Nature Gardens

NHM, including the Spider Pavilion and Nature Gardens, is closed until further notice. View our COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for more information.

Outside in our Nature Gardens

Explore the Nature Gardens, our urban wildlife wonderland. Over 600 kinds of plants—including California natives and others from around the world—make a home for birds, butterflies, lizards, squirrels, and more!

As part of our Spider Pavilion reopening, we will also be opening portions of the Nature Gardens for guests to explore. Enter through our North Entrance and enjoy a stroll through our gardens on the way to the Spider Pavilion. To ensure a safe visit, follow the signs as they guide you in the one-way directional flow to the Pavilion.

Advance, timed-tickets to the Spider Pavilion are needed to enter the Nature Gardens during this time.

What's in Season?

Plants and animals are up to something every single day in the Nature Gardens. While NHM remains closed, we encourage you to discover the sights and sounds of spring near you! Can you find these plants in your own gardens and neighborhoods?

You can also follow along with the Nature Gardens on Instagram for the latest tips, updates and activities!

Butterflies visit the stunning purple flowers of Queen’s wreath, an evergreen vine from Mexico and Central America.

Succulent aloes and perennial yarrow are colorful partners.

Before you can eat these blueberries, wait until they turn deep blue.

The dainty, pendant clusters of Marina madrone attract bees and hummingbirds.

The jewel-like flowers of California lilacs add beauty to dry gardens and support many kinds of beneficial insects.

This colorful combination of low-water plants attracts lots of pollinators for months on end.

Our pollinator meadow of California native plants is bursting with blossoms!

The tiny fruits of manzanitas (Spanish for little apples) are a valuable food source for birds and mammals.

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Butterflies visit the stunning purple flowers of Queen’s wreath, an evergreen vine from Mexico and Central America.

Succulent aloes and perennial yarrow are colorful partners.

Before you can eat these blueberries, wait until they turn deep blue.

The dainty, pendant clusters of Marina madrone attract bees and hummingbirds.

The jewel-like flowers of California lilacs add beauty to dry gardens and support many kinds of beneficial insects.

This colorful combination of low-water plants attracts lots of pollinators for months on end.

Our pollinator meadow of California native plants is bursting with blossoms!

The tiny fruits of manzanitas (Spanish for little apples) are a valuable food source for birds and mammals.

Did you know? San Gabriel chestnut snails smell like chocolate.

Favorite Spots

You can see familiar plants and discover something new at these special spots in the Nature Gardens.

Pond

Where there’s water, there’s life. Discover the animals that live in or visit this pond and the native plants that thrive here.

Pollinator Meadow

Flowers are blooming, seeds are ripening, and wildlife is paying attention!

Get Dirty Zone

Dig in compost, get creative in the Nature Build area, and look for roots in this hands-on zone.

Living Wall

What lives where stone meets soil? See for yourself along this meandering sandstone wall.

guests family kid guest relations wildlife bird viewing nature fest

Wildlife Viewing

Every bush, flower, and tree in the Nature Gardens was planted to attract animals. And, we’ve created a few special places where you can look for them!