Founded in 1971, the 30 acre gardens display 5,000 different types of plant life, form native southern California species to exotics from as far away as South Africa and the Himalaya. The gardens are also a haven for the eponymous quail and other indigenous birds.

The gardens are divided into geographical and climatic sections. Behind the gift shop are desert plants, an expanse of cactuses and other succulents that includes flora form Madagascar. The arid theme continues in a Mediterranean area with plants from Europe, the Middle East, and the Canary Islands.

Quail offers nature walks, lectures, educational programs, and landscape advice. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 10 am. Activities for children take place Tuesdays through Thursdays.