San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, CA: The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is a 37-acre sanctuary about a 30-minute drive north of the city of San Diego. Just a mile from the Pacific Ocean, the Garden is virtually frost-free, allowing a wide range of plants to flourish.
The Gardens are a tapestry of 29 unique themed gardens. Explore the 4 miles of trails and discover the best things to see at the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Whether you are planning a trip to the San Diego Botanic Gardens or are just interested in seeing it from afar, take a journey through the natural beauty. A Garden Travel Guide to the San Diego Botanic Garden is located at the end of the post to assist you in planning your trip including places to eat and tips to get the most out of our visit.
The Conservatory
Next to the San Diego Botanic Garden Welcome Center is a glass conservatory with one-of-a-kind plant chandeliers.
As you walk in, look up. Six floating ‘plant islands’ hang from the ceiling. These living ‘plant chandeliers’ are about the size of a round banquet table.
Occasionally, the chandeliers are lowered to the Conservatory floor for up-close viewing. The chandeliers are hoisted back up when the space needs to be cleared for classes, exhibitions, or weddings.
The living wall carries through the theme of the plant chandeliers, allowing visitors to get up close to the plants.
Bamboo Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden has North America’s largest bamboo collection in a public garden.
A wander through the bamboo grove is a serene, almost mystical experience.
It’s interesting to note that bamboo is a giant grass. It is the fastest-growing land plant in the world and can grow several feet per day.
A bench beside the pond in the bamboo garden is a prime seat for the theater of dragonflies and turtles as they go about life over and under the water lilies.
Rain Forest
The highlight of the Rain Forest is the spectacular waterfall. You’ll hear the rushing water as you stroll along the shady path. Viewing decks allow the visitor to get closer to the plunging water.
Victorian Gazebo and Lawn
The Victorian Gazebo and grassy lawn mark the place of many special events in the Garden. The walk is lined with fragrant bulbs, trees, and vibrant flower borders. It’s a popular place for photos and picnics.
Desert Gardens
The Mediterranean-type climate of California is characterized by warm, dry summers and relatively cool, occasionally wet winters.
San Diego is a coastal desert; the native plants reflect the need to conserve water. Much of what you will see in the San Diego Botanic Gardens comes from similar ecosystems, such as Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico, and Africa.
Cork Oak Grove
Destination-worthy tree areas in the Garden include the Cork Oak Trees and the Dragon Tree Grove.
Cork Oak Trees in the Mediterranean Garden draw visitors to a stop with their texture and size.
The thick cork bark is stripped by hand when the trees are grown for commercial use in products such as wine bottle stoppers, cork flooring, and footwear. The trees regrow another thick layer in about ten years, and the cycle continues.
Dragon Trees
The Dragon Trees are native to the Canary Islands and can live over 1000 years. They are distinctive for their thick, stubby branches and the reddish resin released when the branches or leaves are cut.
The resin, known as Dragon’s Blood, was used to color expensive furniture and the exquisitely expensive Stradivarius violins.
Cork Oak Coffee Cart
The Cork Oak coffee cart is well-positioned halfway into the Garden. It offers drinks, specialty coffees, and snacks. An outdoor seating area under the cork oak trees is a perfect place to refresh before continuing your garden tour.
Stay tuned! A new Cork Oak Cafe is under construction and will be a great addition to the garden.
The Mexican Garden
The Mexican Garden is a visitor favorite for the succulent-clad Dancing Topiaries set among Agaves, salvias, and cycads.
Walled Garden
The historic Larabee house stands next to the Mexican Garden. The adobe walls are shrouded in vines and colorful flowers, creating the appearance of a secret garden. And if your timing is right, there is an incredible sunset view over the ocean.
San Diego Botanic Garden History
The Larabee house is very modest given that the garden founders, Ruth and Charles Larabee, were both independently wealthy, from prominent Midwestern families, and had grown up in luxury.
They ventured west in 1943 and bought a ranch where Ruth planted more than 200 species of drought-tolerant plants, shrubs, and succulents clad in her overalls and green rubberboots.
The greatest satisfaction in my disordered life has come from my contact with Nature.
–Ruth Baird Larabee
The Larabees did not have children but had a sense of commitment to younger generations and shared their ranch with boys and girls through scouting programs.
The Larabees divorced several years after coming to California. Ruth continued living and working on the ranch for seven more years and then deeded the estate to the County of San Diego to preserve the habitat of the California Quail. This small ground-dwelling bird can still be found in the garden today.
Thus, the Quail Gardens non-profit foundation was formed in the 1960s, and nearly a decade later, the Garden opened as the Qualil Park Botanic Gardens, commonly known as the Quail Gardens Encinitas. In 2009, the Gardens were renamed the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Sally Sandler, author and a San Diego Botanic Garden docent, wrote “Sowing Seeds of Wonder: The Stories of Ruth and Charles Larabee and the Origins of San Diego Botanic Garden.” It’s a good read about the “wonder and adventure, love and loss, courage, heartbreak, and tragedy” that wound its way through the Garden and the Larabee’s lives.
