Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks

4.5 (199) 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, United States

Categories

Tourist attraction
Garden

Location on the map

Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California, US

Phone: +1 805-557-1135
Site: http://gardensoftheworld.info/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday:9 AM–5 PM
Thursday:9 AM–5 PM
Friday:9 AM–5 PM
Saturday:9 AM–5 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

199 Reviews for Gardens of the World 2024:

Review №1

2024-03-31 23:07:24

Just happened to be in the area and saw this little gem was near by. This being or first visit, our first impression was seen from the parking lot entrance. This was an underwhelming spot to first see the garden because it offers a limited view, and this being early spring, very bare. If we had entered from the street, it would have been so much more grand! This place is extremely well kept and packs a lot in a small footprint. The Japanese garden is beautiful. The cascading fountain at the street entrance sets you up for how special this place is. Parking is free in the small lot and there is no entrance fee. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and clean. The entire garden has paved paths for access as well. The staff are friendly and welcoming. A definite stop to recharge your spirit and relax for a bit!

Review №2

2024-05-20 04:47:47

Beautiful gardens for a nice stroll. There are several styles of gardens and each is uniquely beautiful. The rose gardens were gorgeous this past week and the koi in the Japanese gardens look bigger than ever! The gardens are meticulously maintained and though they are huge, they are always worth the trip.

Review №3

2024-03-15 20:18:10

This was a calm and peaceful way to spend some time in Thousand Oaks. There are several different gardens with different themes along with plenty of places to sit and relax. There are some picnic tables as well so you could bring your lunch here and eat in peace and quiet.We were visiting the area and looking for things to do when we found this place, it was nice to slow down and not be accosted by sirens and car horns!

Review №4

2024-05-19 22:36:51

I finally made it here and so happy I did. Nature is remarkable. A sense of peace and beauty all around. The staff were kind and enthusiastic. The blooms were lovely!

Review №5

2024-04-19 00:25:30

What a delightful gem!Randomly passed by while in the area for the first time with time to kill and decided to check it out and loved it!The garden and parking is free.The loop is 1/4 mile so it’s not a huge garden but is so charming and lovely.

Review №6

2024-06-08 23:16:34

Perfect Place to stroll and relax. Nice water features and fountains. The Japanese pagoda and Koi pond are amazing. A serene environment to spend your time.

Review №7

2024-06-24 09:26:29

One of the most beautiful gardens in the area! If you are a foreigner or fancy international gardens this is the place for you. Also it’s 100% free!

Review №8

2024-02-11 01:33:43

I really enjoyed the gardens. They were beautiful in winter, so I can only imagine what they look like in Spring. The place was just big enough for people who want a break from a long drive, or just for a nice picnic. Its very well maintained. The docents were very friendly and informative.

Review №9

2024-01-26 19:28:58

This is an amazing place to get outdoors for a stroll. It has well maintained gardens, fountains and walking paths. There are picnic tables that are great for having a picnic. Theres restrooms and drinking fountains on the grounds. Its FREE entry and has free parking.

Review №10

2024-05-24 21:19:53

Do not go here if you dare to go off the trodden path, adventurous souls will not find solace here. Was kicked out for simply walking on a dirt path. If your okay with following the 30+ rules the garden has to offer, herd in the garden with the rest of the sheep in there.

Review №11

2024-03-09 23:10:47

Amazing beautiful park, hidden in the middle of Thousand Oaks. Across from Civic Center. 100% free to get in, parking is free too. 100% recommended!!

Review №12

2023-10-28 04:37:19

Beautiful garden with pleasant staff. The fact that this is free is already a bonus. Give yourself time to relax, have lunch at their picnic area, meditate at the pagoda, listen to the flowing water, watch the koi. Everything about this place is wonderful. Thank you to the owner for sharing it to the public.

Review №13

2023-10-13 07:14:11

This is a very small garden but so beautiful to walk through. I love the little waterfalls it has. The garden is lovely. Unfortunately, the Japanese garden was under construction at the time of our visit, but looking forward to visiting again. The best part, its totally free, free parking as well.

Review №14

2024-04-19 01:51:31

My first time experience this place was amazing. I really enjoyed it taking videos and pictures. It’s a very peaceful place and get your mind off of life and in tune with what you see. It’s a mass to go with a special someone or family and friends.

Review №15

2023-06-06 21:27:35

Really nice garden that you can walk through. Its not very big, but has a nice assortment of flowers, hedges, trees, fountains, etc. There are areas of the garden that are themed to different parts of the world like France and Japan. Overall a nice walk that is good for kids too, as long as they can keep their hands to themselves and stay off the grass. It is free to enter, but no professional photography is allowed, or parties, without specific reservations and permission.

Review №16

2023-05-14 02:16:46

This a really nice clean park with a couple of different areas. It takes about an hour if you calmly stroll through and stop to appreciate the plants and art. There is a Japanese garden with a few bonsai trees and a waterfall, which is really peaceful to sit near. There is also a building with Spanish architecture and a fountain in the middle. The rose garden is really nice especially in the spring and early summer. Its a wonderful park to walk through with friends or family if you have the time!

Review №17

2024-03-01 22:53:03

Beautiful and peaceful gardens. Plenty of seating all around and even a picnic area.

Review №18

2023-06-01 22:05:13

A charming garden that boasts a stunning variety of roses, and I must say it was an absolute delight for the senses!From the moment I stepped into the garden, I was greeted by the most enchanting fragrance of roses that filled the air. The sight that unfolded before my eyes was simply breathtaking. The garden was a tapestry of vibrant colors, with roses of every shade imaginable, creating a picturesque and romantic ambiance.What truly impressed me was the meticulous selection of roses. Each variety seemed carefully chosen for its unique beauty, and the attention to detail was evident in the immaculate condition of the blooms. From classic favorites to rare and exotic breeds, the garden offered a diverse range of roses that catered to every taste and preference.As I strolled through the garden, I couldnt help but feel a sense of tranquility and serenity. It was evident that the garden was nurtured with love and passion. The well-manicured pathways and thoughtful seating areas allowed me to pause and immerse myself in the sheer beauty that surrounded me.If youre a rose enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, I highly recommend visiting this lovely garden. Its a haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the exquisite world of roses. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer elegance and allure of these magnificent flowers.In summary, my experience in this rose garden was nothing short of enchanting. It left me with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of nature and a deep sense of tranquility. I cannot recommend it enough to all lovers of roses and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Review №19

2024-03-31 00:00:35

Its much smaller than I expected, but its a very lovely place in the center of a city.

Review №20

2023-07-11 16:23:15

I cant believe I never knew about this place AND that it was free! It was such a beautiful experience, too. I went with my fiancé and our moms on a spur-of-the-moment trip, and Im so glad we stopped to smell the roses. It was like a zoo for plants, and I would love to go again sometime soon.

Review №21

2023-12-10 17:37:40

Beautiful place, great landscapes. The place has a space for picnic and places for meditation. Very quiet and peaceful. Free entrance and has parking.

Review №22

2024-06-26 20:46:43

This place is ridiculous! I called to reserve a photoshoot for my daughter. They advised it would be $200 for 1 hour which was fine. Everywhere you go charges now. Then the lady on the phone said the limit was 6 people total, including the photographer. When I said okay, other family members will show up and take their own pictures on their phones. She begins to say no thats not allowed. I asked isnt this a public place? She said yes, but theyre not allowed. Wth!! She made no sense and was contradicting herself. Then she said why dont you find somewhere else. I understand the place is privately owned, but these rules are ridiculous. The staff is rude and need some customer service training.

Review №23

2024-06-16 18:00:46

Wow!!!❤️ What a beautiful little park. Perfect walking area for any age to get a stretch. They really have rules as I can understand it must take forever to keep this place so beautiful. The fish were beautiful to look at. Will be back.

