Balboa Park’s Botanical Building & Gardens

Step into history and nature at the 13,000-square-foot Botanical Building, one of San Diego’s most beloved landmarks in Balboa Park.

Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and designed by architect Carleton M. Winslow, the building is a stunning example of a lath house—a structure made of narrow wooden slats that filter sunlight while allowing airflow, creating an ideal environment for plant life.

The Botanical Building houses over 2,100 plants, including orchids, ferns, cycads, and vibrant seasonal floral displays. These lush collections are beautifully framed by the iconic Lily Pond, which leads visitors toward the park’s museums and The Old Globe theatre. The Botanical Building is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on city holidays.

Thanks to a major restoration led by Forever Balboa Park, the Botanical Building has been revitalized with wider accessible pathways and redesigned planting beds covering 5,200 square feet. This thoughtful transformation enhances the visitor experience, inviting everyone to explore, relax, and connect with nature in an inspiring historic setting. With kids and families always free, it’s the perfect place to explore, relax, and learn about nature together.

A New Era of Connection: Community & Nature

With the revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens well underway, San Diego’s commitment to urban environmental sustainability is more vibrant than ever. The newly upgraded spaces are already setting the stage for engaging educational programs, where visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of biodiversity and sustainable solutions. Our mission to inspire new generations of plant enthusiasts and nature lovers is becoming a reality—one vibrant garden, one budding visitor at a time. Learn how to give back here.

Forever Balboa Park is the nonprofit organization dedicated to this work, in partnership with the City of San Diego, partner organizations, and the residents of this region.

At Forever Balboa Park, our mission is to improve and advance Balboa Park so that people and nature can thrive together. We prioritize inclusivity, stewardship, service, sustainability, opportunity, and synergy in all that we do. Our vision is for Balboa Park to be a well-resourced, valued, and collaboratively cared-for destination that contributes to the well-being of the San Diego region. We aim to be recognized as a catalyst and leader in enhancing the park through collaboration and effective leadership, achieving tangible progress for the park and its visitors. Learn more here.