Sonoma Botanical Garden

Excellent little botanical garden with areas of flora from all over the world and great views over the nearby landscape. A nice drive and a great day out about an hour and a bit from East Bay.

Photographs do not do this place justice. If you are familiar with Miyazaki films (Totoro, Howl's moving Castle, etc) then you will have a better idea of how magical the garden is. I can say lush meadows, but unless you know Miyazaki, then you won't know the complex depth of the various plants in that meadow. It's a well established Asian botanical garden, so nothing is over manicured, nor linear or divided into garden beds. Plants have naturalized and spread. The ground covers are freaking amazing and unlike anything in California. Yes, ponds and waterfalls are pretty, but it's the ground cover and low growing, lush spreads that capture my heart.
There are easy main paths, but also magical side trails that are narrow, but easy to navigate, that often have good stone and boulder steps. Plenty of benches tucked into shady beautiful spots. It is not a flat place to visit, the whole thing is on the side of a hill! However, the person at the check in building can advise you an appropriate loop if needed.

A wonderful hidden gem. We only stopped in because we were driving through, and it was free to visit as an AHS reciprocal location. We're sure glad we stopped. They have a cute little gift shop, a couple of main (short) trails.

Ought to be well known. A beautiful place. The lake is lovely. A great place to chill & relax in the shade of all those beautiful trees.

This is a great place to go and hike around and enjoy the beauty of many plants and flowers, ponds and arbors, etc. There are many resting spots along the way, and the paths are well defined. The gardeners here are crafted with detail. Everything was beautifully taken care of and labeled what kind of plant. All the grounds people were very friendly and all were such happy people. You could tell they loved their work. There are picnic tables around so you can sit and have lunch. Bring water as it can get warm, and it is quite the walk.