Review №24

2023-12-05 06:09:16

Beautiful formal gardens, other gardens and California missions. This is a private park owned by the Hogan Family Foundation. No posed pictures allowed inside the gardens.

Review №25

2024-03-22 01:38:30

A lovely place to walk and relax that is always changing with the seasons. There are plenty of places to sit and reflect, and a couple of picnic areas where you can eat. The atmosphere is generally calm, and you can even get a tour from one of the knowledgeable guides. No dogs/pets, and there are strict rules regarding photography, so this is not an influencer destination, it is simply a wonderful little place to take in some great scenery.

Review №26

2023-05-10 00:44:35

I absolutely love this place! A cute date idea and they also have a nice rec area! The gardens are extremely well kept! Koirala fish pond was my favorite !

Review №27

2022-05-07 23:26:16

Beautiful! My first time here and wonder why I hadnt gone before! There are differing sections of a variety of garden styles from around the world. My favourite was the Japanese garden with bamboo and a koi fish pond! The gorgeous architecture, water features, atmosphere with so much plant life and nature makes you forget theres a main road right next to it. Theres also a small spot with picnic benches. But, you need to make reservations for any big gatherings, cant just show up. My only issue is the small sparse number of parking spaces and the size of the parking spots that are available - we found a spot on a Saturday late morning, but you could park your car nearby and walk to the garden as well if you dont want to risk it. Doesnt seem like the place gets too crowded. But overall, beautiful and worth strolling through!

Review №28

2023-02-17 05:07:00

My family and I had a great time! We enjoyed observing the flowers and the fishes. I felt calm, peace, and relaxed. The garden was beautiful. The best part is there is no entrance fee.

Review №29

2022-07-04 01:11:31

The Gardens of the World was beautiful, I wish it had more flower varieties and more liberty to take photos for remembrance - you can only take selfies 🤳! But it was a very nice place to relax and very serene especially at the Japanese garden. I think best to go is May. We went towards end of June and most flowers are fading away. I would love to see the Wisteria in bloom. Thank you, Gardens of the World for sharing your beauty to the public!

Review №30

2022-11-10 03:09:59

I would recommend not going this time of year if you are wanting the full experience. Everything was well kept and clean. It is a nice .25 mile walk if you take the full circle. The fountain isn’t running and the mission garden is closed. Overall, I would say I enjoyed my time (might go back during spring season).

Review №31

2022-05-05 04:13:06

Such a beautiful little place. Yes little because the drive was of two hours for us for a 15 minute walk throughout the entire garden. Misleading info online but it was cute. Oh and you are not allowed to take pictures if you are on a dress 🙄

Review №32

2020-01-24 02:48:32

Beautiful place. Very interesting rules. Its free to get in and a very peaceful place to detach in the city. However there are cameras all over which gives off a weird vibe. I cam understand servailence though with all the crime in the area. I just got a weird feeling in an otherwise peaceful place.

Review №33

2024-06-14 04:10:37

Great gardens, friendly staff, well maintained and nice for a short stroll.

Review №34

2022-03-01 17:52:05

Beautiful garden. They are super strict and uptight about photos and the staff comes by to remind you more than once.Youre allowed to take a selfie, but youre not allowed to have someone take your photo! So you can NOT take a photo of your loved one, period. But they can take a selfie as long as you dont use a selfie stick!!! LOL If that doesnt sound like the stupidest thing youve ever heard, then I dont know what is.Other than that its a cute place to visit. Beautiful huge coy fish and nicely kept garden, I can only imagine how much more beautiful it is in the spring time.Not a great place to bring children as youre not allowed to walk on the grass or play. They do have a picnic area, where I imagine you can sit and eat.Garden is just over 4 acres and you can see everything in about 20 mins.

Review №35

2019-12-23 15:58:07

This is a hidden gem!! A very sweet and cozy place for an afternoon walk. It has very strict policy on pictures. You may take as many landscape pictures or selfies as you desire but for any other kind a permit is required. And it has to be processed at least two week prior to your visit. I would definitely be going back again!!

Review №36

2024-06-12 23:41:17

Who hires people who work here? So rude and privileged. They act like they own this place . I spoke with 2 of them - horrible. I travel around the world and have property in Thousand Oaks, because of these workers I would not even recommend this place to anyone. It’s embarrassing. No people skills whatsoever.I came here for a stroll at 4:25 pm was waiting for Teddy who closed the door before 4:20 pm to finish her conversation on a radio and then she told me I cannot come in because it was 4:32 pm and they don’t let people in after 4:30. Teddy kelp yelling back at me we are closed, and would not even listen to me saying that I was here before 4:30 pm.

Review №37

2022-05-22 00:44:24

Beautiful and serene environment. Very clean and extremely well taken care of. The only disappointing part is you cannot take pictures in this beautiful place. You can take a selfie but you cannot take pictures of others. Yes I agree, it does not make sense, but thats their rule. And someone is always watching.

Review №38

2022-10-26 05:49:03

This is a lovely little place to take the family, or if you are a nature lover. Very well organized and maintained. Staff was super sweet and kind :)

Review №39

2022-08-27 20:33:21

A very pretty and peaceful collection of gardens. The English and French gardens are a little dried up at the moment, but there are still plenty of things to see. I especially liked the paintings of different Missions.

Review №40

2024-02-23 07:03:01

This place is a total hidden gem. It’s small but has enough for a wonderful experience.

Review №41

2022-07-26 23:31:10

Beautiful place to visit. Free to visit, we were there for no longer than 30 min. Very well kept landscape unfortunately the grass is a bit dry and fountains are not on due to water drought.

Review №42

2019-11-18 02:34:15

These gardens are a great place to take friends or visitors to the Thousand Oaks area. They are immaculately maintained, and have a wide variety of flaura and fauna to see. The best time to visit is spring, but its worth the free entrance fee all year round.They have a grassy field in front of a bandstand where you can have a picnic. They have summer concerts in this area every Sunday afternoon. They have a tropical koi pond surrounded by bamboo. They have an artificial waterfall, a tribute to all the California Spanish missions, a rose garden, cascading Italian fountains, trees of many varieties, arbors, olive trees, and on and on. There are many benches from which you can enjoy the scenery.They allow photography of the grounds, but not including friends or family. They require a permit to be purchased for weddings, birthday parties, and other events to be photographed on the grounds, which is the reason for the restriction.I highly recommend a visit to Gardens of the world!

Review №43

2023-06-01 17:53:06

A nice little Urban garden in thousand Oaks. Great for a short wander. A remarkable variety in a small space. We enjoyed the Koi pond and the Rose Garden.

Review №44

2023-02-17 18:36:26

Really not worth it during the months of January-March. There are no flowers in bloom. Also it’s not worth the gas if you’re not local, it’s super small (you’ll be able to finish looking after 20 minutes).Also they have a pretty strict photo policy. The employees said selfies only. They don’t even want you taking photos for other people (ie if someone asks you to take their photo). So you couldn’t even ask someone else wandering the garden to take a photo of you. We were told SELFIES ONLY. So just leave your cameras at home.It is super clean though, I’ll give you that. Not even leaves on the floor.

Review №45

2024-01-28 21:01:42

We tried visiting on a Saturday morning, but there was a paper on the gate that said the garden was closed. According to their website, they are open on Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except on most national holidays and during inclement weather. But that day wasnt on a national holiday and the weather was sunny and nice. It was a bummer especially since we drove a bit from Monrovia to visit. I would recommend calling ahead to confirm their availability, and would also recommend that the gardens keep their availability up-to-date on their website.

