Walking in nature is excellent for your emotional well-being and mental health. As part of our focus on improving your lifestyle and mental health, we highlight the places you can travel to in California that will assist you to do that. So, here are the top gardens in California you need to visit. Whether they are near where you live or you need to travel further to get there, don't miss them if you are a garden lover.
California's top gardens to visit
With thousands of travelers nominating their favorite gardens in California on TripAdvisor, we put a spotlight on traveler's favorites. These are the top 3 gardens in California, according to TripAdvisor, and why you should travel there.
Pack a picnic and a rug to lie on, unplug from the internet, immerse yourself in nature and live in the moment.
Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose, California
This historic landmark garden has over 3,500 plantings and over 150 rose varieties planted in the 5 1/2 acres of gardens.
The garden is a quiet, peaceful place, and you can enjoy picnic areas and BBQ facilities, Best of all, entry is free!
Make sure to visit the fountain located on the east side of the main gate. The two-tiered water fountain features a reflection pool and is often the centerpiece for wedding ceremonies.
"Best rose garden ever. We have visited many municipal rose gardens, but this is the best so far. We only had enough time to wander 3/4 of the gardens, but still managed to snap over 130 photos. Throw in the native California redwood trees, and you've got a beautiful and unique gardens that will wow everyone. I highly recommend you visit these extensive and attractive gardens." - Parkavenue7275, TripAdvisor.
Check out their website for current opening hours, travel directions, and more information - Municipal Rose Garden.
1649 Naglee Ave, San Jose, California.
Forestiere Underground Gardens, California
You are going to feel like you have stepped into a fantasy world when you visit Forestiere Underground Gardens.
The Underground Gardens is the vision of a Sicilian immigrant in the early 1900s, Baldassare Forestiere. He turned useless farmland into a vast hand-built labyrinth of underground rooms, tunnels, courtyards, and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs.
Considered Fresno's best-kept secret, the Forestiere Underground Gardens is a living museum and a subterranean escape from the summer heat. It is worth traveling out of your area just to see these stunning gardens.
You will marvel at the arches, vaults, and stone walls in Ancient Roman architecture and the unique fruit-producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground. Some are over 90 years old!
Check out their website for current opening hours, travel directions, and more information on tours of the Underground Gardens.
5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, California.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, California
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for anyone visiting Northern California.
The 47 acres of the gardens offer a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees. This garden is right by the sea, and one of the best things about it is the flowers overlooking the blue ocean.
Collections include rhododendrons, dahlias, conifers, heaths and heathers, camellias, native upland, and riparian areas, and so much more.
They have a nursery, garden store, and cafe. So make a day out of it, or travel up the Northern California coast to Mendocino County and make it a travel adventure.
Check out their website for what is currently blooming, opening hours, and reservations - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, California.
We think these Tripadvisor favorites are worth adding to your travel bucket list. Spending time outdoors is good for your mental health, reduces anxiety, is excellent for your physical health, and promotes calm and well-being. It is one of our favorite things to do when we travel.
Have you traveled to any of these gardens? What do you think? Please leave a comment at the bottom of this travel story and let us know your favorite garden?
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