Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
A free, 33-acre haven with diverse specialty gardens, scenic hilltop views, and a dedicated Kids Adventure Garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak floral bloom & cooler temps
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Best Time
Peak floral bloom & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 33-acre haven with diverse specialty gardens, scenic hilltop views, and a dedicated Kids Adventure Garden.
"This place is beautiful. I experienced a peacefully moment contemplating a variety of flowers."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
☀️ Bring Water & Sunscreen
Especially for longer hikes, stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Specialty Gardens
Various sections
Explore diverse themed gardens like Australian, rare fruit orchard, and butterfly garden.
Panoramic Hilltop Views
Summit trails
Hike to the top for breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Padres National Forest.
Kids Adventure Garden
Designated area
A dedicated space for children to explore and play, open on Sundays.
Matilija Poppies
Seasonal bloom areas
Witness the delicate, large 'fried egg' flowers bloom briefly each spring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Steep Trails
Best Blooms & Parking Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
☀️ Bring Water & Sunscreen
Especially for longer hikes, stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Helpful for navigating the 33-acre grounds and finding specific garden areas.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.
☀️ Bring Water & Sunscreen
Especially for longer hikes, stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Helpful for navigating the 33-acre grounds and finding specific garden areas.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a great spot for furry friends.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot can fill up, especially on weekends and during special events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden as a beautiful, free-to-enter hidden gem. Many appreciate the diverse specialty gardens, labeled plants, and the rewarding hilltop views. While the trails can be steep, the peaceful atmosphere and seasonal blooms make it a highly recommended spot for a relaxing outing or family visit.
"I don’t know how we missed this place in all the years we have been finding something to do on weekends. Really cool garden with lots of hiking trails and super neat flowers, plants and trees to see! It’s free too! The only con is parking is limited in the parking lot so you want to get there early. There is also a large restroom with flushing toilets/sinks outside of the garden. On Sundays they have the children’s garden open along with a small plant sale from 11am-3pm. You can take the trail from the children’s garden and it loops into the main garden. We enjoyed this much more than hiking in Malibu Creek."
Sophia Chiu
"One of my new favorite places! Free to enter and lots to see and do. It seems like there are several hiking trails. This place also has specialty gardens as well as a bird habitat and butterfly garden. The children’s garden is only open Sunday mornings, but the rest of the grounds is always there for you to explore. Keep in mind, the hills are relatively steep, so the hikes could be moderately challenging for some. Another cool things is that a lot of the plants are labeled, plus there are plaques with literacy and activity suggestions for kids."
Egle Makar (eglectic)
"I’m embarrassed to say I almost let the aerial turn me away. “There’s too much city around it - that won’t be the hike we are looking for.” Happily proved wrong! Not only was the nature trail perfect for us (about one mile) but we were so impressed with the views and with the great variety of plantings to admire. This isn’t a fancy botanic gardens (also free to enter) but you can see the love that went into the preparation of each area. Help these guys out and go visit. (Pro tip: restrooms are at the community center)"
Justin Bond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located at 400 W Gainsborough Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors find it a convenient day trip from Los Angeles.
Public transportation options may be limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local transit schedules for Ventura County if considering public transit.
From Los Angeles, take US-101 North towards Ventura. Exit onto Lynn Road and head north. Turn right onto Gainsborough Road. The garden will be on your left.
Yes, parking is free. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during popular bloom seasons. Arriving early is advised.
Yes, restrooms are available. They are located outside the main garden area, near the community center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is free! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for everyone. +1
The main Botanic Garden is open daily from dusk till dawn. The Kids Adventure Garden has specific hours, typically only open on Sundays. Always check their website for any closures or special event hours.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
While some paved paths exist, many trails are natural and can be steep. Strollers may be difficult on steeper, unpaved sections. Wheelchair accessibility may be limited.
The garden is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any holiday closures or special operating hours.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection including an Australian garden, a rare fruit orchard, a butterfly garden, and seasonal blooms like Matilija poppies. Many plants are labeled. +1
Yes, there are several hiking trails, including a nature trail that loops into the main garden. Some trails lead to hilltops with panoramic views.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great place to explore with your canine companion.
This is a special area designed for children to explore and play. It's typically open on Sundays and offers a fun, interactive experience for families.
While not always formally scheduled, the garden's layout and labeled plants offer a self-guided exploration. Some social media posts mention tours, so checking their website for events is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The specialty gardens, especially during bloom seasons, offer vibrant colors. The hilltop views provide scenic backdrops, and the Kids Adventure Garden can be fun for family portraits. 
For professional photography sessions or events, it's best to contact the garden administration in advance to inquire about permits or specific guidelines. Instagram Reel I4 mentions Easter mini-sessions.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour can be particularly beautiful for capturing the landscape and flowers.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the garden's environment. Professional shoots might require permission.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide landscape shots and close-ups of flowers. A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views, while a macro lens can highlight intricate plant details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the garden has hilly terrain, so keep an eye on little ones. Parking can be limited, so an early arrival on Sundays is recommended, especially if you want to catch the small plant sale that often accompanies the Kids Garden opening. It's a great, free way to spend a weekend morning outdoors.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Be prepared for some steep inclines, making it a good workout. The variety of themed gardens and labeled plants adds an educational layer to your stroll. Leashed dogs are also welcome, so it's a perfect spot for a walk with your furry friend.
📸 Photographers
+1The hilltop views also provide stunning backdrops for landscape photography. While personal photography is generally welcome, professional shoots or events may require prior arrangements. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best natural light.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Gardens
Beyond these specific areas, the garden showcases a vibrant array of seasonal blooms. From late February through April, the grounds burst with color, making it a particularly stunning time to visit. The Matilija poppies, with their large, delicate 'fried egg' petals, are a springtime highlight that draws many visitors. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths and natural landscapes that create a sense of discovery.
This commitment to diverse plantings and educational elements makes the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden more than just a pretty place; it's an immersive experience in horticulture and nature. The care and love put into maintaining each area are evident, offering a peaceful retreat for all who visit.
Hiking and Panoramic Views
A popular route takes visitors to a hilltop vantage point, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding region. From here, you can often see the Santa Monica Mountains to the south and the Los Padres National Forest in the distance to the north. This elevated perspective provides a different appreciation for the Conejo Valley's natural beauty and makes for excellent photo opportunities.
These trails are a fantastic way to combine exercise with the enjoyment of nature. Whether you're looking for a short, invigorating walk or a more extended hike, the garden's varied topography ensures there's a path for most fitness levels. Remember to bring water and sun protection, especially on warmer days.
Family Fun at the Kids Adventure Garden
While the main botanic garden is open daily, the Kids Adventure Garden typically has specific operating hours, usually opening on Sunday mornings. This makes Sundays a particularly popular time for families to visit. The garden also often hosts a small plant sale on Sundays, giving families a chance to take home a piece of the garden's charm.
Beyond the dedicated kids' area, the broader garden offers educational elements like labeled plants and literacy suggestions for children, making the entire visit enriching. The relatively steep hills might be a consideration for very young children or those with mobility issues, but the overall experience is highly family-friendly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit