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    UCR Botanic Gardens

    4.5 (137 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Cactus

    You'll love it. A true hidden gem. Some pro tips. 1. Download the ParkMobile.io app and pay for parking there. Otherwise you'll have to walk back down to your car to deposit proof of purchase. 2. Parking is scarce. You may have to go around a few times and wait for someone to leave. 3. Prepare to climb. Lots of uphill hiking but you'll be rewarded by the beauty.

    Surprising how much is bloomed considering it is the winter season. The iris' are springing up! A given are the gorgeous aloes that are nicely bloomed. Instead of taking the route of the left side, I headed on the right and made my way up! Best to arrive early as there isn't much parking close by. You will need to park in the other lot if the small one is packed.

    It's been many years since I've visited UCR botanical garden. Didn't realize how beautiful it is until my recent visit there. Very serene and well kept open air botanical garden. It was a very pleasant experience and a perfect day in April. Flowers are blooming but the roses are not blooming yet. Too bad I didn't have time to see the desert plants but I will definitely be back in May to see the rest of the plants. I am looking forward to buy some plants that they sell on certain days of the year. Pay parking ($2/hr) is limited close by. I was lucky to get an open spot on a late Friday morning. I highly recommend visiting this garden if you're looking for something outdoor and relaxing to do with your time off from work or school. It is not as big as the Huntington botanical gardens but it is certainly big enough to enjoy your day.

    Grace C.

    Parking: $2/hr for the arboretum. $5 donation for admission. Irises, cacti, roses, and various flowering trees are in full bloom right now. Enjoyed seeing various plants that I've never seen before at other arboretums. Half of the arboretum is mountainous with trails meandering through different vegetation. There are some shaded trails for warm days. There is also some paved paths leading to the rose garden. Definitely worth a visit for an hour or two! #ucrbotanicgardens #grace.in.nature

    gorgeous place! went for the first time yesterday and loved it! nice hike and beautiful scenery

    Alma V.

    This place is lovely. They have changed their hours, I believe they stay open later. Overall a peaceful and serene experience.

    Gorgeous
    Britney M.

    Beautiful and breathtaking views! There's so much beauty in nature. The Botanic Gardens captures all of that. Such a great place to go for a walk and appreciate one of God's creations. The rose garden is so pretty. The streams, trees and all the greenery. What a great place for a picnic. You do have to pay for parking, it's a couple of bucks and that gets you 1-2 hours at the Botanic Gardens. Which is more than enough time to explore the whole area. If you plan on going up to the rose garden, wear some tennis shoes because it is a little bit of a hike to get up there. This is a wonderful place to come to meditate, breath and focus on the beauty of nature.

    Marissa N.

    This place is PERFECT if you're a photographer! If you're new to the area, & don't know your way around UCR, look for the street Botanical Gardens, it will lead you to the visitor parking lot & up the little hill near the entrance to the garden. Parking permits costed $2.50 for 90mins, I purchased my permit at the parking machine, not a bad price in my opinion. As you enter the gates, there are maps that direct you to the different routes, there's restrooms, water fountain/reusable water filter if you brought water bottles, and a donation box to help maintain the garden, make sure you donate at least something! ;) The garden is huge. I spent about over two hours walking and taking pictures. Anybody is welcome, I usually see families, students, and toddlers roaming around here. If you bring children, keep an eye on them AT ALL TIMES... there's some spiky plants, bees, steep areas, and some wild life animals roaming around, so keep your babies safe. I also believe pets aren't allowed here. There's many areas and routes to explore, take your time observing each species of plants/flowers/herbs. Literally, it's a nice, relaxing stroll, and there are some seating in certain spots. I recommend to come in the Spring when the garden is lush, and flowers are flourishing.

    Eunique T.

    Beautiful place. There are paved trails and unpaved trails. It gets really hot so bring an umbrella and water. The parking is 4.00 for 2 hours and admission is free. We came Friday morning around 9:30 am. It wasn't to busy but it was already hot. They're open from 9 - 2 on Fridays.

    My granddaughter at UC Riverside Botanical Gardens
    Travis L.

    Great place for a stroll. Entrance is by donations but you don't have to donate if you don't have the money. Great place to feel that your not in the city. All ages can go. Only drawback is it's paid parking so u have to walk back to your car after you pay and put the ticket in your vehicle. It's a good place to frequent. The rose garden is beautiful

    Danny D.

    I never knew this place existed and of all places in Riverside. I'm glad I stumble upon this hidden gem. We stayed here for an hour and parking was about $2.00. When walking into the gate there is a donation box, donate what you can to preserve the place. There so much look at, take your time and watch your step on the trails. This is an excellent place to clear your mind, and just enjoy nature as whole. Overall a good place to take photography or just to relax and eat lunch. I would say good for kids, family, etc. Tip: *They close at 5PM *Bring a reusable bottle, there is a water refill station on the left when walking through the gates. I didn't notice until I exited the gate.

    Iris

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    3 months ago

    It was a great ealk and not too hard. Wewent on winter so not too much flowers yet. Glad to have this at local area

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    5 months ago

    Amazing place to visit! You will get lost with all there is to see here! I enjoyed the afternoon time seems more tranquil to me.

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    1 year ago

    Beautiful place. Many trails, lots of shade and benches. Took my parent they love it too.

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    3 years ago

    Perfect place for a walk and lesson about nature. Very kid friendly, great place for running around.

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    3 years ago

    Great way to spend time. My partner and I didn't get to finish the entire garden, nonetheless it was very beautiful.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Absolutely love this place. Totally worth going. There's lots to see and some small amount of hiking if you walk far enough

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    Ask the Community - UCR Botanic Gardens

    Is it pet friendly?

    no pets allowed

    Can you have a picnic there?

    Yes. They have places to sit.

    Does it cost money to attend or park?

    parking fee only

    The current new hours are M-F 9:00-12:00pm. When will the hours be extended?

    Open during quarantine for grad pics?

    Can I bring my dog?

    I think it's a no pets pace. But not super positive

    Can I bring my dog in?

    You know, I've been there a few times and never seen anyone with their pets. If it's registered as a service animal I'm sure you could. I did see a little bobcat walking around in there one time. 🤷🏻‍♂️. I think dogs make every outing better, so I… Read more

    Do they provide information about the plants they have to visitors?

    No, not really. Be sure to get a map though.

    How long would it take to walk around the whole garden? So I know how much I need to pay for parking.

    It's huge. If you take your time and are a photographer, 3-4 hours.

    Are we allowed to have picnics here?

    Yes. Lots of different spots to sit along the pathways.

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - UCR Botanic Gardens

    Bring a little money - you have to pay for parking, and the botanical gardens has a suggested donation.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

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