If you enjoy visiting botanical gardens, then the San Diego Botanical Garden is a definite must visit attraction if you are in the area. Located about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in the coastal community of Encinitas, the garden is a wonderful experience especially with any of the garden docents that will take you on a fun discovery tour of the gardens.
What to see at the San Diego Botanical Garden
The gardens were gifted to the city of San Diego from their donors the Charles and Ruth Larabee who loved this beautiful property overlooking the bluffs of Rancho Mesa, just north of San Diego. Drawn to this natural wonderland, the Larabee’s have been constantly building up their magnificent gardens and have been steady collectors of mostly Mediterranean loving plants. They planted regional and Mediterranean specimens mostly from South America and Mexico that thrive well in this warm environment in the hillsides fronting the ocean.
Front gate entry to the home at San Diego Botanical Garden
Beautiful mosaics and fountains in the garden
In order to save the California quails that were loosing their habitat, the decided to gift the entire property to the city in 1957 to have a safe haven for them. This garden is also open for the public to enjoy the beautiful love of plants and  botanical garden and gorgeous coastal views. The botanical garden has maintained this magnificent place as stewards and upholds their vision of environmental awareness and conservation, a wildlife sanctuary and a learning center for all to enjoy.
A quiet respite from the urban jungle San Diego
Pond views at San Diego Botanical Garden
The San Diego botanical gardens and trails
With over 4 miles of trails, you also get to see some amazing scenic landscapes, views to the ocean and over 25 individual gardens like the South American Desert Garden, Mexican Garden, walled garden, New Zealand garden, sub-tropical fruit garden – you can spend an entire morning to all day here. You can do a self guided tour, but I would recommend going with a docent who will give you the history, tour and other special inform and hidden places to see while visiting the various gardens.
Colorful and whimsical sculpture found in the gardens
Subtropical zone and waterfall at the garden
Lush plantings and waterfall at the San Diego Botanical Garden
Annuals and cactus blooms at San Diego Botanical Garden
Details to visiting the San Diego Botanical Garden
Hours of operation 9 to 5 daily
Cost $14 adults, $10 seniors/students/military with ID.
Check out the website here for more details, entry and calendar of events at the gardens.
Desert cactus blooms at San Diego Botanical Garden
For more posts about places to visit nearby, check the following:
Top 40 things to do in San Diego
Exploring Balboa Park in San Diego
A visit to Queen Califia’s Magical Garden
Visiting San Juan Capistrano Mission
Front entry at San Diego Botanical Garden
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Me and my daughter was in California last summer, we were house sitters in a small town called Anza located between LA and San Diego. Afterwards we went on a short road trip, but sadly did not visit the San Diego botanical garden. After reading this post I wish we had! I love botanical gardens, we have a very nice one here in Stockholm as well, the Bergius Botanic Garden, with Edvard Anderson Conservatory. Don’t miss that if you ever come to Stockholm, the conservatory is well worth a visit during the winter months.
I’ve been to San Diego many times. We used to go there all the time when we lived in Las Vegas since it made the perfect getaway for a long weekend. But I’ve never been to the San Diego botanical gardens. It probably wouldn’t have been a place I’d pick when I was in my early 20s, but If I get back I’d like to visit.
I have never been to San Diego. But if I ever go, San Diego Botanical Garden will definitely be on my list. I am a nature lover and could spend hours looking at talking with plants. I had no idea the garden has subtropical plants too.
I have always wanted to visit San Diego, and the Botanical Gardens seem like a great addition to visit. I love that the Larabee’s donated this amazing garden to the city, especially since it helped conserve the quails. Being a New Zealander, I find it funny and great that they have an NZ garden!
Awesome! I have been here before and it is truly amazing. It was one of the nicest botanical gardens I had visited together with the ones on Madeira Island. I also like San Diego itself! Great place.
Although we are not really gardeners we do love visiting gardens. They are so peaceful and as you say, a great way to escape the noise and stress the city. We only managed to visit San Diego briefly on our trip to Southern California, next time we will certainly allow more time to visit the botanical gardens.
I love botanical gardens, they are so peaceful away from busy cities! Aw good on them for saving the quails’ habitat, that is such a good use of green space like that to have it educational and to preserve the nature around and inside it. I’d love to come here and explore!
I love the San Diego Botanical garden and the purpose they serve
Lovely photos. We so need more of such gardens to give us a respite from the concrete jungle we all live in, and also to protect the natural habitat for many plants and animals.
Looks really beautiful! I’m surprised they have all those subtropical plants though, considering the water shortages in southern California.
I love the story of the quail – and the Botanical Garden looks like a fabulous place to while away a few hours – did you spot any quail or have they all gone now?
I love visiting botanical gardens when I am on the road. I also find them fantastic places to educate myself and see plants I never seen before. Never been to San Diego but when I do (which I hope is very soon) I hope to check out this place.