Arboretum at the University of California, Santa Cruz

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a living museum of global plant diversity. It showcases rare and remarkable plants from Mediterranean climates worldwide across its sprawling 135 acres. More than just a collection, it's a vibrant center for conservation, research, and education, inspiring visitors with the beauty and resilience of plant life.

Wander through distinct geographical regions, from the stunning Australian Garden, home to the largest collection of Australian plants outside their native continent, featuring diverse eucalyptus, banksias, and grevilleas, to the exotic South African Garden, boasting an impressive display of proteas, leucadendrons, and one of the world's most extensive collections of Erica species. The New Zealand Garden offers a glimpse into its unique flora, including a young kauri forest and New Zealand flax, while the California Native Plant Garden celebrates local species like towering Ponderosa pines and delicate California poppies. Don't miss the fascinating Succulent Garden, renowned for its Dudleya collection, or the World Conifers and Primitive Flowering Plants sections, showcasing "living fossils" that offer insights into plant evolution. The Arboretum is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with hummingbirds, hawks, and California quail frequently sighted among the diverse flora.

Visiting the Arboretum offers a peaceful escape and a unique educational experience, connecting visitors with global ecosystems and conservation efforts. Beyond the meticulously curated gardens and scenic walking paths, you can enjoy sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Before you leave, be sure to stop by Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop to find unique plants propagated on-site, books, and gifts that let you take a piece of the Arboretum's botanical magic home. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.