A fantastic place! i walked in there with a smile on my face. few minutes later, I still had an ear to ear grin on my face. something about the park just made me happy. everything was just perfect. i found peace walking through the forest-like canopies. the ladies who work in the front window and the gift shop were super nice- i wanted to give them hugs! lol. the garden is well kept and the Boddy house is breathtaking! I wish i went on a day when its open. btw, the Boddy house is close on Mondays. Also, i paid $6 with my student i.d. and the parking was free!!!! i felt new and refreshed- ready to take on another work week... go find your happiness and inner peace here. i sure found mine.

Beautiful trees and plants line a nice stream and cascading water feature. The shade keeps the experience pleasant during hot summer days, though be aware that mosquitoes surround the stream in summer. Left with about 12 mosquito bites last week (mid-July), so if its that time of year, wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellent, or prepare to be itchy. The beauty is well worth the trip. Its an oasis in an otherwise urban area. If you want to extend your walk, you can head north on UCLAs campus to the inverted fountain (7 min walk) and keep heading north to see the sculpture garden (another 5 min walk). It will take longer to find a wheelchair accessible route since the one I described involves some stairs. Public bathrooms are currently closed due to COVID (July, 2020) but I think you might be able to find an open UCLA academic building to access a bathroom. I didnt try though, so Im not positive. Dogs are allowed in the garden as long as theyre on leash, and our puppy loved exploring just as much as we did. Theres a water fountain by the (closed) bathrooms that are located at the top of the hill kind of behind the building (look for bathroom sign). There are tables and benches throughout the garden, which would make a lovely place to eat lunch or read a book. However, I didnt see any trash cans even though we looked (I needed to throw away puppy poop), so anticipate carrying any trash with you. Overall, you will have a peaceful, rejuvenating experience. Highly recommended.

A beautiful garden to take your time in and soak in the glory of nature. Everything was beautiful and makes you feel like Yes there are beautiful places to visit in SoCal. Had lunch at the cafe which was pretty good despite their limited selection. There were certain spots of the garden that seemed kinda random and sparse so we just turned around and explored more lush/themed areas. Wasnt crowded at all even if it was Saturday.Visit this place for a stroll of sun and peace.

Wonderful place. Very sad they closed it to the public during COVID. Visited many times and never seemed overcrowded. I’m the safest most conservative person in my cohort re Covid Safety measures (heck Ive even tried to start a nonprofit to pressure governments and companies to take stronger enforcement actions!) but I think this goes too far. Strongly urge that you reopen. Mental health is important too!Edit: thanks for the reply. I hope a balance can be found in the public health rules (even if the agency does have to update) that does allow access to be restored.

One of the most beautiful places Ive been in my entire life. That place is heaven on . So many different plant/tree life from all over the world. Completely incredible and just divine! The air is fresher because of all the greenery, ponds/streams, intelligent squirrels, many pathways to get secluded for peaceful mindfulness...I could go on and on. My forever home, forever.

A wonderful oasis, in the middle of a bustling university - even if bus and siren sounds are omnipresent.There are distinct sections spread over 7 acres. In each area trees are clearly marked with Botanical names and medicinal properties.The manzanitas, eucalyptus, dragon tree were our favorites. Youll likely spend time with the 100 or so turtles who are in the main - small - creek.There are plenty of quiet places to sit, with chairs or natural areas in the shade. We recommend bringing a book to relax and have some calm time.

Such a cute garden! I’ve been coming here all summer. They recently closed the garden off for students only on weekdays, and fully closed on weekends now. Such a bummer, loved this place.

Beautiful place, you can walk around and explore the great variety of plants. Or you can sit and relax on one of the many benches. Theres also a little stream with turtles. Its nice they have the names of all the plants and trees. I especially liked the heavenly bamboo.One thing I didnt like is the restrooms are closed right now.

Great spot to view beautiful flora, dragonflies, fish and lots of turtles! We spent a little under an hour walking through each area. Masks are required. There weren’t too many people on a Sunday afternoon.

This place is beautiful beyond what words can describe. The atmosphere here is incredible. It is very alive and fresh. I love that it is close to my favorite places. I want to come here every day!! Just make sure to bring the right tennis shoes. 100% recommend!

Love it! Its like a tiny forest within the city. Green everywhere, it gives a sense of peace. Every plant, tree, and flower is labeled, and a lot of them are medicinal also labeled.

