Discover thousands of plants inside the historic centerpiece of San Diego’s Balboa Park, which was originally built for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition.
Take a peaceful stroll through the Botanical Building. The sprawling structure has stood in San Diego’s Balboa Park for over a century and is a favorite feature of the park. It was originally built for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and promoted San Diego as the first American port for ships passing through the canal. Made of delicate arched wooden slats, it is one of the world’s largest lath structures.
Inside the Botanical Building, see more than 2,000 plants and flowers. Explore a varied collection that includes cycads, ferns, orchids and other tropical species. Check out the seasonal flower displays, which always offer a colorful glimpse into the current time of the year.
Stop by the Touch and Smell Garden, where hands-on interaction with the plants is encouraged. Check out potent-smelling herbs, textured leaves and more.
Relax on the lawn outside the Botanical Building. Spread out with a blanket and picnic or sit back under the shade of a tree. Watch colorful koi swimming in the nearby lily ponds.
To round out your botany-themed trip, time your visit to coincide with one of the plant shows that take place in the Casa del Prado building, which is directly east of the Botanical Building.
Leave enough time to sample the other attractions in Balboa Park. The 1,200-acre (490-hectare) park has broad appeal. Explore its variety of gardens, such as the popular Japanese Friendship Garden or the unique sunken Zoro Garden. Discover its many museums, ranging from the San Diego Air and Space Museum to the Timken Museum of Art.
Visit the Botanical Building throughout the year. It is closed on Thursdays and holidays. The Botanical Building is free to enter.
