Ventura Botanical Gardens

The Ventura Botanical Gardens should be experienced by foot (bikes are not allowed on the trail). You can expect to see plants from multiple different regions organized in neat sections throughout the gardens. People come here for the vast views, photo ops, and a memorable hiking experience.

• The Ventura Botanical Gardens is closed on Monday.
• Parking is convenient as the gardens have a designated parking zone outside the entrance.
• Leashed dogs are welcome on Wednesday and Friday.
• Every Friday, admission is free; entry for children under 18 and EBT cardholders is always free.
• The gardens offer multiple free-entry days aside from their usual Fridays, so check the website when planning your trip.
• Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera are highly recommended.

Since the Ventura Botanical Gardens is located relatively high up in the hills behind Ventura City Hall, driving to this destination via a personal car, rental car, or through a ride share app is your best option.

Although you can explore the gardens year-round, spring and summer are ideal seasons to visit as the weather is warmer, the clouds are less prevalent, and many flowers are in bloom. Visiting on clear sky days, if possible, to improve the quality of your view—the Channel Islands can be seen in the distance on a clear day.

If you’re looking for more time in nature, visit the neighboring town of Ojai and go hiking and wine tasting. Ojai offers treks that are longer than the 2-mile trail at Ventura Botanical Gardens, and some lead to waterfalls and hot springs. If you’re in the mood for wine tasting, then Ojai is the place to be. Although a relatively small town, it's home to multiple wine tasting spots.