The World’s Largest Garden Dedicated to California’s Native Plants: A Stunning Living Museum

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The World's Largest Garden Dedicated to California's Native Plants: A Stunning Living Museum

The California Botanic Garden is a place where education, beauty, and conservation seamlessly come together. Located in Claremont, this living museum showcases the extraordinary diversity of California’s unique flora. From Joshua trees to wildflowers and many other rare species on the brink of extinction, you’ll find it all here in the world’s largest garden devoted to native Californian plants, spanning 86 acres.



The California Botanic Garden was founded in 1927 by researcher Susanna Bixby Bryant and can be found just 30 miles from Los Angeles. Organized events and activities offer an immersive experience through the garden’s carefully curated exhibits and habitats. There’s also a botanical library and several educational and conservation programs in place, inviting visitors to explore the stunning beauty of California’s incredible flora and landscapes.

The garden is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. (closing times vary by season). Admission fees start at $15 per person, with discounts available, and tickets need to be purchased online beforehand. The garden can be found on Claremont’s College Avenue, a 20-minute walk away from the Claremont Metrolink Station, with free parking available for visitors. The closest airport to Claremont is the Ontario International Airport (ONT), just 15 minutes away by car.



Exhibits and trails at the California Botanic Garden

California poppies at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont

The exhibits within the California Botanic Garden are all modeled after the state’s unique ecosystems, which provide a home for thousands of different plant species. For example, some of the habitats within the garden mimic the conditions of the Mojave Desert, home to the Joshua trees. Others host a variety of species like the redwoods found in this otherworldly national park as well as oak forests. You’ll also find beautiful wildflower meadows (resembling the wildflower fields hidden in northern California), a pond, and other breathtaking habitats.

There is also a family-friendly trail (almost 2 miles long) at the garden that is a must-visit during your trip. The trail, of course, is filled with many of the plants native to California. Plus, a butterfly pavilion is available for visiting during the spring and summer months. All of the garden’s exhibits are included and accessible to visitors when paying the admittance fee. However, the garden also offers guided tours for an extra cost as well as a wide variety of events, workshops, and programs year-round.

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Tours and events offered by the California Botanic Garden

A plant nursery in California

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.