Now that we’re well into spring, if you haven’t checked out the gorgeous array of blooming flowers in San Francisco, CA, you’ll want to be sure to add the below spots to your must-visit list! These East Bay sites provide plenty of opportunities to observe some seasonal beauty, with smaller crowds than those you’ll find in the city.
Mt. Diablo State Park
If spring wildflowers are at the top of your list to see, Mt. Diablo State Park is the place for you. It’s located in Contra Costa County, and while you may find navigating there a little challenging, you’ll be rewarded handsomely. Check out wind poppies, Indian paintbrushes and Ithuriel’s spears, and explore further by ascending the site’s 3,848-ft. summit, taking in a spectacular 360-degree view of the Bay or spending time in the historic visitor’s center.
Details: 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd., Clayton, CA 94517, 925-837-2525, www.parks.ca.gov.
Berkeley Rose Garden
This impressive garden, located in a canyon just a couple of miles away from UC Berkeley’s campus, boasts 3,000 rose bushes and 250 varieties of roses. The terraced amphitheatre is enhanced with the addition of several rows of roses. Its walkway features a 220-ft. long redwood pergola, as well as climbing roses. Not to be missed is an impressive view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Details: 1200 Euclid Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708, 510-981-5150, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us.
Regional Parks Botanic Garden at Tilden Regional Park
This 10-acre garden is located within the Berkeley Hills, not far from Berkeley’s Rose Garden. This site is known for flowers that bloom year-round. You’ll also be able to see some rare or endangered plants in the sections of the gardens that represent various locations in California. Desert, Rainforest Sierran, Seabluff and Shasta-Klamath are just some of the areas on display.
Details: Wildcat Canyon Rd. at S. Park Dr., Berkeley, CA 94708, 510-544-3169, www.nativeplants.org.
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
This site, established in the 1870s, is home to 34 acres of botanical gardens and more than 13,000 plants. The collections are divided by geographic regions, including New World Desert, Asian, Eastern North America and South American. Don’t miss the Garden of Roses and the Orchid, Fern and Carnivorous Plant House. Admission is free and open to the public; group tours may be arranged for a small fee.
Details: 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley, CA 94720, 510-643-2755, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
Morcom Rose Garden
This lovely spot a few miles away from Lake Merritt is now formally known as the Amphitheatre of Roses and has quite the list of accolades. It is the East Bay’s oldest and largest public rose garden. The site is accredited by the American Rose Society, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and viewed as among the country’s 10 best public rose gardens. Take time to enjoy the reflecting pool, 10-tiered waterfall and violet and dual-colored roses.
Details: 700 Jean St., Oakland, CA 94610, 510-238-3187, www2.oaklandnet.com.
If, after getting a dose of some local color, you’re inspired to purchase some beautiful flowers for yourself or a loved one, the professionals at The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers will be glad to assist you with all of your floral needs here in San Francisco, CA.