The San Diego Botanic Garden is a sprawling oasis of greenery in a desert city. Cool off in a tropical rainforest, look at interesting sculptures and let kids play in the activity gardens.
Wander through the 30 themed gardens and feel like you’ve taken a little trip around the world. Walk through an atmospheric bamboo grove that forms one of the largest species collections of its kind in the United States. See what the flower of a kangaroo paw looks like in the Australian Garden and hear the whispering sounds made by the fronds of the plants in the Palm Canyon.
Take a photo of the mariachi band made from topiary trees and see the beautiful mosaics in the Mexican Garden. The Mediterranean Garden has a lovely mature cork tree and is complemented by an olive tree orchard. Don’t miss the dramatic dragon trees from the far-off Canary Islands.
Watch your kids as they encounter the wonderful world of Hamilton Children's Garden. Toni’s Tree House emerges from an old Banyan tree and looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Observe the birds in the quail enclosure, build a sand castle and play a few fun games. Check the schedule to see what children’s craft activities are planned during the week.
Get your camera ready and bring the entire family to visit Sam, a real live Galapagos turtle. This much-loved member of the reptile family is over 50 years old and weighs about 600 pounds (270 kilograms).
Discover the plants used by the Kumeyaay people for medicine, food, clothes and construction. The coastal plant communities found along the Native Plants and Native People Trail have been used by this group for over 10,000 years and are fascinating reminders of the continent’s long human history.
Climb up to the Overlook Natural Area platform that offers breathtaking views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Use the telescope for a closer look. Pay for admission at the gate to the garden, which is open 7 days a week.
A walk through the San Diego Botanic Garden is like a breath of fresh air.
