Grandma Dot's Passport
 | Been to 135 Attractions |
 | 79 Reviews |
 | 48 First to Review |
 | 20 Photos |
 | 82 Helpful Votes |
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Send a ComplimentGardens in California
Love gardens? Here are some gardens you can bring your kids to...
7 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
Golden Gate Park San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 01 2009
"An early bird's eye view"
Beauty lies in the eye of an early bird. If you wake up early, you avoid traffic and have lots of parking. On Wednesdays before 9 am, you can visit for free and save money on admission as well. Up near the right side of the gift shop is an often missed delight for all. It is my 3 year old grandson's favorite spot. He followed the water flow, and has found the source of water flowing down to the ponds! It's a stone bird bath fountain beside the fascinating bamboos!
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California
reviewed on: December 13 2008
"architecture and landscapes"
The Getty Center has beautifully landscaped gardens, where young and old can stroll among variegated plants, uniques displays of bougainvillas and vines, architecturally paved and curved out streams. You can sit and gaze at a green maze planted within a pool, or walk beside textured walls of stone and stairs that look out to surprising cactus gardens and a breathtaking view of Los Angeles. Exquisite buildings house several museum areas, where permanent collections, changing exhibits and fine art are displayed. There is a lower floor dedicated to families, complete with interesting play areas and hands-on activities for children. Lunch and snacks are available in a large outdoor cafe overlooking the gardens.
Visitors get a free tram ride up and down the hill to the museum grounds. Admission is free to all. Parking is $10 per car if you don't come by public transportation.
http://www.getty.edu/visit/
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Impressive Gardens"
Tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood, the Huntington Library is noted for its great book and art collection as well as beautiful spacious gardens complete with tours and mature trees. It's well conceived and maintained grounds is connected with the Pacific Railroad magnate and Southern California development history. Kids would love to roam around the newly constructed Chinese gardens, as well as the Japanese, Shakespeare and desert gardens. Unique plant specimens make for interesting photography. Bookstore and restrooms near the entrance to the library. Besides a cafe, there is a small snack cart outside with limited hours.
86 Cañada Road
Redwood City, California
reviewed on: December 14 2008
"Mansion and Beautiful Gardens"
Check if they are open before going. They are closed certain times of the year. The 16-acre English Renaissance garden is a favorite for moms and grandmas. Kids would enjoy exploring through the amazing gardens. There is admission for the mansion tour, a cafe for lunch, special events and talks scheduled.
200 Centennial Dr.
Berkeley, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Study the plants"
Botany at it's best. You see a diverse collection of plants, some of which you may not have seen before. Many different pathways to explore for kids, and plants to buy for your garden. Open 9am-5pm daily. Check out the Rose Garden in the opposite side of the street too! It's a site for picture perfect weddings.
1199 9th Avenue
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Trees, lake and ducks"
Lots of trees and large grassy areas for kids to roam in, or sit by the lake and watch the ducks and geese. I would be mindful of when they close the main gate, as you would have to drag your kids on a long hike over to the one open gate after closing time.
15400 Montalvo Road
Saratoga, California
reviewed on: March 12 2009
"Villa Montalvo"
Although you might not want to take your kids to a David Benoit concert, you can still enjoy the art exhibits, villa and trails around this Saratoga grounds. The public park has mild hilly trails surrounded by woods, grassy areas and beautiful grounds. Closed when there are special events going on, but otherwise, picnics and hikes are open to the public.
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, California
reviewed on: January 30 2009
"Impressive Japanese Garden "
Hiking around the gardens, you get a feeling of Zen with the green shrubbery, rocks, and waterfalls. Trails are gradual, with a bit of up and down walking, but the area is small enough for kids to handle. I like to just soak in the beauty of the garden. Worth paying the admission if you have never been there.Special events are held for year of the ox celebration. http://www.hakone.com/calendar/events.html
50 East 5th Ave.
San Mateo, California
reviewed on: December 13 2008
"Fine Japanese Garden for tots"
South of San Francisco, in the City of San Mateo, there is a smaller Japanese Garden open free to the public. It is part of Central Park in the middle of the downtown area. Small children can roam around without getting lost, and there are restrooms as well. There's a playground towards El Camino Real. http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.asp?NID=718
3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Shaped trees"
Besides being a theme park, this Gilroy Gardens is famous for their animal shaped trees. Check them out at Christmas season, when it's all lighted up. The weather is cooler as well at that time of year. Gilroy is hot in the summer time. But then, the water play there will keep the kids cooled off.
80 Willow Rd.
Menlo Park, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Take a Little Garden Tour"
This is the headquarters for Sunset Publishing Co. This garden is a stage for the picture perfect gardens shown in Sunset Magazine. There is a wide variety of plants representing different locales. Good for garden buffs or a leisurely stroll with grandma and kids. There is also a kitchen where they test recipes before they appear in the magazine.
