The Botanical Building is an historic building located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the U.S. state of California. Built for the 1915–16 Panama–California Exposition, it remains one of the largest lath structures in the world. Alfred D. Robinson (1867–1942), founder and president of the San Diego Floral Society, suggested the construction of a lath house as a feature of the Panama–California Exposition, which was to open in the City of San Diego on January 1, 1915.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Thursday | Closed |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Patrick Nathalie Goldie | Dec 24, 2017
I didn't even know that San Diego has a Botanical Garden and it's FREE! I must have taken like 100 pictures and was truly amazed on how exotic the plants/flowers that are inside the greenhouse. I was so fascinated by all the orchids and how everything was planted. The fig tree was huge and intriguing. So many vibrant colors and my favorite of them all is the "Lady's Slipper Orchid." Literally looks like a slipper, but it's the most beautiful slipper I have ever seen.
Glen Burgess | Feb 12, 2018
If you have a limited time to spend in San Diego, make Balboa Park a priority! The world renowned Zoo is within the park as us a beautiful Japanese garden, rose gardens, Spanish architecture, musicians, theaters (summer nights can be spent watching theater groups perform open air), science museum and of course beautiful park grounds to picnic, relax or jog. You just have to see this jewel.
Taper Randy | Feb 19, 2018
One of my must stop places in San Diego. It's a place of mystical beauty. There are several kitschy places of which hard to find fruit drinks can be purchased. Open concept tiki style eateries with outside 2 and 4 top tables make it an extra special place to have lunch in the sunshine.
Urvi Mehta | Nov 21, 2017
A serene Botanical garden inside Balboa Park. You can walk through the garden and enjoy some amazing varieties of plants, herbs and flowers. Very informative and very cool. They always have fantastic collection of orchids round the year to enjoy. There are some nice seating arrangements outside the garden by the koi pond. A must visit if you like plants and love gardening.
Veronica Silva | Jan 29, 2018
This place is great,its beautiful. if you're interested in plants you'll enjoy it.
Spencer Campbell | Apr 4, 2018
My only complaint is that the garden is not bigger. They currently have a wide variety of orchids and ferns. The Lilly pool has been cleaned out, but looks like they are starting over again. Typical street vendors throughout Balboa Park, make this a fantastic free visit for both locals and tourists.
Kevin Emilus | May 7, 2018
Many flowers from a diverse range of areas and an amazing setup to avoid crowds building up. Definitely recommend a visit.
A OK | May 3, 2018
One of the best parks I have been to. Diverse, clean, and there were a lot of small performances going on.
Mark Wahner | Jun 4, 2018
The building is starting to look a little rough on the outside. Balboa park need to address it and probly sooner then later. But step inside and enjoy the beautiful garden which is well maintained and lush. I go there often but remember it closes at 4:00 pm sharp, which is a little surprising in the summer. Free admission.
Mora LaVake | Jun 4, 2018
This is one of perks I enjoy living in San Diego. If you are into botanical varieties, this place is worth while to check out. A great place to take pictures as well. They are closed on Thursdays.
Andrea Dow | May 18, 2018
Very small, but perfect for a quick walk through, and free! They had a nice little carnivorous plant area that my boys loved, and a fun touch and smell area for the fragrant plants. Recommend if you are already at Balboa Park.
Gloria Burns | May 10, 2018
Just a beautiful place to visit anytime all the time. Free parking and lots of parking plus a tram to get to you back to your vehicle. If you are there in Sunday enjoy the organ concert and the hospitality houses. Different one featured every Sunday. Something to interest everyone.
Jolly Rogers | May 10, 2018
Beautiful plants, flowers and botanical life here! Wall through the beautiful green house and soak up every sight if blossoming flowers and flourishing plants/trees. Wonderful photo opportunities in here and lots of beautiful (and unique) plant life.
Brian | Jun 8, 2018
Wow! This is a must see in Balboa Park. Well, its one several really. We easily spent a couple of hours here just strolling around and enjoying so many fascinating plants from all over the world. The atmosphere was really chill and we're looking forward to our next visit. I think it would about a week to see and do all that the park has to offer.
bangkokbanks | Jul 12, 2018
While visiting Balboa Park, this little side trip into the comfortable confines of the park's botanical garden is a delight. Many tropical species of plants including a large variety of orchids and bromiliads can be seen. The palms too are robust healthy plants.
Mike Hosley | Jul 10, 2018
lush foliage, unique plants from around the world and a very large wooden structure about 105 years old as of this writing, with a huge decorative lake out front in the middle of the park, a must see, at least once especially if you like plants. Many of the plants are from all over the planet, and the architecture is amazing.
Karen Fimbres | Jun 17, 2018
It's so beautiful in here! And it's always free. Only draw back is they close the doors a bit early. I think around 4? Check before you go. Otherwise, it's beautiful and peaceful and there are benches inside to sit and take it all in.
Troy Squillaci | Jul 14, 2018
This is one of the many free botanical gardens in the park. The wooden structure is impressive, there are relaxing water gardens in front, and a huge variety of exotic plants from around the world inside. Some interactive exhibits as well (plants that you are encouraged to touch and smell). Highly suggested during a visit to Balboa Park.
JM Stumpfel | Aug 2, 2018
You can't visit the botanical building just once. Lots of care and planning go onto the different botanical displays. You'll see different blooms with the changing seasons. The poinsettia display in December is worth the trip. Another free exhibit in Balboa Park. Be sure to smell the scented geraniums.
Franco Rodriguez | Aug 5, 2018
This is the best place in Balboa park. It is always free to the public and there is lots to see. If you like plants, this is the place for you. There's plenty of impressive species of plants to behold.
Droseracea Capensis | Jul 30, 2018
This is one of my favorite places. Even tho there's no where to sit near the plants, cause I could just sit there all day. They close early even in the summer. 4pm. So you have to be out by 4, and hear threats of anyone who gets locked in overnight has to help me clean the bathrooms. I dunno sounds worth it to me. It's very small it takes me less than an hour to get my fill and I love looking at plants more than anything. I want to go back already tho.
brandess sorrels | Aug 10, 2018
Stunning collection of plants! Directly outside the front door there were monarch butterflies and their caterpillars. Nearby, an incredible cactus garden (which needs more attention) and a rose garden which is well kept
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