Santa Barbara: Montecito, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden - Santa Barbara
Location: East Arellaga/Garden Streets
Why Go There? Lovely urban park; koi pond, small turtles sun themselves along pond edges; large botanical collection: 75 different tree, plant species; self-guided tree, plant tour map; low water-use demonstration garden, walking paths, picnic areas; gazebo.
More Information: Alice Keck Park
Cold Spring Trail - Montecito
Location: See website for trailhead options (update 5/2019: Fire damage, mud slides caused extensive damage to the area; nearby trails are reported open again, and hikers are posting the trail is officially still closed but people are hiking it, and especially accessible from the top).
Why Go There? 2-9 miles roundtrip, depending on routes; elevation gain 2098 feet (longer route). Steep trail in spots; great view from the top; pretty creek, mini waterfalls near the bottom. Popular, expect others on trails.
More Information: Cold Spring + Cold Spring East Fork
Lotusland Garden - Montecito (not curator reviewed)
February-November Wednesday-Saturday (by reservation only tours: 10:00am, 1:30pm)
Location: Directions, parking given with reservation
Why Go There? 37 acres in a residential neighborhood; home to 3000 plants from around the world. 18 different gardens; significant collections: aloes, cacti, cycads, other. Special events include international migratory bird day (May), Cacti and Cocktails, member day, fall plant auction/sale. Reservations required; limits visitors. Cost: $45 (helps preserve the gardens).
Access: Directions, parking given with reservation
More Information: Ganna Walska Lotusland
Valley View Preserve Fox Canyon Trail - Ojai
Location: Park at Pratt Trailhead (Left turn just before the end of Signal Street). Walk back to Signal Street and travel up to where the road dead ends and Shelf Road begins. Walk around the closed gate up to the Valley View Preserve and Fox Canyon Trailhead.
Why Go There? Close to down town Ojai, popular short but steep trail offers workout via switchbacks ascent with wonderful views, and options to make loop return via two other trails (Pratt Trail is less steep, Luci's Trail is shorter but even steeper than Fox Canyon Trail).
More Information: Fox Canyon Trail
Horn Canyon Trail - Ojai
Location: Trailhead at Thatcher School approximately 4.6 miles from down town Ojai (parking available outside gated entrance to the school adds approximately 1/4 mile to total)
Why Go There? 5.5 roundtrip trail offers good workout ascent along creek and up through Horn Canyon with views looking back west towards downtown Ojai.
Franceschi Park - Santa Barbara
Location: 1510 Mission Ridge Road
Why Go There? Former home of botanist/horticulturist Francesco Franceschi provides panoramic city view, Santa Barbara; opportunity to see variety of plants, trees planted long ago. Enjoy looking at area houses, gardens while walking surrounding streets to the park, rather than drive.
More Information: Franceschi Park
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens - Santa Barbara
Daily 9:00am-5:00pm (closed holidays, special events)
Location: 1212 Mission Canyon Road
Why Go There? 78 acres, (5.5 miles) walking paths, Japanese tea gardens, docent-led tours; large collection native California plants; special events. Senior, student, military discounted entrance fees
More Information: Botanical Gardens
Rattlesnake Canyon - Santa Barbara
Location: Approximately four miles north of downtown, trail begins approximately 1.2 miles up Las Canoas Road from Mission Canyon Road. Park along Las Canoas Road, trailhead is adjacent to Skofield park.
Why Go There? Beautiful views of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Channel Islands; creek access, birding, wildflowers. After 2.6 miles walking up Rattlesnake Canyon, come to Gibraltar Road, elevation of 2,375 feet. Trail is very popular, so expect lots of people, and only trail in area that prohibits bicycles.
More Information: Skofield Park
Ventura Botanical Gardens - Ventura
Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: 567 South Poli Street
Why Go There? Pleasant stroll on 109 acres of paths offer views of 4000+ new plantings since 2007 Thomas fire, featuring Chilean, South African and California native plants; book store. Entrance fee supports post fire re-build (free every Tuesday, holidays, except 4th of July closure).
More Information: Ventura Botanical Gardens
Additional Resources
Activities - Santa Barbara
Parks, gardens, beaches, etc.
Trail Guide - Santa Barbara
Local Sierra Club chapter scheduled hikes