Review №46

2023-01-22 19:51:53

Beautiful little gem in the heart of Thousand Oaks. Best of all its FREE. Bring a picnic lunch ( no alcohol allowed) and enjoy the serenity.

Review №47

2022-06-16 01:46:45

A true hidden gem. It was a lovely time, and for free too! They have rose gardens, beautiful fountains, shrubs, a Japanese garden, and a Spanish garden with murals of all the California missions.

Review №48

2022-05-20 15:56:20

⭐️𝔾𝔸ℝ𝔻𝔼ℕ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻𝕊⭐️•••𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙾𝚊𝚔𝚜.𝙲𝙰•••》This privately owned garden complex was created as a gift to the city of Thousand Oaks by the Hogans family. There are 5 distinct garden styles: Japanese, French, English, Italian, and California Mission. It is listed as one of the 30 most beautiful gardens in the World. It is a 4 and half acres located in the heart of Thousand Oaks and free to the public. You can go down the circular path and along the way there are docents willing to explain to you everything about the garden,the history and the magnificent flowersPRO : Free entranceFree Parking ( I parked behind the Restaurant)CONSYou cannot use a tripod even if you arent a professional photographerYou cannot use a Selfie StickYou cannot take pictures of other peopleYou cannot take videosThe Docents are all over walking and honestly I felt like being watched in a prison cell 《May 2022

Review №49

2022-05-27 15:44:38

A small gem nestled in the Conejo Valley. Youll find samples of cultural gardens from all around the world: winding mazes of English Rose Gardens, sprawling French and Italian grass lawns with gorgeous white-stone bounded waterfalls, and Japanese gardens with bubbling steams and Koi ponds that elicit your inner sense of peace and balance. The gardens are immaculately maintained, and you can even eat lunch from outside in their patio area, but nothing is for sale here. For those who appreciate Californias Mission history, youll find a Mission architecture-style exhibit, complete with an open-air courtyard, citrus trees, and art depicting the various missions.

Review №50

2024-05-02 22:20:47

Beautiful gardens with very relaxed atmosphere. Great for afternoon relaxation. You can bring picnic and have it on one of the tables. You can relax on the beautiful lawn. Theres always someone that can explain and talk to you about different plants

Review №51

2022-05-01 15:29:10

Beautiful place to visit with a loved one or loved ones. We spent 45mins taking selfies and photos of mostly the whole garden. Video is prohibited told to us by the helpful and friendly staff.

Review №52

2024-06-21 04:26:44

Had a wonderful time here ☺️

Review №53

2024-06-29 02:27:55

Free entrance. Small free parking lot available in the back. Very enjoyable stroll through the gardens.

Review №54

2024-02-09 23:35:18

The people working here are very adamant that there are no dogs allowed, they are so passionate about it that they will follow you to your car when your complying and leaving and tell you a second time how pets are not allowed and it’s private property… in the parking lot while we are complying to their request and removing our pet when we barely made it to the entrance to read the signs. This “private property” park is not well maintained either and looks like it has seen better days, I wouldn’t come here after being harassed for no reason when we complied to their requests.

Review №55

2022-08-19 00:38:32

Its a beautiful place with lots of flowers, but its a little small. Better to go in spring or autumn, I will take more pictures. 😊

Review №56

2019-07-01 03:06:26

A little surprise, a free park with beautifully created examples of different gardens from around the world with fountains and waterfalls. Itll only take 30 minutes or so to walk round but slow down and enjoy it, eat a picnic, use the restrooms and leave a donation. Sign says no photography but this is more against commercial photos, staff said as long as you dont take photos of people youre fine. Permits available if you want to do a commercial shoot. Staff were very friendly. No entrance fee but donations accepted. Free parking on site or main road.

Review №57

2023-07-06 18:47:04

A great place to walk around with kids. A beautiful little afternoon activity with plenty of shade to escape the heat. We spent about 45 minutes here.

Review №58

2024-06-18 23:01:03

Serene, lush, and dragonflies. Plenty of shade and places to sit. My favorite part was the koi pond.

Review №59

2024-03-28 15:06:03

Beautiful, peaceful place to take a walk.There is often artwork on display in the indoor area.The Japanese pavilion and koi pond is magnificent.

Review №60

2023-10-22 01:56:58

Its a pretty small garden with different garden themes... Like Japanese Garden, American Bandstand, English, French, Italian/Greek, Rose, etc.

Review №61

2017-06-17 09:41:56

Beautiful garden, we went in the spring time, but you have to see in the summer, when all roses are blooming.I went for second time in summer, so beautiful, well maintained and designed, clean. Beautiful fountain ⛲

Review №62

2023-06-17 00:22:23

BEAUTIFUL 😍. Couldve sat here in the Japanese Garden all day. Very peaceful! All of the gardens are Gorgeous.

Review №63

2019-03-28 06:20:09

A great spot to relax and explore, nicely tucked away in TO. I particularly like the Japanese garden and pagoda but the variety is impressive for the size of the plot. You can see everything in 30 minutes or less, but there’s plenty to enjoy if you linger longer.

Review №64

2024-05-03 21:53:03

Great place to stroll around and check out all the gardens. It was an easy 30-minute walk through with several gardens.

Review №65

2022-06-24 01:45:06

What a beautiful legacy. My family and I enjoyed every moment of visiting this lovely space

Review №66

2022-02-19 03:07:25

Such a beautiful Garden, extremely well maintained and manicured landscaping, Extremely thankful to the family allowing tourist to see this garden without any entry fee, Koi pond with Japanese garden was so serene and peaceful

Review №67

2023-10-07 18:20:23

Great place to walk around and look at beautiful flowers and plants

Review №68

2022-01-19 06:39:14

It’s smaller than a football field, no photography is allowed, and the staff is rude and follows people around to act as a photo cop vs being a docent. I was honestly really underwhelmed because compared to other botanic and Japanese gardens close by this one is much smaller and has a lot less effort put into the construction and design of it. I feel as if this should be in the middle of a really busy city block in Philadelphia or something like that if redesigned this thing could be done so much better there is so much wasted space in the middle. The track to walk is pretty much along the outside with only three different eco-zones. Imagine how many more it could be if it would crisscross through out and was inside and outside and designed by someone with a true passion for design or botany.I would not recommend unless you live close and I don’t plan to be back. One visit was more than enough.

Review №69

2022-04-03 04:03:51

Beautiful gardens. Variety of plants. Nice to spend a few hours or even bring your food to the picnic area

Review №70

2023-11-21 03:16:21

Absolutely love this place! Admission is free. Definitely check this out. The gardens are well maintained and feature a beautiful selection of scenery from a variety of global landscapes. I can’t choose a favorite location between the Mexican mission, the Japanese Koi pond and pagoda, the London rose garden, or Grecian fountain exhibit. (And more!) Don’t miss it!

Review №71

2024-04-05 17:24:19

2nd time to this place. I was able to feed the koe fish.

Review №72

2023-05-06 23:02:44

Free park to visit. Also has picnic area in back so you can eat lunch. Very small parking lot. Park on the street. Will take you about 15-20 minutes to see the whole park.

Review №73

2023-05-14 21:55:01

Great place for a quiet walk. We brought our 3 month old here and he enjoyed it. Bring a hat and sun screen!

Review №74

2021-08-09 01:10:41

This is a really good place to go to see some nice greenery and get some peace and tranquility. The area allows you to walk and view various types of vegetation with background information. And did I mention the koi pond which is to die for and to top it all off, it is all free!

Review №75

2024-01-12 16:03:32

Clean. Kinda weird, that they dont allow you to use tripods or selfie sticks. Best to go here around spring time... probably theyll have more flowers blooming at that time. Not a pet friendly place.

