Your Garden Admission Supports a Vibrant Landscape
Free for Members | Paid Admission Starting May 1
Garden admission fees play an important role in keeping the Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay Exploration Park thriving. Owned and operated by Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the gardens are central to its mission, offering educational experiences in sustainable horticulture while inspiring a deeper connection to nature.
The gardens serve as a living classroom for school field trips, free monthly guided walks, Discovery Camps, and community events. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team ensures the beauty and health of these natural spaces. Turtle Bay staff maintain trails, repair sustainable infrastructure, remove invasive species, and prune plants each season, contributing to over 15,000 hours worked each year!
The gardens are free for members, included with Museum admission, or accessible with one-day garden-only tickets starting May 1 ($10 for adults, $6 for children & seniors 65+, and free for ages 0-2). As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every ticket and membership directly supports the care and continued growth of this beautiful 10-acre landscape.
Have questions about accessing the gardens? Please contact info@turtlebay.org.
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Learn More About the Gardens
Turtle Bay’s 10-acre McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens serve as home to diverse plants native to Mediterranean climate zones. Visitors can stroll through several regional-themed ornamental gardens and a children’s garden. Garden paths provide stunning views of Shasta Bally Mountain to the west and the iconic Sundial Bridge to the east, making it a must-visit trip for locals and tourists alike.
The gardens are thoughtfully designed with careful plant selection, soil preparation, and water-wise irrigation. The botanical gardens help save an estimated 100,000 gallons of water each year compared to traditional gardens.
“Our gardens and nursery are more than just beautiful spaces; they are living classrooms and peaceful places for connection and learning.” – Lisa Endicott, Nursery Manager
Learn more about the gardens by visiting turtlebaynursery.org/gardens.
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Free Guided Garden Walks
Last Saturday of the Month | 10am-11am
Turtle Bay Nursery and Gardens horticultural staff is proud to host FREE guided garden walks on the last Saturday of each month. Bring your smartphones or notebooks, cameras, and gardening questions for this participant-driven program. Tour the gardens with Turtle Bay horticultural experts and enjoy engaging discussions about plants that thrive in our local ecosystem.
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Your Membership Gives You Access to Gardens Across North America!
Your Turtle Bay Membership provides access to explore almost 400 beautiful botanical gardens across North America. Enjoy free entry and discounts at diverse gardens through reciprocal access available through the American Horticultural Society. See the full list of participating gardens here.
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Garden Admission
Open Daily | 7am - dusk until April 30
$5 suggested donation
Starting May 1
Open Daily | 8am - 4pm
Free for Members
$10 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+) & children (3-15),
Free (ages 0-2)
Gardens are accessible only at the East Gate/Sundial Bridge entrance.
The West Gate will be closed.