El Dorado Nature Center

Long Beach – Located inside El Dorado Regional Park, the Nature Center covers 105 acres with two miles of dirt trails and a 1/4-mile paved trail that wind around two lakes, a stream and forested areas.Read More

Balboa Park

San Diego – This 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park offers 16 museums, various gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. The park also features multiple performing arts venues, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions. Read More

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Huntington Beach – Five miles of trails to explore, plus interpretive center with live animal exhibits. Read More

Descanso Gardens

La Cañada Flintridge – A 150-acre urban retreat featuring nine different garden areas, including a five-acre Rose Garden, Japanese Garden with koi-filled stream, an Ancient Forest with plants from the days of dinosaurs, and more. Read More

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Long Beach- A Japanese garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach where you can feed koi fish from the moon bridge or visit the Zen Garden and teahouse. Read More

ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

Silverado – ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is a 12-acre sanctuary with a natural history museum, trails, and a bird observation deck. Read More

Environmental Nature Center

Newport Beach – The center features 15 native California ecosystems, a Nature Museum, seasonal butterfly habitat, Mini and Little Naturalist programs, after-school and vacation-break camps, plus a Nature Preschool, Scout and homeschool programs and “bearthday” parties. Read More

Fullerton Arboretum

Fullerton – A 26-acre botanical garden that features plants from around the world, as well as a waterfall, streams, a lake and pond, plus a Children’s Garden. Read More

Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

San Marino – A 130-acre botanical garden that contains 16 garden areas including the Japanese garden, Chinese garden, Jungle garden, lily ponds, botanical conservatory, and a unique Children’s Garden. Read More

Japanese Friendship Garden

San Diego – An expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. Showcasing plants and florae native to Japan and San Diego. Offers educational programs, festivals, and exhibits.Read More

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Arcadia – A 127-acre botanical garden and historical site, offering a Nature Club, parent/child program, family hikes, camps, and more. Read More

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center

Torrance – A 43-acre seasonal wetland that offers Tyke Hikes, Nature Storytime, and Friday Fun. Read More

Niguel Botanical Preserve

Laguna Niguel – An 18-acre botanical garden situated above Crown Valley Community Park. The preserve features 12 garden areas, 2,000 plant species, and four miles of walking trails. Read More

Oak Canyon Nature Center

Anaheim – A 58-acre natural park with four miles of hiking trails. Check website for family nature programs, birthday party packages, and camps. Read More

Rancho Los Alamitos

Long Beach – The site includes a ranch house, four acres of lush historic gardens, an interpretive center, and a restored barnyard with livestock including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Tours of the Ranch House are offered Wednesday – Sunday with reservation. Admission and parking are free. Read More

Rancho Los Cerritos

Long Beach – Rancho Los Cerritos is a historic site that includes an 1844 adobe home, lush gardens, a research library, and rotating exhibits. Docent and self-paced tours are offered, plus special events throughout the year, including weekly story times. Read More

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Irvine – Wetlands cover 300 acres and is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, crustaceans, and other creatures native to the area.  Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails and watch the more than 200 bird species that visit the marsh. Read More

Sherman Library & Gardens

Corona Del Mar – A 2-acre botanical garden and living laboratory featuring a tropical conservatory with koi fish and turtles and themed gardens.Read More

Shipley Nature Center

Huntington Beach – This 18-acre nature preserve features native plants and animals and two miles of walking trails. Read More

South Coast Botanic Garden

Palos Verdes Peninsula – This 87-acre garden features a small lake, Children’s Garden and Children’s Discovery Garden. Check out their newest exhibition, TROLLS: Save the Humans, premiering October 1, 2023. Read More