Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket

Oakland , United States

Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket

Active

(12 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Called "A Gem of the East Bay," and voted "Best Botanical Garden" by Sunset Magazine (2019), a visit to the Ruth Bancroft Garden offers visitors an opportunity to see cacti, succulents, California natives and other rare and unusual drought tolerant plant species from around the world. The Garden features many large, mature plant specimens, originally planted by founder, Ruth Bancroft, that are not often seen in other dry gardens, making for a unique visitor experience all seasons of the year.

Available options

Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket

What's included

Dogs on lease are welcome

Children 4 and under are Free

Check Garden's website for upcoming events.

Visitors are always welcome to freely browse and shop in our retail plant nursery

Self Guided Tour Book

Detailed itinerary

Discover this world-renowned 3.5-acre garden, housing a large and unique collection of succulents, cacti and drought-tolerant plants from around the world. Beautiful in every season. The Garden’s founder, Ruth Bancroft, lived to be 109 and was a pioneer in drought-tolerant gardening. Looking for a fun and relaxing outing with family and friends, garden inspiration, or a great place to picnic, take photos, paint or bring the dog, the Garden is the perfect choice. Bring your lunch along and make it a picnic! Free parking.
Note: The Garden is handicapped accessible, but the pathways are gravel not paved. There is seating scattered throughout the Garden including wooden benches and chairs and several sets of café tables. No food is sold on-site.

Available languages

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dogs on leash welcome

Picnics welcome but no food is sold on site.

Important notes

Please present your ticket at the Garden's Admissions Kiosk.

About Oakland

Oakland is a vibrant city in the San Francisco Bay Area known for its diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and proximity to nature. It offers a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventures, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is a large urban lake in the heart of Oakland, known for its scenic views, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California showcases the art, history, and natural history of California.

Museum 2-3 hours $15.95 (adults), $10.95 (youth)

Chabot Space & Science Center

The Chabot Space & Science Center offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescopes for stargazing.

Science 2-3 hours $20 (adults), $15 (youth)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Burrito

Oakland is famous for its large, flavorful burritos, often filled with ingredients like carne asada, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Dim Sum

Oakland has a large Chinese community, and dim sum is a popular dish. It consists of small plates of dumplings, rolls, and other delicacies.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Artisan Coffee

Oakland is known for its craft coffee scene, with many local roasters and cafes serving high-quality, locally roasted beans.

Breakfast Vegan and dairy-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Redwood Regional Park Kayaking on Lake Merritt Picnicking in Lakeside Park Spa treatments at local spas Visiting the Oakland Museum of California Attending a performance at the Fox Theater Boating on Lake Merritt Swimming at the Oakland Aquatic Center

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (PST)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Oakland is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, particularly at night. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Stay in well-populated areas
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Oakland International Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center
San Francisco International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center

By train

Oakland Coliseum Station, Jack London Square Station

By bus

Oakland Greyhound Station, Oakland Amtrak Station

Getting around

Public transport

BART is the primary public transit system in Oakland, offering fast and efficient service to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Oakland Jack London Square Temescal

Day trips

San Francisco

14 km (9 miles) • Full day

San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions.

Berkeley

5 km (3 miles) • Half day

Berkeley is a charming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Wine Country

70 km (43 miles) • Full day or overnight

The Napa and Sonoma valleys are renowned for their world-class wineries and beautiful vineyards.

Festivals

Oakland International Film Festival • March Art & Soul Festival • May Oakland Pride • September

Pro tips

Visit Lake Merritt for a scenic and relaxing experience
Explore the vibrant arts and food scene in Temescal
Take a day trip to Wine Country for a taste of the region's world-class wines
Use public transportation to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Be cautious when walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas