Explore Exotic Plants in Santa Cruz County!

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a veritable Mecca for plant lovers and contains more than 300 native plant families from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California. More than four decades of dedication, horticultural expertise, and hard work have created an extensive plant collection unmatched anywhere else in the world! Visitors to the arboretum can spend their time taking in the unique sights of the Australian Rock Garden, the delicious smells of the aroma garden, admire the sweeping Eucalyptus trees, and much more. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day immersed in natural beauty from around the world. Entrance to the arboretum is free on Community Day; the first Tuesday of every month. Keep an eye out for fun and family-friendly annual events like Hummingbird Days and the Spring Plant Sale.