Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden

Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a small plant garden within Polliwog Park with pathways connecting different planting areas. It displays hundreds of native species from the California coast arranged in organized beds and open spaces.

The garden idea began in the early 1990s when volunteers started collecting and growing native plants in Polliwog Park. After about a decade of planning and construction, the garden finally opened to visitors.

The garden displays plants that grow naturally in the coastal California region, helping visitors understand which species thrive in this climate. Walking through it shows what the local landscape looked like before urban development changed the area.

The garden is freely accessible and located within a larger park, so parking is available nearby. Walking through all areas takes about 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how much time you spend examining individual plants.

The garden features Beach Primrose, the official flower representing Manhattan Beach, which grows in a special section with other salt-tolerant plants. This species thrives in coastal conditions and blooms year-round in vibrant colors.