Regional Parks Botanic Garden: A Living Museum of California Native Plants
Discover California's native flora in a tranquil, living museum within Berkeley's Tilden Regional Park. Open daily, free admission!
Nestled in Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills, the Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a 10-acre living museum dedicated to showcasing California's diverse native flora. Founded in 1940, the garden cultivates and preserves plants from across the state, from coastal bluffs to alpine zones.
A brief summary to Regional Parks Botanic Garden
- 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, California, 94708, US
- +1510-544-3169
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden website for upcoming events, including guided walks, classes, and plant sales.
- Visit during the spring (March-May) for the most vibrant blooms, but note that there are interesting plants to see year-round.
- Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing lunch in one of the garden's meadows.
- Be aware that cell phone coverage can be limited in the garden, but free Wi-Fi is available.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden has varying terrain, including some steep paths.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Berkeley, take AC Transit bus line 65. On weekdays, the bus stops at Grizzly Peak Blvd and Shasta Road, about a half-mile walk downhill to the garden. Check the AC Transit website or call 511 for the most up-to-date schedules and information. Single-ride fares are typically around $2.50.
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Driving
From Highway 24, take the Fish Ranch Road exit. Follow Fish Ranch Road to Grizzly Peak Boulevard, then turn right. Continue on Grizzly Peak Blvd to Golf Course Road/Centennial Drive and turn right. Turn right on Shasta Road, then merge onto Wildcat Canyon Road. The garden parking lot will be on the right. Parking is free. If the main lot is full, turn right on Anza View Road and park on the lawn side of the street, entering the garden through the West gate.
Discover more about Regional Parks Botanic Garden
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