Santa Barbara Gardens and Lotusland

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

While the meadow area is flat for the most part, much of the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens is situated in a steep and narrow canyon dotted with oak trees, brush and winding trails. So watch your step and be careful.

If you do decide to traverse the main path, you will eventually find yourself immersed in a towering grove of Redwoods. It is a cool, refreshing haven on hot summer days. The fire in 2009 swept through this part of the garden, but the trees and much of the landscape was miraculously spared. Here you will also find a creek and the occasional shy squirrel. Don't forget to bring nuts to feed them.

As the trail continues, you will cross the old stone Mission Dam. Built in 1806 by native Americans, the dam stands just beyond the redwood grove and above the restored aqueduct that once carried water to the Santa Barbara Mission that is approximately one mile away.

Continuing along, and located near the lower end of the garden is a Japanese tea house. During late spring and summer tea is served on Tuesday afternoons here.

Towards the end of gardens there are educational exhibits and a garden shop that sells plants, as well as a cafe and library.

Docent led tours are always available, but just wandering about and exploring at your own pace can be just as fun.

The Garden is open seven days a week but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and during some special events, such as the annual Lotus Fest soiree which includes food, wine and music on the great lawn.

Admission to the Santa Barbara Gardens is very affordable with discounts for seniors and children, under is 2 is free.

Lotusland. Santa Barbara

While in the area, a must visit situated four miles east of the Santa Barbara Gardens is Lotusland.

A spectacular collection of more than 3,000 plants from all over the world, and the historic Montecito estate of Madame Walska.

However, the lotus flowers are the gardens highlight, which when in bloom in the summer are beautifully displayed in a swimming pool that was transformed into a spectacular centerpiece.

There are also lush bromeliad and fern gardens, cactus and succulent gardens, a serene Japanese garden, and a Theatre Garden complete with whimsical topiary animals.

Because Lotusland is a public garden in a residential neighborhood, reservations are required to visit and can be made on their web site.

Both the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Lotusland are two of the best places to discover nature's beauty and serenity. They also serve for the purpose of education, research and conservation, and make a wonderful family day trip or romantic getaway.

Both gardens are easily situated off the Highway 101.

The drive to the relatively remote Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens is part of the experience since it takes you out of town and into nature.

On the way you will pass the Mission and the Museum of Natural History before the road winds its way uphill.

The park is located along a creek in a valley with beautiful views onto the towering mountains behind the coastline.

Lotusland - Cold Springs Rd and Sycamore Canyon Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93180 Tours must be reserved in Advance (805) 969-9990

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 phone: 805-682-4726

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