Review №76

2021-04-07 23:09:59

It is an absolutely beautiful place! But, itll be much better once youre able to take pictures & go into all four areas of the park.

Review №77

2016-11-14 18:01:17

Beautiful gardens. Its a shame the staff make it an awful experience.Echoing what other posters have said, the staff are *militant* about their inflated rules, and obnoxious about enforcement.As I was trying to have a constructive conversation with one of the more moderate staff about an earlier encounter (our 16 year old was walking too far from adult supervision), she abruptly snapped at another person who was carrying a water bottle, in strict violation of the no food or beverages policy. What do you have there!? (Theres a specific area where food is permitted.)Overall, the staff at GOTW make the place not worth a visit even for the free entry. Again, what a shame, since the area is beautiful.

Review №78

2023-07-14 15:41:18

Very peaceful and pretty. The staff was very friendly.

Review №79

2019-07-25 16:53:22

This is a spectacular place. We cant believe how peaceful and quiet it is considering its located on the busy street. The landscaping is great, flowers are beautiful. I love that there are plenty of benches around, under the arbor, the trees tucked in the shady areas. This is a place I would like to come visit often, just to relax.

Review №80

2019-03-06 22:32:00

Nice garden. Photography is limited. Not used for Weddings. Strictly for educational purposes. Cant say anything negative about it because its a relaxing beautiful place. I like that instead of showing various plants it shows you (quite literally) the Gardens of the World, including: English, French, Japanese, Italian, American (Bandstand) and Mission Gardens. Worth a trip, probably in the warmer months when all the flowers are in full bloom. It was nice coming on a Tuesday in February because we almost had the place to ourselves. You can sign the guestbook inside the house.

Review №81

2019-10-01 23:52:13

It was absolutely stunning. David was a tour guide was very knowledgeable in Pleasant. I also like that its handicap accessible.

Review №82

2021-04-03 18:32:15

Beautiful, peaceful and quiet! Very well taken care of and lots of places to sit and visit with nature & friends. Absolutely will be coming back! Admission is free please be kind to the plants and stay on the path! Workers are very pleasant

Review №83

2022-09-23 16:31:36

Great place to relax and gather your thoughts! Plus it’s free to the public. Fantastic!

Review №84

2018-10-03 08:17:19

Tucked into 1000 oaks, behind wrought iron gates, it is a hidden gem. Take lunch and enjoy a quiet, reflective walk throughout the Hogan familys gift. Check out their art showings and music online.

Review №85

2023-08-05 22:57:04

Very relaxing, fantastic little garden.

Review №86

2023-12-06 02:09:40

Small public garden with picnic area. Distinct sections featuring different garden styles. Lovely water features. Koi pond is a favorite of children and adults. A gem in the middle of the city.

Review №87

2019-08-08 21:11:49

This place is beautiful. A great place to take a walk, and they have free concerts there sometimes.

Review №88

2021-09-06 05:46:53

A lovely oasis that weve driven past time-after-time, never realizing.Cost = FREE!!!Think Descanso Gardens or the Huntington Library (LIGHT VERSION)...

Review №89

2021-12-05 01:05:55

Amazing incredible experience.A true hidden gem. So peaceful and inspiring.Must see it..

Review №90

2022-07-06 19:10:25

Very nice park, layout is worth the stop 🛑.

Review №91

2018-05-25 15:57:00

Beautiful place. Lots of rules and people to make sure you follow them.

Review №92

2024-01-01 20:55:08

A wonderful local spot that is worth a stop. Great to walk around and soak in the beautiful gardens. When the roses are in bloom it is extraordinary.

Review №93

2023-12-19 17:26:01

It has representations of the different types of gardens from around the world.Japanese, italian, california mission and they have beautiful fountains!Go in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom!

Review №94

2018-07-07 17:23:07

What a nice little retreat from hectic life. Wonderfully well cared for garden. The docents are dying to help and tell you all about the various plants. I love the different regional areas, in particular the English rose garden and the Japanese area with the Koi pond. My daughter loves coming here and smelling all the flowers! I also always take our visitors here. And it’s free and has a lot of shade! There are a lot of benches and water noise...very peaceful. You can also see all of the California missions which is neat.

Review №95

2024-06-08 23:35:57

Very well kept. Practically everything is in bloom, mid June

Review №96

2018-05-21 03:52:33

This Garden has an Outstanding selection of Native Beauty . The Rose Garden is Stunning; I have also fell in love wit the Japanese Garden, Beautiful running water as well as the Koi Fish they added a life to this amazing place.

Review №97

2019-07-15 02:21:09

Gardens of the world is big enough to awe at the surroundings, but small enough to relax, meditate, and forget about all your worries for a while. Their Pagoda is so peaceful and tranquil it is so easy to get lost in thought and tranquility. Take your time stroll and sit, take in the beauty and the nature of the Gardens

Review №98

2023-11-16 01:34:23

As a senior citizen living in Westlake, I had never taken the opportunity to visit the Gardens of the World. Before entering we stopped next door to pick up lunch from a food truck that was parked in the next-door parking lot. We decided to go into the Gardens and DID NOTICE THE NO DOGS ALLOWED SIGN, however my wife has an emotional support dog. After sitting down and eating a docent came over to us and very politely explained to us that dogs were not permitted. We told him that he was an emotional support animal, and we did have the required ID. This was not an ID that was purchased online and was a false document. This was licensed by the appropriate agency that does this. The docent just kept staring at us standing in place. I asked him if could please leave us alone and when we were finished our small meal, we would be happy to leave without visiting the Gardens, in that we did not want further issues. Upon our departure a very typical KAREN type of personality came out of the facility following us to our car. She then proceeded to warn us and make false accusations about our dog, as well as attacking my wife and myself verbally. She warned me that we would no longer be allowed on the property, as if she had any say in the matter to make such a decision. The next business day I called the manager of The Gardens of the World and spoke with what I assumed was a gentleman who expressed his apologies and stated he would investigate the matter. I requested his cell or email so I can send him the recording of when I took upon myself after consoling my wife who was incredible upset over the whole incident and went back into the gardens to find KAREN and explain to her what she had just accomplished by her actions. She stated that THE GARDENS do not accept any dogs that are emotional support animals, and she had the right to do so. She was correct, however she refused to state it while I was recording her! She became very mute about the issue. The manager Lolo or a name like that, never sent me his information. When I called back several days later to inquire about the incident, he then stated he never sent me his information because he wanted to speak with his docents beforehand. Well of course he got their version of what took place, and never wanted to see the actual footage of what took place. He just the word of the persons who caused the problem in the first place. It was like I felt I was in court but not allowed to show the evidence. Lolo or Lala became very hostile when I confronted him about not even wanting to see the video evidence. I guess they take care of each other even if it means they must lie! I dont know if I can post the video on Yelp, but it would sure be nice if I can.

Review №99

2020-08-05 23:56:08

Walkable garden, many benches for relaxing. The pagoda was closed so we didnt get to see the koi up close. Also, we were not allowed to take pictures. Theres limited parking up the garden gate.

Review №100

2023-08-02 16:28:45

Very small. You can walk it in 10mins. Almost no grass but, stay off the grass signs everywhere, giving a cantankerous vibe. No flowers or color anywhere. A couple of small water features that were nice. The Koi pond was the highlight. The park workers were rushing people to leave 30mins before closing unnecessarily, making multiple passes and giving reminder after reminder with the nice-nasty tone. Heres an idea, since the garden is the size of a large backyard, how about waiting until closing to ask anybody to leave? It wouldnt take more than a few minutes to exit the park from anywhere inside.... and it would go a long way to make people feel welcome. We dont want to feel like were annoying you for being there. Big disappointment gardens of the world...

