Popular Gardens in Point Loma

"You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows. There’s a tapestry of gardens around the park, planted with more than 350 plant species hand-selected at the turn of the 20th century by the botanist Kate Sessions, the “Mother of Balboa Park”. An emblem for the park and San Diego is the Botanical Building, one of many splendid holdovers from the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition."

"Nothing had quite the same impact on our San Diego architecture as did the Spanish Colonial Style Confections in Balboa Park, which revived an enthusiastic interest in this type of Spanish-style architecture. Designed in 1915, this building is an exhilarating mélange of various architectural styles. While they may have been somewhat haphazardly thrown together, they still manage to attain striking visual harmony."

"This is the place where the first-ever World’s Fair took place. I know it reminds you of Silvester Stalone but that’s not the vibe here. It has 17 museums, five playgrounds, a carousel and a train for children."

"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!)"

"It is 3 miles of dog-friendly, running heaven and has over 20 fitness stations. These stations include everything from pull up bars for working your arms to plank stations for crunches. Because it isn’t well-known, this park is almost always uncrowded, rendering it quiet and peaceful."

"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."

"This historic park overlooks Old Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Old Town)"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."

"If you’re searching for free kid-friendly things to do in La Jolla, you’d be surprised at what’s in store for you in Kellogg Park!"

"As mentioned above, Kellogg Park is a beachside park with a small playground and also a huge grassy area for kids to run around."

"This North County classic had voters singing its praises, like the blueberry buttermilk bar, chocolate old fashioned, maple glazed, and the apple fritter. Member Robin Pennell loves the chocolate covered old fashioned, second bake, stating, “These donuts are not hipster, just old school and absolutely perfect in every way.”. 106 Aberdeen Dr., Cardiff, 760.753.2400, vgbakery.com"

"Clearly they’re Very Good at everything they bake here since it’s a 3rd generation run bakery. Recipes and their old-fashioned baking style have been passed down for so long; which is why they’re here to stay. Of course they have the classic cookie flavors (choc chip, peanut butter, oatmeal and others), but they’re famous for their daily smiley face and surfing cookies."

"Fresh doughnuts, pastries, cookies, cakes and bread are available for pickup. Phone orders are encouraged. New temporary hours are 5 a.m."

"An elegant fine dining restaurant with a casual island vibe, Peohe’s (pronounced p-o-ees) is part of the Chart House family of restaurants. Its spirit of aloha and dazzling views overlooking Coronado Bay make this one of the most popular eateries of all Coronado restaurants. Reservations are highly recommended."

"This parakeet wall-covered cafe is located in the seaside town of La Jolla. It's a cute little cafe with an all-day breakfast menu and a ton of healthy food options. We really enjoyed their turmeric latte and gluten-free matcha waffles."

"There seems to be a trend in San Diego to have cute tropical shops decorated in pink and green!. The Parakeet seems to follow this trend, but they have added parakeets into their decor!. Again, this is a super cute spot!"

"Parakeet Cafe has a few different locations, each with a slightly different aesthetic. Another vegan-friendly location, there is something for everyone to eat here."

"This charming, modest-sized, all-day bistro is big on authentic Parisian touches and flavors. Diners are immediately greeted at the entryway with France’s two major food groups: a French/California cheese “altar” and an over-sized ice bucket filled with chilled Champagne. The bright, beach-meets-Left-Bank dining room is lined with white marble tables, a red leather banquette and traditional wicker-style bistro chairs."

"No need to cross the Atlantic when you can stop into this casual Parisian-style cafe on Orange Avenue. They’re known for a wide selection of delectable cheese and classic dishes like escargots, steak frites, quiche, and croque monsieur. The menu features suggested pairings from their approachable list of French and California wines."