This is a beautiful location to take pictures. I brought my daughters here a few years ago. We came back again last month to take Prom pictures. They came out so beautiful. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

The WPA Rock Garden is exquisitely landscaped with a variety of drought tolerant plants. At one time this place was filled with ivy and weeds with random little walking pass cut through everywhere. Now the WPA Rock Garden is a lush home for a variety of California natives, succulents, and drought tolerant plants. The design of this green space pairs Sylvia with Russian sage, tall bright dahlias, black eyed Susan and Shasta daisy's, cone flower, lantana, dusty Miller, and soft silvery fuzzy lambs ear. The walking paths are edged with low growing ramblers, and various unique succulents peek through strewn Lodi brown River rock. This is a place to walk-through and appreciate some of California nature's beautiful colors, peaceful foliage and texture. This space provides a pleasing level of texture and interest to the minds eye. Meditate your way, walk through this rock garden breathe deeply and enjoy the pure O2 as it will lift your spirits. Thank you WPA volunteers for maintaining this beautiful space. Endnote: the WPA Rock garden is located in William Land Park across the street from the Zoo. If you park north of the zoo, you can walk across the street at the crosswalk at the light...it's at the top of the amphitheater parking lot. read more

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Gorgeous spot! Great scenery for professional photos to be taken. Get there early!! We showed up around 8:45 on a Saturday morning and right around that time a few other photographers showed up by 9 with the same idea. Still got our photos tho without any interruptions read more

WPA Rock Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Amazing garden, well taken care of, lots of seating and views to fill time and ample street parking.

I didn't even know this is rock garden existed until I saw a pbs show highlighting NorCal WPA projects (including Coit Tower murals in SF). We have some history here which I love. Thus is a beautiful rich rock garden with meandering paths, flowering foliage, towering trees, complete with restful benches to soak in the natural loveliness. The only cons are it's close to the amusement park so you hear the weird haunting calliope music as background, and there are no signs showing you're at the rock garden and its history, or any credit to the longtime county employee now volunteer who regenerated the garden beginning way back in the 80's (I Learned about her from the pbs show). I would also like to have some labels and details regarding the plants' names so I could try to replicate species in the garden at home . And Not Just use a phone app which is clumsy and annoying. Behind the duck pond, use Apple Maps or just follow the funderland signs and park at the end of the large parking lot opposite the zoo on land park drive. read more

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This scenic park is located by the zoo and fairytale town. There is free parking all along this place. There is a trail that intertwines a lot. There are lots of plants and flowers in this area. At the end of the trail (down the hill) is the pond and a small stage. There are geese all around the pond. read more

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I think it was too small for a special trip. Ok for a side trip if you are going to the zoo.

Did a photoshoot here and the green part of the garden was not that big but had a lot of pathways so there's no problem if there are multiple people shooting. It was also shaded and was not hot despite the sun being up. The only downside was there were lots of flies, mosquitoes and huge ants as it's very greeny/full of trees and plants. Once you're outside, there's a part with a pond and no shade and some benches and an open gazebo. This place is very nice to do photoshoots at. Parking was easy and plentiful. read more

I have always loved this garden. I was a little surprised on how this garden looked since last time I was here. It looked unkept. I hope they don't plan to let it go completely. It's such a unique and beautiful garden. This garden is located across from Fairy Tale Town, between the pond and the golf course. The staircase is made of rocks and is where it got its name " rock garden." read more

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Beautiful very small free garden with interesting variety of flowers and plants. The surrounding park was also nice for a walk.

An amazing park with a beautiful huge pond. This place is worth checking out. Bring your camera, lots of eye candy. A variety of wild life and plants. You won't be disappointed you came. Its free too. Its surrounded by other things to do, like a zoo accross the way. read more

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This quaint and beautiful botanical garden across from Fairytale Town is definitely a hidden gem. Most people simply park and head into either Fairytale Town or over to the Zoo without giving it notice, but if you head down the stone pathways you'll find a world of natural wonders. Whoever manages this garden (the city?) usually does a great job. SUre, the occasional visitor might leave some trash around or, in the case of my latest visit, a melted ice cream cone on a bench. But the plants and water and pathways are all well-maintained and beautiful. There are a lot of succulents and a good array of plants that are of interest all year. After all, Sacramento summertime is now 10 months a year, right? Consider this one of the many spots in the greater WIlliam Land Park for you to do everything from picnic to walk to relax to simply zoning out. read more

I had a full afternoon to myself to wander around Sacramento and was planning a trip to William Land Park and the zoo. I had read about the WPA Rock Garden but wasn't sure if it would be easy to find or worth a stop. It turns out, it was both! The garden looks small from the outside, but once you venture in, it contains deceptively more paths and flowers than I expected. Coming on the last day of spring, there were still quite a few flowers in bloom and the emphasis seems to be on native plants. I was surprised at how lush and colorful the garden was. Small paths meander throughout and there are a few spots to sit and enjoy the garden. Although you are not too far from the main park, the noise and traffic fade away. Lots of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to watch and if I lived nearby, I can see this being a great spot for peace and solitude. If you love gardens and enjoy taking a few deep breaths, surrounded by nature, this is a lovely little garden spot and a not-so-hidden gem in Sacramento. read more

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Set in the lush greenery of William Land Park, is the WPA Rock Garden. Next to the Fairytale Town, the Sacramento Zoo, Golf Course and Amphitheater and Sport Fields. It's a nice park to take a walk through on a Sunny Saturday. I would have never guessed that this was the name of the park since it looks like a Botanical Garden with the colorful flowers and thriving plants are the focus of this area. I would love to learn the names of some of the plants I saw and took pictures of, but when I googled Botanical plants I realized I was in over my head with different plant species. I wish they had little name tags for the plants like some other Botanical Gardens do. read more

