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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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego Seaworld
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat and Spa

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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
 Remodled Encinitas Home Close to Beach, Restuarants, Shopping and Coaster

Remodled Encinitas Home Close to Beach, Restuarants, Shopping and Coaster

Encinitas
Remodled Encinitas Home Close to Beach, Restuarants, Shopping and Coaster
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.
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
Moonlight Beach Motel

Moonlight Beach Motel

2.5 out of 5
233 2nd St, Encinitas, CA
Moonlight Beach Motel
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 San Diego Botanic Garden, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing and watching stunning sunsets. For a unique experience, consider joining a food tour to explore the local culinary scene. This beautiful garden offers a perfect blend of nature and adventure, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

At San Diego Botanic Garden, you can shop at Cedros Avenue, just 4 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly and entertainment options. Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 6 miles away, has fantastic deals for all. If you're up for a drive, check out State Street Farmers Market, located 8 miles away.

Recreation

Aviara Golf Club offers a picturesque golfing experience surrounded by stunning landscapes, perfect for both seasoned players and beginners. For live entertainment, Belly Up features an eclectic lineup of concerts, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Encinitas Community Park provides a peaceful retreat with ample green space for relaxation and wellness activities.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Eli Howard Surf School, located 2 miles from San Diego Botanic Garden, perfect for adventure seekers. For family fun, enjoy The Wave Waterpark, 10 miles away, offering exciting slides and entertainment. Hike the scenic Hosp Grove Trails, situated 9 miles away, for a refreshing outdoor escape.

Nightlife

Catch a show at North Coast Repertory Theatre, just 4 miles away, for a cultural evening. For some fun, head to Boomers Vista, 10 miles away, where adventure awaits. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at Ocean's Eleven Casino, located 11 miles from the garden.

Find the best attractions near San Diego Botanic Garden

Whether you're a beach lover, a family looking for outdoor adventures, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas offers a variety of attractions. Explore its beautiful gardens, enjoy nearby beaches, and visit local parks and theme parks for a memorable experience. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the stunning flora and vibrant scenery that this destination has to offer.

  • LEGOLAND® California: Experience a world of creativity and adventure at LEGOLAND® California, located 5 miles away. This family-friendly theme park features thrilling rides, interactive exhibits, and themed areas that cater to kids of all ages, making it a fantastic destination for family fun.
  • Moonlight State Beach: Just 1 mile away, Moonlight State Beach offers a relaxing beach atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. With its soft sands and scenic views, it's an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the California sun.
  • Flower Fields of Carlsbad: A beautiful flower garden located 5 miles away, the Flower Fields of Carlsbad bursts with color each spring. Families can enjoy leisurely strolls among vibrant blooms and take part in seasonal activities, making it a delightful outdoor experience.

Best time to go to San Diego Botanic Garden

Visitor numbers around San Diego Botanic Garden is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly 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 visit to San Diego Botanic Garden, consider traveling during the off-peak months of November to January when hotel prices are lower. Booking on Tuesdays can also help you find the best deals, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Combining flights and accommodations through package deals can lead to additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays!

  • 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 enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily sort your results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • 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.