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. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  4. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View