UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Address:	1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
Phone:	+1 831-502-2998
Site:	arboretum.ucsc.edu
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 28

MtnYeti Barbie

I read that on average visitors spend half an hour here. I cant think thats right. We spent 4 hours there in upper 90s heat yesterday and still didnt see it all. There are plenty of nice wooden benches placed around for resting, observing birds, butterflies and just enjoying the place. Yes, the gift shop is nice and has a really nice selection of live plants, but I wouldnt list it as the highlight. In fact, I cant easily pick a favorite featured area. Anyone who loves our local unique climate should enjoy learning of the other places on the globe that share the same. Admission is very reasonable. Generalized map available paper or download to your phone. I would like a more detailed map because it easy to miss some of the many trails. I cant wait for cool weather to go mill around on an overcast day. Right now highlights are the scent garden (sages rule!), cactus and succulents.

Sandy Fischler

Im on a tour of Californias gardens and this one was lovely and very worth the drive down to Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz gardens were not as rustic as UC Berkeley but also not as manicured as San Francisco. There was plenty of interesting garden art scattered throughout the property, which is always a bonus in my book. You can walk this one in regular sneakers without any problem and there were not many stairs to navigate.

Raine Villa

Such an amazing collection of shrubs and trees from across the globe. They feature an Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California area where plants native to these regions grow naturally. I spent a good few hours wandering the dirt paths and walking amongst the trees. Its usually quiet with a few passers by.

Dan Killam

Gorgeous, varied collection of plants, both native and from around the world. They have great tours and its also just a great environment to relax and enjoy a sunny day. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds enjoying the variety of nectars at certain times of year!

Oleg Rebenko

It is a great place for people who want to familiarize yourself with the flora of Australia, New Zealand, California and Africa. Hummingbird trail is really with hummingbirds:) Take a bottle of water and you will have perfect visit.

Wilson Sauthoff

Beautiful gardens at the base of Univ. of California Santa Cruz. Well worth a stop. Various gardens from different continents. Sculpture art amongst the plants. Great gift shop with high quality gifts and garden supples.

sherry wasserman

Amazing and unique collections. Beautiful and informative signage. Special feature gardens such as butterfly, aroma, bee ... Also dont miss Norries Garden and Gift Shop -not your typical gift shop.

Laura Skillington

Lovely! A different experience every time. You can see rabbits here as well as deer and a wide selection of hummingbirds and supposedly even bobcats and mountain lions.

Michael Romero

The collection of plants is so varied I really enjoyed coming here. There are some areas lacking information but its a feast for the senses and the mind.

Elizabeth Hahn

Wonderful place to walk around and see plants native here and around the world. And the hummingbirds are amazing when there are flowers in bloom!

Sarah Lindsey

Beautiful plants, feels much larger than it is due to cleverly arranged paths. Good place to bring a young child who is interested in nature.

Tibbit X

Amazing plants from around the world! It is recommended to carry water along in summers due to the vast area occupied by this lovely garden.

Tillandsia recurvata

My favorite back yard... talented knowledgeable and helpful staff, awesome plant collections; beautiful location.

Max R

So fun so strolled my twin girls around and looked at plants and flowers it was a great place to discover

Nancy Rodriguez

Nice to see different types of plants and trees. Also the art sculptures were beautiful to see.