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Always a nice place to stop bye when visiting William land park. This garden is located right next to the outdoor theater and across the street from the fairytale town parking lot. You will see alot of people taking wedding photos and wandering around. There are several paths you can take while at this garden so enjoy getting lost and maintaining social distance. Dogs allowed on leash. Lots of beautiful plant species to admire. Bike path close. Great picnic areas and family areas as well read more

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It's a beautiful park! I went here to take prom photos and it was an enjoyable experience. The photos came out great. The only reason it isn't five stars is because everything has its imperfections. I do recommend this place for a person who finds joy in nature. read more

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Beautiful little garden straight across from a big pond amply packed with gorgeous, pink lotus flowers! It was a wonderful treat to enjoy this garden after grabbing some lunch at Bodhi Bowl (bomb Vietnamese food). Great place to get some professional photos or just enjoy various flowers, plants and trees read more

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Such a beautiful garden amongst the business of the Land Park area. Settled right next to Fairytale Town and the duck pond. So well kept, gorgeous plants and flowers. It's a hidden gem! read more

One clever and industrious husband + one sunny winter day + two young children who like pirates + one torn piece of a brown paper grocery bag made into a treasure map + several stray gumball prizes found around the house + loose change from pockets + one tin box + a trip to the rock garden = One hour of outdoor fun looking for hidden pirates' treasure around the rock garden. Loot dumped out at adjacent amphitheater and booty distributed equally to pirates-in-training. Arrrrrrrr. read more

There are some weeks that are so stressful I feel like my head is going to shoot off like a champagne cork. Those are the times the WPA Rock Garden is my spot to relax and have a moment of peace. It isn't very big, but it's in the middle of William Land Park, easily accessible, and never crowded. No matter what season there is always something lush or blooming to admire. Busy bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flit around and sometimes lizards scurry between the bushes. There are small paths and spots to sit. One of the things I really like is that you can't see the entire garden from any one spot and don't always know what is around the corner. There are many different types of plants/flowers, but they aren't labeled, so it might be fun to bring an identification book. It's a great opportunity for photography, Scouting achievements, or just getting away from it all. read more

WPA Rock Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Minus 1 star for not having much in the way of interesting rocks. The WPA Rock Garden in land park rocks, thanks to a wide array of wildflowers, succulents and a few trees and shrubs that come as close as we get in Sac to an arboretum. I came by during a festival in the spring with my mom and was surprised that there weren't many rocks. It is an actual garden with lots of native plants, drought-tolerant plants, and a ton of wildflowers. There are trees interspersed throughout the area with a mix of sun and shade. Multiple levels and pathways lead through the complex maze of plants. You'll find many benches and other seating opportunities, as well as a few pieces of public art. Great for kids, they love to play among the plants and run and hide around the paths. Head over to the WPA Rock Garden any time of year to show off this beautiful park and the variety of wonderful plants you can grow in our area. read more

Such a beautiful "honey hole" tucked in by Fairy Book Land. A wide variety of flowers, plants and succulents. We especially loved the romantic glider in front of the lily pond fountain. read more

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It's so beautiful and peaceful here! Love how relaxing it is here.. all the flowers so pretty,I like to come here before work and just seat and enjoy the beauty. read more

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Awesome little gem in the city. Found a couple plants we'd like to get for our home and we could see them in full sun and partial. So much easier to know where to plant when you can see in a garden and not a store. Love the smokey trees and dill plants. And the tree with the purple and white flowers that I haven't found the name yet. Don't think I have a shady enough spot anyways but loved that tree. read more

WPA Rock Garden - Smokey tree - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Cute little place to walk around. Lots of pretty flowers. I don't think I would make a special trip to see it. However if you're in the area it's worth a stroll. read more

This has been a consistently awesome portrait session location! There are so many options here as well as many many varieties of plant life! This has proven an entertaining spot for the little ones as well as a great point of interest for the older folks. This will continue to be a go to spot for Stim! read more

I read Gretchen's review and decided to take my 9 year-old here. It's actually very nice, even in Fall. When we arrived, we let the boy lead the way and take us on the path of his choosing. There were so many different types of plants, trees, cactus, and bushes here... many of which I'd never seen before. My only gripes are that I wish it were bigger (it's actually only about 50 square yards, and you can make your rounds in a matter of minutes, unless you take your time) and that it's probably much nicer looking during Spring. We'll give it another go for sure. read more

If you are visiting the zoo or fairytale land the wpa rock garden is a great place to stroll through. The area is small but is full of lush greenery, flowers and trees. At the end of the rock trail there is a gazebo swing which is a great place to sit back and enjoy your surroundings. Take a walk down by the pond and check out the ducks and their cute ducklings. Watch out for the goose poop it everywhere. read more

Small but pretty and peaceful. If you're near the zoo stop by for a visit.

This tiny gem is my favorite place in all of Sacramento! When I first saw the WPA Rock Garden more than twenty years ago (while waiting for a performance of Shakespeare in the Park), I thought 'What a nice idea. Too bad that it has been neglected and is so overgrown.' When I saw it again some years later, it had been magically transformed into a place of stunning charm and beauty. Actually is wasn't really the result of magic but of the vision and dedication of local hero Daisy Mah, a city parks maintenance worker with a degree in art. Although some people wanted to change the name to 'Daisy's Garden,' I agree with Daisy that 'WPA Rock Garden' is an appropriate reminder of the wonderful work that American artists, writers, and and others were able to do under the auspices of the WPA. (My mother supported the family by playing in a WPA symphony orchestra that included graduates of the Julliard and Curtis institutes). read more