Popular Gardens in Eastlake

"Balboa Park, San Diego is known as one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids and has everything to suit all ages and your family’s preferences:. Even just wandering around and appreciating the stunning Spanish Renaissance and Southwest architecture and beautiful gardens is enjoyable. Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park, is ranked as one of the best parks in the world, and is one of the best things to do in Southern California – you could spend a full day here!"

"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"EncinitasSan Diegans can once again experience the cuisine of Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda, whose former restaurant in Liberty Station, El Jardín, was included on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2019, at VAGA Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Boasting expansive ocean views and a dramatic open kitchen, Chef Zepeda fuses diverse cultures with local ingredients from places like Chino Farms and Cyclops Farms in dishes such as heirloom bean soup, brisket buns, and Baja sea bass on a seasonal menu. The beverage program, led by Alexander Gregg, features rotating signature cocktails, local microbrews, and a dynamic wine list incorporating natural wines utilizing grapes from low-intervention/biodynamic vineyards.How to book: Reservations are recommended and can be made online via SevenRooms."

"Money can't buy happiness but it can buy you and your someone special a palate-pleasing pan-Asian feast of Korean fried chicken, 45-day dry-aged rib eye, Ora king salmon with pomegranate ponzu, or a variety of delicious crudos at "Top Chef" contestant Brian Malarkey’s latest entry in the San Diego fine dining scene. The space, a $5.5 million project, is awash in sumptuous shades of gold, chartreuse, and coral from the elegant chandeliers to the custom carpeting. Both can be admired while sipping something from the quality Japanese whisky collection."

"Make dinner a truly grand affair at San Diego's "it" restaurant, Animae. The 5.5 million dollar pan-Asian restaurant sprawls across 9,300 square feet and the ambiance is opulent and seductive. If you go on Valentine's Day, they offer a four-course menu for $95/person."

"Such good food that anything you choose on the large menu will leave you happy. Worth it for the portions!"

"SOL CAL Café was founded by Jacob Bell, a former NFL player, who said it was his passion to bring healthy, affordable options to the community. The colorful shop offers juices, smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast foods, bowls, and coffee drinks. While not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, many of the dishes are already vegetarian, and most items can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon request."

"San Diego has an increasing appetite for authentic cuisine of all cultures and backgrounds. Tajima stands as a pillar, a cherry blossom of Japanese cuisine, serving many different styles of flavorful ramen—a staple in Japanese culture—and feeding locals exactly what they crave. It’s fair to assume their success is an extension of their food, as they are opening up branches across the city of San Diego and even venturing a little bit north into Long Beach and a little bit south into Tijuana."

"Breakfast, lunch and takeout baked goods make up the menu at Sugar and Scribe, which is extremely popular during breakfast and lunch hours. It’s worth a visit even just to peruse the various baked goods made fresh every day."