We often go on weekend trips to Northern California and always pass by Lost Hills, CA. It’s our 3-hour mark, and traveling with dogs means time for a potty break. We are so happy to find a wonderful dog park located at dog friendly The Lavender Garden on CA Hwy. 46 at Lost Hills, CA.
The Lavender Garden at Lost Hills, CA
The Lavender Garden is halfway between Bakersfield and the Central Coast (about 30 minutes southwest from Paso Robles, off Highway 46).
This family-owned The Lavender Garden is on five acres filled with lovely lavender plants and the only existing lavender farm in Kern County — an area renowned for its bountiful gold fields.
What are Lavender Plants?
Lavender plants are a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. There are around 28 different species of lavender.
The most common species of lavender is the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Lavender plants are native to the Mediterranean region, but they can now be found all over the world. Lavender plants are known for their strong, sweet-smelling fragrance.
The flowers and leaves of lavender plants are used to make essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy and in many different types of products (including for pets). Lavender plants are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Are Dogs Safe Around Lavender Plants?
Lavender plants are not known to be poisonous to dogs. However, ASPCA list Lavender as a toxic plant to dogs. Why? Lavender does contain low compound linalool (alcohol found in many flowers) which is toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts and can cause your dog vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, seizures, and other serious conditions.
If your dog has a habit of eating flower buds, make sure to watch him carefully when roaming a lavender field.
5 Reasons to Visit The Lavender Garden at Lost Hills, CA
1. Dog Friendly
The Lavender Garden loves dogs and welcomes dogs on leashes to explore the garden.
When we visited, it was so hot, and there were not much Lavender blooms. One of the workers informed us that June and July are the best months to visit the farm, see lots of Lavender blooms and take great photos.
2. Dog Park and Dinosaur Park
The Lavender Garden knows many people travel with their dogs. They built a 1,000 square ft. grassy and fully fenced dog park. Surrounding the dog park are different dog breed sculptures.
Next to the dog park is an awesome dinosaur park. There are five dinosaur sculptures, and recently, they added a backdrop for awesome dinosaur photos.
3. FUN Animal Sculptures
Throughout their garden, there are so many animal sculptures. These sculptures are the greeters and are so lifelike (looks so real).
Some of the animal sculptures are Promise the Panda and our German Shepard, Goat, Pigs, Golden Lab, Cows, Donkey, Horse, Tiger, Bull Dog, Zen Dog, and Dinosaurs.
They have a Scavenger Hunt activity that you can get at the Gift Shop. When you find all the animals in the activity, you’ll receive a surprise gift.
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4. Gift Shop
The Lavender Garden Gift Shop is located by their outdoor patio. The shop features lavender products handcrafted on-site or regionally produced.
*Bonus for the weekend (human) travelers: By the gift shop, they have a very clean public restroom too.
5. Events
The Lavender Garden has special weekend events for the whole family. On our last visit, they had an Autumn Harvest Truck decor for photos and a BBQ day.
For further details about The Lavender Garden, visit their site at thelavendergarden.com and get informed on their social accounts Instagram and Facebook.
If you are traveling with your dog at CA Hwy. 46, make sure to stop by at dog friendly The Lavender Garden, Lost Hills CA.
