The San Diego Botanic Garden features 37 acres of stunning views, trails, beautiful trees, and exotic and local plants including the largest collection of bamboo in the world. Because of San Diego’s temperate weather, there are more than 4,000 thriving species of plants from around the globe in the gardens.
At the Natural Overlook Area, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean through a free viewing telescope. You should allow 2 to 4 hours to enjoy the gardens. For those traveling with kids, there are 2 children’s gardens featuring endless play options including a Mountain Stream, Toni’s Tree House, and Music Making area.
San Diego Botanic Garden - one of the highlights of 10 Best Family Things to Do in San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)
photo by cultivar413 (CC BY 2.0) modified
Highlights of the San Diego Botanic Garden
You will find 29 different gardens at the San Diego Botanic Garden, each featuring a distinct theme. In the Mediterranean Garden, you can explore a forest of cork oak trees, take in the fragrance of rosemary, lavender, and rock rose, and view beautiful cyclamen, irises, and daffodils.
The Dickinson Family Education Conservatory is a favorite among guests with its display of rare and remarkable tropical plants and beautiful “plant chandeliers” that flow down from the ceilings. Other gardens include the Undersea Succulent Garden, Walled Garden, Mexican Garden, Native Plants and Native People Trail, and Canary Islands Garden.
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Good to know about the San Diego Botanic Garden
If you plan to spend the day at the San Diego Botanic Garden, you can find coffee and snacks at the Feel Good Coffee Cart. You can bring a picnic to eat in the gardens or grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Admission is for the whole day, and you can come and go as you please.
The gardens can be found just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. While you are in the area, you may enjoy a stop at nearby Moonlight State Beach where you can relax on the sand with equipment rentals, a snack bar, volleyball courts, and a playground.
photo by cultivar413 (CC BY 2.0) modified
San Diego Botanic Garden
Location: 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)
Phone: +1 760-436-3036
Start planning your trip
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