Title: Desert Garden in San Diego - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Desert Garden Tours and Activities

![Desert Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230106/952dc09d-4796-46c3-ba2f-becbdc2cf330.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Desert Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230106/952dc09d-4796-46c3-ba2f-becbdc2cf330.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Desert Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230106/5d95bb21-41c4-46bf-9e54-454b1571d3ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Desert Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230106/7739f52f-869a-4130-be3e-8a2ea14a1d14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Desert Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230106/fd078f81-b5be-4fb0-a4e0-7023e37f4f55.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Desert Garden

Activities

[San Diego travel guide](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego.dx3073)

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#### No other garden is as natural to San Diego as this slightly secluded area. Stroll through this green space to see plant species not commonly found in other parks.

San Diego is by all appearances a lush city, but it borders desert, easily observed by driving just outside the city core to visit Desert Garden. Reach the garden by going through sprawling Balboa Park and crossing the pedestrian bridge near the San Diego Natural History Museum. 

The garden’s 2.5 acres (1 hectare) has a large collection of cacti, bromeliads and many succulents, with more than 1,300 individual plants. The area is arid in keeping with its desert status, so wear a hat, as you are unlikely to find much shade.

One benefit of including this garden in a visit is appreciating the number of fascinating plant shapes and colors. Visit from January to March when the garden often explodes with brilliant hues such as the yellow blooms on the palo verde, the reddish orange of aloe thraskii or light green foliage of the Queensland bottle tree.

The Joshua tree is shaped very artistically while the weeping Euphorbia ingens is surrealistic, similar to some of the creative drawings of Dr. Seuss. Imagine the symmetric quiver tree as the perfect specimen to have on a front lawn however, it is, once again, a desert plant.

Walk on flat paved pathways through this collection of plants that are sourced both locally and from other arid regions of the world. The setting is particularly photographic at dusk.

Compared to other parts of Balboa Park, which dates back to 1868, Desert Garden is from the mid 1970s and a relative newcomer. Don’t confuse this spot with the much older Cactus Garden in another area of the same park. Visit the nearby Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, which is included with free admission and is always open.

Spend a bit more time in Balboa Park to visit other areas with interesting vegetation, including the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Australian Garden and the EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden.

## Plan a trip to see Desert Garden

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/60000/60000/59916/ee70bfa4_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk, San Diego Area

Lawrence Welk Resort Village

CA $807

per person

Apr 30 - May 5

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to San Diego (SAN)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,508 reviews)

room was great. The staff was very nice. Food options were a bit lackluster.

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

![The Sofia Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1580000/1573900/1573807/ba6cea84_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Sofia Hotel

Downtown San Diego

CA $876

per person

Apr 30 - May 5

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to San Diego (SAN)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,627 reviews)

Amazing overall. Parking was tricky though.

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

![Empress Hotel of La Jolla](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11500/11429/f78b055c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Empress Hotel of La Jolla

Village of La Jolla

CA $1,426

per person

May 16 - May 23

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to San Diego (SAN)

9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)

Clean room, good location, quiet

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

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per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/dinner-dancing-harbour-cruise-in-san-diego.a280479.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Glow Electric Boat night date experience in San Diego Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2841176/da122eba-ae65-4ffc-944f-8a23f46fd7e7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Glow Electric Boat night date experience in San Diego Bay

1h

10/10

1 Viator review

Free cancellation available

CA $102

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/harbour-sailing-experience-small-group.a2841176.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Champagne Brunch Buffet](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/280447/b740d5f3-c5af-4c61-8b6a-1d3da3655cd1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Champagne Brunch Buffet

2h

9.2/10

31 verified reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $171

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/champagne-brunch-buffet.a280447.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![City Cruises San Diego: Signature Dinner Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49411393/a05a4ec8-8bd3-42a2-ab92-ac7c0f4e7748.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### City Cruises San Diego: Signature Dinner Cruise

2h 30m

8/10

3 verified reviews

CA $147

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-signature-dinner-cruise.a49411393.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![City Cruises San Diego: Premier Dinner Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/169195/1f8fc7b6-f3da-4106-884a-1f1f26fcf6c8.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### City Cruises San Diego: Premier Dinner Cruise

