Around the World in San Diego

Visiting San Diego Botanic Garden

Ah, what wonders grow when the weather is perpetually delightful! Such is the case in San Diego, where the San Diego Botanic Garden is able to grow a ridiculous 4,000-plus species of plants in 37 acres across 30 different microclimate gardens representing pretty much the whole dang world!

Four miles of dirt and paved trails convey you on a global journey here, with plenty of interpretive signage to guide the way. Head east toward the Mediterranean, Australian, Canary Island, Central American, and New Zealand gardens first, where art harmonizes with such vegetation as the Portuguese cork tree (yep, it keeps your wine fresh), kangaroo paws, and thick, spiny dragon trees that provide shade for a perfectly situated bench. Continue north to check out the Hamilton Children’s Garden, which is fun even for adults. Its treehouse would make the Swiss family jealous.

Next, head west past the South American Desert Garden to a tropical rain forest. Continue west past a gazebo to stairs on your right that lead you past an African garden to a charming overlook tower. As you enjoy city and garden views, scan the coast chaparral habitat below for Sam, the local Galapagos tortoise. He’s the hero of a children’s book called Too Big to Lose.

Up for further world travels? Head west to a subtropical fruit garden, a Mexican Garden, and—who knew?— the nation’s largest collection of bamboo. By then you’ll undoubtedly be inspired to explore interpretive trails for a quick education in gardening, native plants, fire safety, and even underwater succulents. You’ll head home with a very full passport!

From the north, take the I-5 to Leucadia Blvd. and exit east, taking it for 0.8 mile. Turn right onto Quail Gardens Dr. and follow it for 1 mile. The entrance will be on your right. From the south, take I-5 to Encinitas Blvd. east. Turn left onto Quail Gardens Dr. The entrance will be on your left after 0.3 mile. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  2. Hike the Oursan Trail alongside Briones Reservoir in the East Bay

    Opt for Oursan

    Hike the trail less traveled in the East Bay's Briones Regional Park. The Oursan Trail is pure serenity on a wide hiking path skirting the northern shores of Briones Reservoir.

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  2. Lace Up for Lacy

    Lacy Park in San Marino is a hidden gem that may very well be the most pristine green space in greater Los Angeles, and a concealed pair of nearby stairways makes it all the more appealing.

    View
  3. Hiker amid trees at Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa Southern California

    Apple of Your Eye

    That fall feeling is definitely in the air and on display at the Oak Glen Preserve. Apple orchards and colorful leaves are a bonus, as are the apple cider donuts and slushies you can enjoy post-hike.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

    View