Lots of interesting, mostly modern or abstract sculptures set in the park-like grounds of the east side of campus. Makes for a good walk around.

This is such a gorgeous hidden gem! I work close by and it’s so amazing to be able to come relax here on my lunch break. This garden is so tranquil and easy to walk through. I would highly recommend checking this out if you’re in the area.

The M.E.Mathias Botanical garden has many amazing plants of all types and sizes from all over the world. You can take a different path and see something new on every visit. There is shade and quite places to sit if you have more time to soak up the ambiance of every living thing around you, including squirrels, birds, turtles, big and little fish in the murky pools of water and the occasional orange dragonfly. Well maintained and tended. Don’t miss the cacti section.

The garden is very peaceful, there are several paths and multiple entrances, so make sure to review the map before you go. There is street parking and the garden is easily accessible. There are several benches and picnic spots if that is something you are interested in.

Piece of heaven, a genius blend of plants, trees and water. This area provides solidarity if desired but the welcoming chairs and benches throughout is also a perfect place to have a conversation with someone. The fact that it is located next a busy intense campus is adds to the appeal. It’s a great environment to just pause, regroup and refocus. I am so happy that happened to learn about this area. I can’t wait to revisit. A must see for those at UCLA or visitors.

Great and relaxing garden to keep the stress away from students. Great walk for guests to enjoy the beautiful plants that grow in California climates. Just take a walk and leave the sadness behind.

Peaceful little retreat in the middle of UCLAs campus and hospital grounds; free/open to public; has benches people sit on around the park; nice if youre in the area, but not spectacular enough, in my opinion to drive to see from out of town - its more like a small park to walk around on the trail or hang out on a bench

Hidden gem in Los Angeles. Free! Great place to take the family for a beautiful walk and some meditation. Wonderful plant life. I particularly love the cacti and bamboo trees

A research and teaching garden to the campus, but a magical garden to the community. A place to calm, reflect and recharge for me. My favorite inspirational place to help me solved numerous computer programming puzzles in the years working at UCLA. A place to understand plants in Mediterranean climate. And a place to find some extreme unique plants in the world. You can spot a rare find sacred Bodhi fig tree here. And the full bloom pink cherry tree in early March for a week. Its a place for appreciation!

One of our favorite places we visited in LA! Love the variety and the grounds were well kept

First time i came here it was almost the end of spring so almost all of the plants were disappearing but when i went to where the wedding was alot of the roses were blossomed and everything look gorgeous.i always miss their barbeque though :T i shall try it one day~

An oasis in the middle of the city. Its seriously and surprisingly beautiful. I come here almost every day during the school year to study. There are turtles near the tables at the center bottom of the garden, lots of seating scattered throughout-- tucked into arching bamboo groves, at lovely vantage points overlooking the garden, carved into the sides of hill. Its very lovingly designed.Make sure youre mindful of the time though (winter hours are also an hour shorter on both opening and closing times). The staff dont necessary check to make sure youre out and you WILL climb a fence if youre late.

Love this place. Very beautiful and peaceful. A lot of squirrels and turtles around. Also here is seats with tables.Make sure you will left the garden before they close!!! It’s important, because sometimes people get locked inside.

This was a great find! Located on the UCLA campus, the garden is a beautiful sight. My recent visit to this place made me feel like I was on the set of a Jurassic Park film. Its full of small trails, and benches to sit and take in the sights, sounds and smells when the trees and bushes are in bloom. I definitely recommend this place for a tranquil visit.

This place is a nice retreat for the city....there are 3 picnic tables with umbrellas toward the back for the garden. Great place to have a picnic without having to sprawl out on the floor.

We visited for the Christmas light show. It was as per its name completely enchanting and amazing. We all loved the experience. Well worth cost of admission.

Located across from Dental School. Very peaceful and quiet. Benches under trees to have some quiet time, read, break for lunchtime.

Nice small oasis botanical gardens in the middle of the hustle and bustle of L.A.Parking can be found in lots or streets. About $4 an hour . Free park entrance.Few short trails that lead to ponds and streams of waters. You can see fish and birds, even a hummingbird. Lots of shady areas. Some benches to sit and have lunch.Bathrooms are only in the UCLA building.Read a book here, relax and enjoy the nature.

Truly one of my favorite spots in LA. This FREE sanctuary is surprisingly big for being on the UCLA campus. visitors parking in the garages and side streets arent too bad at $2 an hour. Gardens are a great host for a wonderful variety of nature.

Steep climbs in a natural ravine. Beautiful.

