Hours, Admission & Parking

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HOURS

OPEN Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. CLOSED Mondays and rainy days. See calendar for holiday hours.
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ADMISSION

Members, children 18 and under, and EBT cardholders are free. Fridays are FREE for all. See calendar for monthly FREE days.
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DOGS

Leashed dogs are welcome Wednesdays, Fridays and on monthly free days. See calendar for monthly FREE days.
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PARKING

Parking lot closes at 5pm. Disabled parking is available at the Welcome Center. Parking closer to the pathways above the nurseries may be requested.
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GARDEN MAP

See our map to explore our garden zones, vista points, rest stops and features. Download map now.
Through May 31, admission is $7 per visit. Beginning June 1, the Gardens introduce a $15 admission fee—supporting continued growth and sustainability. Membership prices remain the same.

Sustaining Our Growth

Our updated admissions fee—our first rate adjustment in nearly a decade—reflects the expanded footprint, enhanced guest experience and the need to sustain Gardens in the long term. Every admission purchased supports:

  • Our large and unique collections: The care of over 100,000 plants, including an increasing number of rare and endangered species under our stewardship.
  • Upgraded Pathway Infrastructure: A 200% increase in dedicated visitor walkways since 2019, including the recent debut of our new Fernery shade structure and Observation deck.
  • Robust Programming: A significantly enhanced calendar of events and educational workshops, including Summer Hummerz, Tomatomania, and the Plein Air Paint Out.
  • Future Discovery: The ongoing development of our upcoming Australian Garden and the Children’s Discovery Garden.
Ventura Botanical Gardens with visitors enjoying scenic coastal views and hiking trail.

Keeping the Gardens Growing

The Gardens remain committed to providing accessible ways for the community to enjoy the space.

Members continue to receive free admission year-round. Annual memberships remain just $45 — meaning a membership pays for itself in only three visits.

In addition:

  • Children 18 and under are always free
  • EBT cardholders receive free admission
  • Fridays are free for all visitors
  • Additional monthly free days are offered throughout the year (see calendar for details)

These programs help ensure the Gardens remain a welcoming resource for the entire community, supporting the ongoing care and growth of the Gardens for future generations.

Photos by Phil Ranger + VBG Staff and volunteers

Upcoming Activities and Free Days

See upcoming activities below or view the full calendar. Events are added frequently, check back often!

Summer Hummerz Exhibit

Tuesday, June 2 - Tuesday, September 1 @ 9am - 5pm

The hummingbird is one of the most enchanting and beloved of all the tiny fliers. This June 2 thru August 31 the Garden celebrates these jewels of the air with…

New Member Donuts & Docents

Saturday, June 13 @ 9:30am - 10:30am

New members are invited for a morning of donuts and a docent tour. Exclusively for new members who have joined in the last 3 months. Look for an invitation in…

Channel Islands Carvers

Saturday, June 13 @ 10am - 4pm

Watch artistry come to life—one carving at a time. Join us as the Channel Islands Carvers transform simple blocks of wood into stunning works of art during live carving demonstrations…

Summer Kickoff Free Day

Thursday, June 18 @ 9am - 5pm

Welcome summer—for free! We’re celebrating the start of the season with open gate free admission. It’s the perfect weather to grab your leashed pup, hit the hillside walkways, and learn…

Summer Solstice Sound Bath

Saturday, June 20 @ 4pm - 5pm

Welcome summer with an evening of relaxation, renewal and stunning sunset views. Join us for a special Triple Healer Sound Bath, featuring three master healers. Surrounded by the beauty of…

Books in Bloom

Friday, June 26 @ 9am - 11am
Friday, July 17 @ 9am - 11am
Friday, August 21 @ 9am - 11am
Friday, September 18 @ 9am - 11am
Friday, October 16 @ 9am - 11am

Join us for a morning where stories and nature come together! Ventura County Library’s Mobile Library will visit the Gardens—bringing books, discovery, and reading fun for all ages. It’s the…

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