go San Francisco Card includes free entrance to the botanical garden along with other attractions such as the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium. The garden offers free (with paid admission) docent-led tours Thursday through Sunday and on the first Wednesday of the month.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a plant deck.
- Parking is available across the street from the main entrance. The parking lot contains two handicap-accessible spots.
- Much of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs, though some paths may be difficult to navigate.
- With the exception of trained service dogs, pets are not allowed in the garden.
How to Get There
The UC Botanical Garden is located on 200 Centennial Drive, roughly 15 minutes from downtown Berkeley and 45 minutes from San Francisco by road. On weekdays, the university offers a shuttle to the garden from the UC Berkeley campus.
When to Get There
You can visit the botanical garden year-round, with the exception of major holidays and the first Tuesday of each month. Admission is free on the first Wednesday of each month. Summer is a good time to visit, when university students are gone for the summer and the weather is typically warm and sunny.
Must-See Attractions at the UC Botanical Garden
As you explore the garden’s many sections, make sure to visit the orchid, fern, and carnivorous plant house; the Garden of Old Roses; and the sections dedicated to South America, the American Desert, the Mediterranean, and other interesting regions.
Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, California, USA
Admission: Varies
1 Tours and Activities to Experience University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Sort by:Featured
Go San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions and Tours
Tour San Francisco with the Go San Francisco Pass on your mobile device. See all the sites or just a few; it's your choice using this customizable touring option. Enjoy free admission at more than 30 popular San Francisco attractions as well as discounts on dining and shopping. Choose from 1-,2-, 3- or 5-day options to help you save as much money as possible on your vacation.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
…More
From
$78.00
From
$78.00
Things to do near California
- Things to do in Santa Barbara
- Things to do in Yosemite National Park
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in San Francisco
- Things to do in Palm Springs
- Things to do in Paso Robles
- Things to do in San Luis Obispo
- Things to do in Pismo Beach
- Things to do in Santa Monica
- Things to do in Sausalito
- Things to do in La Jolla
- Things to do in Nevada
- Things to do in Arizona
- Things to do in Utah