Balboa Park Gardens

Balboa Park Gardens is a botanical garden spread across multiple themed sections, ranging from tropical greenhouse displays to extensive drought-resistant plant collections. The gardens are distributed throughout the park grounds, offering diverse plant types and design approaches across their various areas.

These gardens originated as part of the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, combining design elements from that era with subsequent botanical developments. Their establishment shaped the park's character and has guided its evolution as a horticultural destination.

The distinct garden sections here reflect horticultural traditions from around the world, including the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Alcazar Garden, each expressing different planting styles and layout philosophies. Visitors experience how different cultures approach garden design through these spaces.

The entrance is located along the main park pathway, and entry is free. Plan to spend a full morning or afternoon to comfortably explore the different garden sections at your own pace.

The Desert Garden holds hundreds of different succulent species living naturally together, a rare collection to encounter. Many visitors are surprised by the variety and shapes of plants that thrive with minimal water.

Location: California

Part of: Balboa Park

GPS coordinates: 32.73140,-117.14500

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46