San Diego Botanic Garden

First established in 1971, the 35-acre Quail Botanical Gardens received a new name in 2009. It is now the San Diego Botanic Garden. What has not changed are its four miles of garden trails, flowering trees, tall palms, restful vistas, and collections of plants from around world. Exhibits include desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean landscapes, succulent and herb gardens, a subtropical fruit garden, and America's largest bamboo collection.

Numerous annual events are held here, including Asian Arts in the Garden, the Orchid Fair, the Herb Festival, and more. San Diego Botanic Garden also makes an excellent venue for private function. The Ecke Building, the Larabee House, and the Lawn House may be rented for meetings and events. Weddings for up to 300 guests can be arranged at the Victorian Gazebo in the center of the Gardens or the more intimate Walled Garden with its lush ferns and trees. The secluded Waterfall View Deck is available, too, overlooking a three-story waterfall and surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants.

The Gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Christmas and New Year's Day. The Gift Shop and Nursery are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Free docent-led tours are conducted from the Visitor's Center every Saturday at 10:30am; no reservation is required.

The San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, California 92024-2707. General admission costs $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, students, and active military, and $6 for youth aged 3~12. Members and children under 3 years old are free of charge. Expect a $2 per vehicle parking fee.