Garden FAQs
What are the Admissions Rates?
Admission: $10.00 for adults. Seniors, students and military admission is $8.00, and free for children 12 and under and members, and dogs on leash.
Admissions payments can be made in the Gift Shop during operational hours, online, on your phone by scanning the QR code posted near the entrances, or in the “pay station” near the gift shop. Parking fee is paid to park ranger upon entrance.
are plants for sale?
Our volunteer grown, drought-tolerant plants are available for sale Daily 9AM - 4PM at the Garden’s Nursery. Spring and Fall Plant Sales are scheduled annually.
Where are the public restrooms?
Restrooms for Garden visitors are located at the Garden’s Gift Shop, open during business hours. Public restrooms are also located in Dairy Creek Park, open during daylight hours.
How big is the garden?
The entire property of the Garden is 150 acres. Current gardens and facilities cover approximately 10 acres. View Maps/Brochures.
What is a mediterranean climate?
A mediterranean climate is the climate typical of most of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a particular variety of subtropical climate. The lands around the Mediterranean Sea form the largest area where this climate type is found, but it also prevails in much of California, in parts of Western and South Australia, in the Cape Province of South Africa, and in parts of central coastal Chile. Mediterranean-climate regions are found, roughly speaking, between 30 and 45 degrees latitude north and south of the equator, on the western side of continents, but they can extend eastwards into arid regions if not arrested by mountains or confronted with moist climates or deserts. The climate is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.
Where is the Garden located and who owns it?
The Garden is located in El Chorro Regional Park, halfway between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay on Highway One. Friends of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (SLOBG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which has a lease for the 150 acre site from the SLO County Parks Department. Get Directions.
Are there facilities for the handicapped?
The lower paths of the Display Garden, and restrooms are handicap accessible.
Are there restaurant facilities at the Garden?
The Garden does not have food service, but the Siren Restaurant is located within Dairy Creek Park.
Are picnic facilities available?
The Garden has several small picnic benches, but El Chorro Regional Park has several larger public day-use picnic facilities, a campground, children’s playground, and two dog parks.
How long are the trails in the Garden and how long does it take to see the entire Garden?
Beginning at the Garden’s Gift Shop, it is a less than half mile walk to the Display Garden and less than a quarter mile to the Children’s Garden. An average walk in the Garden takes about an hour. The Discovery Trail is approximately 1.25 miles
The designated hiking trail in El Chorro Regional Park, the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail, is located outside of the Garden and past the Dairy Creek Dog Park.
Where does the Garden get its support?
The Garden is supported by membership, donations, grants, volunteers, Gift Shop receipts, and events. We receive no operational funds from SLO County Parks and our local Cities.