San Diego Botanic Garden

This review is specifically for the Lightscape San Diego event.

I love SDBG and 2023 was my first Lightscapes event and it didn't disappoint! I thought it was really well organized, plenty of parking, lots of folks available to guide and answer questions, and good options at the concession areas. The visual effects of the event were stunning! I was absolutely enraptured with the different areas, the variety of music that accompanied the art installations, and the overall experience. I am telling all my friends to go. GREAT job SDBG.

This review is specifically for the Lightscape San Diego event.

It was our first time attending, and my husband and I absolutely loved every moment of this unique blend of art and music. The 1-mile loop was adorned with captivating light installations, most of which followed unique themes. Our personal favorite was the mesmerizing "Flow" installation by Squiidsoup. Along the way, there were various stops offering delicious food and drinks, including hot chocolate and warm mulled apple cider. The addition of Christmas music added to the enchanting atmosphere, creating a perfect fusion of visual and auditory delights. Considering the distance covered and the quality of installations showcased, we felt that it was definitely worth the price we paid.

Overall, this event is a perfect blend of beauty, art, and music, making it an ideal choice for a romantic date night or a memorable outing with family and friends.

Despite its name, the San Diego Botanic Garden is located in Encinitas. It's a lovely spot to visit. You can get a membership which is the most cost-effective if you plan on going there more than a couple of times in a year. They always have a range of events and cool displays, making it a great place to visit if you have kids or simply want something to do.

It's a great way to spend some time outside, appreciate nature, and just see the world around you. Get the membership you want to come back a few times. Decent amount of parking. You can usually find parking unless it is a special day or event.

Beautiful setting hidden in an unassuming location in Encinitas, of all the years I have visited family here I had only been twice but it is a hidden gem. Going around the holidays they have things lit up very nicely for a night walk, but I was there in the day. Things are well labelled and you feel like you are transported out of the city and to a more tropical/fantasy region of the world. They have a nice shop as well with some hand crafted items.

This is my yearly happy visit. The lightscapes is so beautiful and such a great date night or night out with the family. There are few stands where you can buy snacks, hot coco or wine.
Super friendly staff guides you through the path. Highly recommend! :)

Dear Hubby and I are fans of botanic gardens. We have introduced our Sweet Granddaughter (almost age 4) to our favorite, Descanso Gardens. Now as we have time to go beyond, are in a new area, we want to expand her experiences and our own. On the homeward leg of a recent trip to San Diego, we made time to stop at this garden property in Encinitas.

Our reciprocal membership with Descanso got us in free (yay!), and we were off exploring the landscape. The special exhibit of killer plants (Venus Fly Traps, etc.) in the conservatory building was a great start. SG liked the interactive parts of the presentation.

Unfortunately, the children's garden closest to the main entrance was in pretty sad shape; looking dried out and lacking current flowers in the containers. We did get to observe some caterpillars on their life track to becoming butterflies, so that was cool.

We decided to gradually hoof it up to the highest point in the garden - the observation tower. Along the way we checked out and enjoyed the cascading waterfalls in the tropical jungle section. The cooling effects of the water and the mature plantings was delightful on a sunny day.

We then stopped at the gazebo for a spell, and then the snack bar. We shared snacks of chips, popcorn, and a banana nut muffin between the three of us, sitting in the shade and reflecting on our natural surroundings.

A docent kindly lead us to the base of the observation tower's wooden pathway, as it was an obscure way to get there from the cafe area. The view from the tower was quite substantial - gazing out to the blue Pacific, and over the hillsides of Encinitas. It was worth the climb!

We had to cut our visit short, as we had plans to meet more of the family in nearby Cardiff for brunch. SG wasn't having it; she didn't want to leave. Took some persuading to get her back to the car. She did wish that there was a place to play. She especially loves climbing and was disappointed there wasn't an area for that kind of exploring. There is a second kid zone on the far side of the garden, but we didn't make it that far.

I would consider returning; probably at its best in the springtime after the winter rains. Never did get to poke around the gift shop, so I can't speak to what they offer there. This is a mature garden and a special resource for this part of the county. Glad we got to see it.

Best place to unwind have lunch or just say the hell with the world!!!
Best weather ever

We love this place. We've been here for the festival of light night in the winter and most recently we have been to the Orchid exhibit and the Carnivorous plant exhibit. It is all great. The kids love the treehouse and exploring. It's hard to believe such a beautiful place exists so near the freeway. Even though it is close to the freeway you still get lost in nature and I'm impressed with the sheer number of plant species they have.

We attended the Carnivorous Plant 101 class. My oldest son loved it. The instructor was so knowledgeable on carnivorous plants it made for a great learning experience and I think my son loves plants even more.

It is impossible to see the whole place in one visit. If you do take in the whole park in one day, you will be exhausted. (They do have shuttle service) Which is why the festival of lights thing they do in the wintertime is soooo worth it. My kids loved it and they made core memories for sure with their grandparents.

Parking on regular days is no problem. However, during the winter lights thing, there were a lot of folks. But the staff seems to have great organization and we easily found our way in and out with no problem.

Since the programming of the exhibits is so great, we might become members just so we can get the member rate on admission.

I think this is one of the serene secrets of San Diego. Sure people come for Sea World, Legoland, Beaches and Zoo but this is the place to rest and relax. You can easily spend 1.5 hours here and if you love photography or have kids that need to get their energy out (like mine) you should come visit!

I love the variety of plants from across the globe that are exhibited here. They also launched a "savage garden" cue the music, that highlights Venus fly traps and other amazing carnivorous plants. The staff are very friendly and knowledgable and I really enjoyed my time talking with each of them. Regular adult ticket is $18 and a senior, or "experienced adult" as the worker called it is $12 and kids age under 3 are free but under 17 just $10 as of this time.

We also visited when certain flowers were in bloom. There was a beautiful wedding at one of the snack shop areas. I share that because the way they decorated the wedding made the botanical garden even more magical---so I guess if you're engaged check this place out too.

Dear Moms and Dads: What a great place for your kids ( maybe ages 1-10) to have a great time and if they are of-napping age, total win for you. This is a great place with lots of trails, streams, playgrounds, trains and so much more.

There is a little snack shack for just drinks and chips. The picnic area available is pretty shady for a little break.

This an affordable day activity with a bonus nap time for young parents.