Review №101

2022-02-24 18:04:31

Beautiful place, amazing gardenes that take care of the garden all the time, thanks to the family who keept this dimand alive.

Review №102

2024-05-15 19:11:12

This is a great spot to visit if you have an hour or two to spend

Review №103

2021-10-07 02:23:21

Small but beautiful gardens. A definite must see

Review №104

2024-04-19 23:09:17

Beautiful place, great for a walk. Free parking!

Review №105

2019-04-13 00:22:58

Nice grass garden with some interesting features (box hedges, fountains, statues, etc.). The roses, wisteria and Japanese garden offer some points of interest.

Review №106

2021-11-17 01:42:37

Seema like a nice place for locals or those passing through. It was closed when I arrived, I believe for maintenance. A little on the smaller side and a little to boujee for me, wasnt disappointed that it was closed after arriving, but others may like it.

Review №107

2023-05-07 06:50:59

If I could give this “private property” location a rating, it would have to be a -11. And that would be too generous of a rating.If this property is private, how is it listed here on Google?Rodney Dangerfield sent his son to private school, and his son never sent him the address.Before my visit, I called and inquired about their policy regarding the photography rule.The agent told me as long as this was just a casual visit to the garden, not involving formal weddings, graduation photos or posing professionally for a shoot then I think photos are fine.I then arrive at the gardens, and walk with my daughter. We are dressed in brunch at the Four Seasons attire. But not wedding, graduation, bat mitzvah or communion worthy.As we start exploring, we start taking photos with the flowers.Suddenly a staff member approaches us and claims that we are posing for photographs with is not allowed.We were not posing we were simply assuming position for a photograph.If the person who I spoke to on the phone earlier in the week was not lying I don’t understand how they expect anyone to take a photo that anyone would want to keep as a memory.Anyone who takes a photo has to assume position that doesn’t mean they are posing. Posing for a photograph would be professionally done completely. We are by no means professional photographers. And the staff member also was claiming we were dressed for a wedding or some formal event when we were simply dressed for an everyday occurrence.If this garden is so private and can’t be photographed then why not close it and not allow any public access. The owner of the property should not get any tax breaks from Ventura or Los Angeles County. He or She should be solely responsible for the property expenses. They should be the only individuals to inhabit the property.That is what would make this property private, like my home and your home. I don’t invite just anyone off the street into my home because my home is not a public place. So why is this garden with just any person off the street allowed in and the parking lot filled with vehicles? That doesn’t sound so private to me. Harvard university sounds harder to get into than these gardens.

Review №108

2022-04-29 20:56:41

Wonderfully kept gardens that are just beautiful. Come and enjoy a leisurely walk!

Review №109

2023-07-22 00:10:19

The employees here are so rude the two women old women with glasses, red head women and an old man make this place so unpleasant to visit. It is a beautiful place but they watch u like u r a criminal and tell you every five minutes that it is almost time to leave even if hours are left. The employee have no customer service skills and are very rude and follow you everywhere. Not enjoyable at all. They need to get fired and hire new people.

Review №110

2023-03-26 06:31:56

Parking: free, limited spots. Might have to park off site.Free entry on the condition you arent there for photography other than selfies and pictures of the landscape.Due to local regulations the grass is not allowed to be watered so some is dead as of me writing this. Otherwise they have a lot of other plants, trees and flowers are doing just fine. The garden is very clean and manicured. They have on site docents and maintenance workers.Theres a great koi pond with a pagoda next to it, very well made.Worth a visit!

Review №111

2022-02-16 23:03:32

We absolutely enjoyed our visit to Gardens of the World. Beautiful, peaceful, and flawlessly maintained. The perfect mix of natural beauty and man made features. The gazebo and Coy pond provided a Zen like experience while the cascading fountains were simply magnificent. We will definitely return as the seasonal blooms of the many and various flora will provide for a continually changing mix of colors and fragrances. Parking is convenient but somewhat limited. This is definitely NOT a park to take kids for running around and playing loudly as children do. Rather this is a serene place of beauty for quiet contemplation and appreciation of natures harmony with your own spiritual essence. If you enjoy your visit as much as we did, you will also want to plan many return visits as the seasons change.

Review №112

2024-02-02 17:08:11

Very peaceful.

Review №113

2024-01-02 03:19:44

Beautiful and peaceful. The parking lot is behind the building. It was hard to spot the driveway to the parking.

Review №114

2019-07-08 01:09:42

A picture is worth a thousand words 💝 First time there, but definitely not last!!!

Review №115

2022-11-14 06:46:25

I felt balance and continuity after spending some time here!

Review №116

2017-01-27 17:39:13

Cant take photo with people in it unless approved by them. Check their policy before you go, if you plan on take photos there. The garden doesnt live up with the name.

Review №117

2023-08-24 19:26:10

Such a lovely space. Awesome gardens, I highly recommend if you just want to take a nice afternoon stroll without paying any garden fees. 10/10

Review №118

2023-12-14 06:01:22

Parking is limited; however this is a nice little area of gardens to stroll through and to bring a lunch to enjoy the surroundings.

Review №119

2022-11-10 06:41:19

Small garden but very nice

Review №120

2022-09-27 12:25:46

Absolutely beautiful gardens, lovingly maintained. Unfortunately now of the fountains were operating which was a bit disappointing... Free admission, however, the area was smaller than we anticipated. Would recommend for a short leisurely stroll or a childs adventure.

Review №121

2023-03-22 00:13:53

This place is absolutely beautiful! There are so many different types of plants and the koi pond is adorable. They however dont allow pictures which is kind of annoying but it is ok. Overall a great place to visit!

Review №122

2023-06-20 01:35:24

This place is just beautiful! The ground keepers take pride in their work and it shows!cthe flowers are lush and plentiful. A very fulfilling way to spend a warm morning.

Review №123

2022-08-20 17:33:58

Haven’t been here since I was 6. But my return was triumphant. This garden is absolutely beautiful and it’s amazing how much they’re able to squeeze into such a small lot. Relatively speaking. I’d recommend going to the Italian gardens. Really nice benches are situated between some Italian cypresses.

Review №124

2022-08-10 22:05:59

This place is absolutely beautiful! They have many different gardens here to see! They even have koi fish. It’s very quiet and peaceful here. I love hearing the birds and listening to water. They have tables to eat at and benches to enjoy the scenery.Update: I visited this place again today. Worst experience very disappointed with the service. I didn’t even get to the sidewalk 2 employees approached. 1st was a male he wanted to show us a map and encouraged us to tour the gardens. 2nd was a old female Linda white short hair glasses. Linda didn’t want us there and basically forced us to leave she watched us at we left. This place clearly doesn’t like people of color and people with disabilities. Because our group was “too big” we needed to place a reservation yet she let another big group in. It was the dumbest interaction.

Review №125

2024-03-12 05:28:02

Went here for my 1 year anniversary and it was lovely!

Review №126

2023-02-05 04:46:42

Koi fish pond in Japanese garden. Hybrid tea Rose garden. Waterfall features. 1/4 mile walking path around with some slope. Across from Thousand Oaks Civic Center. 10 parking places. Tall Italian Cypress. A bit barren January -February.

Review №127

2024-03-15 23:35:50

Very nasty staff, as other reviewers have experienced. Such a shame.

Review №128

2022-04-15 03:40:15

This is a beautiful spot to drop in and take a stroll. Its not large, but it is tranquil, and the docents are friendly and knowledgeable. I was surprised to see the many signs prohibiting photos, but guess its understandable. Its a lovely spot and if folks were taking engagement or wedding shots, it might disturb the peace for others. You are allowed to take photos of plants and selfies (without a selfie stick).

Review №129

2023-08-06 03:26:49

Beautiful. I love to see greens, water and nature. This garden is beautiful and you can spend your day taking it all in.

