Plan Your Visit
As a living museum with one of the most diverse plant collections in North America, the UC Botanical Garden is an ever-evolving destination! There is always something new to see.
If you’re coming here for the first time, we recommend planning a two-hour visit — there are more than 34 acres, nine major geographic regions, and over 10,000 kinds of plants to explore. Discover and learn more about the plant collections. Download the Garden Map and start planning your visit. We can’t wait to welcome you!
We also offer year-round programming including classes, guest speakers, guided tours, special events and family-friendly activities. Check out the calendar to find upcoming events, classes and workshops at the Garden.
Hours
Closed on Tuesdays
Check our calendar for holiday and special event closures
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Members Only Hour: 9:00–10:00 am
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General Admission: 10:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
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Garden Shop: 10:30 am–4:30 pm
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Redwood Grove and Glass Houses: close at 4:00 pm
The Redwood Grove may be closed for Private Events or special Garden events. Please check the Redwood Grove schedule in the FAQ’s section below.
Admission
Reservations are recommended to enter the Garden except for Garden Members or UC Berkeley affiliates
Reservations Recommended
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Adult
$18 -
Seniors (65+)
$12 -
Non-UCB Students
$12 -
Youth (ages 5–17)
$8 -
Children 4 and under
Free -
Museums for All with EBT card + ID (4 per card)
$3 -
NARM/ROAM/AHS reciprocal with card + ID
Free
No Reservation Required (Bring ID)
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Current UCB faculty, staff, students; LBNL, UCOP staff
Free -
UCBG Members with card
Free
Terrain and Accessibility
We welcome all visitors and are actively working on accessibility improvements. The grounds include areas of paved pathways, as well as unpaved paths that may be narrow, rocky, uneven, or steep. Check the Garden Map for additional path information. There are three accessible parking spots available in the main Garden parking lot. Pets are not allowed in the Garden due to the sensitivity of the plant collection. However, trained service dogs, per UC Berkeley guidelines, are permitted and must first check in and be cleared at the Kiosk by Garden staff.
For accessibility questions, please contact our Visitor Experience team at (510) 643-2755 (CA Relay Service) or garden@berkeley.edu.
Reserve Admission Online
- Reserving admission online makes garden entrance quicker! Reservations are recommended, but not required.
- Choose arrival time: either 10:00 am–1:00 pm or 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. The Garden closes at 5:00 pm and last entry is at 4:30pm.
- Your name will be on the reservation list at the Entrance Kiosk under “Will Call.” No ticket needed!
- Consider becoming a member today for free access without a reservation, including our 9:00 am Members Hour!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Redwood Grove is included with admission, and is regularly open from 9:00 am–4:00 pm. However, it does close for private rentals and Garden-related special events. Below are known upcoming closures, but we encourage you to call ahead and confirm if this area is important to your visit.
Upcoming 2025 Redwood Grove closures:
- Sat, Feb 22, 12:00 pm to end of day
- Sat, March 15, from 12:00 pm to end of day
- Sat, March 22, from 12:00 pm to end of day
Arriving within your three-hour window (10:00 am–1:00pm or 1:00 pm–4:00 pm) will make your entrance a smoother experience, however your pre-purchased admission is good for the entire day. If you’d like to move your reservation to a different day, call us at (510) 643-2755 to reschedule.
Yes, you may purchase admission at the entrance however to reduce wait time at the entrance we encourage reserving admission in advance online. The exceptions are UCBG Members and UC affiliates, who are not required to make reservations.
Pets are not allowed in the Garden due to the sensitivity of the plant collection. Only trained service dogs are permitted, but must first check in and be cleared at the Kiosk by Garden staff. The Garden follows these UC Berkeley campus guidelines.
There is a 20-person limit to regular reservations. Admission for groups of 20+ people must be made by email reservation in advance to guarantee admittance together. To make arrangements, email your date, time, and details to garden@berkeley.edu. Groups over 20 that come without prior approval may be turned away.
For class visits, go to our College & University or Group Tours pages for more information and to fill out a request form, (at least one month in advance).
If you are having difficulty making an online reservation, please call (510) 643-2755 (CA Relay Service) to check availability and, with confirmation, you can pay at the Front Entrance.
You will know if your reservation went through ONLY if you received a confirmation email.
Yes. All children will need to be included in your reservation even if free.
Members do not need an advance reservation for the number of guests associated with their membership level or when using their guest passes. Advance reservations are recommended for any guests outside of your membership package who must pay for entry. Find out more about our membership level packages. You may also pay at the Gate.
Outside food is allowed (but no catered food is allowed without a rental contract). Enjoy your picnic at one of our many tables, benches, or on the lawn. Please use nearby receptacles for trash, compost, and recycling. Alcohol is not permitted per UC Berkeley policy.
Restrictions apply. Please find our photography and video guidelines here.
Restrooms, benches, picnic tables, water bottle filling stations, bike rack, snacks and cold drinks available in the Garden Shop.
Most cellphones have little to no reception at the Garden. Public Wi-Fi is available using “Berkeley Visitor” Wi-Fi. (Check “I accept the terms of use” to log-in).
There is a 20-person limit to regular reservations. Admission for groups of 20+ people must be made by email reservation in advance to guarantee admittance together. To make arrangements, email your date, time, and details to garden@berkeley.edu.
For educational class visits, go to our College & University, UC Berkeley or Group Visit pages for more information and to fill out a request form, (at least one month in advance).
The Garden is a museum setting and not a park. Recreational equipment, including sports materials and shade structures, are not allowed in the museum. Please read our Visitor Guidelines.
Plan Your Best Visit!
Find information about directions and parking. Read our visitor tips and guidelines.
UCBG For All
The Garden welcomes the entire community and offers free and reduced admission opportunities to lower barriers of entry.
Museums for All
Discover & Go
Discover More!
Discover and learn more about the plant collections, download a Garden map or read current stories on the Garden Blog!
Garden Shop
Garden Map
Garden Stories
Still have questions? Contact our visitor experience team:
garden@berkeley.edu,
(510) 643-2755 CA Relay Service