We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 129 Santa Barbara Attractions »

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-682-4726
Ranked #17 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.0 of 5 stars 65 Reviews
Type: Gardens
Activities: Viewing foliage, Hiking
Description: Garden enthusiasts will savor the nearly 70 acres of native regional plants at this popular attraction.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

65 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    30
    20
    10
    4
    1
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This isn't like botanic gardens we've seen before...it's more of a natural hiking trail in hills and valleys. The map they provide does not correspond with much on the grounds and we and another group got lost off the beaten path. There weren't any signs to direct us except for one that pointed toward the entrance and we took it,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by Triptaker3355 for Santa Barbara
California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Nestled in the foothills with incredible mountain views. Meandering paths through well-marked botanic specimens. A great place for bird watching.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by YTC for Santa Barbara
Boston, MA
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Lots of trails. Interesting plants. Huge boulders in the creek. Nice gift shop.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Openstudio for Santa Barbara
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
98 reviews 98 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

This was probably the smallest botanical garden I have visited. Quite honestly, I expected a little more and was surprised at how little there was to see. I went specifically for photographs but found few flowers. There are plenty of trees however which makes it a nice place to just take a short walk. The entire trail is about one... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston, MA
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

This garden half way up Mission Canyon provides an excellent opportunity to see not only the variety of plants from the region but also view the dam and water viaduct built for the Mission. The trails are well marked and provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and in some cases the sea.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 13 more reviews by topnotch_10 for Santa Barbara
Sacramento, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

this place is so peaceful, you lose yourself as you are walkng the trails-unless there are some noisy kids. Love how most of this area is as mother nature intended it to be.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by oceanluvver2 for Santa Barbara
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Great walk through beautiful scenery. We learned a lot of historical facts along the trail and enjoyed the wild flowers and natural habitat of the area.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by NormandLouise for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Have visited these gardens for over 60 years. A wonderful refuge and source of California garden plantings.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by HEH352 for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Good for a short trip, especially for those not suited for a major hike.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Hannnahbelle for Santa Barbara
Royal Oaks
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2012

This is my 2nd trip to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. We visited here exactly a year ago and we decided to come back again this year. The garden is beautiful and has a host of different native plants. I specially love the meadows near the entrance with all the wildflowers blooming. They also have trails that meander near the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Santa Barbara Botanic Garden also viewed

Lotusland
5 of 5 stars 62 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
Shoreline Park
5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
 
The Granada
5 of 5 stars 21 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
Mission Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 157 Reviews
Santa Barbara, CA
 

Been to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »