Popular Gardens in Pacific Beach

"Adjacent to the Zoo is Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most beloved treasures. Known as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in America and features 17 museums and performing arts venues as well as beautiful gardens, the lily pond and botanic building, concerts and a host of special events. Take a stroll down the main El Prado promenade, enjoy the gorgeous 1915 Spanish Colonial-revival style architecture, and grab a bite to eat and one of the many purveyors in the park."

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"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 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!)"

"The tasting room is open Tuesday - Sunday and is attached to The Cork and Craft which isopen for take-out and dine-in. Shipping available as well, order online here."

"Deft models their beer-brewing approach after a distinctly European style. Goldens, reds, dubbels, stouts and even a seasonal helles are usually on tap, although the selection rotates regularly. And the only thing more appealing than the beer list?"

"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri - Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM"

"Time: Monday – Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.Specials: $5 beer, bites and flightsOcean View: NoWhy Go: You want to try local beer from one of our larger well-known brewersNeighborhood: Village of La JollaAddress: 1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037"

"– Locals & visitors come for pints of housemade beer, plus burgers, pizza & more in a simple setting. One of the originals in San Diego’s bustling craft beer phenomenon. What’s better than a bubbling fountain in the La Jolla sun?"

"Because it’s in the heart of the downtown village, it’s perfect for when you’re already in the area shopping, checking out local art galleries or hitting nearby La Jolla Cove."

"This iconic ’50s-style diner has been one of the main go-to family restaurants in San Diego for more than a quarter-century. Disc Jockeys, balloon artists, magicians and live entertainment frequent the diner on a weekly basis but the main entertainment draw for kids and grown-ups alike is the 5,000 square-foot Gamers Garage. Not your typical arcade, the Gamers Garage has over 50 games including everything from the latest high-tech simulators to interactive pinball throwbacks."

"A post shared by Corvette Diner (@corvettediner) on Dec 6, 2016 at 4:47pm PST. This 50s style diner is complete with waitresses in bouffant hairstyles and poodle skirts. If the cotton candy platter, root beer floats, handmade shakes, and malts are not enough of a draw for the children, the Corvette car in the middle of the diner should be!"

"If dancing servers doling out thick milkshakes and tempting diner fare sounds like your family’s jam, you’ll love Corvette Diner at Liberty Station near downtown. This restaurant features themed dining areas representing the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Burgers are the specialty here."

"This diner has been around since 1960, and has been a local favorite ever since. Their menu is classic, simple, and fresh – you can get everything from traditional pancakes to a hearty American breakfast."

"Next to Burger Lounge, near the heart of the downtown La Jolla, sits Coffee Cup, an assuming storefront with an incredible menu. Many of their dishes are a magical fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, utilizing unique ingredients for both their breakfast and lunch entrees. Top breakfast recommendations include: the Pesto Scramble, Soy Chorizo Scramble, Breakfast Enchiladas, and Coffee Cup French Toast."

"The Mexican Mocha is amazing as were all other entrees we tried. Highly recommend this place for breakfast in La Jolla."