Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, California

(Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardens_of_the_World)

I'm new to this community (and I really hope that map code thing worked). I mostly post artwork and comics on my Hive blog, but I have a rather interesting life, so thought I'd share some of it here. First and foremost, I am homeless. I am homeless by choice, though. I am a full-time, traveling, nomadic pet-sitter, so I spend most of the year living in other people's homes taking care of their pets. Since I am constantly traveling, and since I am not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, whenever I go to a new city or town I look in Atlas Obscura for anything to see there.

If you’re not familiar with Atlas Obscura, (http://atlasobscura.com) it’s not your average travel guide. Unlike mainstream sites that spotlight big landmarks and tourist attractions, Atlas Obscura highlights hidden gems, unusual places, and offbeat experiences around the world. It’s a guide for the curious traveler—the kind of person who would rather stumble upon a quirky roadside monument, a forgotten ruin, or a cultural garden than wait in line at a theme park.

I was first introduced to the Atlas by a couch surfer and avid traveler in Santa Barbara named Steve H. Steve H., was also responsible for creating one of the attractions now listed in Atlas Obscura. He started the "Wall of Frogs" in Santa Barbara, although I should point out that he originally called it "The Frog Shrine" (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wall-of-frogs)

Anyway, all that was to introduce you to one Atlas Obscura landmark I recently visited here in Southern California: The Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks.

Located across from the Civic Arts Plaza, The Gardens of the World is a beautifully landscaped public garden that transports visitors across continents in a single stroll. It says that it is six acres, but it seems much smaller than that. The gardens were created as a gift to the community by the Hogan family and opened to the public in 2001.

The paths are all paved in concrete and have only very slight slopes, so most people should have no trouble walking through it. It's also small enough that you will not get lost. As you follow the main loop, you are guided on a kind of miniature world tour:

The French Garden & Fountain welcomes you with its symmetry, elegance, and flowing water, reminiscent of classic European design.

The Japanese Garden offers serenity, with a koi pond, pagoda, and a bridge that instantly sets a tranquil mood.

The Mission Courtyard honors California’s Spanish heritage with colorful tile work, a central fountain, and bougainvillea climbing the walls.

The English Perennial & Rose Garden bursts with color, framed by manicured hedges and pathways.

There is also The Italian Garden with cypress trees, statues, and grapevine-covered arbors that feel like a slice of Tuscany. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of that section. Sorry! I'm new... I probably was distracted by a cute squirrel.

Each section feels immersive, and the transition from one to another is seamless yet distinct—making it easy to lose track of time as you wander.

The Gardens of the World isn’t vast, but it’s one of those places that rewards slow exploration. It’s free to enter, family-friendly, and perfect for photography, sketching, or simply taking a break from the bustle of everyday life. It is worth visiting if you are a local or just passing through Thousand Oaks.

Additional Bonus: Visiting the garden is FREE. Just check Google maps to make sure it is open first. It is closed on Mondays, and also Sundays I believe. There are also occasional musical performances at the bandstand in the center of the garden.

I am Matt S. Law, homeless full-time nomadic pet-sitter and cartoonist traveling through the United States primarily in California.

Java Jaguar is the star of his own web comic found here on my Hive blog and also at http://javajaguar.com.