Take a soul-satisfying jaunt around this 40-acre botanic garden, devoted to California’s native flora. More than 5 miles of partly wheelchair-accessible trails meander past cacti, redwoods and wildflowers and by the old mission dam, originally built by Chumash tribespeople to irrigate the mission’s fields. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Guided tours typically depart at 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 2pm on Monday.
On Saturday and Sunday, MTD bus 22 from the mission stops at the gardens upon request. If you’re driving, head north from the mission to Foothill Blvd (Hwy 192), turn right and then left to continue on Mission Canyon Rd.