Visit and Explore

Important Parking Information

Here for a short visit? Use COSMO permit dispensers — located in the Gateway Parking Structure, Pavilion Parking Structure, and Quad Parking Structure, and visitor parking lots 1, 5, 25, 47 and 56 (and lot 30 in the summer) — to purchase parking by the hour. There are also limited time parking zones that offer 35 and 75 minute parking that can be located on the AggiePark map. Learn more about hourly parking rates.

Visit and Explore

The Arboretum and Public Garden includes the historic Arboretum — a 100-plus acre campus and regional amenity comprised of demonstration gardens and scientific collections — the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve — a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research, wildlife and habitat protection — and the rest of our 5300-acre campus.

As specialists in sustainable landscape management and public engagement, and in support of our university’s environmental science expertise, we operate these areas as outdoor museums and living laboratories. Each holds opportunities for engaging and inspiring students to become environmental leaders, for the public to learn about the importance of sustainable gardening and natural land management practices, for visitors to informally explore the academic richness of UC Davis and so much more!

There is no charge to visit the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden; our gardens, natural areas and landscapes are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We welcome families, visitors of all ages, even dogs on leashes. Learn more by dropping by the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Headquarters; the office is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m.

Visit the UC Davis Arboretum

Visitor Map

Check out the Arboretum visitor map which offers options for three different walking tours and includes suggested places to park for each. Download the map.

Parking

While the Arboretum and Public Garden does not operate its own parking lots, campus parking is available in visitor lots for daily parking ($15/day) on weekdays, and free on weekends and holidays. Parking may be purchased through AggiePark via the AMP Park app or website. Learn more about AggiePark. There are also options for hourly parking via permit machines in certain lots and parking structures and 35 or 70 minute parking in limited time zones. Learn more about hourly parking rates and locations.

Suggested starting points:

Download the Arboretum's Visitor Map to see our 3 suggested loop trails.

Visit the west side of the Arboretum (magenta loop): Start your exploration in our Mediterranean Collection along the Arboretum Waterway and park in the Putah Creek Lodge Parking Lot or use street parking along Garrod Drive (45 minutes – 1.5 hours).
Visit the central portion of the Arboretum (blue loop): Start your exploration at the UC Davis Good Life Garden and park in the Gateway Parking Structure. (45 minutes – 1.5 hours).
Visit the east side of the Arboretum (orange loop): Start your exploration in the Arboretum GATEway Garden: park in Visitor Parking Lot 5 or downtown Davis (45 minutes – 1.5 hours).

Picnic areas, restrooms and paths

Picnic tables are located in the Arboretum Terrace Garden and in the Redwood Grove. The lawns at the west end near Peter J. Shields Grove are perfect for informal games and picnics.
Public restrooms are located at the Arboretum Gazebo, Arboretum Headquarters, and Arboretum Terrace Garden.
Arboretum paths are popular with walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. The main path is a 3.5 mile loop popular with walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.

Accessibility Information

The west end of the Arboretum and the Arboretum Terrace Garden (limited hours) at the east end of the Arboretum are level and most easily accessible to wheelchairs and people with limited mobility. Disability accommodations for programs will be provided with advanced notice. Please call 530-752-4880 or email your request to arboretum@ucdavis.edu at least two weeks in advance.

We also offer PDFs of our educational exhibits for visitors with limited mobility. Click here to see a list of our destinations with downloadable exhibits.

Dogs

For the safety of visitors and wildlife, dogs must stay on leash in the Arboretum.

Ducks

Feeding ducks, or any waterfowl, is NOT PERMITTED on the UC Davis campus.

Visit the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

The UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is a 640-acre natural riparian and grassland ecosystem that runs along the southern edge of the UC Davis campus. Maintained and operated by the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, the campus utilizes the Reserve for teaching and research purposes, wildlife and habitat protection, and community engagement.