San Diego Botanic Garden Tours

San Diego Botanic Garden featuring a park and a pond
San Diego Botanic Garden showing cuddly or friendly animals
Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Jeff White


Tour this enchanting garden that hosts lush shady corners, exotic garden designs and a huge collection of plant species from around the world.

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.

Plan a trip to see San Diego Botanic Garden

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Best Lodging Options Near San Diego Botanic Garden

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

The Encinitan Hotel & Suites

3 out of 5
85 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA
The Encinitan Hotel & Suites
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

2 out of 5
133 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach
Private Cottage! Easy Walk Through The Park To Encinitas And Moonlight Beach.

Private Cottage! Easy Walk Through The Park To Encinitas And Moonlight Beach.

Encinitas
Private Cottage! Easy Walk Through The Park To Encinitas And Moonlight Beach.
Moonlight Beach Motel

Moonlight Beach Motel

2.5 out of 5
233 2nd St, Encinitas, CA
Moonlight Beach Motel
Inn at Moonlight Beach

Inn at Moonlight Beach

3.5 out of 5
105 North Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, Encinitas, CA
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas

2 out of 5
410 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA
Brisa Pacific Hotel Encinitas
Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA

Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA

3 out of 5
1661 Villa Cardiff Drive, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
Hampton Inn Cardiff Beach Encinitas, CA
Comfort Inn Encinitas Near Legoland

Comfort Inn Encinitas Near Legoland

2.5 out of 5
607 Leucadia Blvd, Encinitas, CA
Comfort Inn Encinitas Near Legoland
Pet friendly cottage one mile from the beach

Pet friendly cottage one mile from the beach

Encinitas
Pet friendly cottage one mile from the beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near San Diego Botanic Garden

At the San Diego Botanic Garden, visitors can enjoy scenic garden trails and stunning ocean views while exploring diverse botanical gardens. Don't miss the chance to relax at the spa show, and be sure to catch a beautiful sunset nearby. With activities like surfing also available in Encinitas, the area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

For shopping near San Diego Botanic Garden, visit Cedros Avenue, only 4 miles away, for unique boutiques and local goods. Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 6 miles away, offers brand-name deals. If you're up for a drive, check out the State Street Farmers Market, located 8 miles away, for fresh produce and crafts.

Recreation

Aviara Golf Club, located 3 miles away, offers a pristine golf experience amid stunning landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Belly Up, 4 miles away, hosts live music events, creating an energetic atmosphere. Encinitas Community Park, just 1 mile away, is ideal for relaxation and wellness activities in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

At San Diego Botanic Garden, immerse yourself in adventure with Eli Howard Surf School, 2 miles away, offering thrilling water sports. Explore the excitement of The Wave Waterpark, 10 miles distant, perfect for family fun. For hiking enthusiasts, Hosp Grove Trails, 9 miles away, provides beautiful outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

Enjoy an evening at North Coast Repertory Theatre, just 4 miles away, for a captivating show filled with culture and romance. Alternatively, visit New Village Arts Theatre, 9 miles away, for family-friendly entertainment. For some adventure, head to Boomers Vista Arcade, located 10 miles from the garden.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Diego Botanic Garden

At San Diego Botanic Garden, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and theme parks. This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the stunning botanical garden, relax at the beach terrace, or visit nearby beaches for a complete experience. With so much to see and do, your vacation will be filled with memorable moments in this vibrant area.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Located 5 miles from San Diego Botanic Garden, LEGOLAND® California is a vibrant theme park that offers an immersive experience for families. With rides, interactive attractions, and incredible LEGO sculptures, it's a place where creativity and fun come together, perfect for kids and the young at heart.
  • Moonlight State Beach: Just 1 mile away, Moonlight State Beach is a beautiful coastal spot that invites relaxation and recreation. Known for its soft sand and gentle waves, it's an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, making it a favorite for families and beach lovers alike.
  • Del Mar Fairgrounds: Situated 6 miles from the garden, Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts various events throughout the year. This outdoor venue features a lively atmosphere with fairs, concerts, and exhibitions, making it a perfect spot for family-friendly entertainment and community events.

Best time to go to San Diego Botanic Garden

The best time to visit San Diego Botanic Garden can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around San Diego Botanic Garden falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around San Diego Botanic Garden falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Diego Botanic Garden

To save money on your trip to San Diego Botanic Garden, plan to visit between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations, filter for eco-certified hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Additionally, join the Expedia One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore free activities in the garden to maximize your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around San Diego Botanic Garden are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around San Diego Botanic Garden is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around San Diego Botanic Garden is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can sort your results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll find a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the San Diego Botanic Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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