Desert Garden
Desert Garden
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Balboa Park
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4.5
37 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Cac1234
Germantown, NY2,067 contributions
Mar 2020
The Desert Garden has a display of beautiful cacti of many species and sizes. Take a few minutes to stoll among the cacti or spend more time to watch the animals and birds that call this place their home. Conveniently located near the Natural History Museum just across the pedestrian bridge. When taking MTS bus #7 from downtown, it is on the right s few steps from the bus stop.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz H
Boston, MA55 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Next to the Rose garden, this cactus garden was a treat. I strolled through it quickly but noticed so many cool things, including geckos. It is just beyond the fountain at Balboa Park. Take a stroll...
Written 12 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LiseKali
Tampa, FL79 contributions
Great garden clinging to the side of a cliff on the perimeter of Balboa Park. Not to be confused with the Old Cactus Garden on the other side of the park. Awesome views of the area (except for the highway running along the bottom.) Go in the morning so it will be cooler since it doesn't have alot of shady parts.
Written 10 April 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glassbrain
Vancouver, Canada76 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Worth anyone's time to experience a really different landscape and the exotic shapes and adaptations of xerophytic flora. But, take a collector of succulents and cacti with you as a guide! This lovely garden seems quite underfunded and in need of maintenance. It would be a star attraction with some cleaning, pruning, fencing, and most of all labelling (or a guide pamphlet). I know a little about succulents but the names and "backstory" would bring this place alive.
Hello??? Balboa administration....
Hello??? Balboa administration....
Written 28 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kristenmerke
Ottawa, Canada442 contributions
Feb 2014 • Solo
This was a great stop to walk around while waiting for the bus. It was right beside the stop and was beautiful. There was a great variety of plants and was well kept. If you walked to the back you had a great view from above. Leads right into the rose garden too.
Written 25 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Civitastar
San Diego, CA2 contributions
Oct 2013
One of my favorite places in San Diego. Located next to the Rose Garden it is a free escape from city life. The garden offers a variety of plants within a short walking distance of park attractions.
Written 10 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tubbytummy
London, UK661 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is part of the park and easy to get to over a small bridge. So many plants to see easy walking with some nice views thrown in to.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey D
Griffin, GA2,803 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
This is a relatively small collection of cacti and interesting desert species but worth a look if you are already in the area, for example, to visit the rose garden. There’s not much signage, as in a botanic gardens, but still worth a look.
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tampatowers
Lincoln, NE446 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This site is just across Park Blvd. from the Botanical Garden. Take the pedestrian bridge across the busy road. If you are new to cacti, you’ll find many different types here. If it has rained recently you will enjoy even more blossoms. A quiet, special place.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jer b
Bristol, CT1,756 contributions
June 2018 • Friends
Located over the bridge across from the museums, this garden allows you to see cactus, succulents and desert plants from all around the world. Some are incredible in size and age. It is truly an impressive collection, located on the side of a canyon. Level walking paths allow you to weave among the collection. Free admission.
Written 22 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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