Popular Gardens in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"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."

"It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden."

"This is another one of San Diego’s family-friendly attractions. If you like the smell of ranunculus and the sight of sweet peas, Flower Fields will enthrall you. The rainbow-colored rows of flowers spread over 50 acres of land also make for a great backdrop for photographs."

"There is nothing more beautiful than the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Literally, this place is a work of flower art that is nothing short of astonishing. They’re only open for a short amount of time, March 1 through May 10, and you want to make sure you are there."

"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."

"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 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."

"The park was named after Christopher (Kit) Carson, the famous scout who guided Captain John C. Fremont over the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a government exploration expedition. The City of Escondido acquired the land for its largest regional park from the City of San Diego in 1967. Address:3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025"

"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!)"

"Peaceful, aromatic, and oh so colorful, the San Diego Botanic Gardens are where we go when we just need some time to ourselves. Stroll through gardens in different stages of bloom, admiring the beauty that surrounds you as you feel your mind quiet down. Open every day from 9-5 (closed on Christmas!), you can’t have the same experience twice!"

"National Geographic has a fantastic reputation for its glossy photos of far-flung deserts and majestic mountains. See some of their best prints all in one place in this permanent collection of the magazine’s photography. The museum aims to inspire a new generation to protect the planet, and it is hard not to feel moved by the hypnotic selection of photographs in their collection."

"Horton Plaza Shopping Center, a multi-story, open-air mall, is known for its eclectic architecture, people-watching opportunities and more than 100 stores and shops. Make a purchase here and you'll get three free hours of parking—ample time for shopping and exploring the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter."

"1555 Camino Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014 858-847-2284 32 Stores Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM  Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM  Major Retailers: Specialty shops, Il Fornaio, Pacifica Del Mar, gourmet market"

"Cedros Ave, Suite 200, Solana Beach 92075 Culture Brewing aims high with all their beers, focusing on keeping things simple. Classic styles done beautifully is what Culture is all about. Give their Ginger Snap Red Ale, Tart Cherry Wit, and Milk Stout a try."

"Check out local art or gaze at the ocean while sipping craft beers at Culture Brewing Co. This pet-friendly bar welcomes patrons to bring along their furry friends. Culture Brewing Co has two locations."

"4993 Niagara Ave San Diego, CA 92107http://www.obnoodlehouse.com/. OB Noodle House Bar 1502 was voted San Diego’s Best Asian Fusion Restaurants and for good reason!. It is one of two locations in Ocean Beach, but Bar 1502 has revamped the style and atmosphere."

"Located in the clubhouse, this restaurant is open 7 days a week. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Cayons at The Crossings with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 760-444-1888"

"Located in the clubhouse, this restaurant is open 7 days a week. Patio dining and takeout available. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: Casual"