Review №130

2022-02-05 23:10:06

If you looking for a quiet and relax place, here is the perfect place. Very clean, great and friendly staff.

Review №131

2022-01-08 21:01:33

We had a free morning while visiting the area, so my husband and I decided to visit these gardens. What a nice surprise! The other reviews were absolutely correct in referring to this location as a hidden gem! There are several discrete garden areas, each with ample seating options for sitting to enjoy the view, soak in the sun, contemplate life, etc. There are some unusual rules, such as no photography of others (though youre welcome to take a selfie as long as you dont use a selfie stick), and no excessive behavior. This attraction would not be a good choice for a family looking for somewhere to let the little ones run off some excess energy.

Review №132

2022-09-24 02:55:19

Gardens of the World is a private garden donated and run by the Hogan Family Foundation. I remember Ed and Lynn Hogan when they owned Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays and the fun commercials they would air. These gardens play tribute to the many places they traveled to over the years. As I understand it they recognized not everyone was lucky enough to travel and see the different cultures and they wanted to bring that experience to others. Entrance is free, there are some rules to follow with regards to behavior and photography so check it out before you go. Truly a beautiful and wonderful experience and worth attending.

Review №133

2019-08-05 18:09:29

Beautiful place to walk around. Staff is super friendly.

Review №134

2019-09-02 18:40:11

You can’t take pics... why? Beautiful garden.

Review №135

2023-11-21 16:57:39

Gorgeous and tranquil. Very limited parking. I used to love this place, but they changed their hours during the pandemic and never changed them back. No longer open Sundays or Mondays. When are you most likely to go for a stroll in the park? For me, and most people I know, the answer is a Sunday. When I called to ask about this change, the person who answered the phone was rude and dismissive. I understand it is privately owned and it is a privilege to spend time here. Unfortunately, the hours and attitude of the person I spoke with mean I havent been back since. Sundays are my day off, and I did not appreciate being spoken to as though I were a lowly peasant by whomever answered the phone. Mgmt: you need nicer people and for crying out loud ...Sundays??

Review №136

2023-09-30 07:59:46

Very nice, well maintained gardens with friendly staff. Easy to walk around at a moderate pace in 30 mins.

Review №137

2019-05-27 04:16:33

Very beautiful and lots of informant around the meandering garden. Beautiful koi pond and a few fountains. Very nice.

Review №138

2018-06-24 23:20:52

Great local garden. Nice strolling areas and plenty of benches in the shade. Many flowering plants and waterfalls.

Review №139

2020-02-16 00:18:38

Absolutely stunning, a place to meditate and enjoy its beauty 🦋🦋🌺🌸⚘🌿🐞

Review №140

2022-08-12 23:32:37

The crazy amount of rules and signs of what you can’t do (like taking pictures of your family), make the whole experience unenjoyable. You feel like you are walking on eggshells the entire time you’re there as the staff follows you like a hawk. Thanks, but won’t be going back.

Review №141

2023-01-24 03:26:47

I loved it! Even though it was January when I went and not much was blooming, I could see the potential of the spring show, and it was a very pleasant walk. I live in central Texas, but I will return to Gardens of the World!

Review №142

2022-03-03 06:00:35

It should be called Gardens of Donts....Dont take photos, Dont step on the fountain, Dont eat anywhere other than the picnic area, Dont step on the grass.... You enter the gate with a list of rules, and there are at least twenty signs posted throughout the area about Dont do something. I was there with my four-year-old daughter after school. In less than 15 minutes, I was told by their staff twice not have my daughter do certain things, and the docent was very rude. I feel our behaviors are being watched and policed. I didnt feel welcomed, especially with a young child. I thought the garden was established for the community to enjoy, however, I fail to experience the generosity behind it. Needless to say, I wont being coming back nor recommend anyone to visit this place.

Review №143

2021-04-09 18:56:34

Beautiful, first time with my family my daughters loved it the only down was the closed places obviously because of covid. like the picnic area and we can not take pictures 📵📵📵📵😕😕😕😕😕.I recommend this beautiful gardens for a quiet walk anytime.Thanks for the nice experience! Will be back when the picnic area is open and we are able to take pictures.😊

Review №144

2023-05-05 20:13:28

Beautiful throughout with excellent docent support... and free!

Review №145

2022-06-22 22:51:55

Small, calm little park with nice array of plants and flowers. Active 3 year olds can blaze through it quickly, although its not a play area. Its more meditative (unless youre with a 3 year old.)

Review №146

2021-11-27 23:12:41

A must visit if you are in the area. There is no charge for visiting. Plan on about an hour if you want to walk through it quickly, and more time if you plan on really enjoying this place. You can bring your lunch and enjoy the sounds of a waterfall and a beautiful view. Parking is fairly limited but worth a shory walk if the lot is full.

Review №147

2017-12-02 05:40:46

If youre in the area, definitely visit. It only took us 30 minutes to visit all of the gardens here. Its relatively small but very beautiful and based on where its located, surprisingly peaceful. There are picnic tables where I noticed families sitting and eating. I also saw a family on a picnic blanket in the grass doing the same. Great family environment. Dont drive more than 30 minutes to visit but if youre close by, its a quick and lovely experience.

Review №148

2022-08-21 18:54:35

A gem in Thousand Oaks! Free parking, free admission and a lovely, mostly shaded walk through beautiful gardens. Google Maps give bogus directions off of La Feliz……don’t do it, you won’t get there! Enter from Thousand Oaks Blvd. Yes, lots of rules posted BUT just respect the place and you can take all the photos that you’d like.

Review №149

2018-01-03 22:42:24

Beautiful gardens that is maintained by a family and their friendly staff. I have been there many times with my relatives and friends who were visiting us from out of town, and wanted to explore local areas/ attractions. It is a very cool place to hang out and have picnic. The fall near the Japanese garden section is so calm and peaceful, and is my favorite spot. There is no charge/ fees, but donations are welcome.

Review №150

2022-01-22 05:27:18

Garden is very clean and well kept, but it was much smaller than I thought. Took about 30 minutes to walk through since the flowers are not blooming at this time. One thing to note, you cant have your friends/family pose for pictures. Theres a sign and its exactly what it says. You can only take selfies without a selfie stick if you want ppl youre with to be in the picture, or pictures of yourself in the garden. Staff was really friendly.

Review №151

2019-02-18 06:51:21

It was really beautiful here. We had our year old daughter with us. We were able to take pictures and selfies. It was really nice walking around and seeing the gardens. My daughter enjoyed walking around as well. Its also a free garden donations of course. crazy to think its right off the busy street, you barely notice the traffic. Its a must do at least once if you live in a different state visiting family.

Review №152

2022-11-03 22:59:17

⚠️People of color beware⚠️The KKK obviously runs this establishment. My boyfriend(POC)and I (POC)came for a peaceful picnic and wanted to take some photos on our disposable camera. When we arrived we were rudely greeted and immediately told what we weren’t allowed to do such as, no photos because the grounds are a “non profit”, no eating except in the picnic area because it’s a “non profit”, no breathing in the gardens because it’s a “non profit”. The list goes on. They followed us around like hawks and gave dirty looks. Not going to lie, we broke the “no photo” rule, to which they approached us and asked us to leave. They were LITERALLY watching us on the cameras as no one was around for the photos we took. So ridiculous. I cannot believe this place. Will be returning every week to take one photo in every location, getting kicked out, then returning again for more!!!! Hahahahahaha

Review №153

2020-02-03 04:29:14

This is a place that I visit often since I live less than 5 miles from it. Its always a pleasant visit. Theyre getting a bit huffy about taking pictures if you go by the brochure. But nobody seems to bother people taking pictures of their family & friends -- unless theyre part of a wedding or some such event. Fair enough, I guess.I think that this is the first time that I have visited this place in the winter. Its still pretty, though, even without all the flowers. I plan to come here again, in the spring.

