Botanical Garden Highlights

OC's Green Thumb - Part 1

Orange County's mild climate makes it an ideal location for those with a green thumb. Discover some of the area's botanical retreats.

Fullerton Arboretum
Enjoy the arboretum’s 26-acre botanical garden, featuring unique displays of California natives, Sonoran Desert plant life, rare fruit trees and a children’s garden. On Sundays, make a stop at the Heritage House, an 1894 Victorian cottage turned museum.

Mission San Juan Capistrano (top right)
Founded in 1776, the Mission is considered the “jewel” of the 21 California missions. Stroll the lush gardens among the preserved adobe buildings, and be sure to learn about California's first winery.

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace (bottom right)
More than 1,300 rose bushes in White House-style gardens surround the farmhouse where America’s 37th president was born and raised. After smelling the roses, see the new Presidential Helicopter exhibit featuring the six-ton Sikorsky Sea King.

Sherman Library & Gardens
Nestled along Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, this OC gem has a wide range of botanical collections ranging from plant life of desert regions to exotic vegetation of the tropics.

Part 2: Secret Gardens, Spring Shows and Preservation Tips
Back to OC's Everything Green Guide