South Coast Botanic Garden

The South Coast Botanic Garden is a marvel of land reclamation. Until 1961, this 87-acre former open-pit mine had been used by the County of Los Angeles as a sanitary landfill. A group of private citizens, led by Frances Young, convinced the County Board of Supervisors to convert the site into a botanic garden, starting with 40,000 donated trees, shrubs and plants.

Today, the South Coast Botanic Garden features a collection of more than 200,000 plants, including some 2,500 different species of plants from Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa as well as local California flora. Of these, rare mature specimens account for about 100 trees and shrubs. The lushness of the garden also attracts birds, with more than 200 species sighted here each year.

Popular attractions include the Cactus Garden, AARS Rose Garden, Water-Wise Garden, Garden for the Senses, Mediterranean Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden, among others. There is a small lake on the premises, plus a wedding lawn and two gazebos, an events meadow, and the Frances Young Auditorium, which is available for events. A picnic area and a gift shop can also be found on the property.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California 90274-2515. Operating hours are from 9am to 5pm daily. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $3 for children aged 5 to 12. Parking is free of charge.