Explore the Garden with Friends

Explore the Garden on your own or reserve a Garden Guide (or two) for a special tour, customized to your group's interests and needs.

The Garden is always in season. Whether winter vistas, spring blooms, shady summer oases, or fall colors and textures, the Garden always offers delights for the senses. As a result, no two visits are alike!

By scheduling a self-guided visit, you are choosing your own adventure through the Garden. Download one of our self-guided visit tour maps or let the moment take you by exploring the Garden on your own. Get a little lost or stay to the main paths - there's no wrong way to experience the Garden with your group.

By scheduling a guided tour with one of our enthusiastic Garden Guides, your group may be lead through topics of human and natural history, botany, horticulture, nature conservation, ecology, a little of each, or something in between. These fascinating tours provide you and your group an inside look at this enchanting woodland. If your group has a specific interest, please include it in the special interests section of your reservation. We will do our best to pair you with a guide that specializes in that topic.

FAQs

What does the reservation fee include?

Your reservation holds that day/time for your group. Self-guided visits do not have a fee due in advance. Guided tour reservations schedule the appropriate number of Garden Guides for your group size; please select the reservation type accordingly.

Fees do NOT include admission tickets. Admissions will be collected at the Garden's gift shop when your group arrives. Groups larger than 8 are encouraged to pay in a single transaction to ease the check-in process.

Does my reservation include parking?

Parking is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Spaces are limited and the Garden cannot accommodate buses at this time. Although your reservation reduces the risk of parking conflict, it does not guarantee open spots. Please consider sharing rides to reduce parking issues.

Can I reserve picnic tables?

There are many picnic tables throughout the Garden including several near the parking lot and restrooms. All tables and benches in the Garden are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring and enjoy a picnic or snacks in the Garden. Please help keep the Garden clean by remembering to pack out your trash.

When can I schedule a group visit?

Please use the 'Schedule Your Time' button to see available times. If a date or time does not appear, it is not available for a group reservation. Group reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance.

How long can I stay at the Garden?

Most people spend about two hours at the Garden. Your reservation is for 90 minutes, but you may enjoy the Garden as long as you'd like between 9am and 4pm.

What is the Garden's tour cancellation policy?

Self-guided visits may be cancelled at any time.

Tours may be cancelled for a refund minus a 5% service fee up to 5 business days in advance. Cancellations within 5 business days may be subject to a 25% cancellation fee.

The Garden may reschedule or cancel your visit due to extreme weather or safety concerns. In the event of a schedule change, the Garden will contact you at the email listed on your reservation as soon as possible.

Will we see all the Garden on our tour?

Tours are designed to highlight sections of the Garden that may be of interest to your group. There is no way to see the whole Garden in only 90-minutes! After your tour, your group is welcome to continue exploring on your own. Your guide will be happy to give you tips on where to go next.

Some people in my group have mobility concerns. What are the Garden's pathways like?

The parking area, restrooms, and gift shop are easily accessible. The California Oaks trail is under a half mile with no more than a 5% grade. However, as a former quarry, the Garden's natural and historic topography includes steep, uneven, gravel pathways that may not be suitable for all guests - especially in the Asian Woodland. Please note in your reservation if you have mobility concerns so your guide can plan their route accordingly.

We encourage everyone to explore the Garden at their own pace. Your guide will be happy to walk slowly and take frequent breaks. Please review the Garden's visitor map to see if we are the right fit for you group.

What should we bring?

Comfortable, sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing are highly recommended. Aside from the gift shop and restrooms, the Garden is entirely outdoors. Bring a hat, sun protection, a snack, and bottled water.

Water and light snacks are for sale in the gift shop.