UC Riverside Botanic Gardens — Attraction in Riverside

This isn't really about the garden itself, but more about the people who operate it. Normally I would do work or read a book on my hammock in the gardens since I'm a student at the University. No one would tell me anything for the couple of first times I would be here, so I assumed that what I was doing was harmless.

However, today was different. A lady with another man that I assumed work there to maintain the gardens came towards me in what seemed to be an off-road golf cart and let me know that I was not to hang my hammock on the trees, because it "harms" the trees.

After they explained why, I obliged, and began packing my stuff off my hammock. I peered over to look at them, and saw the lady was panning her phone towards me and it looked like she was taking a picture of me, while they drove off. I called back at them and asked her if she had taken a photo. She said with a prideful tone that she indeed had taken a photo, to which I asked kindly if she could delete it. She seemed quite stubborn to do such thing, saying "it's an obligation in her job." The thing is, was what I did that bad to have taken a photo of me? Normally you ask for information or something, but she decided to jump straight into taking photos of me.

She didn't want to show me that she was deleting the photo, but her mind changed after my persistent statements that I didn't want a photo of me on her phone, and to take my position into account. She showed me, but I still remained a bit reluctant to believe her, since she had an iPhone, and iPhones have the "recently deleted" feature. She told me I was free to be at the park to my heart's content but I decided to leave and go back to my apartment after this event. I personally don't plan on coming to the Botanical Gardens for a while, either.

I also bring this up not because this is such a big deal, but because this is the second time that this has happened to me, where employees have taken photos of me and my friends. The second time was at the Student Recreation Center. (SRC)

I seriously feel like this wasn't a big exaggeration from my part. All I wanted was my...

This is probably my most favorite place to go to when I just want to relax and go on a tiny exploration. I love coming here to read, have tiny cute picnics, and insect watch.

This place does close at 5pm everyday and I believe parking was $1.50 for 1 hour and I think $2.50 for 2 hours... They also now accept credit/debit cards at the parking pass dispenser, which is great because I hardly ever carry spare change with me. Also, if you come here I highly recommend staying for 2 hours, because one hour just simply isn't enough. Parking is also limited so if you do come here in a group with many cars you will have a hard time finding parking due to the lot being a tad bit small. Carpool if you can. They also have a bike rack right when you enter the gardens on your right hand side. So if you would like to be more eco friendly and ride here instead, you do have a place to lock up your bikes.

This is a pretty big garden and there is so much to see and explore. This is a great place for kids, because they get to learn about different types of plants, insects, and birds. I do recommend to be vigilant of your kids, because these are well kept plants and destroying them would not be nice to the volunteers, plants, and gardeners. Also, there have been snake and mountain lion sightings here. Just be safe. I do come here often and I myself haven't encountered either of the two, but you never know.

They also post a variety of events which are all placed on their info board along with maps, brochures, and other important information.

Things to bring: Hat, Water (always bring water regardless of the temperatures), comfortable walking shoes (I brought sandals here once... Not a great idea), comfortable clothing, and a camera if you have one, because the plants and insects here are just so beautiful!

Anyway, more pictures to come, because this place is so big and haven't taken pictures of...

This a beautiful garden located in UC Riverside's backyard. It is a gorgeous hidden gem that most people in the area do not know about and never visit. This green piece of land is not only beautiful but spans across hills, so can be a great place to hike as well as admire the nature and views.

Parking here is a bit tedious as sometimes parking can be full. Not only that, but the parking lot is extremely cramped. Please also note that parking also requires a parking permit from the parking machine located towards the front of the parking lot. You will receive a ticket if you do not display your ticket on your dashboard so please be aware.

The contents of the garden is limitless. There is a wooden greenhouse that is currently in disrepair, but I believe they are trying to repair it soon. There is a rose garden close to the other green house. The visitors center sells apparel and other knick knacks. There is also, what I believe to be a recreational center that you can rent out as a venue.

There are paths located all throughout the garden, which, like I said before, is essentially a hike. You can choose to take a straight shot inclined path that will a leg-day workout to go straight to the top or you can take a path that gradually takes you to the top to see all of UCR and most of the Inland Empire. There used to be a small little creek running through the garden, but I believe since its been drier recently, I was unable to see it on my last visit. Please be aware though as some of these trails can be really steep, and there are signs indicating so on...