Cancel

Open app

Search

Lily Pond

4.6 (17 reviews)

Lily Pond Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Lily Pond

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Maria V.

Beautiful pond in Balboa Park. A must see if you come.Lily pads , ducks , people playing guitar ... sunshine :)

A view of the lily pond, complete with turtle swimming by.
Steve F.

The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is probably the most photographed location in San Diego, and it's mostly due to the beautiful Lily Pond. Located in front of the building, this pond is home to a number of koi, a few turtles, and even a couple ducks that rest here during the day. I'm glad to see the lilies and other plants making a comeback after what those hooligans in that ill-planned water gun fight last summer did when they tore up the area. Given the public outcry over the desecration of a local landmark, I don't think they'll be doing that again (hopefully).

Oops, can't escape those darn Legos
Lesley M.

I love coming here and watching the koi. It's something I always do when I come to Balboa Park. My son gets a kick out of running back and forth searching out the 'giant' ones. The Lily Pond is one of the prettiest and most recognizable areas of the park. Every time I go I see tourists or women dressed to nines posing for photos in the front. It always makes me chuckle. I love seeing kids on field trips enjoying the pond, it makes me smile. And of course turtle and duck watching is ideal at the pond. If you have a budding photographer, this is a great spot to bring them. My little guy loves taking photos here. I know a lot of people think the pond is just a place to visit on the way to the Botanical Building, but I kinda see it the other way. I sometimes just go in there to get it over with first, then come back out so I can enjoy the pond properly.

Leroy T.

Well First of All Date Of Visit : May 27 , 2019 and After I Walk the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge I felt like Hay how about The Lilly Pond which is located in Balboa Park which is a couple blocks away and close by so I would say about 10-15 Minutes away . So I went to Balboa Park and I would say it is a great area to take pictures because of this pond . It has Green Leaves in the pond and it gives you the fill of like Lilly's in the pond . It is right in the middle of Balboa Park and as you are walking you will see it . Not hard to find also lots of visitors tend to take photos in front of the pond so you might have to wait your turn . But be patient and you can snap away !! Also there are benches for you to sit around the pond . The cool thing is there are ducks floating in the pond . Pretty cool !! Every time I come here I always have to take a photo in front because it is a beautiful pond to take in front of . My overall Satisfaction is good and I shall Return and snap more pictures here !!

A beautiful pond in Balboa Park. It is another iconic location of the park that usually has a lot of people. The koi fish, ducks and flowers really make the pond special and beautiful.

Lily Pond facing Botanical Building
Mi W.

This is really a beautiful place to sit and view the scenes. The Lily Pond as it is known has quite the variety of lilies throughout and actually some lotus plants too. There are several large koi (Japanese fish) and 1000's of small tiny fish, possibly baby koi?! The pond is directly in front of the Botanical Building along El Prado. A few things I learned on a history tour in Balboa Park that this pond was used for military training during World War I and World War II!!

Lena Y.

Looking to take an iconic Balboa Park picture? Well, this is the place with the Botanical Building as your back drop. During the summer months, the pond has koi fish, blossomed lily pads and cute ducks. Adjacent, open grass areas for the perfect picnic under the sun.

Michelle P.

Between the perfect weather, the fish and the ducks, I could have spent hours at the Lily Pond just taking in the sites. If you like nature, small animals that live or hang out in the water and ascetically pleasing things, the Lily Pond is a must-see on your visit to Balboa Park. You could read my review, look at my pictures, or better yet, just go see it yourself.

Beautifu day

See all

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Alex D.
268
1695
14748

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 10
Thanks 0
Love this 12
Oh no 0
Photo of Maria V.
2052
1083
7010

4 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0
Photo of Rob A.
2389
1252
26333

8 years ago

Helpful 59
Thanks 0
Love this 69
Oh no 0
Photo of Steve F.
1092
1506
8000

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 21
Thanks 0
Love this 23
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tabby R.
156
122
344

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mi W.
72
178
133

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Lena Y.
141
1013
6906

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Lori W.
281
425
1647

9 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0
Photo of D H.
0
87
0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Lily Pond

What doesThe Park do with the fish that THEY did not put in the pond come winter?

