Retired nurseryman Ernest Schoefer and his wife, Betty, founded Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in 1961. The California Coast Recreation and Park District now own the gardens. Over 50,000 people visit the gardens annually and they are supported by membership fees, admissions, and fund-raisers.
The Gardens are in bloom year round and depending on the time of year whale migration can also be viewed from the coastal gardens. The gardens are located on 47 acres and is located on Highway 1 near Fort Bragg.
Admission is $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, and $3.00 for children. The gardens are open daily Mar - Oct: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov - Feb: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gardens are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as the second Saturday in September.
