Fullerton Arboretum Day Trip Orange County Garden Oasis

Fullerton Arboretum Day Trip

Fullerton Arboretum is your passport to the world of plants. Without going far from home, you can inhale the fragrances of the Mediterranean, feel the cool shade of the Redwood Forest, and delight in the glorious fall color of the North East.

Hear the rustle of the palm trees, take a break in a desert oasis, observe succulents, and smell the perfume of roses at his wonderful Orange County garden oasis.

This collection of more than 4,000 plants is located on 26 acres at the Cal State Fullerton Campus. The ultimate goal of the Fullerton Arboretum is protecting the earth’s plant treasures, and a staff of volunteers and generous supporters are making that a reality.

The Fullerton Arboretum was officially opened in 1979 next to the historic Heritage House, the home and office of Fullerton’s pioneer physician Dr. George C. Clark, in 1894. It the restored and now serves as a museum of the family life of the 1890s.

Also on the Fullerton Arboretum grounds is the Nikkei Museum. This unique building highlights the region’s agricultural history and the contributions of the local Japanese American community and other pioneering farmers in early Orange County.

The Fullerton Arboretum museum offers tours on the third Saturday of every month (except January and August), starting at 10:00 am and typically lasting about an hour. Guided tours are free; however, donations are requested. Fullerton Arboretum’s garden paths wander through four significant collections: cultivated plants, woodlands, Mediterranean, and desert collections.

Highlights are southern California native vegetation, a rare fruit grove, an 11,000 square-foot organic vegetable garden, the Channel Islands garden, an extensive cycad collection, a conifer collection, a palm grove, community gardens, and a children’s garden playground.

The Arboretum offers community education classes during the week and on weekends that help you grow and connect with your garden.

Lessons on home composting, the care, and pruning of roses, growing fruit trees, gardening with perennials, botanical watercolor painting, the art of pressing flowers, or just exploring California native plants are offered by the Arboretum.

Any gardener and plant lover can find something of interest. Kid’s classes for junior gardeners are also available and require registration, so check their website and call for availability.

The Potting Shed is best described as “the gift shop.” It’s where you can treat yourself to a new and unique plant from the Arboretum collection.

If you dream of your little garden but perhaps lack space, community garden plots are available to the general public annually. They are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so call ahead to check availability.

Tours of the heritage house are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

Annual Events

The Fullerton Arboretum grounds host several unique events throughout the year; one of the most interesting is the Victorian Fashion Show. Hostesses in proper attire will serve guests tea and tasty treats. All are welcome to join in; hats, gloves, and costumes of the era are encouraged.

Another popular event is the annual Tomato Tasting and Sizzling Summer Salsa Contest. Tomato Tasting awards are given for best cherry, tomato paste, and sliced tomatoes.

Where is the Fullerton Arboretum

Next time visiting Orange County, or when looking for a serene experience close to home, stop in and visit the Fullerton Arboretum.

The Fullerton Arboretum is at 1900 Associated Road at Yorba Linda Boulevard in Fullerton. Website. Open daily from 8 am to 4:45 pm. Parking is free. A donation is suggested but not necessary.

Fun Orange County Day Trip Ideas

Laguna Lake Fullerton

SoCal Botanical Gardens