California Botanic Garden

California Botanic Garden is the largest space in the state entirely dedicated to the preservation and showcase of unique native flora. Located at the foot of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains in Claremont, this "living museum" spans 86 acres. It houses an impressive collection of 70,000 plant specimens, many of which are rare or endangered species native only to this part of the USA.

California Botanic Garden. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Strolling along shady paths, visitors can see century-old oaks and majestic sycamores that create the unique landscape of Indian Hill Mesa. The garden fulfills a vital scientific mission: it is home to one of the largest seed banks, storing embryos of thousands of plants for future generations. This makes the site not just a park for walking, but a global center for biodiversity research.

Formerly known as Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, it was renamed in 2019 to better reflect the scale of its collections. Today, this place inspires thousands of tourists and researchers with its commitment to conservation and the incredible beauty of California's nature in any season.

To plan your visit, find information about current events, or register for educational programs, you can contact the garden administration directly. The staff is always ready to help with questions regarding trail accessibility or group visit guidelines. Current contact information is provided below.

A visit to the garden is, first and foremost, an immersion into the world of wild nature. You can explore various hiking trails that lead from vibrant poppy meadows to cool forested areas. Depending on the season, the landscape changes beyond recognition: spring brings a riot of color from endemic wildflowers, while autumn offers the golden hues of deciduous trees. Be sure to visit the East Alluvial Garden and the forest pavilion, which showcase the most unusual forms of local flora.

For those seeking deeper knowledge, the garden offers educational programs and lectures on botany. It frequently hosts plant festivals where you can not only admire rare species but also purchase saplings for your own garden. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the birdwatching opportunities: local fauna, including songbirds and rare insects, feels completely safe here.

The tranquil atmosphere makes this an ideal spot for family picnics and artistic photography. The presence of a herbarium and research laboratories underscores the garden's academic status, while the open spaces allow you to simply enjoy the peace and quiet away from the city noise, admiring the panorama of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Located at 1500 N College Ave, the garden is approximately 35 miles (about 56 km) east of Los Angeles. For those traveling by car, the most convenient route is via the I-10 East highway to the Base Line Rd exit, then head north on N College Ave. Free parking is available for visitors on-site.

If you prefer public transportation, take the Metrolink commuter train to the Claremont Transportation Center station. From the station, the garden entrance is about 3 miles (4.8 km) away, which can be reached via the local Foothill Transit bus, a taxi, or a rideshare service. For those already in town, a bike ride is a pleasant option, as Claremont is equipped with bike-friendly paths.

The history of this remarkable place began in 1927, when Susanna Bixby Bryant founded the garden in memory of her father. It was originally located on the grounds of Rancho Santa Ana Canyon. Susanna sought to preserve the region's unique flora and consulted with the leading botanists of her time, entrusting the landscape design to the famous architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

The garden's fate took a dramatic turn after a 1943 wildfire and the death of its founder. In 1951, under the direction of Philip Munz, the collections were moved to their current, more accessible location on Indian Hill Mesa in Claremont. The move was a monumental undertaking: thousands of plants and seeds were transported by hand, and only the ancient oaks and sycamores at the new site remained as untouched witnesses to the past.

For 58 years, admission to the garden remained free; however, in 2009, a fee was introduced to support its research programs. In 2019, the organization changed its name from Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden to its current name — California Botanic Garden — to emphasize its role as the state's primary guardian of native plants.

To take a leisurely stroll through the main trails and enjoy the beauty of nature, the average visitor will typically need 2 to 4 hours. This is enough time to explore the key exhibits, visit the forest pavilion, and take commemorative photos against the backdrop of blooming fields.

If you plan to join one of the specialized guided tours or are a passionate botanist, it is worth setting aside half a day for your visit. The 86-acre garden hides many secluded corners, and the seasonal exhibitions and scientific collections deserve a more detailed look.

The garden welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its gates at 08:00 and remaining open until 17:00. Please note that the grounds are closed to the public on Mondays. The last guests are admitted 30 minutes before closing, but it is recommended to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to see all the exhibits before dusk.

Operating hours may vary slightly on holidays or during unfavorable weather conditions. Before your trip, we strongly advise checking the information on the official website to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

A visit to the botanical garden in Claremont is just one of many things this charming college town has to offer. The surrounding area is rich in academic architecture, historic buildings, and cozy green spaces that offer a deeper look into the atmosphere of Southern California.

After a walk among the rare plants, it is worth exploring the Claremont Colleges campuses or visiting local historic estates to see how the region developed at the turn of the century. The table below lists interesting sites located in the immediate vicinity of the garden.