After a walk-through, the rose garden I ventured to the space right next to it. That was the desert garden. There were all sorts of cacti and other plants that you could view along dirt paths. I'm probably biased, but I didn't feel that this was nearly as impressive as the botanical garden or the rose garden. As soon as I started walking down the pass, I kind of figured I should've just crossed the bridge back over to the museums. You do have some good views of the canyon from this spot, but if you had to pick time in the desert Garden or the rose garden, I would say it's a no-brainer to go to the rose garden. read more

this is a super small garden. I didn't really take a lot of pictures and everything felt just dry and dirty. We spent maybe 5 min here. Definitely not one of the main attractions in Balboa Park, I'd rather visit the Rose Garden right next to it. read more

I think this is the same place as the Kate O Sessions Cactus Garden, in Balboa Park. People just made 2 separate Yelp pages. This place is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, though. Anyone who doesn't appreciate this place is missing out, and doesn't know how to connect to nature/environments of all types (desert, mountains, forests, ocean, etc). There are so many different types of cacti and plants here, trees, spiders, and squirrels. I usually never come across other people here, except for once I came across two homeless men, but they were minding their business. NO SMOKING, LITTERING, OR CARVING INTO THE PLANTS/ TREES PLEASE!!!!! STOP HURTING NATURE!!!! You are not being a good person if you carve into trees and plants. Be a good person. This place gives a beautiful, peaceful vibe, so let's keep it that way. read more

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The Desert Garden is part of Balboa Park and probably most overlooked part of Balboa Park. It is across the street near the rose garden and I am not sure how many people actually make their way over to check it out. There are not many reviews or pictures compared to Balboa Park and all the other attractions. If you like cactus, succulents, and desert plants you should make your way over to check it out. There is convenient street parking and you can also access it by a pedestrian bridge near the large fountain. The bridge goes right over the traffic on the street below. I have been there a few times and most recently for a fun photo club meet up. As an added bonus, certain times of year the rose garden is blooming right next to it, and there are also blooming trees with beautiful flowers on them. read more

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Another beautiful garden across the pedestrian Bridge situated as a neighbor to the rose garden. Scenic in its on way. Not crowded. Relaxing. Another wonderful place to enjoy nature in the Balboa Park area! read more

Desert Garden - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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I really enjoyed walking through the Desert Garden in Balboa park. Saw alot of plants that I never seen before and the layout is pretty and tranquil. read more

I've been here on several visits to San Diego, and this garden across from Balboa Park is definitely worth a visit. The variety of desert plants is truly impressive, and on this most recent visit in May, the cacti were in bloom! Absolutely gorgeous! There are also some cute lizards and squirrels to watch here and on clear days, a nice view of the mountains. Definitely don't miss this if you're visiting Balboa park or the zoo! read more

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Desert plants are just fascinating, and if you're nerdy enough to take a class called World Vegetation (as I did in college), you will definitely be interested in stopping in at this desert garden running along the east side of Park Blvd. Here you will find desert plants from many parts of the world, including cacti, euphorbia, dragon trees, and way too many others to list. It's not terribly big, so take your time and contemplate all of the unique adaptations these survivors have developed to thrive in hot (and often cold) and extremely dry environments. Also enjoy the views to the east, over Morley Field and to our local mountains in the distance. Be sure to combine this with a visit to the adjacent rose gardens, whose neediness in tending offers a sort of yang to the desert garden's yin. Or maybe it's the other way around... you get the idea. While interesting, this desert garden unfortunately attracts some transients and drug users from time to time, which is unfortunate. Also, far too many people have carved into the cactus and other plants, permanently marring their surfaces. These faults aside, however, it is definitely a worthy stop on your next visit to our beloved Balboa Park. read more

The desert garden is located in the historic Balboa Park near the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose. It is also small in size just like the rose garden but still contains more than 1,300 plants, including succulents and drought-resistant plants from around the world. Same as the rose garden, it is free and open every day of the year to enjoy the vibrant oasis of succulent blooms and gorgeous cacti, aloe and agave. Snap pics with giant cactuses. Walk around or simply sit in one of the giant rock formations. Just be wary of the thorns as the prick will surely hurt due to their robust sizes. read more

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For those who haven't lived in the desert or visited it, this is a great garden that's part of Balboa Park. It is a very good representation of desert flora -- cacti, mesquite, acacia, and more. The garden contains more than 1,300 plants, including succulents and drought-resistant plants. Summer is not the time to see the desert in bloom. The peak blooming period is January through March. These plants are interesting at any time of year because of their unusual shapes ... and they are at the edge of an urban environment. read more

