Popular Gardens in La Mesa

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"This is the place where the first-ever World’s Fair took place. I know it reminds you of Silvester Stalone but that’s not the vibe here. It has 17 museums, five playgrounds, a carousel and a train for children."

"Balboa Park is one of the most Instagrammable parks in San Diego!. While you’re there, don’t miss the lily pond!. This reflection pool is not your average little lily pond."

"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."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"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 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!)"

"in the barSpecials: Half-shell oyster specials, other food, and drink discounts, including on cocktails and wines by the glass at happy hourOcean View: YesWhy Go: High-end steak and seafood with great views that are popular for special occasions and date nights Neighborhood: Village of La JollaAddress: 1270 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037"

"As a seaside town, you might be expecting to try out some seafood and there is no better place than Eddie V’s. The restaurant offers fine dining with a casual vibe. Their patio offers a terrific view of the ocean and it’s not the only thing that will make you smile."

"What is it: This lively upscale restaurant is the centerpiece of San Diego’s food and drink-obsessed Little Italy. Why go: The airy dining room here continues to be packed out by locals, thanks to chef Anthony Wells' continually shifting, inventive menu. We're talking delicious small plates and culinary-inspired cocktails."

"For a place that’s best known for its buttermilk biscuits, Juniper & Ivy seems improbably swanky at first. Picture curtained-off banquettes, modern light fixtures, and painstakingly turned-out patrons. But the upscale/down-home contrast..."

"Behind the scenes content from the back of the kitchen is wayyyyyyyy underutilized IMHO. Note to restauranteurs: encourage your staff to be active on social media."

"Taco lovers can revel in something new at all City Tacos locations!. The taqueria has introduced two new styles of tacos, Caseros Homestyle Tacos and Tacos Dorados, to its core menu with the return of outdoor dining. Caseros Homestyle Taco selections include Costilla de Res en Salsa Verde and Cochinita Pibil—slow cooked pulled pork in a traditional Mayan achiote sauce, pickled onions, served with a semi-spicy serrano habanero creamy green salsa."

"Located in trendy North Park, City Tacos is definitely the best hipster street taco spot!. This place is extremely innovative with their menu. You’ll end up ordering way too much food under the pretense of, “I just want to try it”."