UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

This is a fantastic place to visit and explore for both plant lovers and bird watchers. The gardens are full of exotic and beautiful plants from California and the Southern Hemisphere, with plenty of birds enjoying them as well. The highlight was the display being put on by the numerous hummingbirds swooping and diving in their mating display. When we went the Allen’s hummingbirds were in full force. You felt as if you could be impaled by one of the tiny birds at any moment. It was also my first time seeing California Quail which are gorgeous birds. I highly recommend a trip if you are in the area.

Check out their webpage for more information – https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/visit/index.html