Review №154

2021-01-14 23:51:23

A wonderful gift to the community and the public in general. Very safe during covid as they werent giving tours. The 2 people we met that worked there were very gracious and knowledgeable. So sad photography is forbidden but that may be why we enjoyed it more and were in the moment. A very fun find on Google maps!

Review №155

2022-09-03 17:35:46

What’s there to complain about a FREE experience to walk around this amazing garden! It is a lot larger than I thought. There’s a Koi pond too! It’s really beautiful, and it’s a great place to bring a date! The only downside is that you can’t set up a picnic blanket to lay on the grass. But I can’t stress that is it really pretty, and free! If you come around to it, you should definitely come and visit this place! It is very peaceful.

Review №156

2018-08-18 21:23:37

Its a private cultural garden that is open to the public. There are rules and unlike many reviews, our two hour walk was wonderful. Docents were courteous, polite and kind. We didnot feel necessary to take pictures and complied with owners wishes respectfully. Its Free by gosh and thank you Hogan family. Great add-on to our Reagan Library visit.

Review №157

2020-09-21 19:26:25

Smaller garden than a large botanical garden. Not sure why its called gardens of the world. But it does have a good background story of how it came to be. Nice manicured lawns, walking paths and a beautiful sight to see. Can easily be seen in an hour or two. One section has beautiful paintings of the California missions. I took my elderly mother and it was not a problem getting around. She really enjoyed it. Best for people who like gardens. Parking is limited but we went on a day when there were not too many visitors due to the covid restrictions. It was worth it to me and it was peaceful.

Review №158

2023-01-01 19:41:46

The gardens were ok for free. The photography rules were really strange. I can take a selfish but cannot take a picture of my granddaughter looking at the koi fish. I wont be back next time I visit

Review №159

2019-07-04 21:03:01

Beautiful gardens with free parking and admission. They are strict about photography so know that going in. It is pretty small for a garden but definitely still worth a stop. The Japanese Garden and the Spanish Mission style courtyard were my favorites.

Review №160

2021-05-17 01:00:02

Very well maintained garden. I noticed many different and rare plants there from different countries. Rose garden was really beautiful. There are benches to sit and relax. There is a very pretty courtyard where people can have their lunch and read. I loved this place.

Review №161

2023-06-04 20:38:54

Employee followed and spied on visitors to make sure they are not taking pictures. Very uncomfortable experiences. Don’t understand their photo polices. A family picture of 3 people or two is not allowed.

Review №162

2021-09-06 00:27:06

Beautiful free place to take the family and walk around. I took my son here and he had a blast running around smelling the flowers and driving his little cars on the hedges. Easily spent a couple hours having a nice time.

Review №163

2018-07-01 20:30:26

We went to this place for a free excursion with the family. We all like gardens and looking at the pretty flowers. The rose garden is wonderful. I could spend an hour in the Japanese meditation garden myself, but we had a 4 year old and that wasn’t about to happen. There are a few rules. But whatevs.The groundskeepers are well informed and know everything about the place. They took our pictures and made the visit that much enjoyable. Would go back.

Review №164

2018-05-15 03:44:20

Beautiful little oasis in gorgeous Thousand Oaks. The garden is not big but there is still plenty to see and its a great place to sit and relax. Most people should be able to tour the entire property in under an hour. Staff are well informed and will happily answer questions.

Review №165

2022-05-02 18:56:37

Garden is nice and a bit small. Cascading fountain was very soothing. You can only enjoy while you’re there, no good pictures to take home😭Downside: you can only take selfie pictures :(Pay if you want to take pictures.One good thing, IT’S FREE admission.Go to Getty Center, take all the videos and pictures you want. FREE admission also.#gardensoftheworld #gardeninthousandoaks #gardens #thousandoaks.

Review №166

2020-02-18 06:56:17

When you walk in, this place may look simple and small compared to other gardens. Then take a closer look at the overall picture. It takes a lot of time and effort to make this place look the way it does. The place is super clean, clean benches to sit on and picnic tables too. We went looking for things to do while in the area and we found this place. They also have free parking too. On top of the hill, there is a asian garden and pond. Their koi are spectacularly large and probably old. It is amazing when all this is from a family donation and free for the community. Too bad we do not live here because it is a very nice place to spend your time and just relax. Simple is good. Thanks!

Review №167

2020-03-01 04:07:43

I love this perfect place. Garden art. I bring my mom in her companion wheelchair and push her easily on the sidewalk path. Water features are spectacular. Donations are appreciated, but not mandatory. Nice staff. Lovely place

Review №168

2019-04-25 22:04:29

Gorgeous hidden gem across from the Civic Arts Plaza. If you love flowers and beautiful landscaping, you wont be disappointed. Free to the public, but be sure to check hours online before you go. Great activity for out of town guests, restless toddlers, new blooms to see each season, quiet, relaxing, and perfect for all ages. There are picnic tables if you want to bring a lunch. And special events they list on the website. The roses are spectacular and the koi pond Japanese garden area is a must.

Review №169

2021-04-18 21:50:42

Well designed and naintained gardens with many flowers and trees. Good size for a leisure stroll and sit and relax. Picnic area with tables (closed due to covid-19 as of now April 2021, as well as the Japanese garden). Free parking and free admission. Highly recommend to visit.

Review №170

2020-01-30 05:11:18

Beautiful gardens, fountains even on a warm day in California. Will be spectacular especially the Rose Garden in the summer. You can hear the noise from the boulevard which is rather disconcerning, but youll be amazed what theyve been able to do with a very small space and wedged in front of several apartment buildings that tend to Loom quite visibly behind the property. Worth a visit I may go back in the summer since I live locally.

Review №171

2020-10-03 18:30:32

I liked it here, the scenery is very beautiful and its a nice place to just sit down and enjoy nature even if you are in the city. I dont reccomend bringing kids that like to run around and play since there is only one spot you can play on the grass, though that one area is quite big. but other than that I thought it was a great and calming place to be

Review №172

2018-01-05 00:28:36

This place is beautiful. Learned it used to be a lumber yard and a bar until it was purchased by a local family and converted it into a beautiful garden. Grounds are free to enter, they ask for a donation. Parking is free. No weddings or events allowed for reservation. The only thing they have is a Jazz festival in August.

Review №173

2020-02-10 01:02:29

FREE and the garden volunteers are friendly. One of them will give you food for the koi. The GOTW names a bit of a stretch IMO but its a nice garden nonetheless. The signage to the garden is practically nil so we ended up doing 3 U-turns instead of the required 1. The steep driveway is easy to miss, being obscured by high shrubbery. Good parking at the top and behind the visitor resource center.

Review №174

2023-01-18 05:14:33

What a hidden treasure! We visited on January 18 but we understand that the best time is April when the roses are blooming! Free. No gift shop to tempt you.

Review №175

2019-07-20 23:30:15

Very well maintained and beautiful. Unnecessary strict policies on photography. Staff can be rude and stubborn (multiple experiences of this, and Ive been going for years and follow all their ridiculous rules). Closes far too early in the summer. I find it interesting that they stay open only until 5pm, when other private parks/gardens are open from sunrise to dusk. Itd just be nice if they were open until like 7pm in summer.

Review №176

2020-02-26 15:40:15

Between appointments searched things to do. Knew of gardens from co-worker whos daughter passed, she has a memorial bench in a beautiful spot which I did find. Needed something that day to remind me how incredible and gorgeous life can be if we just stop for a minute and remember. Visited at 9:15am on a Wednesday so very peaceful, grounds freshly watered, 2 others on on grounds may have been a factor. Confused only to sign reading no cell phone photography yet site has 1000+ pics. Thank you so much for this public space.

