Features
Points of Interest
Historic and Memorable Moments
Whether you want to take in the beauty, explore our rich history and historical landmarks, or learn more about conserving California’s native plants, there is plenty to explore around the Garden for everyone.
Garden Features
Blaksley Boulder
This massive sandstone boulder was dedicated by Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss, the donor who helped establish Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The Boulder is dedicated in honor of her father. The impressive boulder was brought to its current location by a massive debris flow around 12,000 years ago.
Information Kiosk
Built in 1938, the kiosk was created to display educational material and points of interest in the garden. Designed by architect Lockwood de Forest Jr., this kiosk features open sides which are designed to frame views of the garden.
Blaksley Library
Built in 1941, the Library supports the Garden as an educational institution. The courtyard features a pruned hedge of lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) and sandstone flagstone. The Library is available to browse by appointment.
Meadow Pond
This water feature was created in 1928 as an addition to the Desert Section. Shortly afterward, it was converted to showcase aquatic and streamside plants of the chaparral. The human-made creek bed and waterfall are still functioning with maintenance from our dedicated staff.
Campbell Bridge
The construction of the Campbell Bridge in 1941 made the Canyon Section on the west side of Mission Creek accessible for the first time. The bridge was destroyed in 2009 by the Jesusita Fire and rebuilt in 2013.
Clara Small Smith Entry Steps
Originally designed as the Garden’s main entry point, these stairs lead to the Blaksley Boulder and the Information Kiosk beyond. The steps are made from native sandstone. After descending the steps, visitors are delivered to the center of the Garden and treated to sweeping views of the Meadow framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Caretaker’s Cottage
The Caretaker’s Cottage was one of the original buildings at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. It began life in 1926 as a Sears, Roebuck, and Co. kit home that was built on site. It originally sat near the current site of the Blaksley Library and was moved to its present location in 1941 to make room for the new building.
Mission Dam and Aqueduct
Built between 1806 and 1807, the Mission Dam and Aqueduct were constructed to supply the Old Mission Santa Barbara with water. These historic features offer a window into Santa Barbara’s colonial history.
Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery
The downstairs gallery at the Pritzlaff Conservation Center is open to the public and features rotating exhibits focused on the intersection of art and science. Historical objects, archival materials, and artworks on view are typically from the Garden’s permanent collection and Artist Residency Program.
From Genes to Ecosystems
Pritzlaff Conservation Center
Built in 2016, the Pritzlaff Conservation Center is the epicenter for the Garden’s conservation activities. This building is home to multiple lab spaces, our Conservation Seed Bank, the Clifton Smith Herbarium, and office spaces.
The Ptitzlaff Conservation Center (PCC)
The PCC is home to our Tissue Bank. Airtight containers provide stable long term storage for leaf tissues for later DNA based studies.
The PCC is home to our seed bank. Here is Sanicula maritima.
Volunteer Michael Whitman working in the seed bank
The PCC is home to our bug collection.
Pressed: Botanical Art and the Herbarium featuring work from Henry Evans (Photo/Greg Trainor)
Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra playing in the Gallery
Private event in Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery
Beauty is the Gateway to Conservation
Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery
The downstairs gallery at the Pritzlaff Conservation Center is open to the public and features rotating exhibits focused on the intersection of art and science. Historical objects, archival materials, and artworks on view are typically from the Garden’s permanent collection and Artist Residency Program.