Arboretum Gateway Garden
A vibrant connection between campus and city, celebrating local heritage with native plants and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for birdwatching
Arboretum Gateway Garden
Best Time
Best for birdwatching
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant connection between campus and city, celebrating local heritage with native plants and wildlife.
"Extraordinary, gorgeous, music to the ears, eydrops to the eyes!"
🎯 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature; many benches are available .
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails and gardens with ease.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 168 reviews
Type
Garden
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Putah Creek Exhibits
Gateway Garden
Learn about the history of Putah Creek, its wildlife, and its significance to the Patwin people.
Native Plant Showcase
Gateway Garden
Explore a vibrant collection of native plants, celebrating the local natural heritage.
Wildlife Encounters
Along the trails
Spot baby turtles, ducklings, squirrels, and scrubjays in their natural habitat.
Shovel Sculpture
East end of Arboretum
A unique landmark marking the entrance to the Gateway Garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Native Beauty
Timing is Key for Wildlife
Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere, especially if visiting with family.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature; many benches are available.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails and gardens with ease.
Best spots in the Arboretum?
I’ve only been to the GATEway garden and Putah Creek Lodge area. They were both lovely. What are some of your favorite parts of the Arboretum?
🐦 Early Bird Gets Wildlife
Mornings are ideal for spotting birds and ducklings.
📸 Grad Photo Spot
A beautiful, natural backdrop for memorable photos.
Pretty places to take grad photos on campus?
I’m graduating in June and I wanted to take pics but I’m not sure where to go lol. I only know that the MU area is commonly used. Unfortunately I don’t know the campus as well as I thought
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature; many benches are available.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails and gardens with ease.
🐦 Early Bird Gets Wildlife
Mornings are ideal for spotting birds and ducklings.
📸 Grad Photo Spot
A beautiful, natural backdrop for memorable photos.
🗺️ Use Garden Maps
Navigate the different garden sections effectively.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arboretum Gateway Garden for its stunning natural beauty, diverse plant life, and peaceful atmosphere. It's a beloved spot for families to enjoy wildlife sightings and for individuals seeking a serene escape. While generally well-loved, some may find it lacks extensive amenities beyond natural features.
"Love the Davis Arboretum! So many Beautiful Trees!❤️"
Billie Hunter
"Our nieces wanted to see birds and enjoy a beautiful park close by. We saw a lot of baby turtles, new baby ducklings. Nice leisure trail along the water. Beautiful flowers, and learned about the different garden sections. The girls enjoyed the horse's. We saw a lot of people enjoying a picnic, studying, reading and painting out on the trails. Lots of benches near water or under a nice tree. Great place to bring the family. Definitely will be back."
Wehikealot2
"It is a love place to walk and take the kids. We saw baby ducks, squirrels, scrubjays and turtles along with lots lovely plants. Next time we will pack a picnic."
Ann Elizabeth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gateway Garden is located at the east end of the UC Davis Arboretum, near the Shovel Sculpture.
Yes, there are parking lots available near the Arboretum. It's recommended to check the UC Davis campus parking map for the most up-to-date information on available parking areas and any associated fees.
Absolutely! The Arboretum is very bike-friendly, with dedicated paths. It's also a pleasant walk from many parts of the UC Davis campus and the city of Davis.
You can reach the vicinity of the Arboretum Gateway Garden via local bus routes in Davis. Check the city's public transit schedule for routes that stop near the UC Davis campus or the east end of the Arboretum.
Use the coordinates 38.540289, -121.741784 or search for 'UC Davis Arboretum Gateway Garden' on your preferred navigation app. The Shovel Sculpture is a key landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Arboretum Gateway Garden is a public space and is free to enter. You can explore its beauty and exhibits without any admission fee.
The Arboretum is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific garden sections might have slightly different access times. It's best to check the official UC Davis Arboretum website for the most current information.
The UC Davis Arboretum, including the Gateway Garden, is free for all visitors. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
While the Arboretum is generally open from sunrise to sunset, it's advisable to check the official UC Davis Arboretum website for specific guidelines on evening access, as some areas might be closed after dark for safety reasons.
The UC Davis Arboretum often hosts events, including bird walks
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the history of Putah Creek, learn about local wildlife, admire native plants, and enjoy a peaceful walk. It's also a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.
Yes, it's a wonderful place for families! Kids can enjoy spotting baby turtles, ducklings, and squirrels, and there are plenty of open spaces for them to explore.
Restroom facilities are available within the UC Davis Arboretum. It's recommended to check the Arboretum map for their exact locations.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy picnics in the Arboretum. There are benches available, and you can find scenic spots to lay out a blanket.
Yes, it's a very picturesque location, especially for nature and landscape photography. It's also a popular spot for graduation photos.
📸 📸 Photography
The native plant sections offer vibrant colors, while the trails along Putah Creek provide scenic backdrops. The Shovel Sculpture is also a unique photo opportunity.
Many students choose the Arboretum Gateway Garden for graduation photos due to its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing wildlife and tranquil scenes. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is typically restricted on UC Davis campus grounds, including the Arboretum. It's best to check UC Davis policies regarding drone operation before flying.
Nature photography, landscape shots, wildlife photography, and portrait photography (especially graduation photos) are all popular at the Arboretum Gateway Garden.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit