Visitor Guidelines

We are pleased to welcome you to the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. With over 34 acres to explore, we recommend a two hour visit with the expectation that you will return again and again! The Garden is a living museum with one of the most diverse plant collections in North America. The Collections are arranged into nine major geographic regions. Discover and learn more about the geographic collections here. Download the Garden Map here and start planning your visit.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we require that you follow the guidelines below:

Please stay on the paths and out of the Garden beds. The Garden is a living museum for the public to enjoy and respect. Do not damage, pick, or remove any plant material or items in the Garden; climb rocks or landscape features; or enter the Japanese Pool or other water features. The Garden is a research facility and the collection must not be disturbed.


Pets are not allowed in the Garden due to the sensitivity of the plant collection. However, trained service dogs are permitted. All trained service animals must first check in and be cleared at the Kiosk by Garden staff. The Garden follows these guidelines: dac.berkeley.edu/accommodations-services/animals-accommodations.


Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is prohibited.


Recreational equipment, including sports materials and shade structures, are not allowed in the museum.


Drones (unmanned aircraft systems) are prohibited.


Sound from instruments or devices is not permitted while visiting the Garden to maintain the natural ambient sound for all visitors.


Small group/family photo sessions (up to 6 persons) are allowed with admission for every guest in your party, including photographer(s), and adherence to Garden guidelines. For questions please contact garden@berkeley.edu


Commercial Photography or filming is prohibited without the express written permission from the UCB Garden’s Marketing department. For requests please contact gardenmarketing@berkeley.edu


Special Occasion/Wedding Photography is prohibited without the express written permission from the UCB Garden’s Rentals department. For requests please contact our rental department: gardenrentals@berkeley.edu.


Impromptu wedding ceremonies are not allowed anywhere in the Garden. Find event rental information here.


No balloons of any kind are allowed in the Garden.


Current mask policy: Per UC Berkeley guidelines wearing a mask is optional regardless of vaccination status, but recommended while in indoor spaces: glass houses, Garden Shop, and restrooms.


UCBG Marketing: During your visit you may be videotaped, photographed, or recorded by UCBG or its agents. Your admission serves as your permission for use of your image by these parties.


Prohibited Behavior: Any person acting in an unacceptable or unsafe manner will be asked to leave.