3h

9/10

140 verified reviews

CA $184

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-premier-dinner-cruise.a169195.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Taste of Little Italy in San Diego](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4458949/561ae118-83e9-4a41-8908-2c8ba26aac56.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Taste of Little Italy in San Diego

3h 30m

10/10

311 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $127

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taste-of-little-italy-in-san-diego.a4458949.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![San Diego Bay: 2.5 hour Pure Catamaran Sailing Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49912383/2d09581b-4923-4f4b-a20f-d16b537a9973.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### San Diego Bay: 2.5 hour Pure Catamaran Sailing Cruise

2h 30m

10/10

10 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $162

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-bay-2-5-hour-pure-catamaran-sailing-cruise.a49912383.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Sunday Dinner on the Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/280495/1b322ed5-379e-438e-94bf-41c3f7a2e7ee.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Sunday Dinner on the Bay

3h

9.6/10

31 verified reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $171

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/sunday-dinner-on-the-bay.a280495.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![San Diego: Gaslamp District Food Tour with 6 Local Dishes](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4583705/88fbe52f-45c0-465d-b4b6-ded10d05ebf1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### San Diego: Gaslamp District Food Tour with 6 Local Dishes

3h

9.4/10

3 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $132

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-guided-secret-food-tour.a4583705.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

### Water activities

[See all 24 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&filter.categories=Wateractivities)

![La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4514400/c3682be2-e779-4be6-af2f-095c69fa2279.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

2h

9.2/10

202 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $109

includes taxes & fees

per traveller\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/la-jolla-2-hour-kayak-tour-of-the-7-caves.a4514400.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/423137/6306cd89-8719-4585-a452-7269750ca304.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Speed Boat Adventure Tour: Thrills on the San Diego Bay

1h 30m

9.6/10

48 verified reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $129

includes taxes & fees

per traveller

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/speed-boat-adventure-tour.a423137.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Kayak on the San Diego Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2886775/5d70d5e6-3235-441a-b04c-fe30d2d13cd6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Kayak on the San Diego Bay

1h

9.6/10

31 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $27

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/kayak-on-the-san-diego-bay.a2886775.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Patriot Jet Boat Sightseeing Ride on San Diego Bay](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/280459/91527301-db8d-4139-bb7f-8254227fca28.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Patriot Jet Boat Sightseeing Ride on San Diego Bay

30m

9.6/10

83 verified reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $61

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/patriot-jet-boat-sightseeing-ride-on-san-diego-bay.a280459.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![San Diego: Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46007794/1bbb41d8-6bbb-4963-860f-890e64b1d2b6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### San Diego: Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks

2h 30m

10/10

17 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $138

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-guided-sunset-sailing-cruise-with-drinks.a46007794.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Electric boat Rentals in San Diego Bay. Family friendly boating](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3193704/2bf6f95f-ea68-4699-9be3-fa9341ba2c38.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Electric boat Rentals in San Diego Bay. Family friendly boating

1h

Free cancellation available

CA $138

includes taxes & fees

per traveller\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/small-group-kayak-fishing-experience-in-san-diego.a3193704.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sail with Drinks](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5126373/86c72007-c6b5-468c-9ce6-b537ef161435.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### 2.5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Sail with Drinks

2h 30m

9.8/10

67 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $162

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/sunset-sails-catamaran-in-san-diego-2-5-hours-small-groups.a5126373.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speedboat Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49249911/ef0619dc-5598-4f75-a204-7e8a4fd49d37.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speedboat Tour

3h

Free cancellation available

CA $256

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-whale-and-dolphin-watching-speedboat-tour.a49249911.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![Solana Beach: Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48257123/c1d56d7c-fa9d-409d-b31f-1cbc5d14a571.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Solana Beach: Private Surf Lesson with Board and Wetsuit

2h

10/10

12 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $164

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/solana-beach-private-surf-lesson-with-board-and-wetsuit.a48257123.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

![San Diego Ocean Safari: 6-Hour Snorkel Adventure!](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49250934/78a35451-727e-4ae4-b8b9-e19a33740577.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### San Diego Ocean Safari: 6-Hour Snorkel Adventure!

Free cancellation available

CA $750

includes taxes & fees

per adult\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/san-diego-ocean-safari-full-day-snorkel-adventure.a49250934.activity-details?&rid=6230106&location=Desert+Garden&swp=off)

### Popular places to visit

![Balboa Park which includes a pond](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507458/5c140d77-7130-49d1-ab3d-705937c3610a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Balboa Park

Culture and nature converge in this diverse park located in the heart of the city.