Strolled thru many times when I was a UCLA student... a peaceful, delightful refuge from the L.A. maelstrom.

Beautiful and serene. Every plant has a nameplate of name, species, and where they are found.Dont feed the squirrels or the turtles.

Great place , amazing plants amazing trees .Love it .Take you time to look up , don’t miss the view .

Ran into this little botanical garden after leaving my clinical rotation at Ronald Reagan. It was small but really nice. I love how they put benches throughout the trail so you can sit and enjoy the nature. I found it very peaceful after a stressful day.

Ive been to UCLA countless times and I never knew this garden even existed until last week! Its a great place for a stroll, or to meditate. Plenty of little places to sit, and removed enough from the street that at times you forget your in LA!

Local hidden gem. Explore nature amidst the city. Great spot to get away and decompress.

This is big little botanic garden. The overall footprint isnt large but due to the slope it is on and the switch back paths, every square foot is well utilized. It is a diverse collection of mostly trees and shrubs. Wear good shoes for the sloped paths.

The park is really nice and you can see a lot of different species. It is however a little small.

Nice little piece of heaven! Great place to relax and be mindful!

Beautiful little oasis right in a busy city campus, but not crowded during the week. Laid out so plenty of privacy to sit, have lunch, draw, read.

Hidden gem on campus, my toddler loves the turtles and fish you can find on the bridges!

On UCLA campus, oasis in an urban concrete buildings, two different worlds!

Well maintained, peaceful and nicely laid out botanical park/garden

Great place to go to unwind from the stress of dr appointments

Large variety of plants in a small area. Garden is not phenomenally well maintained with dead foliage, fallen flower spikes, and various seed pods and fruit strewn on the paths. Still a nice place to stroll through to see some unique epiphytes, and a variety of plants from around the world. I would recommend this garden if youre in the area for something else, but its not a destination in and of itself. There are nicer gardens in the area if youre looking specifically for a garden to visit.

What an experience! I had a great time learning about nature, being entertained & awestruck by it.

Apparently this garden is closed to the public currently. We made the drive without finding this out beforehand.

Cute gem, with many meandering paths given the small area. Includes a tiny stream and a few benches scattered around. Variety of trees and plants with labels.

Beautiful shared gardens central to the medial buildings. There is a pond with tons of turtles, but also mosquitoes due to the stagnant water.

We enjoyed every minute of it, so much to see and discover.

Great place to relax between your studies

Lovely park just beside the medical school, great variety of plants and trees, clean and organic path. Perfect to seat down and enjoy the beauty of mother nature.

Very very beautiful. Nice place to go and meditate or work out. It is very hilly so you get a good leg work out from walking around its very peaceful there little streams and ponds with turtles and large koi fish inhabiting them. Just a nice place to get away for a moment or have a picnic lunch with friends or family.

Nice quiet place for a walk in nature

This is great place in the city to go and be around nature. It is peaceful and relaxing place to spend some time at.

Very nice peaceful place to visit.

This place is way bigger than I thought itd be. I was surprised they could have a garden this big on campus in Westwood. Sure you can hear cars and stuff all around but its a good place to getaway. The best part was this one pond with 5 billion turtles. You thought you saw a rock but it was 3 turtles. Also, there were squirrels.

Secret paradise, if you blink youd miss finding it. Maybe cause you arent ready for its Grace. Peaceful and informative.

Unfortunately it was closed through the holiday so I wasnt able to get the shots I wanted. If you go there near a holiday make sure to check.

Pleasant surprise. Found a gorgeous staghorn during my wander.

Very nice little garden. Usually not crowded and you can take your time to stroll. Not wheelchair friendly, but it is a nice free garden if you can deal with the hills. There are sitting areas if you get tired.

And 4 fingers chicken most absolutely incredible for 1st time I would recommend the Burger with the seaweed garlic sauce add then that philae with the hot sauce on is even better with the kimchi fries Get it while its hot Keep asking the staff to let the boss know how we can get gallons of their sauce is amazing

Unbelievable, a little peaceful heaven in the heaven (LA), must have, free.

Closed during covid 19

Lovely garden, kids and adults can enjoy good time and lear more about flora (and some fauna).

The orquid exhibition is really beautiful! Go during the actual week; less crowded. Youll need time to admire mom natures beauty. Do remember your camera

Beautiful place, brought me dog to explore and get out of the house, BUT UCLA is central in downtown and man, you gotta be prepared to handle that traffic.

