Popular Gardens in San Diego Bay

"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."

"Balboa Park is the cultural heart of San Diego, filled with world-class museums, restaurants, and beautiful greenery. The lush, 1,200-acre urban oasis is also home to nearly 30 museums and cultural centers, plus the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are more than a dozen attractions in the park, each with its own events and special exhibitions."

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"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."

"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 New Children's Museum re-opened in 2008 with a motto of think, play and create, which is exactly what kids do here. What is different about The New Children's Museum is that they specifically commission works of art with tactile features that appeal to kids rather than re-create existing art to suit a younger generation. There's hands-on art and exhibits to hold the attention of toddlers up through teen years."

"Originally in La Jolla, the New Children’s Museum opened in its current light-filled downtown space in 2008. Entering the multi-story, 50,000-square-foot space, it’s immediately evident that a lot of thought and imagination has gone into the museum’s design. Off the bat, a room lined entirely with mattresses invites kids to literally jump on the bed."

"The NCM blends contemporary art with unstructured play to create an environment that appeals to children as well as adults. The 50,000-square…"

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

"The 2,400-bench-seat pavilion, dedicated in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels, holds the 4,518-pipe Spreckels Organ,…"

"Marine Street is one of the best La Jolla beaches because it’s a wide, white sand beach that sits just between two rock reef points, Little Point and Horseshoe. The surf here is famous for being rough and unpredictable, making it popular with surfers and bodyboarders but not advisable for inexperienced swimmers. Unfortunately, due to that, it’s also been the site of countless injuries and rescues."

"Swimming: YesSurfing: NoBoogie boarding: YesBest For: Boogie Boarding and Body Surfing. Just around the bend from Windansea Beach, this long stretch of sand is what you typically think of when you dream about California. Also known as the boogie boarding beach, its soft rolling waves and lack of rocks make it the perfect place to ride some waves without having to worry about surfers."

"Marine Street & Vista Del Mar AvenueLa Jolla, CA 92037(619) 221-8899. Marine Street Beach is a public beach located near Children’s Pool Beach and Windansea Beach. It looks out to the Pacific Ocean."

"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."