Hamilton Children’s Garden
Carrying on the Larabee’s commitment to younger generations, the Garden developed the largest Children’s Garden on the West Coast.
It is a whimsical space to encourage interactive learning and garden play, hopefully inspiring future generations to appreciate nature. Jungle canopy rope walks, mountain streams, and interactive exhibits are designed to engage the children and cultivate learning.
The pollinator Garden In the children’s area encourages observation of plants, birds, and butterflies. Children learn about fruits and vegetables in the Incredible Edibles Garden and can help with gardening activities.
Three Hidden Gardens
There is another play area for kids and two additional gardens on the other side an empty parking lot that are easy to miss.
Do you see what I mean?
Maps aren’t handed out at the entrance. A morning stream of strollers and excited children cutting across the parking lot brought the following gardens to my attention:
Seeds Of Wonder Garden
The Children’s Seeds of Wonder Garden was a bustling place.
Children were captivated by the miniature train railroad and playhouse.
Undersea Succulent Garden
An imaginative Undersea Succulent Garden will interest children and adults alike. It is a clever play on a tropical coral reef where water-wise succulents provide the habitat for marine life.
Native Plants and Native People Garden
The third area to visit on this side of the parking lot is the Native Plants and People Garden. A nature trail leads to a traditional Kumeyaay homesite. The Kuneyaay are a tribe of indigenous people of California. In the Garden, visitors learn about native flora and can sit in solitude at the edge of the pond.
Subtropical Fruit Garden
The blessed botanical garden San Diego climate allows an array of exotic fruits to thrive and grace the palates of those willing to try something new.
At the entrance to the subtropical fruit garden is this thriving dragon fruit plant on a trellis. The Dragon Fruit plant is a cactus with a delicious sweet fruit.
Strolling down Banana Lane, bananas hang overhead. The bananas develop in large hanging clusters from the banana hearts.
Among other exotic trees are jujubes, pomegranates, and pineapple guava.
Overlook Tower
The overlook tower rises above the rare coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The elevated platform invites the visitor out for a panoramic view over the Gardens and, with the free telescope, the Pacific Ocean in the other direction.
The Garden is actively involved in conservation efforts, preserving endangered plants and educating visitors about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices.
While not my favorite part of the garden, this small slice of California’s coastal sage scrub contains plants and animals initially found nowhere else in the world and is an integral part of the Garden’s conservation work.
Lightscape, San Diego Botanical Garden Holiday Lights
Among the many San Diego Botanic Garden events, the dazzling holiday light show, Lightscape, is a highly anticipated event. This evening program features lighted installations merging nature and art along a one-mile loop.
In the post, Lightscape San Diego Botanic Garden, I highlight the fantastical installations and have a list of tips for visiting this must see event.
Other Botanical Gardens Near San Diego
Alta Vista Botanical Garden
The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is a 14-acre artsy garden with diverse plants, unique art installations, and family-friendly activities offering something for all to enjoy. See Art in The Gardens: A Guide to The Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Distance from the San Diego Botanic Garden: 16 miles. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens
The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens offer a diversity of meticulously groomed colorful plants, meditation nooks, fabulous koi ponds, and spectacular ocean views while providing a uniquely inspirational setting. Distance from the San Diego Botanical Garden: 2.5 miles. Address: Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, 215 W K St Encinitas, CA 92024.
Fullerton Arboretum
A little further north in Orange County, the Fullerton Arboretum is a botanical oasis in the greater Los Angeles area. Located on the campus of California State University and spanning over 26 acres, this living museum of flora showcases a collection of over 4000 plants, lakes, streams, historic buildings, and perhaps the only upside-down waterfall. See Fullerton Arboretum: A Peaceful Day Out in Southern California. Distance from the San Diego Botanic Garden: 74 miles.
Visitors Guide to the San Diego Botanic Garden
Address:
300 Quail Gardens Drive (at Ecke Ranch Road), Encinitas, CA 92024
How to Best Experience the San Diego Botanical Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) requests that you purchase a timed ticket before arriving at the garden. Print or save the ticket to your phone to show at the entrance. With the exception of special events, it is not difficult to get tickets.
Garden maps are not handed out at the entrance. If you find a paper map easier to navigate, print one out in advance. Otherwise, you can scan the QR code at the entrance to load the digital map on your phone.
If you are traveling with children, the San Diego Botanical Garden should be at the top of your list for Family activities in Encinitas. Not only do they have the largest children’s garden on the West Coast, but there is a second children’s garden located on the other side of a parking lot with a model train and playhouse.
A coffee bar/snack shop is located halfway into the garden. With tables located beneath the cork trees, it is a beautiful place to take a break.
