The San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse gardens in the country. After living here for over 10 years and visiting many of these gardens multiple times, here are my top five favorite gardens in the SF Bay Area:
1. Filoli Historic House & Garden
Why Visit:
Filoli offers 16 acres of impeccably designed formal gardens surrounded by a 654-acre estate. The grounds change beautifully with the seasons, with tulips in spring, dahlias in summer, fall foliage, and festive holiday décor in winter.
Highlights:
- Sunken Garden → the iconic symmetrical centerpiece with a reflecting pool. It’s so beautiful I would’ve loved to have my wedding here if it weren’t for the high price tag!
- Walled Garden → constantly changing seasonal blooms.
- Historic House → elegant early-20th-century mansion featuring a self-playing grand piano.
How to Go:
Filoli is about a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, with ample free parking onsite. Buy timed entry tickets online, as they often sell out on weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable shoes, since many of the paths are gravel.
2. San Francisco Botanical Garden
Why Visit:
A 55-acre living museum with over 8,000 different plant species from around the world organized into themed gardens.
Highlights:
- Magnolia Collection → over 200 trees that bloom from January to March.
- Moon Viewing Garden → quiet corner with Japanese-inspired design.
- Redwood Grove → towering Coast Redwoods with lush understory and a serene atmosphere.
How to Go:
SF Botanical Garden is located inside Golden Gate Park. There is free street parking around the perimeter and paid parking at Music Concourse Garage. Admission is free for SF residents, and there are free days for non-residents.
3. UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
Why Visit:
Spanning 34 acres in the hills above the university, this research-oriented garden features over 10,000 species from six continents.
Highlights:
- California Collection → one of the largest collections of California native plants in the world with many rare or endangered species.
- Asia Collection → peaceful, shaded escape with Japanese-style pools and waterfalls.
- Redwood Grove → an enchanted forest located across the street from the main entrance (use the gate code on your ticket).
How to Go:
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is ~30 minutes drive from SF. The paid parking lot onsite is very small, so arrive early for easier parking. You can buy tickets at the entrance or online.
4. Japanese Tea Garden
Why Visit:
The oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. featuring authentic Japanese design with pagodas, koi ponds, and Zen elements.
Highlights:
- Pagoda → five-story structure originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
- Drum Bridge → iconic curved bridge and photo spot.
- Tea House → enjoy authentic green tea and snacks overlooking the pond.
How to Go:
Japanese Tea Garden is also located inside Golden Gate Park. You can park for free at nearby streets or pay for parking at Music Concourse Garage. Admission is free for SF residents, and there are free times for non-residents.
5. Conservatory of Flowers
Why Visit:
The oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America, this Victorian-era indoor garden is packed with over 1,700 tropical plants.
Highlights:
- Aquatic Plants Gallery → features the Giant Water Lily, which can grow large enough to support the weight of a person!
- Lowland Tropics Gallery → towering palms, giant leaves, and humid jungle feel.
- Highland Tropics Gallery → orchids, bromeliads, and cloud-forest plants.
How to Go:
Similar to SF Botanical Garden and Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers is located inside Golden Gate Park. You can park for free at nearby streets or pay for parking at Music Concourse Garage. Admission is free for SF residents, and on the 1st Tuesday every month for everyone.
Looking for more things to do in SF? Check out my top 5 favorite attractions and day trips.
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