Among the many attractions of the American Riviera that a room or suite at Mar Monte Hotel puts at your fingertips, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is certainly a standout.
One of the finest of its kind in the nation, this Mission Canyon landmark is an absolute must-see for plant lovers of all stripes, of course, but also worth a visit for anybody in need of a soothing dose of Mother Nature—and anybody who appreciates the singular beauty of Southern California’s Mediterranean-biome landscapes.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Set only a few miles northwest of our coastal hotel in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the roughly 80-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA) has been in operation for nearly a century. It focuses on—and deeply celebrates—the botanical diversity of the Golden State and the California Floristic Province, which stretches from southwestern Oregon down into the Baja Peninsula.
Some five miles of walking trails—ranging from paved paths to rougher primitive routes—afford access to the garden’s Living Collection, spread across 11 evocations of regional ecosystems, vegetation zones, and habitats:
- Desert
- Meadow
- Redwoods
- Manzanitas
- Canyon
- Backcountry
- Island View
- Home Demonstration
- Wooded Dell
- Pollinator Garden
These realms immerse you in everything from the coast redwood forest to the offshore plant communities of the Channel Islands (views of which you can nab from the property).
These are both lovely and educational plantings to wander among. And the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s conservation mission extends beyond the Living Collection itself: A member of the American Alliance of Museums, the garden also maintains an Herbarium, Seed Bank, Tissue Bank, Library, and even a Bug Collection.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden also hosts regular special exhibits and various programs and events, from guided garden and birdwatching walks to gardening classes, live performances, and yoga sessions. You can eyeball the current calendar right here.
Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden on Your Next Getaway at Mar Monte Hotel
It’s a joy to visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden throughout the year, enjoying the seasonal rhythms of flora, wildlife, and weather that link this naturalistic gardenscape with the broader phenologies of Southern California.
And with Hyatt Unbound Collection accommodations at Mar Monte Hotel, mere steps from the sand and surf of the American Riviera, you’ve got the perfect launchpad from which to explore this nationally renowned haven for native plants. Book your getaway with us today, and include the priceless Santa Barbara Botanic Garden on your Mar Monte Hotel itinerary!
