Road Trip Garden-Humboldt Botanical Garden
Eureka, California
Located on the campus of the College of the Redwoods, Humboldt Botanical Garden is a 44.5-acre site south of Eureka near Humboldt Bay. Organized by a small group of volunteers in 1991, the garden’s goal was to create an educational botanical garden for the Northern California region. Humboldt Garden has grown to well over 1,000 individual, family, and business members, with a grand Master Plan in mind.
At the time of my visit, the garden featured outstanding plant specimens, world-class art installations, and multiple gardens, including rose, heather, and woodland gardens, native gardens, and lookout points for views of Humboldt Bay.
The Sitka Spruce Grove is a quiet, contemplative space surrounded by stoic spruce and layered with ferns. Multiple trails seem to lead to the “All Happy Now” Earth Sculpture by Santino.
Other notable plant specimens include a Wollemi pine and Toona. The Magnolia, Dogwood, and Rhododendron collections are impressive, and the Lost Coast Brewery Native Plant Garden boasts the largest collection of manzanitas in NW California.
Year-round events include workshops, plant sales, music events, and an annual gala to help meet the Master Plan goals.
Funding, construction, and administration of the Humboldt Botanical Garden are under the leadership and sponsorship of the Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation (HBGF). I look forward to visiting again in a few years and see how they’ve grown!
What I love about this garden;
-An annual Dog Membership of $30 is available for those HBG Members who wish to bring along their dog on regular walks in the Garden. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!
-Great way to introduce yourself to the amazing diversity of Northern California.
-The Sitka Spruce grove was magical.
-Nice mix of ornamental planting, natives, and hiking trails in a small package.
Know before you go;
-As of posting date, the hours are April 1st – October 31st 10 am to 5 pm | 7 Days a Week
November 1st – March 31st 10 am to 4 pm | 7 Days a Week
Last entry is 1 hour before close.
-The Garden is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
-Admission varies as of posting date; local adults at $10, non-local adults at $15. Seniors and children get discounts. Kids under 5 are free, as are members. Humboldt BG does honor the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP).
-Restrooms are located by the front gate.
-No food or restaurant facilities as of posting date.
-The Garden is located on the campus of College of the Redwoods; 7707 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, California 95503, but follow the signs directing you to the botanical garden once on the campus.
-If you have a disability or need assistance, please get in touch with their office at (707) 442-5139 before your visit.
-Dogs are welcome whenever the garden is open, except during some events. There is a $5 charge, unless your dog is a member-that’s right, see above!
For more information, visit;
Humboldt Botanical Garden | Humboldt Botanical Garden | A Botanical Gem on California’s North Coast
-Distance from St. Louis; 2192.8 miles/32 hours…OR fly into Sacramento, CA and take an approximate five-hour scenic drive.
-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.
