Gardens of the World, Thousand Oaks

Gardens of the World is a lovely treat in the middle of Thousand Oaks. You would never guess that such a peaceful place could be found amongst the commercial strip malls of Thousand Oaks! Step through the fancy ironwork entrance gate and first you are transported into France, to the grand fountain that is found at Versailles. Boxwood hedges in the shape of a butterfly delight you. Next, walk up the winding walkway past blossoming trees to the Caifornia Missions Courtyard. Built like a traditional mission courtyard, it is a walled garden enclosing orange trees and a Spanish fountain. At the missions, the lower level of the fountain was for chickens to drink, the middle level for horses, and the highest level for people! The stucco walls are painted with pretty murals of all 21 missions. I loved the courtyard!

Next you will find yourself at the Japanese pagoda surrounded by tranquil water features: bubbling creeks and a koi pond. Bamboo stretches to the sky and arched bridges add to the magic. Continue past the bandstand, a staple American gathering place for the townspeople in towns across the country. Politicians used to give their speeches at bandstands in the town centers and families gathered for live music, which can be done here in the summer.
The Italian garden is a small section of sloped lawn with a terraced fountain and a row of cypress trees. The symmetry is lovely. Walk down the winding path to the English garden where you will find delicate pretty flowers in abundance, vibrant purple cabbage, roses, and archways with climbing vines. What a nice diversion on a weekend afternoon!
Play on the playground at The Lakes Mall just down the street. If you're hungry, it's always delicious to eat at P.F. Chang's, a two minute drive from the gardens, at The Lakes Mall.

Directions

Gardens of the World is located at 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks CA 91362, call (805) 557-1135. Open Tues-Sat 9-5. Closed Sunday and Monday. It is free!
From Highway 101 southbound, exit at Rancho Rd and turn left on Rancho Rd. Turn right on Thousand Oaks Blvd. The gardens are on your left, across the street from the Civic Arts Plaza. Find a parking along the road.
From Highway 101 northbound, exit at Hampshire Rd. Turn right on Hampshire Rd and then left on Thousand Oaks Blvd. The gardens are on your right, across the street from the Civic Arts Plaza. Find a parking along the road.
Click "satellite" and zoom in to see the gardens from the air.

Click on map for interactive view