About The Balboa Park Botanical Building

A stroll through the Botanical Building in Balboa Park is surely one of the best free things you can do in San Diego. The building, located in the heart of Balboa Park, was just renovated for over three years and is now back open and as stunning as ever. Walk slowly passed the Palladian windows and see the sunlight creep in from seemingly every angle. Feel the subtle moisture coming off the tropical ferns. Soak in the quiet awe that other visitors are feeling as they stroll with you. This place is always worth a visit if you are in the park.

The Botanical Building is free and open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Best Parts

• Free things to do
• Seeing plants
• First date
• Stippled shadows

Behind The Counter

The Botanical Building was constructed along with the rest of Balboa Park in 1915 for the Panama Exposition. About five years ago, the nonprofit organization Forever Balboa Park, in conjunction with the City of San Diego, headed the restoration project. The building has a completely new feel to it while maintaining its authenticity to the original design – with wooden lath roof and all.