Strybing is a microcosm of the diversity of its host city. You can stroll around the world by way of a century-old redwood grove, a Mexican cloud forest, Cape Province aloes, Peruvian lilies, or a Japanese moon-viewing garden. Sniff aromatics mentioned in the good book at the Biblical Garden, marvel at the butterfly area in the Children's Garden, or, in the California natives section, see the grasses that greeted early settlers as they came West.

Benches along paths provide convenient places to sit and contemplate nature. There's even an indoor haven with churchlike calm—the 20,000-volume Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, a wellspring of information for professional and home gardeners, nature lovers, curious readers, and children. Kids come for story time, 10:30 a.m. the first and third Sundays of the month.

The arboretum's McBean Pond is a wintering ground for waterfowl, including buffleheads, coots, wood ducks, and a female hooded merganser. Species from hummingbirds to hawks have been spotted in this prime habitat. "It has plants in fruit or bloom year-round, water, and sheltered nesting," says field guide Allan Ridley. Catch his free tour the first Sunday of each month, starting from the arboretum entrance at 8 a.m.

Price Check: Admission to the nearby Japanese Tea Garden—$3.50, plus $2.95 for tea and cookies. Admission to the seldom-crowded arboretum where no dogs, bicycles, in-line skates, skateboards, or cars may roam—free.