Coast Botanical Garden

Visiting the Coast Botanical Garden

• Hours: Open daily except Thanksgiving, December 25, and the Saturday following Labor Day
• Reservations: Tours given a few days a week in summer, longer tours on weekends by reservation
• Cost: Check current admission fee
• Location: On the south side of Fort Bragg, directions below
• How Long: Allow at least two hours, more if you're an ardent gardener or photographer
• Best Time to Visit: Pretty and there's something blooming any time. Rhododendrons peak April through May.

Founded in 1961 by a retired nurseryman, Coast Botanical Garden is a small, privately run botanical garden situated between the Pacific coast and Highway One. Because of its unique location and climate, it is home to some very rare plants that you may not find elsewhere and it spans enough microclimates to offer a lot of variety.

The garden is particularly popular with gardeners and those who love gardens. They offer special activities for kids, and everyone seems to love the resident cats.

Visiting Coast Botanical Garden

Coast Botanical Garden is divided into two main sections, a formal garden area and a wilder section near the ocean.

The main garden area is home to a wide array of rhododendrons, including fragrant, rare, tender species. Other highlights include a heath and heather garden and a collection of heritage roses brought west by early settlers. In the perennial garden, you'll find something blooming any time of year and in wet weather, seasonal fungi are also highlighted.

Besides the gardens, there's a gift shop, nursery and a small cafe, and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Well-mannered dogs on leashes are also welcome.

The main trails at Coast Botanical Garden are wheelchair accessible all the way to the ocean, and they provide electric carts for guests with limited mobility on a first-come, first-served basis.

Getting to Coast Botanical Garden

Coast Botanical Garden
18220 North Highway One
Fort Bragg, CA
707-964-4352
Website

Coast Botanical Garden is on the south side of Fort Bragg right on Highway One, on the ocean side of the highway.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary admission for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.