Review №177

2021-07-22 01:11:42

NOT kid friendly and very unpleasant staff. After reading about these gardens online I was very excited to go to them as they seemed like a wonderful gift to the community and a beautiful place to spend time with my family. Upon arrival, one of the children in our group ran onto the grass and we were very quickly and strictly told we could not step on ANY grass ANYwhere (understandably, this was just bad timing as they had just treated the grass but it meant our kids were limited to only the narrow walkways) and it was also made very clear we could not take any pictures anywhere, not even on a cell phone camera. So forget any cute pics of your kid or casual group pictures (kinda weird). After walking probably 50 ft further we were *literally* yelled at multiple times by a rude staffer who again reiterated no stepping on grass, no running, no touching things, kids must stay right by our side, no touching water, no enjoying things. She also went through each kid in the group asking how old they were and made the 2 year olds put on masks. We were made to feel so uncomfortable and so unwelcome that we just left after 5 minutes. Maybe the gardens are beautiful but I wouldnt know because I spent the 5 minutes I was there being yelled at simply for being there with children.It should be mentioned that our kids are actually pretty well behaved kids.

Review №178

2019-01-23 23:24:34

Wonderful garden to walk around if you have some spare time. Parking is a bit odd and is the first driveway on your right, just before the park itself to a lot on the top of the hill behind an admin building. Oddly enough there is no photography on the premises without express written permission from the groundskeepers.

Review №179

2018-03-17 16:50:09

The most beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy relaxing your weekend

Review №180

2017-12-23 23:04:00

Nice grounds and garden, but a volunteer staff with nothing better to do but stalk and harass you. Went with two small kids, approached 3 times by 3 separate staff - keep your kids by your side ( was on bench watching them walk around), dont let kids put hand in water (literally put hand in large multistage fountain), dont put stuff in fountain (put leaf in small fountain in mission section to watch float). Kids were not running around, not on grass, not screaming, not touching flowers, but still harassed.

Review №181

2019-01-24 17:31:02

Rude staff I called to ask basic questions and I was asked to go to another facility not a problem I’ve been to several gardens and based on these peoples attitudes it’s sounds like nobody is welcome on their property! Fine you can go to Paradise Falls which is close by and not have an attitude and it’s free! You can photography all you want And not have a hard time We’re stuck up arrogant staff members! You can also go to the tea room in Summerton they allow To meditate and relax and the even give you free tea They welcome all guest from all walks of life and are non judgmental unlike gardens of the world!!

Review №182

2016-05-09 00:12:26

Its a nice garden but as other reviewers had mentioned, there are several rude ladies chasing you around making sure you dont take portrait or vacation style pictures without a permit. This lady followed us all over the place and was making sure we wouldnt do anything to break their rules and that my toddler wouldnt step on their lawn, my kid did stepped for like 10 seconds and this lady told me I was supposed to take him out immediately by pulling him out by the hand, ridiculous!! My kid understand instructions and he was off the grass as soon as I told him. The entrance is free but there are much more beautiful places and gardens around Los Angeles where employees treat visitors better. Bittersweet experience.

Review №183

2022-05-20 06:44:05

Pretty garden that’s rendered less pretty by the overbearing rules and overbearing docents. Basically no photographs allowed unless they’re selfies (quite literally the most annoying form of photography) and absolutely no video. Do yourself a favor and drive the extra miles to Huntington Gardens or Descanso Gardens or the Arboretum or pretty much a dozen better, more tourist friendly options in Southern California, all of which are larger, more beautiful and allow you take photographs and videos for the memories. Cant recommend unless you’re already here and even then I’d just go into Topanga canyon and drive around. Disappointing.

Review №184

2019-07-07 22:44:25

Beautiful and well managed. Its free. Pictures not allowed of groups but selfies and pictures if the garden allowed. Must visit :) very serene and tranquil. The Japanese garden and roses are the best!

Review №185

2022-05-07 22:38:41

Great with babies. My 13mo old loved it

Review №186

2021-01-16 04:20:00

This is a must-see! There are many areas to see, but the mission area is my favorite. All the landscaping is absolutely meticulous, but no photos are allowed. I like to go walk around because it inspires me to think creatively.

Review №187

2018-06-03 06:01:36

Wow! This place is so beautiful! I cant believe that its completely free to visit! Theres a ton of beautiful green grass, flowers, and trees, and everything looks so well maintained. There is also an area with about 7 picnic tables, including one with spaces for wheelchairs. They have restrooms there as well.

Review №188

2023-08-03 17:16:38

About this place because its a nice workout or walk about area but it takes you around the world. You would never think so much would be in this small region.

Review №189

2019-05-05 23:24:31

I’ve passed by this place for years and decided to finally pop in. Was truly disappointed to immediately see a sign that said I couldn’t take photos without a permit. Then as we walked around the “peace and tranquility” I was hoping for was constantly interrupted by harsh signs telling me not to do things. We get it, “stay off the grass” - you don’t have to put a sign on EVERY patch of grass. It was all quite abrasive. Then when we finally encountered a staff member they were incredibly rude and passive aggressive.Overall I have to say I felt quite unwelcome there. I’ve been to MUCH more beautiful gardens in the world that were much more friendly.

Review №190

2023-10-05 21:51:01

Lovely little oasis in the middle of the city!

Review №191

2017-01-09 17:44:13

Lovely place for a quick walk. I bet that its even more beautiful in the spring.

Review №192

2020-10-06 23:49:19

I was going to go, but upon finding out that you couldnt take pictures, I decided not to pursue my trip. The people running the garden looked at me and my family in a rude manner, probably because were not white. Also, if youre gonna prevent people from taking photos of the scenery in your private family business garden, then you shouldnt have it open at all. People want to take photos with a bunch of beautiful flowers. No wonder why no one really goes here. Rude staff, absurd rules, waste of time.

Review №193

2019-07-06 22:17:38

Another hidden gem hiding in plain sight. At zero dollars, it is very hard to beat the value ratio this place offers. It is quite small so definitely dont expect anything sprawling or massive in nature but it does an excellent job of offering a peaceful respite in serene settings.Dont forget to check in with the resource center if you brought a camera.

Review №194

2018-06-24 03:14:26

This small garden with it samples of traditional gardens throughout the world is a beautiful place to stroll through most any day. I have noticed people enjoying their lunch in the picnic area. The koi are interesting to watch. Theres even a bit of California history on the walls and a bronze statue

Review №195

2017-11-19 04:58:57

This is a great garden to visit when you are in the Thousand Oaks area. The grounds are well kept and the staff is well informed. They usually have an art gallery with rotating art displays and sometimes they have other displays up. My favorite is the bonsai tree show in October.

Review №196

2023-09-15 06:18:53

This beautiful community gardens is next to a Mastros 😍. Great place to get dreamy professional pictures done.

Review №197

2022-10-11 19:32:14

The garden is beautiful and taken care of very well by the staff and employees. It’s a nice place to shoot photos of the scenery and it’s always a pleasure to visit

Review №198

2012-12-23 03:36:43

I visited this place last year. It took sometime to get socialized in this environment, as the staffs are seniors. The theme at each corner is well planned and designed. The Italian devices are simply amazing and not to forget the running water over elevated footsteps. The staff is friendly and briefed on several facts about this wonder land.

Review №199

2016-02-27 05:06:58

Love this place! A combination of, you guessed it, world gardens. Beautiful setup and flow. Great landscaping and flora. The fountains are breathing and definitely worth a visit or two or three! Check out my photos!