There are a lot of wonderful improvements underway in the garden! Unfortunately, that means some of the garden areas may be closed when you arrive. Check the garden’s website for area closures.
San Diego Botanic Garden Map
To find the most up-to-date map, download the map from the SDBG website: San Diego Botanic Garden Map.
Note: Paper maps are not handed out at the entrance. Near the San Diego Botanic Garden Welcome Center, there is a sign with a QR code to load the garden map on your cell phone.
San Diego Botanic Garden Hours
San Diego Botanical Garden hours change with the seasons and scheduled events. For up-to-date hours, I recommend accessing the website directly: San Diego Botanic Garden Hours. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
At the time of this post, the garden had a winter hours schedule, with an early closure for the Lightscape event:
Winter Hours of Operation (Nov 13, 2023 – Jan 11, 2024):
Open Daytime 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last ticket entry at 2:30 p.m.)
Lightscape 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
*Closed Tuesdays and Christmas Day
San Diego Botanic Garden Tickets
For San Diego Botanic Garden Admissions, the Garden requests that you purchase tickets online. The SDBG does not accept cash transactions for tickets.
You’ll need to reserve an entry time and are welcome to stay in the garden as long as you want. Print or show your ticket on your phone at the San Diego Botanic Garden Welcome Center.
San Diego Botanical Gardens Tickets 2023
| Members * | Free |
| Adult | $18 |
| Youth (Ages 3-17) | $10 |
| Senior (Ages 60+) | $12 |
| Active Military | $12 |
| Student (with valid ID) | $12 |
| Child (Under 3) | Free |
| Reciprocal Garden* | Free |
| Museums for All | $1 |
*San Diego Botanic Garden Membership starts at $50. It includes membership in the American Horticultural Society with free or discounted admission to more than 300 gardens in the U.S.
**Members of the American Horticultural Society receive free admission through the Reciprocal Garden program. Show your AHS card and ID at the Welcome Center. Reciprocal benefits may not apply to special events.
San Diego Botanic Garden Discount
Discounts are available for:
- Military (Active, Reserve, Retired, and Veteran) & family with ID;
- Seniors (60+), and
- Students with valid ID.
- Museums for All discounts are available for walk-in Admission only.
Currently, there are no San Diego Botanic Garden AAA discount tickets.
San Diego Botanic Garden Parking
Parking is free for garden visits and most events. The main parking lot is located on the corner of Quail Gardens Drive and Ecke Ranch Road.
Additional parking is available across the road at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum.
Is the San Diego Botanic Garden Dog Friendly?
For the safety of your pet, the plants and wildlife, and/or other visitors, the Garden has a strict no-pet policy.
This policy does not apply to trained Service Animals as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Be aware that California state law prohibits leaving animals in any unattended motor vehicle that endangers their health or well-being.
Accessibility at the San Diego Botanical Garden
There are many upgrades coming to the garden to make the Garden enjoyable for all.
The San Diego Botanic Garden Encinitas has a combination of paved and unpaved paths, moderate inclines, and some steps near the waterfall and lookout tower.
Shuttle: There is a friendly volunteer-run shuttle service that provides pick up and drop off at designated locations throughout the Garden.
The shuttle service runs sporadically. Confirm in advance if the shuttle service is available on the day of your visit.
Wheelchairs: A limited amount of wheelchairs are available to use in the Garden. Inquire at the San Diego Botanic Garden Welcome Center.
Gift Shop
There is a good selection of plants for sale in front of the gift shop.
The gift shop is located near the entrance between the San Diego Botanic Garden Welcome Center and the Conservatory.
Restaurants Near the San Diego Botanic Garden
Cork Oak Cafe
Coming soon! The Cork Oak Cafe is under construction at the Garden.
Visit the Cork Oak Coffee Cart in front of the cafe. It is conveniently located about 1/2 through the garden and offers drinks, specialty coffees, and snacks, and a seating area under the trees.
Casa de Bandini
Located just 2 miles from the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, the Casa de Bandini Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican food, hot-off-the-grill homemade tortillas, giant margaritas, and an environment depicting Colonial Mexico.
1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 634-3443, Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Picnic Areas
Visitors may bring food and beverages (non-alcoholic) to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, except during special events. You are welcome to sit on the benches throughout the Garden or spread a blanket on the Gazebo Lawn.
Mission of the San Diego Botanic Garden
“We garden to create, share, and apply plant wisdom in our world.“
San Diego Botanic Garden Website
Recent Posts
Museums for All in Botanical Gardens and Arboretums Blooming with Access
Museums for All is an initiative that allows individuals and families receiving food assistance (SNAP EBT - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) to gain free or...
Encinitas, California: The San Diego Botanic Garden comes to life at night with Lightscape, a holiday event that invites visitors to see the Garden in a whole new light. Artistic installations...