Ventura Botanical Gardens
Ventura Botanical Gardens things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
outdoor
relaxation
family friendly
accessibility
The Ventura Botanical Gardens re-opened November 3, 2018 after widespread damage caused by the Thomas Fire, is located at 567 S. Poli Street in Ventura, California, United States.
attractions: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel, Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center, The Wharf, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782, Serra Cross, Clocktower Inn Ventura, The Majestic Ventura Theater, Mission Plaza, Ventura Pier, Museum of Ventura County, restaurants: Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co, Lure Fish House, Limón y Sal, Aloha Steakhouse, Barrelhouse 101, Spencer Makenzie's, Tony's Pizzaria, Finney's Crafthouse - Ventura, Dargans Irish Pub & Restaurant, VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai
Ratings
Description
The Ventura Botanical Gardens re-opened November 3, 2018 after widespread damage caused by the Thomas Fire, is located at 567 S. Poli Street in Ventura, California, United States.
Posts
This horticultural gem tucked away behind the old courthouse is still fairly new so the plants are just now filling in but the great bones that will make this garden a treasure are apparent. The paths winding gradually up the sides of this rocky slope are wide with a nice smooth surface with no ruts or erosion. Nice stone benches are spaced at frequent intervals for a rest or to enjoy the spectacular views. Plants are well marked with their botanical names, country of origin and other useful info and grouped within areas featuring different geographic regions. Specializing in water wise plants, the garden looks right at home in this climate. A map located near the entry will help you select your route: Take a picture of the map with your phone for reference. The QR code also there gives you access to more information. The visitor center features garden theme gifts as well as plants suitable for growing in the local climate. A modest entrance fee helps this garden grow.
Molly WestMolly West
60
What a beautiful place to hike and see a variety of plants! It was open Christmas Day, so we brought Max (golden doodle) & Niece. When we first arrived, we thought we’d have to leave. A sign said dogs were allowed only Wednesdays and Fridays. But it was Christmas 2022, and Max as well as other dogs were allowed in! Since it was Christmas, we got to enter for free. We did make a donation, and bought a plant & a few souvenirs. We also thanked the two ladies for working on Christmas. We walked the trail, and after a half mile, we turned around. Max was getting thirsty & so were we. It was hot! We didn’t take the stairs as we would have missed most of the inspirational signs. Also Max would not have been comfortable on the stairs. We are looking forward to returning on our next visit to Ventura.
CourtenayCourtenay
10
Finally had a chance to visit and it was a wonderful day. It's free for under 18 so our toddler was free, $7 for adults, unless you have EBT, then it's free. The hike up is a little steep but there's different paths, or stairs that make it manageable. We even saw a couple strollers and double strollers on the paths up. The flowers were in full bloom and everything was so beautiful and colorful. The views from the top are incredible and breathtaking. It took less then 2 hours up and down, but we didn't make it fullly to the top as our 2 year old tapped out. Definitely worth a visit. We turned into the parking lot behind city hall and followed the sign up to the free parking right by the entrance. The gift shop is a cute addition. We'll go back for sure another day soon.
Bree GBree G
40
Finally made it out here with my kids! So many beautiful flowers blooming right now! The hike is fairly easy with options for steady switchbacks or stairs. We did stairs on the way up (my 4-year-old's choice) and planned to meander back down on the switchbacks, until we had a bathroom emergency and needed to get back faster. I know they're still working on it and recovering after the Thomas Fire, but, it'd be nice if there was a bathroom further up the hill. We went all the way to the summit terrace and had a great view. Be aware that there is essentially no shade (the trees are still filling in), so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, etc. Beautiful spot, and I'm so glad we finally made it out!
Jessica SJessica S
60
One of the best things about Ventura is this original little gem located behind the historic City Hall is divided up in the hillside sections each highlighting a different plant community utilizing space that was unused for decades but was once an area for the missionaries to plant with many of the original hand laid rock terraces Reused as Walls and barricades for the pathways and plantings certainly worth it The views are spectacular the hike mostly uphill isn’t all that bad but there is little to no shade but other than that I have nothing but great things about thisWonderful horticultural Gem
Christopher GrantChristopher Grant
10
An excellent botanical garden winding up the hills and ridges of a scenic Ventura hillside overlooking downtown with views of the Ventura Pier and ocean beach. The grounds have exotic plants and flowers from many continents and countries. With the recent rain storms, all of the flowers are in full bloom including the surrounding hills! It's a relaxing walk with many switchbacks with benches at vistas to enjoy, and even shortcuts with staircases to shorten your trip. We managed to walk with a 1 and 4 year old about half a mile to the road and then back down again.
Alex MarvinAlex Marvin
20
Nearby Attractions Of Ventura Botanical Gardens
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center
The Wharf
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782
Serra Cross
Clocktower Inn Ventura
The Majestic Ventura Theater
Mission Plaza
Ventura Pier
Museum of Ventura County

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
4.3
(1.2K)Click for details

Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center
4.4
(1.1K)Click for details

The Wharf
4.6
(667)Click for details

Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782
4.6
(646)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Ventura Botanical Gardens
Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co
Lure Fish House
Limón y Sal
Aloha Steakhouse
Barrelhouse 101
Spencer Makenzie's
Tony's Pizzaria
Finney's Crafthouse - Ventura
Dargans Irish Pub & Restaurant
VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai

Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co
4.4
(1.4K)$$
Click for details

Lure Fish House
4.7
(1.3K)$$$
Click for details

Limón y Sal
4.2
(889)$$
Click for details

Aloha Steakhouse
4.5
(815)$$$
Click for details
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