Desert Garden - Desert Garden overview - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm loving this place. Most who spend their lives in the desert try to escape from this kind of landscape, but I'm a swamp-dweller who grew up around water. This was my kind of oasis. The best part was being surrounded by all different kinds of cacti and pretending I was in a Western, complete with tumbleweed and the dry hot wind blowing past. "Woo woo woo.... " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hYV-JSjpyU The only difference (which I'm thankful for) is that this Desert Garden only comes with the visuals, and there is no tumbleweed (drat). I've hiked in the desert before... Under the blasting sun from noon till 4pm... In late August.. with the blowdryer blazing winds as my only relief... But not this desert. You still get the wonderful San Diego weather to cool down with, complete with cool breezes. As for wildlife, yes, we saw plenty of little hummingbirds and some lizards. And thankfully, none of those Jumbo Cactuars.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZUo3Rd2TiA You can find this wonderful little garden off-campus from Balboa Park's main land, north of the Rose Garden. (Park in Balboa and take the pedestrian bridge.) read more

Desert Garden - My son was worried I'd end up in the hospital from the pricklies! - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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Walk small area) no picnic area. beautiful view and trees. It's too small park, close to the road read more

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I thought this was part of the nearby Rose Garden - then as I started walking the path, I saw that the Desert Garden was actually its own entity. I like looking at landscapes, and the ones offered here definitely don't disappoint. Beautiful views abound here, and just like the nearby Rose Garden, the tranquility here is quite calming. I was a bit reflective as I saw the benches here - apperently, the benefactors had put a red rose on each of them yesterday, as it was their family member's birthday that they had donated the benches to in his memory. A very nice gesture of love, if you ask me. read more

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The natural trails that wind through the Desert Garden gives a glimpse into all the drought resistant plants in their natural landscapes. Lovely to visit this time of year when the rains have left the plants clean and full of life. Some of the slow growing plants are impressive in size. Good for a quick stroll. read more

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So I was totally going to skip the cactus "Desert Garden", but since we were headed for the rose garden and were passing by, we decided to make a detour to check it out. It turns out, I was more impressed by the Desert Garden than the Rose Garden. In my case it might be because I'm not super acquainted with cacti and succulents. I gotta say, this garden is wild and there's some really cool and off the wall shit growing here. Black succulents? WHAT?!? Cacti tall as trees? Yoinks! Things that look like they are from Dr. Suess' imagination. So cool. Definitely take kids here, I guarantee the novelty will not be lost on them. I'm so glad I didn't miss this very cool section of Balboa park! read more

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It's free. Located at Park Blvd and Zoo Pl caddy-corner to the San Diego Zoo parking lot. You can actually park at the Zoo (it is free) and then walk back across the street to the Desert Garden. This is connected to the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, so you can also find it that way. The gardens are open to the public, no admission. Simply, someone has done a phenomenal job turning this area of Balboa Park into a world-class botanical garden showcasing the best of desert plants from around the world. There are a vast array of rare plants in a variety of genus such as euphorbia, cactus, agave, aloe, furcraea, yucca, and more. Some plants have been here for decades, so it is seriously impressive. If you are a plant nerd or just like beautiful gardens, this is highly recommended! read more

Desert Garden - Agave tequilana marginata (Tequila Sunrise) - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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**** 4.5 stars **** The desert garden is pretty straightforward as far as nature scenery goes, but it gets a few extra points for uniqueness because you really don't get to see this kind of expansive display very often on the East coast. The actual grounds are pretty large, much bigger than what you'll find in the nearby Botanical Building, and I even saw several people using it as a running trail. The only real problem with visiting here is that it's pretty segregated from the rest of Balboa Park, so you really have to make an effort if you want to check it out. One of my favorite aspects about this little retreat is the various forms of bird (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/desert-garden-san-diego?select=YuYv_cFqXiLiOMqS8ZUn-g#feMX-75Ah2ayG4L9G_HVLw) and animal life you'll encounter. There are little lizards and geckos all around, and if you're near any flowering succulents it's highly likely that you'll spot a hummingbird or two. Between the flora and fauna this can definitely be a hidden gem for aspiring photographers to practice in relative peace, as passersby are much less frequent than the rest of the park grounds. The flowers you'll find here, although not as abundant, are just as vibrant as any of the orchids you'll find in other gardens. What's really impressive about this garden though is the scale of it all. Unlike other places that may feature a desert area, this is like being transported to all the world's deserts in one go. There are some serious cacti here! Some of them just seem to keep growing and growing into weird, monstrous Rastafarian (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/desert-garden-san-diego?select=YuYv_cFqXiLiOMqS8ZUn-g#GIPY7lBIIY8ITSfu63q-YQ) shapes. I can imagine, that were they not so prickly, this would be a young kid's ideal playground. The one thing this spot could use is a few more benches to really take in the surroundings, but aside from that it's a worthwhile trek out of your way if you already happen to be on this side of the park. read more

