Popular Gardens in San Elijo State Beach

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"For a complete change of scenery, Balboa Park is an unusual park right in the city center. It was actually built for one of those old-timey expositions but the city loved it so much they made it permanent. In addition to the museums, there’s also a Botanical Garden and several beautiful gardens, like this moorish styled one below."

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"A seasonal attraction, The Carlsbad Flower Fields provide an amazing seaside show of color between March and May of each year, showcasing the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. It's one of the only working ranunculus farms in the world that allows the public to run through the fields, take photos, and ride on an antique tractor. Kids love exploring the maze of flowers, too."

"The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch consist of close to fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that have transformed the hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular displays of natural color and beauty in the world."

"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 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 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!)"

"Felicita County Park is nestled on 53 acres of dense Oak groves with hiking trails and streams winding throughout. The woodsy setting and several large boulders make the park very serene. Felicita is also the site of one of the largest and oldest Native American Villages in the county."

"Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido, and its rich history alone makes it worth the visit. It’s known mostly for its ability to cater to larger gatherings thanks to picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and restrooms, and there’s also a lot more to do. Explore the children’s tile art wall, the military tribute, the swimming pool, Heritage Walk, and the vinehenge to make a day of it."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Doig used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Grape Day Park is the oldest park in Escondido and certainly one of the most popular. Its unique playground and climbing equipment are a hit with kids, and the vibrant green grass is the perfect place for a family picnic."

"Jake's Del Mar has been popular with residents and visitors for many years. The restaurant is located right on the sand and open daily for lunch, happy hour, and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. Jake's also has a very large selection of gluten-free menu options available at all times."

"The restaurant is casual, but remains elegant for your romantic dinner out. Due to its location, parking can be difficult, but the restaurant does provide valet parking that we suggest to take advantage of. Jake’s Del Mar is built to highlight the floor to ceiling views of the ocean."

"Big windows frame views of the ocean for those dining inside but reserve a spot on the patio to get a closer view of the water. The menu is described as California coastal fare, meaning popular dishes like Baja fish tacos share the menu alongside avocado toast, burgers and BBQ ribs."

"Islands Restaurants (Mission Valley, Clairemont Mesa, Mira Mesa, and Carmel Mountain) is offering cocktails, wine and beer to-go. Options include frozen margaritas and Big Island Ice teas. They are available for pickup only, and a food item purchase is required."

"A post shared by CharollSushi (@charollsushi) on Apr 18, 2019 at 4:30pm PDT. Held at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, this Champagne Brunch isn’t to be missed. Held on Sundays only, you can enjoy your choice of champagne or mimosas alongside a freshly prepared entree as well as your pickings off the all-you-can-eat seafood and cold foods bar."

"Location: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109Phone: (858) 539-8635Website. It just doesn’t get any prettier than this. Located at the Polynesian-themed Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach, this magnificent restaurant overlooking Mission Bay serves up delectable ocean-inspired modern California cuisine."

"Be transported to a tropical beach getaway at this California classic. The booth at table 31 surrounds you with water — you’ll be right under a soothing blue aquarium and have the best views in the house of the swaying palms outside on Mission Bay. Catamaran Resort, Hotel and Spa, 3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay."

"The living wall of succulents, hip warehouse interior, and wine bottle chandeliers suit this vibrant restaurant where good times and great eats...Read More"

"With rotating cocktails and seasonal sangria offerings starting at $5, the all important quality to price ratio during happy hour is hard to beat."