Discover Santa Monica’s Hidden Gardens & Architectural Gems
Santa Monica’s only guided walking tour, led by locals who bring nature, design, and history to life.
Discover Santa Monica’s Hidden Gardens & Architectural Gems
Santa Monica’s only guided walking tour with the spirit of a hike — led by locals through hidden stairways, garden-lined streets, and canyons alive with nature, design, and history
Our Guides
At Garden Safaris, every hike is led by a local who brings deep knowledge, a love of beauty, and a personal connection to Santa Monica. Together, our docents combine backgrounds in preservation, horticulture, design, and storytelling to create experiences that are as enriching as they are delightful. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s architectural history, its vibrant plant life, or its hidden neighborhood gems, our guides share Santa Monica in a way that feels both intimate and unforgettable.
Let’s Plan Your Garden Safari
Whether you’d like to join one of our scheduled tours or design a private Safari tailored to your interests, we’d love to hear from you.
Testimonials
Client Reviews
Talia and Rachel
Studio city
I’m always looking for something fun to do in Los Angeles, and this walking tour was such a great surprise! Even though I live just five miles away, I had no idea this part of Los Angeles even existed. Exploring the hidden stairways and hearing the history behind them made me feel like I was discovering a secret city within my own hometown. It was so much fun!
Robert
San Francisco
I’ve taken walking tours all over the world, but Garden Safari stands out. The way the guide wove together stories about architecture, plants, and local culture made every stop feel alive. It wasn’t just a walk; it was like seeing Santa Monica through the eyes of a friend who truly loves it.
Let’s Plan Your Garden Safari
Whether you’d like to join one of our scheduled tours or design a private Safari tailored to your interests, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Founders
Garden Safari was founded by Marcia Miller and Natalie Wampler, two Santa Monica locals united by their love of beauty and history. Marcia is a visual artist and entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for design and the quiet inspiration found in nature. Natalie is a preservationist and horticultural researcher with expertise in historic landscapes and cultural interpretation. Together, they envisioned Garden Safaris as a way to share Santa Monica’s hidden gardens, architectural gems, and vibrant botanicals with visitors from around the world.