Blake Garden Kensington
A serene 10.5-acre garden in Kensington, offering stunning bay views, diverse flora, and whimsical features. A peaceful escape managed by UC Berkeley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Blake Garden Kensington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 10.5-acre garden in Kensington, offering stunning bay views, diverse flora, and whimsical features. A peaceful escape managed by UC Berkeley.
"This is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Located in Kensington and overlooking the bay and Golden Gate, the garden is a real gem."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Onsite parking is scarce. Consider carpooling or arriving early. Street parking can be tight. :car:
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this beautiful space. Consider contributing to its upkeep. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Bay Views
Various viewpoints throughout the garden
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from this elevated oasis.
Whimsical Garden Features
Throughout the garden
Discover delightful surprises like a blackberry tunnel and a bathtub planter, adding a touch of magic.
Diverse Plant Collections
Various garden sections
Explore a rich tapestry of plant life, from majestic trees to native California flora and a vibrant koi pond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday Visits are Key
Embrace the Tranquility
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Onsite parking is scarce. Consider carpooling or arriving early. Street parking can be tight. :car:
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this beautiful space. Consider contributing to its upkeep. :moneybag:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a stroll with your furry friend.
🎨 Art & Nature
Join a plein air painting class or enjoy a musical performance amidst the garden's beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Onsite parking is scarce. Consider carpooling or arriving early. Street parking can be tight. :car:
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this beautiful space. Consider contributing to its upkeep. :moneybag:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a stroll with your furry friend.
🎨 Art & Nature
Join a plein air painting class or enjoy a musical performance amidst the garden's beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Blake Garden as a 'secret garden' and 'heaven on earth,' praising its stunning bay views, diverse plant life, and whimsical features. It's a free, peaceful escape from the Bay Area's hustle, though limited weekday hours and parking are noted drawbacks. +1
"This is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Located in Kensington and overlooking the bay and Golden Gate, the garden is a real gem.
Though it's free visit, please consider making a donation to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep.
Keep in mind, that it isn't open on weekends. Also onsite parking is limited and the surrounding residential streets are narrow and can get crowded."
Tino Plank
"This is a beautiful garden in Kensington, Berkeley, free to visit.
Former Blake family residence, it was donated to UC Berkeley and is now a public garden. The house was closed for visitors when we visited on August 2025. Not sure if it will be ever open to the public, but the surrounding gardens are definitely worth exploring.
House was built to break the NW winds , and the placement of the gardens allow for magnificent views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Heaven on Earth!"
Anastasia M
"Very impressed. Lots of experiences packed into the space - wide variety of shade and sun gardens. Some majestic trees including coastal redwoods. Many whimsical features keep the experience fun and reward curiosity 🙂"
Chuck Collis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blake Garden is located at 70 Rincon Road in Kensington, CA. While it's in the Berkeley hills, it's best accessed by car. Onsite parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended. If driving, be prepared for narrow residential streets.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to Blake Garden. The nearest BART stations are in Berkeley, requiring a further bus or rideshare to reach the garden. It's generally easier to drive or use a rideshare service.
From Highway 101 North or South, take the CA-13 North exit towards Berkeley. Merge onto CA-24 East and take the CA-123 North exit towards Oakland. Continue on CA-123 North, then take the Ashby Avenue exit. Turn right onto Ashby Avenue, then left onto Arlington Avenue, which becomes Spruce Street. Turn right onto Rincon Road, and Blake Garden will be on your left.
Yes, there is limited onsite parking available at Blake Garden. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on busy weekdays. Visitors are advised to arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
Biking to Blake Garden is possible, but be prepared for hilly terrain in the Kensington area. There are no specific bike racks mentioned, so plan accordingly for securing your bicycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Blake Garden is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on weekends and major holidays.
No, admission to Blake Garden is free! It's a wonderful public space for everyone to enjoy.