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Lily Pond

This pond is located right in the middle of Balboa Park in front of the Botanical Building with fish, flowers, and beautiful lily pads.

Mentioned in 5 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Parks 10,045 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Civita Park - Basketball court! Can you make a basket?

Civita Park

4.6(173 reviews)
3.2 miMission Valley

Civita Park in Mission Valley has quickly become one of my go-to spots, especially since it's just…read morea short drive from home. It's super accessible with ample parking, and I love that there are multiple entry points and routes you can take depending on how long of a walk you're in the mood for. This park truly has something for everyone. There's a splash pad, basketball courts, a great playground for kids, and even a giant chess game, which is such a fun and unique touch. It's also an amazing place to walk your dog--I bring mine here all the time, and he absolutely loves all the open grass and the variety of paths we can explore. One of my favorite features is the set of stairs that lead up toward the residential areas and the dog park. If you take them all the way up, you're rewarded with really pretty views at the top, which makes the little climb totally worth it. Overall, Civita Park is clean, well-designed, and perfect whether you're looking to be active or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Definitely a Mission Valley gem!

Pros: Spacious, plenty of walking paths, with nice clean facilities, which include 2 family…read morebathrooms with baby diaper changing stations and several drinking fountains. There's also a row of small fountains for kids to play, run through and splash in. Cons: It's a really nice park ON A COOL DAY. Lately, with temperatures 10 to 19° above "normal average" - or maybe it's just the new normal - it's hard to recall the last time we got to experience a cool day. But here, the way the gazebos, tables, and benches are set up reflects a pretty severe case of denial that this is Southern California, and not quite within walking distance from the beach. It WILL get hot whenever it damn pleases, with or without notice. It did so in February already, in case you missed it. We came a few times for the farmers market. Both days were unfortunately " 80°F" her weather report, which in reality feels like 92°F, and we had to scramble to find a little bit of shade, so that we could eat our street food without passing out from heat stroke. We huddled awkwardly on the curb under a small tree. Other people passing by with food in their hands looked at us with envy. NOT A SINGLE PERSON sat on the readily available benches with tables, because they were in the blazing sun, yet lacked any shade. Never mind an umbrella, not even holes to put one in!! Denial much?? It's really sad, because it's a beautiful place. It just DESPERATELY needs more shade for the visitors to feel comfortable without clinging to trees or the bathroom walls.

Photos
Civita Park
Civita Park - Tunnel Mural

Tunnel Mural

Civita Park - Tuesday Food Truck Night

See all

Tuesday Food Truck Night

Maruta Gardner Playground - Klover & Kai

Maruta Gardner Playground

4.8(29 reviews)
6.4 mi

The most amazing park my toddler and I have ever had the pleasure of visiting- thus far!!!…read more As we were driving to Old Town, we passed by a few playgrounds prompting my little monster's request for some play time. After we were doing doing some basic tourist-y things, I hopped on Yelp in search of a few parks located withing the vicinity. Maruta Gardner Playgound seemed to be the most entertaining and appropriate for my wild child. Parking was plentiful and the size of this particular playground was great. Not only was the look and design very unique, you really couldn't ask for a better view. Seating was plentiful and again, the design of things were so cool. Shade is easily found and the play structure is great for children + adults of all ages. Lastly, there are restrooms and water fountain located not too far. Shout out to Ms. Maruta Gardner!! My daughter and I thank you because this place wouldn't have been possible without you. Your dedications and love for your community was undeniable. Thank you for beautifying everything around you and rest in paradise. 5/5 Stars!! Definitely a must if you are in San Diego!!

This is a fantastic park! Truly has activities for all ages and lots of seating for parents. The…read moreswings and climbing structure are so fun! I also love that it's right across the street from mission beach. We love to walk along the beach then come and play or vice versa. Generally safe area and haven't seen many homeless loitering about. Pretty clean and minimal litter.

Photos
Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

Maruta Gardner Playground - MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

See all

MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND

Lily Pond - parks - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...