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We accidentally found the desert garden and it is such a neat hike/ walk discovering plants that you may have never seen before growing naturally! I believe this area could be more beautiful with extra tlc, it does not seems to be monitored which makes it an easy location for the homeless to leave behind their clothes or garbage. The trail is so unique and interesting that it should be maintained to join the beautiful reputation that Balboa Park has already. read more

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Nice garden with old, giant cactii. It is rare to see such old and big specimens, and I love how they grow into gnarly shapes, so much character. Fun place for a stroll. read more

The Desert Garden found on the east side of Balboa Park is great. There is a trail that you can follow through the area or just roam around the desert plants. As you can imagine some of the plants have been there a very long time. It makes for some great photo ops, especially at dusk and dawn. read more

Desert Garden - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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Beautiful Time && Beautiful Plants. A Must See In San Diego. We walked the whole are and basiclly fell in love with SD.

Nice place to have lunch or to get away from the hustle and bustle. My boyfriend and I came here on our San Diego weekend getaway. Saw a lot of runner, joggers and people walking their dogs throughout the garden. It also has mile markers so that you know if you want to get somewhere else along the trail that it will take such and such a mile to get there. A beautiful place to get some fresh air and is a very pretty running trail. read more

This was such an interesting garden! I'm from Louisville, KY and we don't have things like this! I never knew that a cactus could get so large. The pathways are mainly dirt, so tread carefully. It was a tad bit creepy waking around by myself though, but I'm obviously fine enough to write this review lol read more

Desert Garden - Tons of cacti! - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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What a cool place! It's located directly across the street from the rest of Balboa Park, and right next to the Rose Garden. I see joggers/runners coming through here all of the time. It's no wonder that they like this place; there are spacious paths with beautiful, exotic foliage around. Little hummingbirds and lizards sometimes reveal themselves. You just have to gawk at the ridiculous heights of some of the cactus plants here. It's really marvelous. Take a seat and relax (not on the cacti, there are benches x_x), or explore the hidden trails! Just please don't vandalize the plants like so many have done already! :( read more

A quick stroll but there are some interesting plants here and good photo opportunities. Located next to the rose garden. I take visiting guests here when we're visiting Balboa Park. read more

Located directly across from the rose garden, this cool little spot can easily be missed... why would you check out a DESERT garden when you can see and smell the roses?.. because its equally beautiful, that's why!..something about it is so peaceful... and you really can get lost in all it's natural beauty... make sure you follow the trail all the way to the bottom..you can continue the trail and keep going for miles or turn around, grab a seat and check out the desert wildlife. read more

You can see pretty much everything here in about ten minutes. It's worth a stroll if you are already at the museum across the street, but I wouldn't recommend making a special trip just for this, as I did. There was no parking on a Tuesday, many of the plants seemed unhealthy(some with initials carved into them), and while I thought this would be an oasis in the city, it seems you cannot escape the ubiquitous disparity that California so unabashedly ignores. There were two tents just outside of the garden and one homeless man was actually camped out within the garden itself. My expectations may have been a bit too high, but I really feel like a little effort could make this garden much more enjoyable. read more

Desert oasis. Lizards and hummingbirds galore. Don't skip this part of Balboa Park.

Somewhat hard to find, but well worth the search - the garden contains dozens of plant species you would usually find crammed into the 'desert' corner of a conservatory/greenhouse. Gently-graded paths make the cacti and trees accessible to all; my only recommendation would be for more interpretive signage! read more

I have taken my parents and relatives that visit me from the east coast to see the Desert Garden in Balboa Park. This place is not Disneyland by any means but it is worth a visit especially since this is a unique collection of Cactus Plants all grouped together in a very nice part of Balboa Park. It is quite different than what most Americans are used to seeing, especially if they do not live in the west coast. Takes about 10-15 minutes tops to cover the entire area. read more