[](https://expedia.ca/Balboa-Park-San-Diego.d507458.Vacation-Attraction)

![San Diego Natural History Museum which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230098/c421d97d-ea15-4797-a9b9-5a5f5d32e6cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Diego Natural History Museum

From ancient artifacts to rare gemstones to stunning artwork, learn about the natural world, past and present, in Balboa Park’s exceptional museum.

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Natural-History-Museum-San-Diego.d6230098.Vacation-Attraction)

![Reuben H. Fleet Science Center which includes interior views as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128046/998ac0ec-5fce-47ad-b0a2-4c2a97d9f7cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Fleet Science Center

Discover science through exhibits that will delight the entire family. Watch an IMAX film at San Diego’s museum and planetarium.

[](https://expedia.ca/Fleet-Science-Center-San-Diego.d6128046.Vacation-Attraction)

![Spanish Village Art Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6128054/90fb407a-b444-4a14-9b34-b3e4ca5471a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Spanish Village Art Center

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Spanish Village Art Center during your trip to San Diego. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Spanish-Village-Art-Center-San-Diego.d6128054.Vacation-Attraction)

![San Diego Model Railroad Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6230093/acb8c98e-16b2-4820-9c51-512e0fb2c534.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### San Diego Model Railroad Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at San Diego Model Railroad Museum in San Diego. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed theater scene. 

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Model-Railroad-Museum-San-Diego.d6230093.Vacation-Attraction)

![Casa de Balboa, palm trees, and sky reflected in the lily pond at balboa park, san diego, california](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555611922/a1300420-b21e-470b-883e-599d3d6d9e6c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Casa de Balboa

You can learn about the history of San Diego when you stop by Casa de Balboa. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Casa-De-Balboa-San-Diego.d553248621555611922.Vacation-Attraction)

---

## Best Lodging Options Near Desert Garden

## Check availability on hotels close to Desert Garden

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)[Feb 22 - Feb 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=2026-02-23&endDate=2026-02-24)[Feb 23 - Feb 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=2026-02-23&endDate=2026-02-24)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6230106&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)

![The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/180000/170400/170338/6fe441dd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

1617 1st Avenue San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Four-Points-By-Sheraton-San-Diego-Downtown-Little-Italy.h170338.Hotel-Information)

![Hard Rock Hotel San Diego](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1740000/1731600/1731557/fbbdfc57_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

207 5th Ave San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Hard-Rock-Hotel-San-Diego.h1731557.Hotel-Information)

![The Sofia Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1580000/1573900/1573807/ba6cea84_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Sofia Hotel

150 W Broadway San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-The-Sofia-Hotel.h1573807.Hotel-Information)

![Wyndham San Diego Bayside](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11200/11177/c44ff51d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

1355 N Harbor Drive San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Wyndham-San-Diego-Bayside.h11177.Hotel-Information)

![Lafayette Hotel & Club](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38080000/38077800/38077738/91a184a3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Lafayette Hotel & Club

2223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Lafayette-Hotel.h38077738.Hotel-Information)

![Best Western Seven Seas](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1800/1734/w3837h2556x3y3-8b148daf_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Best Western Seven Seas

411 Hotel Circle South San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Best-Western-Seven-Seas.h1734.Hotel-Information)

![Sentral Gaslamp Quarter](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114120000/114116400/114116366/b82a5191_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sentral Gaslamp Quarter

502 10th Avenue San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Sentral-Gaslamp-Quarter.h114116366.Hotel-Information)

![Ash&9th](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/119000000/118540000/118535800/118535712/f7beb624_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ash&9th

833 Ash Street San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-Ash9th.h118535712.Hotel-Information)

![The Bristol Hotel San Diego](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/23900/23816/243b93bc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Bristol Hotel San Diego

1055 1st Ave San Diego CA

[](https://expedia.ca/San-Diego-Hotels-The-Bristol-Hotel-San-Diego.h23816.Hotel-Information)

[See all 7,575 properties in Desert Garden](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6230106)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

The Annual Vacation Sale 

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. 

[Book now](https://expedia.ca/deals?rfrr=DX_POI_Spring_PROMO_6230106)