Popular Gardens in La Jolla Cove

"A sunken butterfly garden, the San Diego Zoo, museums, gardens, the California Tower – this 1,200-acre (486ha) park contains a slew of attractions. It was built in 1868 and hosted the Panama-California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, in 1915. Key museums include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Us (formerly the San Diego Museum of Man), the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Timken Art Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum."

"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."

"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 Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"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."

"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!)"

"Why go: You’re at the Children’s Pool and would like to step out on the sand to explore a different beach. South Casa Beach is located directly south of the Children’s Pool (which is also referred to as Casa Beach). In fact, it’s just on the other side of the Children’s Pool lifeguard station, which also services South Casa Beach."

"South Casa Beach is a small triangle-shaped cove just south of Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla. Children’s Pool is also known as Casa Beach so this beach got the […]"

"For ridiculously tall sea cliffs, head to Torrey Pines City Beach at La Jolla’s northern point. And then, of course, there are the sea lions and seals, which bask themselves close to downtown La Jolla. Add ice cream, a stroll along the boardwalk and dinner at night and you’ve just had the perfect ending to 3 days in San Diego itinerary."

"Torrey Pines is bordered by huge, magnificent cliffs that stretch as high as 100 yards. Popular for nature walks. Bring good walking shoes; Black’s Beach is not easy to get to."

"This bakery boasts scratch-made drop cookies made daily using only natural ingredients and the finest culinary technique. After winning the Food Network’s Sweets Showdown, bakery founder Chef Rachel later went back to win again on Chopped. Some of her daily flavors include Two Tone (Dark & Milk Chocolate Chip), Blackstrap Betty (Molasses Apricot), Cinnamon Snick (Cinnamon Sugar), Giddy Up (flourless PB, Walnuts, Oats, Chocolate), vegan Sprinkle Cookie and flourless Walnut Mudslide."

"The North Park location has their entire selection of breads and sweet offerings for pickup and curbside delivery. Rolls of raw cookie dough to bake at home are also available starting at $15. Call and pay ahead orders are encouraged for quick pickup."

"A post shared by Blackmarket Bakery San Diego (@blackmarketbakerysd). Don’t worry, there’s nothing nefarious about Blackmarket Bakery. Visit the North Park location for baked goods like light tarts, layer cakes and rich chocolate cookies."

"The French Gourmet’s bakery is considered by many to be San Diego’s gold standard in local bakeries. Here you can enjoy traditionally French gourmet bread pastries and espresso drinks that are also available to take home and enjoy."

"Brunch at The French Gourmet, a Pacific Beach restaurant, wine bar and French bakery in one, combines separate a la carte breakfast and lunch menus, both available daily from 8 a.m..."

"Nekter Juice Bar is a chain juice bar with a spot near La Jolla Cove as well as a few locations throughout San Diego. Here you’ll find healthy snacks, cold-pressed juices, delicious smoothies and an extensive menu of açaí bowls. They have nut-based milk that makes their smoothies and bowls creamy while adding nutritional value."

"The owners of Encinitas Cafe want to make sure you feel at home at their diner. They serve down-home classics like omelets, grilled sandwiches, and chicken-fried steak with top notch hospitality. Although the cafe has been a local favorite since 1989, there’s been a diner running at this location since the 1930’s."

"Another great brunch spot that I used to go to all the time when I lived in North County. It has a Mexican food twist to all the dishes, but super CLEAN & fresh. I get the yin & yang breakfast which is rosemary potatoes, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, red bean, avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, & a tortilla (I add poached eggs on top) & their golden fairy dust latte which is chai tea, ginger, cinnamon, sub the soy milk for almond milk… to die for!!!"

"First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too."