Popular Gardens in Mission Beach

"Watch the pandas cuddle and the polar bears swim, then go next door to Balboa Park for lunch at Panama 66, a sculpture garden-restaurant with hot sandwiches and a terrific tap list. Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. 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."

"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."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"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."

"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!)"

"This family owned and operated business is located right by the pier in Ocean Beach and offers a huge variety of malts, cones, sundaes, frozen yogurt options, and sorbets but is best known for their famous Hot Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches!. You can choose from different waffle flavors, pick your ice cream and then add toppings including options like strips of salty bacon or classic hot fudge – have them make it a sundae and it will come stacked with all the fixings!"

"Famous for their hot waffle ice cream sandwich, this cash-only Ocean Beach may be small but it packs a punch. You can choose between a plain, chocolate, or fruit waffle and pair it with one of the classics such as praline or go the extra mile and order cotton candy. If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, you can order your ice cream in a cup, cone, or a waffle cone bowl."

"Ice cream and beach views make for a perfect combination at this Ocean Beach institution. The real star here is the hot waffle ice cream sandwich stuffed with your choice of ice cream by Cascade Glacier or Double Rainbow Premium."

"The buzz:Roman-style pizza, served by the slice.The food: The newest member of the Buona Forchetta family, Gelati & Peccati, is modeled after the walk-up pizzerie and gelati shops common in Rome. High-hydration dough ferments for 72 hours, and is baked in sheet pans for light, airy, and crispy crusts. Sold al taglio, or “by the cut,” there’s dozens of combinations that rotate throughout the day, and while it’s difficult to pick favorites, standouts include luxurious Lussuria with mozzarella, caciocavallo, guanciale, and fresh truffle or simple marinara; cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, and garlic."

"North ParkAt Gelati & Peccati, you’ll have to walk past an eye-popping array of Roman-style pizza, sold a taglio, “by the cut,” to reach the bins of gelati in the back, but isn’t eating dessert first one of the pleasures of adulthood?. Eighteen different rotating signature and seasonal flavors, including vegan and sorbet options, are bursting with roasted pistachios, sweet cherry, and chocolate, or boozy, earthy Makers Mark 46. Don’t worry if you’re too full for pizza afterwards; you can always take a few slices home for a late night snack."

"Roman-style pizza and gelato meet at this spot in North Park. Helmed by the Buona Forchetta Family of restaurants, this shop serves 18 flavors of gelato. For a combination of carbs and cream, order the GOLA: gelato stuffed into a pizza crust with whipped cream and hazelnuts."

"This new dessert joint offers handmade French pastries, amazing macarons, and some to-die-for truffles. Be sure to visit, and try their coconut salted caramel macarons as well as the creme brulee and chocolate truffles!"

"Offering a variety of options that include vegan favorites such as the Beyond Burger, “fish” tacos, nachos, fresh salads and a carrot cake that you won’t want to share."