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Botanical Building and Lily Pond

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92103 (Balboa Park)
1-619-239-0512
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Ranked #15 of 201 attractions in San Diego
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Type: Gardens
Description: Over 1,200 tropical and flowering varieties of plants are to be found beneath the domed, wooden-lath structure of the Botanical Building.
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184 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    131
    38
    14
    0
    1
Date Rating
San Diego
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

I love this area of the park! I always feel like a took a trip out of San Diego when I visit here! The lily ponds are so beautiful and the botanical building is a treasure. I love the orchids, the herbs and the venus fly traps. It's a place to feel good!I never miss it when visiting the park.... More

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See 8 more reviews by MaryAnnLens for San Diego
Milwaukee, WI
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

One of the most notable landmarks in the park, the botanical building is a gorgeous structure filled with common and exotic plants. There's an unmistakable sense of calm in that area, most likely due in part to the lily pond. You can always find people leisurely hanging out in that area of the park, taking in a special kind of... More

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See 5 more reviews by Jonbrak1 for San Diego
Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

I always love going in to the botanical gardens when visiting Balboa Park and was not disappointed this time, there were lots of beautiful orchids to look at this time along with the usual amount of plants and trees, overall a lovely experience if you enjoy flowers, trees and greenery

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See 3 more reviews by Robert1159 for San Diego
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
92 reviews 92 reviews
54 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

A nice place to wander into when visiting Balboa Park to see what flowers are in season. The architecture of the building is unique so it is easily recognizable as being San Diego. Spend an hour walking around inside. It is also a nice to place to practice photography because the unique structure creates so many different light textures to... More

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See 23 more reviews by Joe T for San Diego
Tacoma, Washington
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

We popped in for what should have been a quick look-about and about forty-five minutes later they were kicking us out to lock the doors. I could have spent another hour there easy. Despite the building being open to the elements and the weather being unseasonably hot - the air inside was cool and moist. The plants are absolutely stunning.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Holly_Golightly_13 for San Diego
mpt
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013 via mobile

Very nice atmosphere and structure But a but crowded when I came Come early or late If possible rent a bike beside to visit the balboa park. Phone before because sometimes closed.

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See 7 more reviews by MptFrenchguy for San Diego
HOUSTON
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

So many beautiful and interesting plants, not to mention the beautiful structure and surroundings. Loved it!!

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Windsor, Canada
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Had a lot of fun with our cameras here. Playing around with our lenses, and different settings as we took marvellous close up photos of all the pretty plants. And its free!!

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See 5 more reviews by Mare524 for San Diego
Plam Springs, CA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

Beautiful just Beautiful ! Took many pictures and from any angle this is a very special spot . The Botanical Building itself is such marvel , you will be simply amazed .

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See 2 more reviews by DesertRivieraTenders for San Diego
Franklin, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
103 reviews 103 reviews
39 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013

We unfortunately picked a very chilly, cloudy day to visit the beautiful Balboa Park. We sneaked inside the Botanical Building to warm up a bit and get some shelter from the wind. What a lovely spot to stop. The plants and flowers are beautiful - well cared for, and laid out in such a way to engage the visitor in... More

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See 12 more reviews by Two_Travel_Bugs_WI for San Diego

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