Popular Gardens in Sherman Heights

"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."

"It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."

"Balboa Park is San Diego’s biggest park. In fact, it’s bigger than Central Park!. There are a ton of activities to do here depending on what you’re interested in."

"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."

"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 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!)"

"East Village’s Monzu Fresh Pasta opened in 2018 and features—as the name states—a whole lot of fresh pasta. The Italian-born couple that owns the restaurant trained under some of Italy’s master pasta makers. The restaurant’s all-day menu follows traditional pasta making techniques and flavors inspired by regions including Sicily, Campania and Puglia."

"Open since May, this tiny restaurant/retail shop serves exceptionally pure tasting pasta, the simpler the better (cacio e pepe nirvana!) and with high-quality ingredients. That combination isn’t brain surgery."

"Cuisine: ItalianDish Recommendation: Tagliatelle BologneseOrder Through: Call for pickup Wednesday through Sunday 5-9 p.m. (619.255.5032); free local delivery for orders over $50"

"Open since 1998, Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano adds a bit of contemporary flair to classic Italian specialties. The menu offers a wide range of appetizers, salads, meat and seafood entrees, pasta dishes, and house specialties including homemade gnocchi and sea scallops in a white wine garlic sauce. Plenty of thought has been put into the extensive wine list and many special bottles are prominently displayed in a large wine rack on the wall."

"Buon Appetito is a small and intimate restaurant famous for its homemade pasta, including gnocchi, ravioli and lasagna. Their lobster-tail ravioli simmered in vermouth and served in saffron sauce is a customer’s favorite together with their homemade tiramisu. The restaurant has a bar with over 50 wine varieties, so feel free to order a glass during lunch or dinner."

"Buon Appetito is an Italian Restaurant in San Diego, CA. They serve classic Italian dishes created from family recipes and offer an extensive wine list, catering services, and private dining options for guests."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

"Home of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Champion Chef Maeve, you will not want to miss this bakery during the holidays. In San Diego, Sugar and Scribe Bakery is known to be a quintessential La Jolla hangout. Experience only high-quality pastries from all over the world here in San Diego!"

"From biscuits and gravy to fresh Benedicts, this place has everything you could want to start your day off the right way."

"Crushed is a bar/restaurant and not a coffee shop but this trendy place in Pacific Beach is a good spot to get some work done and either have a delicious brunch or grab a beer while you finish up for the day. Their mimosas are good too!. Downside: they don’t open until 10am on Tuesdays through Thursdays (8am on other days)."