What is Gardens of the World?
Gardens of the World was dedicated to the community in December 2001 and was created by the Hogan family, founders of Pleasant Holidays, who wanted to share the beauty they found in their travels. The gardens are privately owned and operated by the Hogan Family Foundation, which is why the grounds are so carefully maintained.
What can you see?
- Japanese Garden: A pagoda overlooking a koi pond.
- French Garden: A large cascading waterfall near the entry gates.
- Italian Garden: Tall cypress trees and a chain fountain.
- English Garden: Classic planted beds in a traditional style.
- California Mission Courtyard: Native California plants.
- Bandstand: A central stage that hosts outdoor music, including summer concerts.
A concrete path loops through the gardens, so the visit is easy to do in about an hour.
Visitor tips
- Admission is free.
- Hours: Listings commonly show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry around 4:30 p.m., and closures on Mondays and some holidays. Call 805-557-1135 to confirm before you go.
- Guided tours: Docent-led tours are available. Call ahead to reserve one.
- Rules: Because it is private, it is not a typical park. Expect quiet enjoyment rather than ball games or barbecues.
- Pair it with the Civic Arts Plaza for a show or dinner nearby.
Why it matters for home buyers and sellers
Parks, gardens and public spaces are a major part of what makes a neighborhood feel livable. Homes near downtown Thousand Oaks benefit from access to Gardens of the World, the Civic Arts Plaza, dining and shopping, which is worth highlighting when you list or when you compare neighborhoods as a buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gardens of the World free? Yes, admission is free.
Where is it? 2001 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, across from the Civic Arts Plaza.
How long does a visit take? About an hour for most visitors, or longer with a guided tour.
Can you hold events there? The gardens host community events and are sometimes closed for private ones, so confirm hours before visiting.
Looking for a home near downtown Thousand Oaks? I'm Karen Sandvig with Coldwell Banker. Contact me at karensandvighomes.com or 818-941-7437 and I'll show you the neighborhoods close to the gardens, the Civic Arts Plaza and downtown dining. DRE01507450
