Discover the award-winning Ruth Bancroft Garden, a botanical gem in the East Bay. Explore rare and unusual drought-tolerant plants from around the world, including cacti, succulents, and California natives.
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The Ruth Bancroft Garden - Discover this world-renowned 3.5-acre garden, housing a large and unique collection of succulents, cacti and drought-tolerant plants from around the world. Beautiful in every season. The Garden’s founder, Ruth Bancroft, lived to be 109 and was a pioneer in drought-tolerant gardening. Looking for a fun and relaxing outing with family and friends, garden inspiration, or a great place to picnic, take photos, paint or bring the dog, the Garden is the perfect choice. Bring your lunch along and make it a picnic! Free parking.
Note: The Garden is handicapped accessible, but the pathways are gravel not paved. There is seating scattered throughout the Garden including wooden benches and chairs and several sets of caf tables. No food is sold on-site.
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- Dogs on leash are welcome
- Children 12 and under enter for free
- Access to our retail plant nursery for browsing and shopping
- Self-guided Tour Book included
- Complimentary docent-led tours (schedule on website)
Nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the East Bay,’ the Ruth Bancroft Garden was recognized as the ‘Finest Botanical Garden’ by Sunset Magazine in 2019. Guests can admire cacti, succulents, native Californian plants, and other exotic and hard-to-find drought-resistant plants from across the globe. The Garden showcases numerous expansive, fully-grown plant species, initially planted by founder Ruth Bancroft, creating a unique viewing experience seldom found in other xeriscape gardens, throughout all the seasons.
- Dogs on leash welcome
- Picnics welcome but no food is sold on site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.