This Southern California Botanical Garden Makes For The Perfect Relaxing Day Trip
By Natasha Kayes|Published July 01, 2024
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
I find that strolling through a garden or nursery full of greenery and colorful blooms is the perfect way to relax and recharge. While our state’s many gardens and nurseries give you a chance to see vibrant trees, plants, and flowers, this particular botanical garden in Ventura, CA, has something others don’t – magnificent ocean views! And you’re going to love it.
Exploring the 107-acre Ventura Botanical Gardens begins (or ends) at the Welcome Center where you will find a cool little gift shop filled with art, gifts, pottery, and plants for sale.
As you leave the Welcome Center, you will follow the flowery path through the nursery. You may even get a chance to see plants being propagated here to add to the gardens.
Ventura Botanical Gardens is a collection of gardens representing the various Mediterranean climate zones found throughout the world and is constantly changing and being expanded, so there are always new things to see.
The gardens - which include a number of tree and flower species that are threatened and endangered - provide opportunities for scientific research, education, and conservation.
There are some 100,000 plants growing on a slope that rises up behind City Hall in downtown Ventura. You will pass through gardens representing Chile, South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, and of course, California.
Among the things that set this place apart from other botanical gardens are the panoramic views of the Pacific coastline, the Channel Islands, Topa Topa peak in Ojai, and the city of Ventura below. There are new and stunning views with every bend in the trail.
Have you been to this botanical garden in Ventura, CA? Tell us about your experience in the comments. Want to know more about this unique place? Visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens website or Facebook page. After your day in the gardens, head down to the charming downtown area for coffee, shopping, dining, and more.
