Gardens on The San Francisco Peninsula

Explore beautiful blooms and a variety of plants all year long when you visit one of San Mateo County and Silicon Valley’s diverse gardens. Whether you’d like to improve your green thumb or just stop to smell the roses, we’ve rounded up gardens in the area for you to relax and recharge.

The San Francisco Peninsula blooms with garden destinations for every kind of nature lover. From the formal estate grounds of Filoli to the tranquil koi ponds of San Mateo's Japanese Garden, the region's gardens offer a peaceful counterpoint to its coastline and redwood forests. Whether you're drawn to rare cacti, fragrant rose collections, or quiet spots to wander, these green spaces invite visitors to slow down and take in the Peninsula's natural beauty up close.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

Located in Woodside, California, with several acres of formal gardens on a historic estate, Filoli is a must-see for garden and history lovers. You can plan to spend at least a few hours strolling through the gardens, walking the self-guided estate trail, dining at the café, and shopping for garden-inspired gifts in the store. Filoli offers seasonal activities and special events year-round.

Sunken-garden-at-Filoli-Mansion-and-Gardens

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

Located in Palo Alto, this historic 2.5-acre property includes several formal gardens and a stunning rose garden. The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is dedicated to being a community resource and provides classes and workshops. Admission is free!

Elizabeth-Gamble-Gardens-in-Palo-Alto

Japanese Garden, Central Park

Located in San Mateo’s Central Park, the tranquil and well-maintained Japanese Garden features a pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove. The blooming cherry blossoms are a spectacle during winter and early spring. Admission is free!

Japanese Tea Garden in San Mateo's Central Park

Arizona Garden

Originally designed in 1881, the Arizona Garden on Stanford’s campus offers a variety of unusual cacti and succulents. Admission is free!

Through A Local's Lens

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