Best Botanical Garden Escondido Near Me

4worldlovers: Please note: The Bamboo Garden and Desert Gardens will be closed for ADA path upgrades.


Welcome to our 37-acre urban oasis – to 4 miles of meandering trails and ocean views, 5,300 plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens that represent 15 different regions and many habitats of the world. Our fully accessible natural wonderland is designed for children and adults, alike; explore your interests, learn about the plant world that surrounds us, and let nature fill you with a little wonder.

Learn about our days and hours of operation, ticket costs, mobility and accessibility, and other visitor services information.


Reservations strongly recommended, except for qualified Museums for All visitors. Walk-in admission is not guaranteed.


Member benefits include free daytime admission, gift and plant shop discounts, early access, and guest passes. LOG IN.


Our 37-acre urban oasis offer 4 miles of trails that lead to and through ocean views and 29 uniquely themed gardens, including the West Coast’s largest children’s garden and the nation’s largest public bamboo collection.

We conduct and communicate science and conservation to enhance the persistence of, appreciation of, and access to plant diversity, within and beyond the Garden.

Over the decades since SDBG was established, the garden has worked to conserve threatened plants and habitats, including San Diego’s native flora as well as rare plants from around the world. To address the most pressing challenges – from biodiversity loss to climate change, food insecurity to environmental degradation – our work continues today in ever more ambitious and urgent forms. We collaborate with community, nonprofit, academic, government, and industry partners to maximize our combined impact.

4worldlovers:


See the Safari Park's website for park hours and admission information.



Self-guided information is available in the kiosk inside the Pavilion. Volunteers from San Diego Bonsai Club and San Pu Kai are available to answer questions at the Bonsai Pavilion on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 9AM to noon.

John Jackson is the Pavilion curator and Dennis Wagner is the assistant curator. 'Lyn Stevenson is the Pavilion liaison. Use the contact page to contact John, Dennis, or 'lyn.

Over 25 years ago, The San Diego Zoological Society provided land for the Bonsai Pavilion at the Wild Animal Park. The Bonsai Pavilion was initially constructed through joint efforts of The Wild Animal Park and volunteer members of the San Diego Bonsai Club and San Pu Kai over a two-year period. World Bonsai Master, John Yoshio Naka, was one of the first to recognize the value of having a bonsai collection in Southern California.

The Pavilion was opened on May 9, 1987 coinciding with The Wild Animal Park's 15th anniversary celebration. John Y. Naka cut the ribbon for the first and largest permanent bonsai display facility in the western United States. Major monetary contributions were given by the Golden State Bonsai Federation, San Diego Bonsai Club, and San Pu Kai along with many bonsai enthusiasts throughout California.

On May 1, 2011, after several years of study and planning, a new Bonsai Pavilion was opened at The San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly The Wild Animal Park) above the first pavilion and four times larger. The new features included a waterfall, three bridges, and a meandering stream in a tranquil, secured setting. This allows for more bonsai exhibits as well as an expanded work area.

The San Diego Bonsai Club honored its founder and early president Mas Takanashi with the construction of an impressive entrance gate incorporating the Club's logo in the design.