UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanic Garden!

Located on the beautiful UCSC campus in Santa Cruz, California, 

The arboretum and garden were established in the 1960s with the goal of preserving and showcasing California’s diverse flora. Today, the garden is home to more than 300 plant families and over 4,000 different types of plants, from towering redwoods to delicate wildflowers.

As you wander through the garden’s 135 acres, you’ll be amazed by the variety of plants and landscapes you’ll encounter. The garden is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different ecosystem or group of plants.

One of the highlights of the garden is the Australian Collection, which features plants from the continent down under. Here you’ll find towering eucalyptus trees, colorful banksias, and delicate acacias.

And if you’re a fan of California’s native plants, you won’t want to miss the Native Plant Collection. This section of the garden is home to more than 250 species of plants that are native to California, from the iconic California poppy to the majestic redwood tree.