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South Coast Botanic Garden: A Green Oasis on a Landfill

Discover a unique urban oasis in Palos Verdes, where beauty blooms from a reclaimed landfill. Explore diverse gardens and natural beauty.

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The South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre urban oasis located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. What makes this garden unique is its location: it was built atop a former sanitary landfill, showcasing a successful example of land reclamation and recycling. Today, it boasts over 2,500 different plant species from around the world, offering a beautiful escape and a testament to environmental renewal.

A brief summary to South Coast Botanic Garden

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 87-acre garden.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated picnic areas, but remember to keep your setup casual.
  • Check the garden's website for seasonal events, such as the SOAR butterfly pavilion or Astra Lumina night walk.
  • Advance reservations are required for non-members every day.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274. From Downtown LA, take I-110 S and CA-1 N/W Pacific Coast Hwy. Exit at Crenshaw Blvd and continue to the garden. From Anaheim, take I-5 N to I-405 S, exit at Crenshaw Blvd and continue to the garden. Free parking is available in the on-site lot. Check which parking ticket you have purchased in advance.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the South Coast Botanic Garden via public transport from Inglewood, take the Metro Line 210 bus towards 'Palos Verdes'. Ride for 30-35 minutes to the 'Crenshaw Blvd & Silver Spur Road' stop. Walk north on Crenshaw Blvd for about 0.6 miles to the garden. Alternatively, the Metro J-Line runs to Long Beach, where you can transfer to a bus at the Pacific Coast Highway stop. A bus stop at Crenshaw requires a 30-minute walk or a rideshare (approximately $10) to the garden. A short bus ride costs $1.75.

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Discover more about South Coast Botanic Garden

The South Coast Botanic Garden offers a unique blend of natural beauty and environmental innovation. Situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, about 10 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport, the garden spans 87 acres and features a diverse collection of plants from around the globe. What sets this botanic garden apart is its origin as a sanitary landfill. From 1957 to 1965, the site was used to dispose of 3.5 million tons of refuse. In the early 1960s, a group of citizens, led by Frances Young, proposed transforming the land into a botanic garden, demonstrating the possibilities of land reclamation. The first planting took place in 1961, and the garden officially opened shortly after. Today, the South Coast Botanic Garden is home to over 200,000 plants, representing more than 2,500 different species. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, a Children's Garden, and a Garden for the Senses. The garden also features a lake that attracts diverse bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. With its rich history and beautiful landscapes, the South Coast Botanic Garden provides an inspiring and educational experience for all who visit.

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