![Pearson Park and Boysen Cactus Garden, Anaheim](/img/gd_attr/47835.jpg)
Pearson Park and Boysen Cactus Garden, Anaheim
Pearson Park, formerly known as City Park, underwent a meaningful transformation in 1960 when it was renamed to honor Anaheim’s mayor from 1945-1959. This historic site, steeped in Anaheim's legacy, serves as a testament to the city's rich history and enduring community spirit.
At the heart of Pearson Park lies the iconic Pearson Park Amphitheatre, a beloved summer tradition for families spanning generations. Since its inception in 1933, this picturesque venue has been offering an array of performances against the backdrop of Spanish-style architecture adorned with terra-cotta roof tiles and vibrant flora. The amphitheater's timeless appeal, characterized by towering Mexican Fan Palms, delicate Pygmy Date Palms, and bursts of colorful Impatiens, makes it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Pearson Park lies the Boysen Cactus Garden, a living tribute to Rudolph "Rudy" Boysen, Anaheim's former Superintendent of City Parks and the visionary behind the famed boysenberry. Here, a diverse collection of cacti, including rare species sourced from expeditions to Arizona, Mexico, and California's deserts, blooms in vibrant hues, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural wonders of the region.
The story of the Boysen Cactus Garden is intertwined with the serendipitous discovery of the boysenberry, a delectable fruit that would ultimately catapult Boysen and his collaborator, Walter Knott, to fame. As George Darrow of the USDA and Knott embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of this mysterious berry, they stumbled upon Boysen's abandoned experiments in Anaheim. Transplanting the frail vines to Knott's farm in Buena Park, they nurtured them back to health, leading to the birth of the boysenberry and the establishment of Knott's Berry Farm.
At the heart of Pearson Park lies the iconic Pearson Park Amphitheatre, a beloved summer tradition for families spanning generations. Since its inception in 1933, this picturesque venue has been offering an array of performances against the backdrop of Spanish-style architecture adorned with terra-cotta roof tiles and vibrant flora. The amphitheater's timeless appeal, characterized by towering Mexican Fan Palms, delicate Pygmy Date Palms, and bursts of colorful Impatiens, makes it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Pearson Park lies the Boysen Cactus Garden, a living tribute to Rudolph "Rudy" Boysen, Anaheim's former Superintendent of City Parks and the visionary behind the famed boysenberry. Here, a diverse collection of cacti, including rare species sourced from expeditions to Arizona, Mexico, and California's deserts, blooms in vibrant hues, offering visitors a glimpse into the natural wonders of the region.
The story of the Boysen Cactus Garden is intertwined with the serendipitous discovery of the boysenberry, a delectable fruit that would ultimately catapult Boysen and his collaborator, Walter Knott, to fame. As George Darrow of the USDA and Knott embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of this mysterious berry, they stumbled upon Boysen's abandoned experiments in Anaheim. Transplanting the frail vines to Knott's farm in Buena Park, they nurtured them back to health, leading to the birth of the boysenberry and the establishment of Knott's Berry Farm.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Anaheim. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Pearson Park and Boysen Cactus Garden on Map
Sight Name: Pearson Park and Boysen Cactus Garden
Sight Location: Anaheim, USA (See walking tours in Anaheim)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Anaheim, USA (See walking tours in Anaheim)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Anaheim, California
Create Your Own Walk in Anaheim
Creating your own self-guided walk in Anaheim is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Anaheim Introduction Walking Tour
An integral part of California's Orange County, Anaheim is known globally as the home of Disneyland Resort. The word “Anaheim” derives from a blend of 'Ana' (after the nearby Santa Ana River) and 'heim,' a common German place name meaning 'home', as the city was founded in 1857 by fifty German families.
Among the local historical treasures is Founders’... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Among the local historical treasures is Founders’... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles