Easy to find in town and free parking. The staff/volunteers were chatty and helpful. Bring a hat and sunscreen or wear spf clothing since it’s very large and you will want to see it all! I made it thru only one of the five gardens the first day. It was too hot. I came the next day more prepared with walking sticks, water, sun hat and camera! It’s a reciprocating garden so if you have a membership elsewhere chances are you can get in for free. Still I’d pay to go again. The gift shop is really good so you could even just go shop if no time for an hour ish hike. It is hilly but the switchbacks make the walk very doable. I was determined to see it all so I took many of the steps provided. The steps! Are actually very beautifully crafted. Many stones with meditative thoughts engraved on them. Lots of benches and places to rest. However I do wish there were a few directional signs since sometimes at the top of steps I wasn’t sure which way to go! Each of the 5 different gardens has signs that identify the plants. Each sign is color coordinated depending on which garden you are in.

The map online makes it seem like the gardens are flat and you walk around to see each. There is nothing on the website that says the gardens are all uphill. We hiked for over an hour and were still on the first garden—Chilean. A woman we met on the trail said we could have driven up a road and seen all the other gardens. So expensive and not being told anywhere that there was so much uphill climbing.

Admission fees under $10 I'm using the mic sorry.. I used to go to this area quite a bit to go to the Cross it's a beautiful area the view is outstanding there are many species of plants there's some higher climbs I think everybody will enjoy it the lady used to operate the gardening club and the botanical gardens are really excited about being involved you can tell I would recommend it to everybody if not get up to the cross at least for the view

We entered on an AHS reciprocal pass. Frankly, we were not expecting much after all it is Winter time. These Gardens were very pleasantly surprised. We walked three of the gardens: Chile, California Ramble and South America, spending a total of four hours. Each area was pleasant and colorful for those of us who are not botanically inclined. The Gardens are on a steep hillside. The trails through the gardens have only a gentle slope as they weave their way through each garden. If we are in the area, we would definitely go again.

Couple Weekend Getaway…. 10 out 10 We stayed at the Harborpoint Marina resort in room 215 that was amazing. The view of the harbor and mouth of the harbor where ee could see the boats go in out and out.Downtown Ventura had about 5 blocks blocked off for pedestrians w/ lots of funky shops and restaurants & bars. Very fun vibe. Great old buildings. Fun bike ride from Ventura to Ojai. Terrific weekend get away.