Donald Olson

Donald Olson

Donald Olson is a playwright, novelist and travel writer. He is the author of The California Garden Tour—The 50 Best Gardens to Visit in the Golden State. His bestselling guide, The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour—The 60 Best Gardens to Visit in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia was named by Library Journal as one of the best reference guides of 2014. Donald also took most of the photographs for both of these popular guides. His travel stories have appeared in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Books, and many other national publications. Over the years, Donald has written more than thirty guidebooks to European and U.S. destinations. He is the author of seven published novels and his plays have been seen in Europe and the U.S. Find Donald at donaldstevenolson.com


Bay Area Beauties: Three Hidden Gems In and Around San Francisco

Donald Olson, author of The California Garden Tour, takes you on a fascinating journey to three remarkable Bay Area gardens. You’ll marvel at the gardens that grace the notorious prison island of Alcatraz; stroll through the tranquil landscapes of the second-oldest Japanese garden in the U.S.; and visit one of the first and most captivating succulent gardens in California, home to drought-resistant plants from around the world.