Beautiful garden that is more like a forest in the middle of Westwood/UCLA campus. A nice break from the urban sprawl and find peace and tranquility

A little slice of nature in a bustling city. the turtles are my favorite part. the botanical gardens are surprisingly big so definitely give yourself some time to explore!

Beautiful and interesting place. Lots of plant life and trees. Beautiful landscaping and water features. Flowers, plants, trees, and cactus from multitudes of different countries. Cool free experience. Nice and easy walk.

Beautiful place, relatively quiet, so many plants and wildlife. The walkways are winding and peaceful to explore the nooks and crannies. Parking is pretty easy to find and not too expensive. Very walkable area

Damn! So many visits to UCLA.. but never took this tiny beautiful walk. Good place to sit, relax, read, think and write

Amazing place and its free!! Our dog maple loved every bit of the park. Beautiful trees and theres also desert plants up on top. So dont miss it.

Nice little garden... sanctuary from the bussle of the streets! Love these info placards.

The bamboo here is stunning - never seen anything like it!

Strolled through this remarkable garden at the start of a hike to explore the UCLA campus. It was great 50 years ago. It has only gotten better since. Visit many different vegetation types in one place.

Cool little botanical gardens where you can enjoy a leisure stroll, bird and butterfly watching, and of course, an array of beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. Some nice spots for sitting along the way and plenty of photography options.

Truly a hidden gem of the city. Tucked away, but ever so close, the Botanic Garden is lush, absolutely beautiful, and educational — every plant has a tag with its botanical name. Worth the visit for anyone in the area.

The main beauty of this garden is its trees, so dont expect to be blown away by colorful flowers every where. However, the garden has lots of trees from around the world and we enjoyed our visit. This garden is free and I recommend that.

Outstanding free natural site. Very well maintained

I parked my car on the Le Conte Ave. omg, I was surprised to find out that it only costs $0.25 for 30 minutes of parking since it seems that it is a real busy urban area. You only need to put two quarters in, that is enough time for going around the garden in a circle twice.from those photos that I saw online, I had doubts if I want to visit it or not. Now I can tell the future visitors, It is a good local place to relax. You dont need to drive a long distance to visit this place. This is just like a regular forest, there is nothing unique about it.So you are in luck if you live close by, you can go there daily and instantly immerse yourself in the wild nature. I would like to visit it in rainy days.

Its free and theres a variety of biomes in a small amount of space. Could spend about an hour here if you really enjoy flora. Would come again.

A nicely place to relax and take a short walk.

Very nice place, perfect to take a break from the city. A lot of beautiful trees. There ara tables and benches so you can come enjoy your lunch or coffee.

Great place for a short self-guided walk. Free. Kids love it.

Loved this garden. Free to get it. Tons of cool plants. Really calm. Would go again!

A nice and quiet place to visit, but its not as big as I thought, and didnt have as much variety in plants (esp. flowers) as I hoped. Some paths are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but most are still not paved and can be a bit bumpy and muddy. There are parking meters on the streets nearby that usually seem to have availability on weekends.

Beautiful. Open to the public. Benches along the shaded walkway. Water turtles and bridges along walkway

Very nice. Free. Small but nice selection of plants.

Lots of beautiful, secluded spots for a break. Say hello to the bees.

Lots of trails over uneven terrain, great plants, places to sit and enjoy the surroundings eventhough I didnt find the obnoxious smelling plant that was blooming and was to be in the desert habitat.

Amazing little haven in the middle of the busyness of UCLA. So peaceful and quiet. We brought our Lilly to the park. The walking paths are all dirt so watch out for dirty paws.

I love this place!! The dirt pathways lead you to small rivers and small bamboo forest. There are alot of plants and herbs to see. :)

Beautiful little oasis in LA. Diverse collection of plants from all around the world and is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a casual date.Has free guided tours first Saturday of every month, which is neat.

Beautiful little spot on UCLA campus to relax or take a walk

You want rainforest? Go to the rainforest section! You want succulents? Go see some succs! You want a plethora of turtles? Come see em at the UCLA Botanical Gardens!

Beautiful garden with a diverse array of plants and birds. great place to see hummingbirds and even rare migratory birds during the spring

Beautiful garden. Very peaceful. Whether you want to see nature, eat your lunch or just relax, you can come here.

Great spot for a relaxing lunch, date, quick meditation, or just a break . They have plants and trees from all over. Theres even a pond with fish and