San Mateo Arboretum

San Mateo Arboretum is a botanical garden within Central Park containing sections of pine, oak, cedar, and coast redwood trees spread across multiple acres. The site also includes an adjacent Japanese tea garden with traditional design elements that adds another dimension to the overall landscape.

John McLaren planted the original collection of trees over 100 years ago on the William Kohl estate, establishing the foundation for what exists today. This early planting effort later grew into an organized effort to maintain and expand the garden.

The space is cared for by dedicated volunteers who share their plant knowledge with visitors during guided walks through the gardens. This hands-on approach to gardening creates a sense of community involvement that shapes how the place feels today.

The garden opens only on certain days of the week and is managed by volunteer staff who also offer guided tours. It is helpful to check the opening times in advance and ask about tours to make the most of your visit.

The Japanese tea garden was designed by Nagao Sakurai and reflects the sister-city relationship between San Mateo and Toyonaka, Japan. Many visitors overlook this design feature, but those who find it consider it a special hidden element of the grounds.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.56090,-122.32100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23