No advance booking is required for Blake Garden as it's a free-access public garden. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Unfortunately, Blake Garden is not open on weekends. It operates exclusively from Monday to Friday.
Blake Garden occasionally hosts events like plein air painting classes and musical performances. It's best to check their official website or social media for upcoming events.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Blake Garden offers a variety of experiences, including exploring diverse plant collections, enjoying panoramic bay views, discovering whimsical garden features like a blackberry tunnel, and relaxing by a koi pond. It's a peaceful place for a stroll or quiet contemplation. +1
Yes, Blake Garden is generally suitable for children. Its winding paths and unique features can be engaging for younger visitors. It's also dog-friendly for well-behaved pets.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors are welcome to find a quiet spot to enjoy a light picnic. Please be mindful of the garden's tranquility and pack out everything you bring in.
Information regarding restroom facilities at Blake Garden is not widely publicized. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit or be prepared for limited options.
Blake Garden features a wide array of plants, including majestic trees like coastal redwoods, native California flora, and various shade and sun gardens. You'll also find a koi pond with large koi fish.
📸 📸 Photography
The garden offers numerous picturesque spots, especially areas with panoramic bay views, the unique bathtub planter, the blackberry tunnel, and the koi pond. The diverse plant life also provides excellent opportunities for nature photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. It's always a good idea to check with the garden management if you plan extensive professional shoots.
Weekday afternoons, especially closer to closing time, can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. Morning light can also be lovely, but the garden can be cooler and less crowded then.
Drone usage is typically not permitted in public gardens or parks due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscape views and detailed plant shots. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers and insects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While there aren't specific play structures, the sheer beauty and exploration potential of the garden offer plenty of engagement. Pack a light picnic to enjoy in a quiet spot, and let the kids discover the wonders of nature in this serene setting. Remember to check the weekday hours before you go!
🎨 Art & Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider joining one of the plein air painting classes offered here, or simply bring your own sketchbook and camera to capture the beauty at your own pace. The golden hour light on weekday afternoons can be particularly magical for photography.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
Take your time exploring the various garden sections, discover hidden corners, and simply soak in the restorative environment. The limited parking and weekday-only access tend to keep the crowds manageable, ensuring a more personal experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legacy of Blake Garden
This donation ensured that the garden would continue to be a place of beauty, research, and public enjoyment. Today, it serves as an invaluable living laboratory for students and faculty, offering opportunities for horticultural study, landscape design exploration, and botanical research. The garden's legacy is one of preservation, education, and the enduring appreciation of nature's artistry.
Visitors can still experience the thoughtful design of the Blakes, with its winding paths, varied microclimates, and carefully curated plant collections. The garden's placement in the Kensington hills also provides unique opportunities for studying the interaction of plants with the local environment and the stunning views it offers of the San Francisco Bay.
Exploring the Garden's Unique Features
The garden also boasts a beautiful koi pond, teeming with large, colorful koi fish that add a sense of tranquility and life to the landscape. Beyond these playful touches, the garden is a testament to horticultural diversity. You'll find majestic trees, including towering coastal redwoods, alongside a wide variety of native California plants and meticulously maintained shade and sun gardens.
These diverse collections provide a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and scents throughout the year. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with numerous paths leading to hidden nooks and scenic overlooks, making each visit a discovery.
Blake Garden as a Community Hub
The garden has also hosted musical performances, with artists like Eric Olson sharing their talents amidst the serene surroundings, adding an auditory dimension to the visual splendor. Furthermore, Blake Garden is known for being kid-friendly and dog-friendly for well-behaved pets, making it an accessible destination for families and pet owners looking for an outdoor escape. This inclusivity contributes to its role as a beloved local spot for relaxation and recreation.
Visitors often share their personal connections to the garden, with some remembering it as a place introduced by loved ones, highlighting its role in creating lasting memories.
The free admission and welcoming environment encourage repeat visits and a sense of belonging for those who frequent its paths. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit