San Diego Botanic Garden - Encinitas, CA

norman brooks

I decided to get in a day of photographing birds and made the drive northern San Diego County. Parking is excellent. The staff goes out of their way to make one feel welcome. The expansive property is well maintained. Signage is plentiful and well- placed. Educational programs, especially for children, abound. If you make the climb to the upper overlook, you will be rewarded with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

Stephanie Leilani

The lightscape every year is absolutely incredible. This year I heard a couple people talk about their disappointment that it was holiday themed. It never is. The showcase is a work or art, and each section of the trail has its own unique perspective. My niece and I have made it our holiday tradition. 10/10 highly recommend.

jason s

Awesome experience. Went early Sunday morning. Cool. Not crowded. Knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. Excellent trails, flora and fauna throughout the garden. Highly recommend.

Avi H

We've come here at least 4 times for the lightscape event. Always nice to walk about the garden and see the light decorations, got some nice music. Stop by one of the food stalls and get yourself a Peppermint Brownie. no regrets there.

Never been here though during the day. only for this event.

R

We stopped over during a roadtrip to visit the San Diego Botanical Gardens. At the time, early May there was as well an exhibition of orchids. Don’t remember the price but was about 18$ per adult, for the orchids there was an additional fee. The gardens are pleasant to walk through, though rather wild and left us a bit in disappointment in comparison with botanical gardens we have seen in Europe and Japan.

The variety was a bit missing maybe in plants, we were missing some colours. It was a nice walk through though and it was rather maintained with friendly personnel and visitors. Several benches also for rest as well as toilets and necessities to move kids around with trolleys. There is also a shuttle service that can help you moving around. The park is a bit hilly at times. There is also some kids space but nothing too large i would say.

For the orchids exhibition it was ok, but nothing really special. A bit cramped into one small place with many people visiting.

All in all it is a nice visit for a weekend stroll to unwind. We found parking easily even though it may have been one of the last available parking spots.

Wayne Lundquist

The is a smaller garden but still very nice. Wide variedy of plants. When we went on a Monday the 25 of Nov the places wasn’t crowed. We went in the morning and wasn’t very hot. It will take two hours to walk the Garden. It is mostly wheel chair accessible, but there few steep areas.

Dane Shattuck

Gorgeous arrangements, a waterfall, small ponds, floral statues and so much more! For being in the city you'll be transported to different parts of the world depending on how many steps you take. It's a lot bigger than your first impression gives.

NRose A

Lightscape: $34 per Adult and $20 for child over 3-12yrs old. Military discount is $3 off. Parking is $15. You purchase online and pick a date and time slot. You must arrive 15mins prior to time slot. There was just enough ppl and cars so that it was so crowded. It is a 1 mile loop around the botanical garden. There are guides along the paths if you have questions. There are dirt and paved patches you can take with signs saying "steep hill" or "easy" to warn you. Along the light displays they play synchronized music to the blinking lights. Many photo opportunities...very magical. They had 2 ares to buy drinks and snacks. Yes they even had alcohol. There were 2-3 restrooms along the way and 2-3 exits to the parking lots if you chose to exit early. There are benches along the path to rest and admire the lights.