2023 04 25 - Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden - Buellton CA

Picture: Entrance to the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden part of this park.

We were between jobs in CA and had time before dark so I looked for a large green spot near our hotel. From the map, I couldn't tell if it was a cemetery, park or wildlife area. Once I zoomed in, I could see it was a park. When we headed there, all we knew was from the name.

Pleasant surprise, once we parked. The first thing we see is the usual park, swings, slide, ball fields. But off to the side was this sign and the park. Once we get across this bridge, that is the end of the paved area.

This seems place seems to just be thrown together. Like the put up a little sign next to anything where it was growing. (Gives me an idea for my yard :) )

Picture: The 'high trail' of the park.

Most of the park can be seen from a dirt path that doesn't vary over three feet. This one trail is steeper and is gravel. There are a few spots with great views of the valley. And there are lots of plants here that are not on the trails below so well worth the trip up and down if able.

There were signs for snakes, but we didn't see any. We did see a few lizards sunning themselves on the rocks. Other than that only a few birds.

Picture: The other side of the fence is not part of the park, but is the scenery

In addition to the dirt/gravel botanical trails in the park, there is also a sidewalk paved area around the ball fields and play areas. Lots of paved parking and the park is at the end of a dead end street. Free.