Arboretum And Botanical Garden At Cal State Fullerton
Arboretum And Botanical Garden At Cal State Fullerton
Arboretum And Botanical Garden At Cal State Fullerton
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton is a 26-acre botanical garden that serves students, faculty and the broader community as an urban oasis, an outdoor laboratory for research and environmental education, and a steward of worldwide plant conservation and regional agricultural heritage. As one of only three arboreta in California accredited at the highest level by ArbNet, it is home to rare and endangered species, historically significant cultivars and a nationally recognized citrus collection. We seek your support to enhance our collection work; increase opportunities for research, experiential learning and community education; and establish leadership in sustainable practices like composting and efficient water use. Together, we can amplify the important work of this botanical treasure and ensure its enjoyment by generations to come.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
223 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
79
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
2
d388i3
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
After being greeted by CSUF students, I saw a beautiful waterfall, walked across the bridge and into an oasis. I was quite pleased with the upkeep of this small and quaint botanical garden. You can finish walking through it in less than 1-2 hours. Bring your own water and wear sunblock. Kids will like the pond with turtles. They have different locations of CA depicted in the arboretum. I had no idea they offered plant sales and events. Will definitely be back.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pldj m
185 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
It's not big park, but is not small, either. Lots of trees and plants. Has a pond and stream. Don't worry walk too long, benches are everywhere. Yes, it's nice to bring a book to sit down there to enjoy a quiet nature place. Parking is free, no entry fee, either.
Written 19 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Thank you for your rating and feedback. We finally received this listing under our management. We hope you return for another peaceful visit.
Written 28 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
csd16362
1 contribution
Nov 2021
What a wonderful place to visit no matter what time of year. The gardens, landscape and plants are amazing. I learned so much from the staff onsite. Definitely a place to visit and see if you have never been. Very easy to get to off the 57 freeway right at Cal State Fullerton.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveling_mandy
Texas129 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
We have visited OC for a decade to spend time with family (not the mouse!) and have never heard of the Arboretum. We found it on Trip Advisor and checked it out. Easy to find, free parking, many interesting plants. An oasis in the concrete jungle. Will definitely be back on future visits to OC.
Written 28 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charlottesl
Hawaiian Gardens, CA737 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
It was a very warm day, but so worth the trip here! Get a map of the arboretum so you will know what area you are walking through. This location is 6.2 acres of pure beauty! Whether you are interested in the lush wetlands, a forest, more of a tropical area, even a desert setting, you will find it all here! Make sure you wear good walking shoes, or even hiking boots, and a good hat. But also, because of the size of this location, bring some water with you, and if you are inclined to do so, bring a picnic lunch and sit in the shade of the beautiful arbor that is here. I would suggest at least 1 to 2 hours here, maybe more if you are truly into nature! I was here for nearly 3 hours, looking at the beauty around me, and listening to nature. There were dragonflies, beautiful song birds and lots of butterflies! Take your time, stop look and listen. You will really enjoy your time here. You can even come into the little gift shop they have. There is also a museum, which it was too late for me to go into, but I would highly recommend coming early so you can see everything!
Written 5 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim L
Tustin, CA1,847 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
I admit I’m spoiled by the nearby Huntington Gardens and L.A. Arboretum, both of which are much larger and better maintained. Even though the [Cal State University] Fullerton Arboretum can get dry and dusty during the summer, it is still a great place to take a stroll, work on your nature photography skills or just relax.
The grounds are divided into four “collections” of landscapes: Cultivated, Mediterranean, Desert and Woodlands. My favorite by far is the Desert area, where there are so many otherworldly things growing in there, I never ceased to be amazed. I usually take lots of photos during my visit, and fully two-thirds of them are from the Desert collection. Moving among the desert specimens is very easy due to less dense planting and lots of pathways. I make it a point to head straight for this area first. It your visit coincides with the blooming of desert flowers, you will be very happy. The university really did a nice job with this area.
Another attraction I would highly recommend seeing is the Ombú tree (Woodlands collection). I first saw one of these at the Huntington Gardens, and Fullerton has one too (featured on the Wikipedia site!). These are enormous evergreens native to the Pampas in South America, and are so big that they act as shelter from sun and rain to the Gauchos. The roots, trunk and canopy are massive.
(1) Excellent freeway access; exit the SR-57 at Yorba Linda Boulevard, go west and take a left at the first signal after the interchange. The parking lot entrance is a couple hundred feet away, so you can get there without having to risk a circuitous route on the CSUF campus.
(2) Free parking (Arboretum visitors only); free admission (make a donation).
(3) A big plus: the arboretum opens to the public at 8:00 every day. Get there early and the natural light will be better and it won’t be as hot.
(4) If you’re searching for solitude stay to the western portion of the grounds in the Woodlands collection. This area is the farthest away from the freeway (traffic noise) and the most heavily shaded. I’ve seen people reading books here on occasion.
