Franceschi Park in Santa Barbara is the essential spot to view a panorama of Santa Barbara. The drive up via Alameda Padre Serra road is a thrill in itself. Located on the former estate of Francesco Franceschi, an Italian Botanist, this 18 acre park contains the ghostly remains of a mansion and gardens. During the turn of the 20th century, Franceschi imported nearly one thousand different species of plants into Southern California transforming the way SoCal would be landscaped forever.
#13 Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
Orchids Orchids Orchids. The Santa Barbara Orchid Estate has been one of the world's foremost growers and collections for more than five decades. Being right near the ocean has proved to be the perfect environment for growing orchids. Whether you are an expert or admirer, the estate has something to delight everyone.
#2 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a gem on the Central Coast of California. Nestled in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, the 78-acre garden showcases over 1000 native California flora and vegetation. Beautiful Mission Creek flows through and provides the perfect landscape along its many trails. Wildflowers also cover the ground in the springtime.
