Public Programs

WALKS & TOURS

Public
Programs

Guided walks & tours

Thank you for your interest in our Guided Walks and Tours. We currently have limited capacity for offering guided tours. Whether we will be able to accommodate you will depend on your needs and availability of our staff or volunteers.

Please send an email to registrar@calbg.org with details about your needs and we will be in touch.

A Walk in the Garden is always a New Adventure

Discover new sights, sounds and experiences at the Garden with our guided walks and tours.
One-hour guided walking tour for adults and senior citizens
$15 per person. 4 person minimum. No additional Garden admission fee.  Flexible days and start times.  One month advance reservation required.

One hour tram tour
$15 per person. 4 person minimum; maximum capacity: 8 passengers. No additional Garden admission fee. One month advance reservation required.

One-hour guided walking tour for organized youth groups (scouts, after-school programs, day camp)
$5 per child (3-12 yrs.), $5 per chaperone. We require one adult chaperone per 5 children, and request that the majority of the group be composed of children in order to qualify for this youth group fee. 10 person minimum.       

Tours for college classes
$10 per person for a one-hour guided walking tour.  4 person minimum. If more than 4, fee will be waived for 1 instructor. No additional Garden admission fee.  Flexible days and start times. Advance notice of any special tour focus points are appreciated. Otherwise, the tour will provide a general introduction to the Garden and California native plants.  Most college classes visit the Garden on a self-led basis, with the instructor as the guide. The fee for a self-led group visit (no guides) is the same as our daily general admission fee: $10 adult, $6 Sr. Citizen 65+ years, $6 student with school ID, children 3-12 yrs. $4, under 3 yrs. or Garden members FREE.  Depending on staff availability and with adequate advance notice, we may be able to arrange a volunteer service project for the class in lieu of admission fees. Please send an inquiry with proposed visit dates to registrar@calbg.org.

information about guided walking & tram tours

The average one-hour tour will require approximately one mile of walking, possibly two, depending on the interest and mobility of the tour group.  Please review the map. Minimum one-month advance reservation required. We make every effort to provide one guide per 10-12 adults so everyone can see, hear and have their questions answered.  Guides are recruited according to the number of tour participants, so it is important to know the number in your party before payment is due. Full payment is due one month in advance of the reserved tour date. Cash, check or major credit cards are accepted. Tour groups may enjoy free time in the Garden following any guided tour until the Garden closes at 5 p.m. Our Garden is more like a natural area than a formal, manicured garden. Paths are uneven and many are unpaved. There are some steps and uphill/ downhill grades.

self-led group visits: no guide provided

Keep in mind, a guided tour is not always the best option for a Garden group visit. Photography clubs and classes usually prefer to spread out and linger, spending time individually composing their shots. Social clubs and group reunions or retreats often enjoy walking and talking or sitting in a scenic shaded area to visit with each other. Groups of children of mixed ages, may be happier and more comfortable breaking into smaller groups (accompanied by adults) with their friends for a visual scavenger hunt, a walk and story time, or a break to sketch or write poetry. There are some water features, sculpture pieces and many shady benches along the pathways and 86 acres to explore. The fee for a self-led group visit (no guides) is the same as our daily general admission fee: $10 adult, $6 Sr. Citizen 65+ years, $6 student with school ID, children 3-12 yrs. $4, under 3 yrs. or Garden members FREE.

Group transportation

Group transportation to California Botanic Garden is available through our Los Angeles charter bus partner, CharterUP.

terms

Tickets for events are available for purchase at the Admissions Kiosk or online in advance. Ticket price includes parking and admission to the Garden. Limited tickets are available, advance ticket purchase is recommended. No refunds or ticket exchanges. Events are subject to change. In the event of cancellation due to weather, tickets are valid for one (1) complimentary admission to California Botanic Garden during regular business hours, expiring one year from date (not valid for special or ticketed events).