(5) Smokers take note: you are not allowed to light up anywhere on CSUF property--even outdoors--except for the campus periphery. You’ll see a sign at the Arboretum entrance indicating this. I don’t smoke but ... hey, I don't want you to get in trouble if you do.
The grounds are divided into four “collections” of landscapes: Cultivated, Mediterranean, Desert and Woodlands. My favorite by far is the Desert area, where there are so many otherworldly things growing in there, I never ceased to be amazed. I usually take lots of photos during my visit, and fully two-thirds of them are from the Desert collection. Moving among the desert specimens is very easy due to less dense planting and lots of pathways. I make it a point to head straight for this area first. It your visit coincides with the blooming of desert flowers, you will be very happy. The university really did a nice job with this area.
Another attraction I would highly recommend seeing is the Ombú tree (Woodlands collection). I first saw one of these at the Huntington Gardens, and Fullerton has one too (featured on the Wikipedia site!). These are enormous evergreens native to the Pampas in South America, and are so big that they act as shelter from sun and rain to the Gauchos. The roots, trunk and canopy are massive.
(1) Excellent freeway access; exit the SR-57 at Yorba Linda Boulevard, go west and take a left at the first signal after the interchange. The parking lot entrance is a couple hundred feet away, so you can get there without having to risk a circuitous route on the CSUF campus.
(2) Free parking (Arboretum visitors only); free admission (make a donation).
(3) A big plus: the arboretum opens to the public at 8:00 every day. Get there early and the natural light will be better and it won’t be as hot.
(4) If you’re searching for solitude stay to the western portion of the grounds in the Woodlands collection. This area is the farthest away from the freeway (traffic noise) and the most heavily shaded. I’ve seen people reading books here on occasion.
(5) Smokers take note: you are not allowed to light up anywhere on CSUF property--even outdoors--except for the campus periphery. You’ll see a sign at the Arboretum entrance indicating this. I don’t smoke but ... hey, I don't want you to get in trouble if you do.
Written 15 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8umble8ee
Braintree, MA64 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
I wasn't very impressed with the town of Fullerton CA until I visited the Fullerton Arboretum. This place had a suggested donation as opposed to an entry fee. There were lots of people visiting but the place was so large that it didn't feel crowded. This place exceeded my expectations! During my visit, cacti were in bloom. I never saw a blooming aloe! It was BEAUTIFUL and surreal! It looked like something from outer space. The arboretum was well cared for and made the neighborhood that much more pleasant so much so that I would consider living in Fullerton CA. If you do visit, plan on bringing a picnic and spending a few hours here. I didn't see any water fountains so I would recommend brining lots of water especially if you plan to spend quality time here. This is a great place for children and elder people. Just be prepared in terms of food and drink, since amenities are limited. Definitely worth a look-see! You wont regret it! Oh, did I mention birds? Lots of birds to see besides the plants and flowers.
Written 12 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J S
Palm Springs, CA396 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
First time visitor. I was impressed, the grounds are well maintained. It's a nice oasis with a couple of ponds and a stream. Some huge trees, a small rose garden, and community garden, and a Victorian house. Meandering paths with benches well placed for sitting and absorbing the calm. Seems like a popular place without being crowded. Birders and photographers will enjoy the place.
Written 8 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheWind26
Cerritos, CA199 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
What a wonderful arboretum! Free admission and free parking, but they appreciate donations. The arboretum has numerous small trails (40+), ponds, bird life, the 1894 Clark home (Fullerton’s pioneering physician) and of course numerous gardens: children’s garden, rare fruits, herb, conifers, palms, deciduous forest, chaparral, Channel Islands, opunta, agave and the “living fossils.”. The arboretum has a small nature center for the children to touch and explore. Also, a museum (closed when we were there) and a potting shed where plants are sold from their cuttings. There are many small trails that almost always loop to the main trail. My children 6 and 2 had a great time exploring and walking. I think most people can cover the whole arboretum in 2-3 hrs. We will certainly return!
Written 10 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave B
Hubbard, OR21 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
walk amongst trees, shrubs and flower and produce gardens. Visit a 19th century preserved home. A good way to spent a weekend afternoon. parking and admittance were free (donations accepted).
Written 11 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely not. This Arboretum is very delicate & people work this arboretum daily. This place is run by Cal State Fullerton, college programs are run through here as well as community gardens. Staying on the trails, not interrupting the wild life is very important.
Written 25 August 2019
Is there shade and are there restrooms?
Can you picknik inside?
Written 28 July 2018
Is the arboretum pet friendly?
Written 27 March 2017
Absolutely no pets of any kind are allowed. The Arboretum is very delicate and there is wild life, community gardens & maintenance crews who work constantly.
Written 25 August 2019
How old do you have to be to get in? What constitutes you as a "child"
Written 21 November 2016
There is no age limit, and there is no official admission. At the entrance is a donation box.
Written 21 November 2016
It's free but there is a suggested donation of 5 dollars according to the official website.
Written 16 May 2016
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