Blake Garden UC Berkeley — Attraction in El Cerrito

Wonderful big garden run/owned by UCB. Gorgeous views of the bay, nice place for a walk and quiet and variety of gardens, an old abandoned Chancellor ' s house, interesting historical and landscape exhibits, nice people, and for the kids there's a great fort building area with logs, branches and garden detritus to build the enclosure of a kid's dream....much cheaper than bay area real estate, and more fun too! Turn over a log in wet weather and there are usually salamanders and the occasional newt (shown here....avoid touching these orange guys as they excrete a mild poison when frigtened.) Salamanders are dark brownish color & ok to pickup. Enjoy!...

The Blake Garden is a relaxing botanical garden in Kensington filled with a large number of native species. It is maintained by the university and is primarily open during weekday business hours.

The garden is well architected with winding paths through a hilly landscape. There are several areas dedicated to certain microclimates, such as coast redwoods, Mediterranean, marshlands, fruits, vegetables, and more. There are many benches to sit and peacefully enjoy, as well as a reflection pool filled with large koi. There are views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

This garden is great for families and also...

As others have noted, this place should really be open better hours.

Because it's wonderful! An expansive botanical garden with tons of different interesting sections, great paths, twists and turns, various environments, bridges, a historic house, and a nice main greenhouse/lobby center. I learned the history of the house and the gardens only through overhearing other people talk, so I wish they had actual historic information on display too.

But, despite some areas for improvement, this place is still so completely worth it....