Botanical Building: A Balboa Park Oasis
Discover a lush paradise within Balboa Park's iconic Botanical Building, home to over 2,100 plant species from around the world.
The Botanical Building in San Diego's Balboa Park is one of the world's largest lath structures, originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Housing over 2,100 permanent plants, it offers a free and lush tropical experience.
A brief summary to Botanical Building
- 1550 El Prado, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
- +1619-239-0512
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Check the Balboa Park website for seasonal flower displays and special events.
- Allow at least one hour to fully explore the building and its diverse plant collection.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around the Lily Pond and other gardens in Balboa Park.
- The building is free, but donations are welcome to support its upkeep.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Plaza de Panama, walk east along El Prado, passing the San Diego Museum of Art on your left. The Botanical Building will be on your right, next to the Timken Museum of Art. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and is mostly flat.
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Public Transport
Take MTS bus route 7 or Rapid 215 to the Park Blvd & Village Pl stop. From there, walk west on Village Place, then turn left onto El Prado. Continue along El Prado, and the Botanical Building will be on your left. The one-way fare is $2.50.
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Driving
Enter Balboa Park from Park Boulevard and follow signs to the central parking areas. Park in the Organ Pavilion or Alcazar lots for the closest access. From the parking lots, walk along El Prado to the Botanical Building. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak times. Paid parking options may be available nearby. Consider using the free Balboa Park Tram from Inspiration Point parking lot.
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